Announcement

Beat the peak this summer

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

The following is a guest column from Choptank Electric Cooperative:

As summer months roll in, we find ourselves cranking the thermostat down to accommodate to the outside temperatures. In doing so, it is Choptank Electric Cooperative’s job to supply a reliable flow of electricity to keep members cool and connected.

During the extreme summer temperatures, we spend more time inside trying to stay cool, as well as returning home from being outside in the extreme temperatures, bumping the thermostat to cool off. In both cases, your air conditioner is working overtime. This increased use of electricity will cause spikes in demand, also known as energy peaks. During peak times, Choptank Electric must work closely with Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, our wholesale power provider, to ensure that a steady supply of electricity is always available to meet our community’s energy needs.

When the demand for electricity is higher than usual, power providers must speed up electricity production. In these cases, electric utilities will pay more for electricity produced during the peak. This general increase in electricity use is why you typically see higher bills during the hottest months.

Choptank Electric Cooperative’s Beat the Peak is a voluntary program where members are encouraged to conserve or limit energy usage during peak times. Peak times are hours of the day that incur the highest energy usage, typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return to their homes. With this voluntary program, members will be notified via text and/or email when to turn back their thermostat setting. This can also go towards reducing the use of appliances and unnecessary lights. The message will provide you with the anticipated day and time of the peak period to remind you of the importance of cutting back on energy consumption. Reducing the peak impacts the power-supply cost to every co-op member. Together we can make a difference conserving energy, one member at a time.

Visit choptankelectric.coop/beat-peak to learn more about peak energy times and to sign up for our Beat the Peak member notifications.

Announcement

Beat the peak this summer

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