Have you received alerts asking you to limit your energy usage during “peak” times? If so, this is what we call a “Beat the Peak” alert.

What determines when a Beat the Peak alert goes out? Alerts are activated only when extreme weather conditions are predicted to cause unusually high energy usage by a large number of members at the same time. Most commonly, we activate Beat the Peak alerts during the coldest winter mornings, typically from around 6-9 a.m. Occasionally, we may also send out Beat the Peak alerts on extremely hot summer afternoons.

Why should members participate?  Our members collectively have the means to help control what CHELCO must pay for wholesale power, which affects rates for all members. The single largest expense CHELCO has is the price of energy we deliver to our members. When demand for electricity rises, the wholesale cost to buy it rises. When CHELCO purchases large amounts of energy during these peak periods when prices are highest, it can have a significant impact on rates. Through our Beat the Peak efforts, our goal is to keep the amount of power we have to buy as low as possible so the rates are controlled over the course of the year.

How can members help the cause?  During peak hours, members are encouraged to reduce or postpone power-intensive activities for a short amount of time, typically not exceeding a few hours. We understand you can’t always postpone certain things, but when possible:
• Adjust thermostat by 3 degrees higher in summer, lower in winter.
• Delay hot water consumption if you have an electric water heater.
• Postpone using large appliances like your electric oven or dryer.

The next time you receive an alert, you’ll be ready to help ALL members keep their rates affordable as we join together to Beat the Peak.