As a member of Darke Rural Electric Cooperative, you can help us keep rates stable and affordable by reducing energy use during peak hours on hot summer days. The hottest times of day — usually between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. — create the highest demand for electricity and when demand is high, so is the price. If we can reduce electric use during peak hours, we can reduce power costs for all our members.

Darke REC may issue a "peak alert" notice when demand for electricity is very high and potentially rising toward a new peak. “Peak alerts” typically occur during peak hours and on the hottest summer days. If you receive a peak alert this summer, we ask that you voluntarily reduce your home's energy consumption to help us avoid control power costs. 

Want to receive peak alerts notifications on your phone? Sign up with SmartHub! Once you've signed into your account on a desktop, hover over the notifications tab and click the manage notifications dropdown option, then enable "peak time alerts" notifications by text message or email. Need help? One of our friendly member services specialists would be happy to assist you. Give us a call at 937-548-4114.

How You Can Help

Here are a few ways you can help Darke REC “beat the peak” this summer during peak hours:

  • Set your thermostat 2-3 degrees higher than normal
  • Avoid using major appliances, such as a dishwasher, oven, washer, and dryer
  • Schedule water heaters and pool pumps to run during off-peak hours
  • Turn off non-essential lights and unplug electronic devices that are not being used

Members can also enroll in Cool Returns by having Darke REC install a radio-controlled switch on their air conditioning system, allowing the co-op to automatically dial it down during peak hours. The time period your A/C system is dialed back is brief and should not affect the comfort of your home. 

By adjusting the times you use electricity this summer, you can help us keep stable despite the heat! If we all work together, we all will benefit. That’s the power of cooperation and your electric cooperative membership.