Peak Alert

Peak Alert & Load Management

What is a Peak Alert?

A peak alert happens when the demand for energy is much higher than normal. This increases the cost the co-op pays to purchase energy and can strain the nation's electric grid and pipeline system. We share peak alerts to encourage members to reduce their energy use when demand is high. This helps us manage the price we pay to keep your family safe and comfortable.

Simple ways to lower energy use during peak alert hours.

Delay charging your electric vehicle (EV). Charge your EV in the middle of the night. Avoid charging your EV during times of high electric demand (typically 3–7 p.m.).
Temporarily turn off your pool pump. Turn it off during periods of high electricity demand.
Leave your thermostat alone. It likely will not keep up with the extreme heat outside. The hotter it is outside, the more energy you need to cool your home, even when the thermostat stays the same. Cranking it will not be effective and is a costly mistake.
Block the hot sun. Use insulated drapes, shades or curtains to block direct sunlight from windows. This is especially important during the hottest times of day.
Use fans to your advantage. Rotate fans counterclockwise in summer to push cool air downward. Fans cool people, not rooms. Be sure to turn them off when you leave a room. Use bathroom and kitchen fans to remove heat and humidity.

Temporarily reducing energy use can make a big difference during times of peak demand.

Load Management Programs

Electric cooperatives across the state save millions of dollars by allowing their generation supplier, Buckeye Power, to control portions of their use of electricity at certain times through the use of load management devices called radio-controlled switches. We do this because electricity costs the most when it's in very high demand. When the peak goes up, so does the cost. By reducing the demand for electricity created by electric water heaters, home-heating systems and central air-conditioning systems of our members, the cooperative works to reduce the costs of power for our members.

Members can help the cooperative by reducing energy use by having a radio-controlled switch (RCS) installed on your electric water heater or heat pump system. See our rebate programs for details about rebates for RCS installations on water heaters, heat pumps, and geothermal units!

It’s a simple philosophy: the more electric demand your cooperative can control, the more effectively we can hold down your rates. The success of load management is up to each and every one of us. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Do you have a radio control switch on your AC or water heater?

A green light indicates normal operation of the unit (no load control). Load control is active when the red light is on. The red light doesn’t turn off the unit but cycles it to run less often than a typical day.