Beat the Peak

If you’re looking for a way to control your energy costs, you may be interested in a free and voluntary effort being offered by Lynches River Electric Cooperative.

The goal of the Beat the Peak program is to reduce electricity use during the time of the day when power use peaks, such as summer afternoons when temperatures are at their highest or winter mornings when temperatures are often at their lowest.

By signing up to receive alerts during peak-use times of the day, alerts will encourage co-op members to reduce their energy use during these times and even provide helpful tips on reducing high power-use activities. These tips will include adjusting your thermostat by three degrees, turning off lights, delaying the use of major appliances and postponing hot water use.

The idea behind Beat the Peak is to shift energy consumption away from times when demand is at its highest, which could save Lynches River and its members significant money over time by keeping the wholesale power costs low and stable.

When it is determined that a peak energy use period is coming, the co-op will send a Beat the Peak alert to participants. Members can choose to receive the alerts by text message, email or phone call when signing up on the website www.EnergySmartSC.org. Beat the Peak alerts will also be posted on LREC social media outlets.

To participate in the program: go to EnergySmartSC.org, enter your contact information, select how you want to be notified: email, text or phone call. When you receive a Beat the Peak message, follow the recommended actions for a few hours.