|  "Beat
the Peak," is a program designed to help members become
more energy aware and lower their power bills by using energy
more efficiently and by reducing the energy consumed during peak
periods when prices are at their highest.
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 on our system is
greatest in the hot summer months between the peak period hours
of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
During normal load periods we pay only
pennies per kilowatt-hour for power. However, during "Peak"
demand or energy periods when the temperatures rise, we can pay
up to one dollar per kilowatt-hour and in turn, we must pass
these higher costs on to our members which may have an impact on
rates.
CEC is launching Beat the Peak as a way to
help take control of higher power costs.
Here's how it works:
When CEC determines that a peak situation
exists, participating members will be notified by e-mail and may
see our announcements on TV or hear them on the radio. Members
will be asked to help conserve energy by turning off lights,
adjust their thermostats up 3 degrees, delay the use of major
appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers
and postpone hot water usage.
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