What is a Peak Alert?
A peak alert occurs when all of Ohio’s electric cooperatives approach a new peak demand for electricity usage. This is important because The Energy Cooperative purchases your electricity based on the total number of kilowatt hours of electricity our members use, and also the largest demand for electric power during any one-hour increment. When we set a new “peak demand,” it can mean a higher rate for electricity throughout the rest of the year.
We share peak alerts with our members so they can help out by reducing their usage during those times (reducing the demand) when everyone is using more electricity. A peak alert is not a shortage of electricity available to our members. It is a way we manage the cost of our electricity.
By lowering usage during times of peak demand, our members reap the benefit in the form of a lower cost for power.
When Do Peak Alerts Occur?
Peak Alerts are likely to occur Monday – Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on days that are extremely hot and humid. Peak Alerts can vary during the winter depending on temperatures and demand.
Load Management
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 cost the most when its 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.
When we experience those severely extreme weather days, find small ways to lower your electricity such as:
- In the winter, lower your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.
- In the summer, raise your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.
- Turn off lights and appliances you aren't using. (It's a waste of energy and your money.)
- Delay doing laundry, running the dishwasher or using other major appliances until later in the evening.
- In the summer, take advantage of using the outdoor grill to keep cooking heat outside.
By working together, we can curve the demand for electric power. This teamwork is a win-win for everyone, as the cooperative consistently works towards the goal of keeping the cost of power as low as possible.
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.
