The Perks of Beating the Peaks

If you want to save money on your power bill, you adjust how much electricity you're using. That's an equation Baldwin EMC members know pretty well.

But there's something else to consider, and that's timing.

Understanding Peaks

Electricity use fluctuates throughout the day based on consumer demand. Baldwin EMC must be ready and able to provide enough electricity to meet the energy needs of all members during times of highest energy use, or “peak hours.” These peak times are typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return to their homes. Electric utilities like Baldwin EMC typically pay more for electricity during these morning and evening “energy rush hours.” it’s more expensive - whether it's gasoline or groceries. When they don’t, it’s cheaper - like a bargain matinee or an “early bird” special at a restaurant.

Peaks and Prices

Our system control and engineering departments continually monitor our peak power use. That's because if Baldwin EMC members consume large amounts of energy during these peak periods, when prices are highest, it has a significant impact on our wholesale power costs. These peak hours also determine our future costs of power, because we have to make purchasing decisions based on meeting those demands.

Pay Attention to Peak Hours

For Baldwin EMC, our highest peak hours typically occur between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the summer and 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the winter. During these peak periods when the cost to produce and purchase power is higher, we encourage you to take simple steps to conserve energy, such as turning your thermostat down a few degrees, switching off unnecessary lights and waiting to use large appliances, like washing machines and dryers, during off-peak times. You can also save energy by plugging electronics and equipment such as computers, printers and TVs into a power strip, then turn it off at the switch during peak hours.

Reducing our peak power use impacts Baldwin EMC's costs overall. And since we are a cooperative, those savings don't increase profits for shareholders. Instead, they are shared with all of our members in the form of a lower bill.

In addition, the demand for electricity is even higher when it's really hot outside, because our cooling systems are working much harder to make our homes comfortable.

If the “peak times” concept is a bit puzzling, here’s an easy way to think about it. When a lot of people want the same thing,

Beat The Peak

• Raise the temperature setting on your thermostat a few degrees (only in summer).

• Delay major appliance use, especially in the kitchen and the laundry room.

• Delay hot water use.

If it sounds like a win-win situation, that's because it is. For more information on how you can save energy during peak times...or for that matter, anytime, check out the Energy Savings page at www.baldwinemc.com. 6p.m. 3 p.m.

• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronic devices.