Reduce Peak Usage & Save!

Did you know that when you use electricity often matters as much as how much electricity you consume?

It’s no surprise that electricity use fluctuates throughout the day based on consumer demand, and electric co-ops must be able to provide enough electricity to meet the energy demands of their members during times of highest energy use, also known as “peak hours.” Winter peaks often include morning hours from 6-10 am and in the evening from 5-10 pm. Summer peaks tend to be most severe in the late afternoon and evening from 6-10 pm. Early-morning hours, when people often start their day, and evening hours, when people return to their homes after work, are common times for peak hours. To reduce peak energy demand and save money, we encourage our members to use electricity during off-peak hours–when energy is less expensive to provide. Similar to saving money by attending a matinee movie, you can keep more money in your wallet simply by using electricity during an off-peak time period.

Using less on-peak power means lower costs for our co-op––and ultimately, lower rates for you and all of our members.

By performing some of your daily chores, like running the dishwasher or doing laundry during off-peak hours, you can save on your utility bill. In a similar vein, plug electronic equipment (such as computers, printers, TVs, and power tools) into a power strip and then turn it off during peak hours.
You can also put technology to work for you. If you have a programmable thermostat, you should adjust the settings so your heating/cooling system syn-chronizes with the off-peak time periods. Use automatic timers to run hot tubs, pool pumps, water heaters, and other appliances in the same way. Many appliances also offer a timer or delay setting to allow them to run at lower peak times, such as in the middle of the night.

Saving energy can be simple. Remember, by shifting your energy use to off-peak times, you have the power to save on your monthly energy bill. As the demand for energy continues to grow, the Cooperative will need to move to having a Demand charge on our bills. Prior to that occurring, we would like to help our members understand how the pieces come together to create your bill; and to learn how we all have an ability to have a positive effect on these charges. Your habits at home will play a large factor in the amount of demand your household will utilize and be charged for. The more each house works together to use responsible energy habits, the more we can decrease our demand at peak times and help keep all of our members' bills lower.