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Energy Tip: Reduce Electricity Costs During Peak Demand

By Tom Morrison posted 07-18-2017 08:55 AM

  

You can greatly benefit from reducing energy consumption on the five days of the year when the highest demand on the electricity grid occurs. Peak demand typically arises in afternoon hours during summer months. NOAA predicts that much of the United States will experience higher-than-normal temperatures this summer, which would suggest increased demand. Usage can be reduced by dimming lighting, adjusting thermostat settings, shutting down equipment, using onsite power generators, or scheduling operations during nighttime hours.

Peak Demand

Many electricity utility companies notify local news outlets on days when peak demand is likely to occur, prompting the media to encourage consumers to reduce usage during peak demand hours. In some regions, customers can subscribe to alerts that notify them to reduce consumption during specific peak demand timeframes. Utility websites and local news websites, as well as grid system websites, such as the PJM webpage, are good resources to check for notifications. 

Additionally, consumers can enroll in Demand Response programs to receive payments for agreeing to voluntarily reduce consumption when notified. Demand Response programs are beneficial because customers are alerted when the five peak demand days each year are likely to occur, enabling them to relieve the grid and receive payments.

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