Beat the Peak: Why Timing Energy Use Matters

Summer is in full swing across South Carolina, bringing long, sunny days, high temperatures, and plenty of time inside to cool off from the heat. It’s also the season when our state’s electricity use is at its highest, especially during the hottest parts of the day.  

At Central Electric Power Cooperative, we’re dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to the member cooperatives we serve across South Carolina. During the summer, when air conditioners are running nonstop and households are using more energy, the demand for electricity skyrockets, putting pressure on the grid and driving up the cost of electricity. 

That’s why we’re working with member co-ops to help their members “Beat the Peak” by using electricity more efficiently during high-demand hours. 

What are Peak Hours?

These are the times of day when electricity consumption is at its highest. Electricity usage typically peaks during 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the summer months.This is the hottest time of day as well as the most active time for a household. During the winter, those times are usually 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

When everyone uses a lot of electricity at the same time, it creates high demand and strains the energy grid. Meeting that demand generally requires additional power generation which induces more costs. Over time, those added costs can make a large impact on all cooperative members.

Why this Matters

South Carolina summers are incredibly hot, making air conditioning essential. In our region, AC is one of the biggest factors driving electricity use. When demand rises during the afternoons and early evenings, the cost to provide electricity surges, and the grid faces additional pressure. 

That’s why Central Electric is encouraging our members to make small changes to their daily power use during peak hours.

Easy Ways to Beat the Peak

There is an easy solution to this problem and it doesn’t require you to lessen your electricity intake, it only asks that you be smart about when you use it. Here are a few tips to help your co-op and you:

• Run large appliances outside of peak hours: Run the dishwasher, wash clothes, and dry laundry at other times of the day, such as the morning or later in the evening. 
• Adjust your thermostat: Cool your home early in the day before the heat kicks in, and allow your AC to be turned down during those peak hours. 
• Charge your electronic devices overnight: Avoid charging your phones/tablets/laptops between 3-6 p.m. unless absolutely necessary. Instead, schedule charging overnight or during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates and reduce grid pressure. 
• Utilize ceiling fans and blinds/curtains: Shut blinds and curtains during peak hours to keep hot sunlight out, and turn on ceiling fans rather than immediately bumping up the AC. 

By implementing these simple steps into your daily routine, you’re helping your co-op reduce demand and keep electricity flowing for your community.

As South Carolina continues to grow, our energy demand will also increase. That’s why Central Electric is always looking for ways to expand our energy portfolio and innovate the way we generate electricity. Learn more about our energy portfolio here and what we’re doing now to look out for the future of South Carolina.