Tips to beat the energy peak
When your electric cooperative talks about “beating the peak,” it is a call to action for energy consumers to reduce electricity use during periods of highest demand. Using less energy during peak times can ease the strain on the electric grid, benefit your cooperative and sometimes lower your electric bill.
Electricity generation and energy supply must match consumption in real time to ensure safe, reliable power. As energy demand grows, all of us can do our part to use less. To put this in perspective, peak electricity demand is expected to increase by 38 gigawatts over the next four years, according to the Energy Information Administration. That’s like adding another California to our nation’s power grid.
What you can do
Peak time varies for each electric utility but typically occurs in the morning when people get ready for the day and in the evening when they return home from work and school. So spread out the use of equipment and appliances—avoid washing dishes and clothes, and cooking at the same time, for example.
Weatherize windows and doors and add insulation to improve the comfort of your home. You can also consider upgrading to energy efficient appliances or using energy-saving features on your existing appliances.
If you haven’t already, switch your incandescent lighting to LEDs, which use at least 75% less electricity and last up to 25 times longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Schedule your dishwasher run time to start after you go to bed, and run your washing machine and dryer during off-peak hours.
Switch your charging habits for all devices to off-peak hours. If you have an electric vehicle, use the scheduled charge settings.
MIRANDA BOUTELLE writes on energy efficiency for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
