Not all electric generation resources are created equal, and our electric grid uses a variety of resources to help member-consumers enjoy electricity’s benefits. Electricity is not produced the same way at all hours of the day. The types of generation resources used, and how easy or difficult it is to meet demand, change over time.

The flow of demand

During overnight hours, when most people are asleep, demand is low, and electricity can often be supplied by steady, efficient power plants that run continuously. As the day begins and businesses and homes start using more electricity, additional resources are needed to keep up. By late afternoon and early evening, when lights and appliances are all running at once, demand is highest. At these times, utilities may need to bring on additional or less efficient generation resources just to meet that demand. Exact hours may vary depending on location and season, but this daily pattern is consistent across most electric grids.

Shifting use

How and when electricity is used plays an important role in maintaining a reliable grid. When many people use electricity simultaneously, the system experiences greater strain and requires more resources to respond.

Members who can shift “flexible use”, things like laundry, dishwashing, or charging an electric vehicle, to times when demand is lower, help balance the system. This reduces stress on transformers and power lines, limits the need for backup generation, and helps maintain reliability, especially during extreme weather when the system is under the most pressure.

Using electricity at different times of the day can also take advantage of available energy resources. Wind energy is often more available overnight, while solar energy is strongest in the middle of the day. Aligning electricity use with these times allows more of that energy
to be used when it is naturally being produced.

The right adjustment for each household

Small shifts in when electricity is used can make a noticeable difference. Even slight adjustments to routines can help distribute demand more evenly throughout the day, making it easier for the system to operate efficiently. That said, not every household has the same flexibility. Members who are home during peak demand periods, rely heavily on heating or cooling, or have fixed schedules may have fewer options to shift their use. For this reason, many cooperatives offer flexible programs, guidance, and accommodations to meet diverse needs.

Blake Kleaving is Manager of Member Solutions at Hoosier Energy in Bloomington.