Beat the Peak

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Cotton Electric Cooperative has announced a new voluntary program for its membership. The program, called “Beat the Peak,” is designed to help members become energy aware and lower their power bills by using energy more efficiently and by reducing the energy consumed during peak periods when prices are higher.

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 in Oklahoma is greater in the hot summer months between the peak period hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

To meet the demand for power needed at peak usage times, electric suppliers must produce the power themselves or purchase it on the market. Consequently, the costs are greater during peak time when demand is high. These higher costs are reflected in the power cost adjustment applied to the monthly bill for the co-op and its members.

CEC is launching Beat the Peak as a way to help take control of higher power costs. Here’s how it works:

When the cooperative determines that a peak situation exists, participating members will be notified by e-mail or text message. Members will be asked to help conserve energy by turning off lights or appliances that are not needed. Participating members will also be asked to adjust their thermostats a few degrees, delay the use of major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers and postpone hot water usage.

“The more participating members we have, the better for the cooperative in general,” said Warren Langford, CEO for Cotton Electric. “Prices are very high during peak periods and that increases the power cost adjustment on every member’s bill. If we all become more energy aware and make a few modifications, we can make a difference.”

Members who sign up for the program will be entered into prize drawings for energy efficiency kits and will also receive a monthly newsletter with timely tips and information about energy efficiency and cooperative issues.

To sign up for the program, please click here.