Conserving electricity during peak energy use times not only lowers your monthly bill — it can benefit our entire cooperative.
“Peak time” refers to periods of the day when the demand for electricity is highest. In the winter, these peaks occur during early mornings when people are getting ready for work or school, and evenings when families return home, cook dinner, and unwind with electronics. During the summer, peak times are during afternoon and early evening hours when irrigation wells and air conditioners are running. When everyone uses energy at once, it creates pressure on the electric grid.
Highline Electric Association works around the clock to ensure that electricity flows to your home or business whenever you need it. Behind the scenes, an enormous and intricate system is at work, one of the most complex machines in the world: the United States power grid. The grid is made up of three major interconnections that span the country, each managing supply and demand through regional authorities to keep the lights on and our economy running smoothly. Highline is unique in that our system supplies members in both the Eastern and Western interconnections. This can, and has, led to times when one of the interconnects experiences a generation shortage while supplies in the other interconnect remain adequate.
Electricity comes from a diverse mix of sources — hydropower, natural gas, coal, solar, wind, and more. Some power plants can respond quickly to spikes in demand, while others are less flexible. Once energy is generated, it travels through high-voltage transmission lines to local utilities, like Highline, which then delivers it to your home or business through distribution power lines.
When electricity demand surges during peak times, it is more expensive to generate or purchase power. If supply cannot keep up, the risk of outages increases. That is why using less energy during peak hours is more important than ever. It not only eases strain on the grid but also helps you save money.
So how can you “beat the peak?” Start by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees during peak hours. Smart thermostats can automate this for you. Delay using energy-hungry appliances like ovens, clothes washers, and dishwashers until later in the evening. Highline offers lower rates that reward members who move their usage to off-peak times.
Small actions taken by many households can lead to big results. When we all work together to reduce energy use during peak times, we protect our power grid, help control costs, and ensure reliable electricity for our communities.
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Dennis Herman is the General Manager of Highline Electric Association. HEA’s mission is to provide our members with reliable, high-quality electricity and other needed services, which will improve their economic and social well-being and provide significant long-range benefits for our communities, our state, and our nation.
