Winter peak demand: when it is & how Central helps keep energy affordable

Cold winter mornings in South Carolina often lead to a sharp increase in electricity use across the region. At Central Electric Power Cooperative, we work year-round to provide reliable power, while keeping electricity as affordable as possible for the members we serve.

When does winter energy demand peak?

During winter, the electric cooperatives typically see the highest electricity use between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. This is when most households are waking up, heating their homes after a colder night, turning on lights and running appliances.

When thousands of members use electricity at the same time, demand on the grid surges, along with the cost to supply that power. Winter peak demand happens regardless of whether your local electric cooperative has a traditional two-part rate or newer three-part rate structure. The impact of peak demand affects the entire electric system.

Why reducing peak demand matters

Those chilly early mornings put added pressure on the electric grid. Heating systems kick into high gear just as homes and businesses across the state are starting their day. 

Central must purchase enough power to meet demand at all times. During peak periods, the cost of electricity rises sharply, placing additional pressure on both the system and long-term power costs.

Managing winter peak demand helps control these costs, reduces strain on the grid, and lowers the risk of extreme system stress that can lead to outages. Small changes during peak hours can make a meaningful difference in keeping electric rates stable and affordable for all cooperative members.

Simple ways to help beat the winter peak

You don’t need major changes to make an impact. Here are a few easy ways to reduce electricity use during peak morning hours:

• Adjust your thermostat slightly lower during the 6-9 a.m. window to ease heating demand. 
• Delay use of large appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, until later in the day.
• Seal air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to help keep warm air in and cold air out.
• Shift hot water use, such as showers or laundry, to non-peak hours when possible.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics before leaving home. 

When these small adjustments are multiplied across thousands of households, they help reduce system-wide demand and costs.

Stay informed with peak alerts

One of the easiest ways to help is by staying informed. Members can sign up for peak alerts to receive notifications when electricity demand is expected to be high. These alerts give members a heads-up so they can take simple steps to reduce usage during critical times.

Sign up for peak alerts at energysmartsc.org/peakalert 

How Central supports affordable power

As the generation and transmission cooperative serving South Carolina’s 19 independent, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, Central plays a vital role in managing power supply and planning for seasonal demand. By preparing for winter peaks and coordinating resources across the state, we help ensure reliable electricity at a fair price.

Because Central and the cooperatives we serve are not-for-profit, our mission is simple: deliver safe, dependable, and affordable energy to the people and communities who own us.

By working together to manage winter energy use, we protect what matters most: affordability, reliability, and the cooperative difference.