See Also: Peak Alert Through Voltage Reduction , Peak Demand
The following information is from Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) ’s Peak Alert pamphlet.
PEAK ALERT: AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE
Most of us make an effort to hold down our electric bill by turning off
unnecessary lights, Switching off unwatched Televisions adjusting the thermostat to save on Energy used for Heating and cooling, dialing down the electric Water heater to no more than a 130 Degree setting, and by using small appliances as efficiently as possible.
However, even those of us who strive to save on our electric bill are
occasionally guilty of wasting those savings by running too much hot water while
rinsing dishes or showering. And while we may switch off a light in an empty room,
we sometimes stand for minutes in front of an open refrigerator (see Refrigeration) door, contemplating a between-meals snack.
The point is, saving money on your use of Electricity requires common sense, constant effort, and a good memory. Another way you
can control the cost of your electricity is by participating in our voluntary PEAK ALERT Program.
WHY PEAK ALERT?
In 1976 the Missouri Rural Electric Cooperatives began a voluntary PEAK ALERT Program designed to hold down the cost of generating (see Generator) electricity by reducing the highest load (demand) for electricity during the
year. This peak demand usually occurs in the summer during extremely hot days
between 4 and 8 p.m. and on extremely cold winter days between 5 and 9 a.m. Initially, the experts were skeptical, but the plan proved so successful that other utilities
launched similar projects.
The reason PEAK ALERT makes sense is simple. Since electricity can’t be stored, it must be produced on demand. Generating this much electricity
during peak demand periods requires the use of additional generators. Some of
these generators aren’t as efficient as the larger, base load units that run year round. This means
it costs more to produce energy during peak load periods. Purchasing and
maintaining generators which are only needed a few hours each year to meet peak
demands is expensive. So even a small reduction in peak demand can pay big
dividends.
HOW IT WORKS
PEAK ALERT is used only when absolutely necessary to reduce demand charges. It doesn’t mean that we’re running out of electricity. It simply means we’re striving to save you money. When we anticipate a peak is about to occur, we’ll make a PEAK ALERT announcement on television and/or Radio. When you hear this alert, it means we’re trying to reduce the cost of your electricity. Your cooperation and the
cooperation of your friends and neighbors are very important.
During PEAK ALERTS, we ask that you limit your use to one major electrical appliance at a Time, and turn off any lights, televisions, or small appliances when not in use. Remember, every little bit counts. The money you save will be your own.