Conserving electricity during peak energy use times not only lowers your monthly bill—it can benefit our entire community.
Peak times are periods of the day when demand for electricity is highest. Think early mornings, when people are getting ready for work or school, and evenings, when families cook dinner and unwind with electronics. When everyone uses energy at once, it puts pressure on the electric grid.
Your electric cooperative works around the clock to ensure that electricity flows to your home whenever you need it. Behind the scenes, an enormous and intricate system is at work—one of the most complex machines in the world—the power grid, a complex system of generation plants, distribution utilities, substations and power lines.
Electricity comes from a diverse mix of sources—hydropower, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and more. Some power plants can respond quickly to spikes in demand, and others are less flexible. Once energy is generated, it travels through high-voltage transmission lines to local utilities, like your co-op, which then deliver it to your home or business through distribution power lines.
When electricity demand surges during peak times, it’s more expensive to generate or purchase power. If supply can’t keep up, the risk of outages increases. That’s why using less energy during peak hours is important. It not only eases strain on the grid but also helps you save money.
So how can you beat the peak? Start by adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees during peak hours. Smart thermostats can automate this for you. Delay using energy-hungry appliances like ovens, clothes washers and dishwashers until later in the evening.
Small actions taken by many households can lead to big results. When we all work together to reduce energy use during peak times, we protect our power grid, help control costs and ensure reliable electricity for our communities.
