Beat the peak” has become a unified message among Ohio’s electric cooperatives as the
demand for electricity grows year after year. Your electric co-op must deliver around-the-clock electricity
to power your life.
To understand why it is so important for everyone to use less energy when there is high demand for electricity, known as peak times, let’s start with the complex system that delivers electricity to your home.
The U.S. power grid is often considered one of the largest machines in the world. Some could argue it is our country’s greatest achievement because reliable electricity has become essential to our daily lives and our economy.
The U.S. has three main interconnected power grids, and each interconnection has regional balancing authorities, which ensure electricity supply constantly matches electricity demand.
The grid is powered by electric generation fueled by several sources, including hydropower, nuclear energy, coal, gas, wind, solar systems, and more. Some of these generation sources can supply power constantly or be ramped up or down depending on demand, while others supply intermittent power.
Your electric co-op is known as a distribution utility, which operates the power infrastructure connecting large transmission lines to the distribution power lines that bring electricity to your home. This whole system and the more than 2 million people who operate it are continually working behind the scenes so consumers can take advantage of a 24/7 supply of electricity at the flip of a switch.
Throughout the day, demand for power supply fluctuates. To maintain reliable power, there must be enough power supply to equal demand. If supply and demand fall out of balance, local or widespread blackouts can occur.
The cost to buy power is higher during peak times, which vary across the country. Typically, peak times occur in the morning as people start their days and, in the evening, when people return home.
The demand for power increases every year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects residential consumption of purchased electricity will increase between 14% and 22% from 2022 to 2050. Industrial, transportation, and commercial consumption is also projected to experience increased demand.
Anyone can take steps to use less energy every day, which in turn, can also reduce monthly electric bills.
To beat the peak, think about how you can use less energy in the morning and evening. Start with the area that uses the most energy by adjusting your thermostat during peak hours, either up or down a few degrees depending on the season. A smart thermostat can do this for you automatically.
Are there certain appliances or devices you can wait to run until after peak hours? For example, start the dishwasher or dryer before you go to bed. If you have an electric vehicle, program it to charge overnight instead of in the evening. Smart power strips ensure your devices are not pulling power when they are turned off. These devices work well for TVs and gaming devices.
If you have appliances that are 10 or more years old, consider replacing them with new, efficient ENERGY STARrated appliances. Your electric cooperative may have rebates to help lower the initial cost.
By embracing energy conservation, everyone can make small changes that have a big impact on our community and the intricate system that powers our lives.
To learn more about your local peak times and how you can use less energy, contact your electric co-op.
