If you look around your home, you likely have more devices and equipment that require electricity than ever before. Our connected lives are increasingly dependent on electricity. As demand for electricity rises, Lynches River Electric Cooperative is expected to deliver an uninterrupted 24/7 power supply regardless of market conditions or other circumstances.
Electricity use fluctuates throughout the day based on consumer demand, and Lynches River Electric Cooperative must be able to meet the energy needs of all our members during times of highest energy. These “peak hours” are typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return to their homes. In addition, the demand for electricity is even higher when it’s especially cold outside, when heating systems must run longer to warm our homes.
What you may not know is that electric utilities, including Lynches River Electric Cooperative, typically pay more for electricity during those morning and evening “energy rush hours.” Here’s an easy way to think about it, and it’s similar to a major concert or a college football rivalry game. We know costs go up when there is strong demand for tickets. And like concerts and ball games, energy is subject to the basic economic laws of supply and demand. When a lot of people want the same thing, it’s more expensive. When they don’t, it’s cheaper—like a bargain matinee or an “early bird” special at a restaurant.
That’s why we encourage you to divert your energy use to non-peak, less costly periods through our Beat The Peak program. Through peak alerts, you’ll be notified via phone, text and/or email when peak demand is about to occur so you can pause the dryer or change the thermostat. Just by signing up at beatthepeak.com, you’ll also be eligible for our bi-annual gift card drawings.
Since your heating and air unit is often your home’s largest power user, installing a smart thermostat makes controlling energy use easier and more cost-effective. You can also save energy by plugging electronics and equipment such as computers, printers, and TVs into a power strip that can be turned off during peak hours. When we all work together to reduce energy use during periods of high electricity demand, we can relieve pressure on the grid and save money along the way.
Another benefit of this time-of-use approach to electricity use allows greater control over your bill. Reducing the peak impacts the power-supply cost to every co-op member. This is particularly noticeable as energy costs have risen across the U.S. Collectively, everyone conserving energy and making small changes can truly make a difference.
Remember, taking simple steps to save energy throughout the day and shifting energy-intensive chores to off-peak hours is a smart choice for you and our community. Explore our Energy Solutions section to learn more about saving energy and money.
President & CEO