Be Alert for Peak Alerts

Learn about the ways you can help save during Peak Alerts.


 

Peak Alerts are issued when the demand for electricity is high and rising toward a peak. They typically occur on hot summer days from approximately 2 to 7 p.m., but can also occur in extremely cold temperatures. We ask our members to reduce their energy consumption during this time in order to help avoid reaching a new peak. If you have a radio-controlled switch on your water heater or a Cool Returns switch on your central air conditioning system, it will be activated during Peak Alerts.*

Avoiding a new electric demand peak is important. When a new peak is established, it may affect future transmission and generation costs. A Peak Alert does not indicate a shortage of electricity; it is a way for members to help hold down electric costs.

*A Cool Returns switch is only activated during summer Peak Alerts.


How do I know if there is a Peak Alert?

When the cooperative is notified that the demand for electricity is reaching an all-time high, we inform members by email or text (if provided) and post the Peak Alert message on SmartHub, our Facebook page and on the front page of our website.


See the ways you can help during a Peak Alert below.

A radio-controlled switch can be installed on electric water heaters that are 50 gallons or more. During the peak alert, the elements on the water heater are shut off. Members receive a $4 credit on their bill each month for having a radio-controlled switch installed. We currently have over 5,500 members that have a water heater radio-controlled switch installed. A RCS wired to a water heater is typically located on the breaker panel or directly on the water heater. Left, a radio-controlled switch wired to a water heater.

A radio-controlled switch can be installed on central air conditioners, heat pumps and geothermal systems. During a peak alert, the compressor is cycled off and on for brief periods of time. Members receive a $100 one-time bill credit for having a Cool Returns switch installed and a $2 credit on their bill each month. A Cool Returns switch is typically located next to the air conditioning unit. Right, a radio-controlled switch wired to a heat pump.

  • Adjust your thermostat. Raise your thermostat 2-5 degrees if it's a summer peak alert or lower your thermostat 2-5 degrees if it's a winter peak alert.
  • Turn off lights in the home.
  • Postpone household chores that use electricity (such as laundry, dishes, and baths or showers).
  • Avoid charging an electric vehicle.

These are just a few changes that members can implement to help reduce energy consumption during a peak.