Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. > Energy Efficiency Blog > Let’s Beat the Peak Together

Let’s Beat the Peak Together

By Abby Berry
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Adjust your thermostat to save energy. During summer months, raise the thermostat a few degrees during peak hours. Photo Source: Scott Van Osdol

As a member of Central Electric Cooperative you know how to make smart energy choices that help you save money. But did you know that when you use electricity can be just as important as how much you use?

Throughout the day, energy use fluctuates based on consumer demand. Typically, most households use larger amounts of electricity in the morning when most people are getting ready for their day, and in the evenings when people return from work, cook dinner, wash clothes and watch television.

These times when people in our community are using more electricity at the same time are called “peak” hours. The cost for CEC to provide power is higher during these times because of the additional demand for electricity. Here are CEC’s peak hours:

  • Winter (November- March)
    • 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm (peak)
    • 5:00 am- 11:00 am (peak)
  • Summer (April- October)
    • 12:00 noon- 10:00 pm (peak)

By shifting some of your energy use to hours when demand is lower, also known as off-peak hours, you can help keep rates lower for our cooperative.

Wash full loads of clothes in cold water during off-peak hours. Photo Source: Scott Van Osdol

Here are a few easy ways you can shift energy use to off-peak hours:

  • Adjust your thermostat. During summer months, raise the thermostat a few degrees during peak hours. During the winter months, lower the thermostat a few degrees during peak hours
  • Wash full loads of clothes in cold water during off-peak hours.
  • Run the dishwasher right before you go to bed, or air-dry dishes by opening the dishwasher instead of using the heated dry cycle.
  • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. (Try to make this a daily habit, whether during peak or off-peak hours.)

There are many ways to save energy and money by making a few minor adjustments to your daily routine. We’re here to help. Contact us if you have questions about your energy bill or for additional energy-saving tips at 541-548-2144.

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.