As a member of North Central Electric, you know how to make smart energy choices that help you save money. But did you know that when you use electricity can be just as important as how much you use?
Throughout the day, energy use fluctuates based on consumer demand. Typically, households use larger amounts of electricity in the morning when most people are getting ready for their day, and in the evenings when people return from work, cook dinner, wash clothes, and watch television.
These times when people in our community are using more electricity at the same time are called “peak” hours. The cost for North Central Electric to provide power is higher during these times because of the additional demand for electricity. NCE considers peak times to be 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays during the summer (May 16 through September 15), and from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., also on weekdays, during the winter (September 16 to May 15).
By shifting some of your energy use to hours when demand is lower, also known as off-peak hours, you can save money on your energy bills and help keep rates lower for our community.
Here are a few easy ways you can shift energy use to off-peak hours:
- Adjust your thermostat. During summer months, raise the thermostat a few degrees during peak hours.
- Wash full loads of clothes in cold water during off-peak hours.
- Run the dishwasher right before you go to bed, or air-dry dishes by opening the dishwasher instead of using the heated dry cycle.
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. (Try to make this a daily habit, whether during peak or off-peak hours.)