During June, July, and August, electricity demand is at its highest, often occurring on the hottest day of the month. These periods are known as the monthly peak, and what happens during just one hour can affect everyone’s electric costs.
During the peak hour of the month, our power supplier, Hoosier Energy, charges us based on the highest level of electricity used. That means the more electricity we all use during that peak hour, the more it costs the cooperative. By working together to reduce use during these predicted times, members can help manage wholesale power costs and help keep electricity more affordable for everyone.
WHY DOES ELECTRICITY COST MORE DURING PEAK TIMES?
When demand spikes, more expensive power sources must be used to meet the need, driving up costs. In contrast, electricity demand is typically much lower during the spring and fall, when standard “baseload” generation is sufficient. Managing those peak moments is one of the most effective ways to control costs.
We’ve made it easy to know when to conserve. Through the SmartHub app, members receive Beat the Peak alerts — typically on the hottest days of the month. During summer and winter peak seasons, alerts are sent roughly three times per month.
To stay informed, be sure to enable notifications in your SmartHub app. You can manage preferences in the app under Settings > Notifications, and on your phone or tablet.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
When you receive a Beat the Peak alert, please consider taking these simple steps during the hours listed:
• Turn off unnecessary items
• Raise your thermostat 2-3 degrees
• Delay running appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers
• Postpone hot water use when possible
• Adjust thermostats or water heaters remotely if you’re not home
Even small changes can make a big difference when members work together.
WANT TO SAVE EVEN MORE?
Members may also consider enrolling in our time of use rate, which rewards shifting energy use away from peak times. It’s a smart way to save money while helping everyone.
Beat the Peak and the time of use rate offer ways for members to partner with us to help manage costs as a cooperative. By reducing use during the highest demand hours, you’re helping protect affordability for the entire cooperative — today and into the future.
For more information or to sign up for the time of use rate see bcremc.com/save-energy-money/time-of-use-program.
