About Beat the Peak

"Beat the Peak," is a program designed to help members become more energy aware and lower their power bills by using energy more efficiently and by reducing the energy consumed during peak periods when prices are at their highest.

There are two major factors that affect the price of electricity - the price of fuel such as coal or natural gas needed to generate power, and the demand for power. The demand for electricity on our system is greatest in the hot summer months between the peak period hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

During normal load periods we pay only pennies per kilowatt-hour for power. However, during "Peak" demand or energy periods when the temperatures rise, we can pay up to one dollar per kilowatt-hour and in turn, we must pass these higher costs on to our members which may have an impact
on rates.

DEC launched Beat the Peak in 2008 as a way to help take control of higher power costs. Here's how it works:

When DEC determines that a peak situation exists, participating members will be notified by e-mail and may see our announcements on TV or hear them on the radio. Members will be asked to help conserve energy by turning off lights, adjust their thermostats up 3 degrees, delay the use of major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers and postpone hot water usage.

To sign up for the program, please click here.