As summer temperatures climb, so does the demand for electricity. While most people focus on how much electricity they use, when you use it can be just as important. You've probably heard Tri-County EMC talk about energy demand or peak times, but what do those terms really mean?
Think of it like driving a car. Your total energy use is like the miles on your odometer—it measures how much electricity you use over time. Demand, on the other hand, is like your speedometer. It measures how much electricity is being used at one specific moment. When many members are using large amounts of electricity at the same time, demand reaches its highest levels.
WHAT ARE PEAK TIMES?
During the summer, peak demand typically occurs on weekdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. That's when air conditioners are working hardest and many households are using appliances, electronics, and other equipment simultaneously.
You can think of it like rush-hour traffic. When everyone is on the road at once, congestion builds. The same thing happens on the electric grid when thousands of members use large amounts of electricity at the same time.
WHY DOES DEMAND MATTER?
Tri-County EMC's largest expense is the cost of purchasing power to serve our members. Those costs are based not only on the total amount of electricity we use, but also on how much electricity is needed during periods of highest demand.
When peak demand increases:
- Electricity costs more to purchase.
- The electric system experiences greater strain.
- Overall costs for the cooperative increase.
Because Tri-County EMC is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, managing these costs helps keep electricity more affordable for everyone we serve.
SIMPLE WAYS TO BEAT THE PEAK
A few small changes can make a big difference:
- Run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees during peak hours.
- Pre-cool your home before the hottest part of the afternoon.
- Avoid running multiple large appliances at the same time.
These simple habits help spread out electricity use, reducing strain on the electric system while allowing you to use the same amount of energy.
This summer, remember: using electricity wisely isn't just about how much you use—it's also about when you use it. By working together to Beat the Peak, we can help keep costs lower while continuing to provide the reliable service our members depend on.