Energy efficiency and the grid 

Your electric co-op is a distribution utility, which operates the power infrastructure connecting transmission lines to the distribution power lines that bring electricity to your home. 

Throughout the day, demand for power supply fluctuates. If supply and demand fall out of balance, local or widespread blackouts can occur. To maintain reliable power, especially during peak times, there must be enough power supply to equal demand. 

Due to supply and demand, the cost to buy power is higher during peak times. Peak times are typically in the morning as we start our day and in the evening, when we return home. 

As generation, transmission and distribution utilities work to increase production and maintain and protect our grid, it’s important for all of us to take steps to use less energy every day. In turn, it will help you save on your monthly electric bill. 

Bringing it home 

Think about how you can use less energy in the morning and evening. Start with the area that uses the most energy by adjusting your thermostat during peak hours, either up or down a few degrees depending on the season. A smart thermostat can do this for you automatically. (If you have a heat pump, do not change the settings more than one degree in heat mode to avoid kicking on more expensive auxiliary heat.) 

Are there certain appliances you can wait to run until after peak hours? For example, start the dishwasher or dryer before you go to bed. If you have an electric vehicle, program it to charge overnight instead of in the evening. 

If you have appliances that are 10-plus years old, consider replacing them with efficient ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

MIRANDA BOUTELLE writes on energy efficiency for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.