At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we understand how high energy demand during peak season can impact both your wallet and our electric system. That’s why we’ve developed several programs to help our members manage energy use more efficiently, stay comfortable, and even earn rewards for being proactive. With summer approaching, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of Beat the Peak, our Generator Program, Smart Thermostat incentives, and the Connect to Save initiative. These programs are designed to help you lower your energy bills, reduce strain on the grid, and make a meaningful impact on our cooperative community.
Understanding peak season
Peak season refers to the times of year when electricity demand is at its highest. In summer, this usually occurs on hot weekday afternoons and early evenings, while in winter, peaks tend to happen in the mornings and again after sunset. When energy demand spikes, so does the cost to supply power. By participating in SEI REMCs energy-saving programs, you can help flatten those peaks, which keeps wholesale costs down and helps everyone save in the long run.
SEI REMCs load management programs
Beat the Peak
Beat the Peak is SEI REMCs way of inviting members to help reduce energy usage during those high-demand times. Participation is simple. When we expect peak energy use, we send out alerts! You can sign up to receive them by texting #BeatThePeak to 22300. When you get the alert, you can take easy steps to reduce demand, like delaying laundry, adjusting the thermostat by a couple degrees, or turning off unnecessary lights.
These small efforts, when combined across hundreds or thousands of households, can make a huge difference. Beat the Peak is a voluntary program, but its a powerful way for you to actively support your cooperative and help control costs for everyone on our lines.
Generator program
Power outages can be more than inconvenient, they can be costly and even dangerous in extreme weather. SEI REMCs generator program provides peace of mind with the installation of a Generac 22 kW standby generator. Whether you want to buy your generator outright or take advantage of our lease-to-own option, the program is designed to make backup power more accessible
But there’s more: Members who participate in the Generator Load Management Program can earn a $50 monthly bill credit during control periods. When energy demand is high, your generator takes over, relieving pressure from the grid and keeping your household powered. It’s a win-win! You get reliable backup power, and our cooperative reduces strain during critical times.
Smart thermostat program
With SEI REMC’s smart thermostat program, you can get an ecobee3 lite thermostat for free—a $150 value! This smart device connects to your home Wi-Fi and allows SEI REMC to make small temperature adjustments during peak times. These changes are minor (just 3 to 4 degrees) and only occur a few times per season, typically when electricity demand is high.
You remain in full control and can override adjustments at any time. And in return, you’ll earn up to $60 in bill credits each year. Its an effortless way to contribute to grid stability while enjoying long-term energy savings and increased home comfort.
Connect to Save
Connect to Save is another way SEI REMC rewards smart energy choices. This program works with eligible smart thermostats to reduce peak-time energy use. By allowing minor adjustments during high-demand periods, you help lower the co-ops overall power costs.
In exchange, you’ll receive a $75 sign-up incentive per device, and a $25 annual credit for continued participation. These changes happen automatically, so there’s no extra effort required on your part, just savings and support for a stronger electric system. This program allows members to utilize their own smart systems instead of getting a new one!
Working together, saving together
Each of these programs is rooted in a shared goal: building a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective electric system for our members. As a cooperative, SEI REMC doesnt exist to generate profits, were here to serve you. Thats why these energy-saving tools are offered with your comfort and convenience in mind.
Whether you’re adjusting your thermostat, running a generator, or simply waiting to run the dishwasher until after peak time, every action you take helps reduce costs and strengthens the power grid for our whole community. To learn more about these programs and enroll, visit seiremc.com. You’ll find all the details you need to get started with Beat the Peak, explore your generator options, request your free smart thermostat, or sign up for Connect to Save.
