Baldwin EMC Seeks Peak Busters
July 22, 2010
Baldwin EMC's demand peaks at times when the greatest amount of electricity is needed to supply all the power required by our customers. When consumers use a lot of electricity all at the same time, Baldwin EMC may set a new peak demand record. During these peak periods (usually in the mid afternoon and evening in the summer and early morning during the winter) the cost for power is significantly higher than it is during off-peak times.
A portion of Baldwin EMC's wholesale power bill for the next 12 months is set according to the highest peak demand reached, regardless of whether that much electricity is needed at one time ever again during the year. So, if all the co-op members work together to use less electricity during these peak demand periods, Baldwin EMC can lower peak demand and lower overall wholesale power cost. This will help to lower the cost of electricity for all Baldwin EMC members for the entire year
Baldwin EMC members can help keep these higher demands in check by becoming a Peak Buster. When a member signs up to be a Peak Buster, Baldwin EMC will notify them by phone 12-24 hours before the expected peak demand time. At that time they will be asked to take the necessary actions to lower their usage.
Some things that members can do to lower their usage are to raise their thermostat a few degrees (in summer) or lower it a couple of degrees (in winter), use a microwave for cooking or grill outdoors (weather permitting), and delay laundry, baths and showers for a few hours.
For more information or click here to sign up to be a Peak Buster.