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 of and also can put a strain on the nation's electric grid and pipeline infrastructure. We share peak alerts with members to encourage them to lower their energy use when the demand for it is high. This helps us manage the price we pay for to keep your family safe and comfortable.

Simple ways to lower your energy use during a peak alert hours.

Leave your thermostat alone. Lower your thermostat by 2-3 degrees and leave it alone. It will likely not be able to keep up. Cranking your thermostat will not be effective.
Cover drafty windows and doors. Use insulated drapes, shades, or curtains to cover windows.
Lower your water heater settings. Experts recommend keeping the water temperature on a warm setting (120°F).
Check your fireplace. Be sure to close the fireplace damper when not burning a traditional fireplace.
Bundle up. Use blankets and wear extra layers of clothing to stay comfortable in your home.

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