We all have energy-use patterns—videos to stream, dishes to wash and laundry to do. But we all tend to use the most electricity during two “peak” periods: when we are home before and after school and work.
But why does Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative care about these use patterns? The price we pay for wholesale power rises and falls depending on how high those peaks are.
That means that flattening the curve—or shifting energy use to off-peak periods, when fewer people are adding demand to the electric grid—generally saves your co-op money. Those savings filter down to you and your neighbors.
On-peak power is more expensive because it requires the tapping of more expensive energy generation. Here’s a quick look at the types of power plants and fuels used to supply electricity at various times.
Baseload: These are large, efficient generating stations that provide enough dependable electric power at low cost to meet the minimum level of electricity needed at any given time. They do not start or stop quickly—they run around the clock.
Intermediate load: These plants handle sharp increases in demand, filling the gap between baseload plants and peaking plants. These facilities are larger, and therefore more efficient, than peaking plants.
Peak load: Though expensive and small, these plants can start generating power quickly when electric consumption reaches its highest point.
While it may not be reflected directly on your power bill, using more energy at off-peak times goes a long way to keeping the co-op’s rates as low as possible by reducing our wholesale power costs.
