Instead of running the dishwasher right after you load it, use the “delay start” setting so it runs overnight.
Photo by Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources
When your electric cooperative talks about “beat the peak,” it is a call to action to reduce electricity use during periods of highest demand. Using less energy during peak times can ease the strain on the electric grid, benefit your cooperative and sometimes lower your electric bill.
Electricity generation and energy supply must match real-time consumption to ensure safe, reliable power. Every moment of every day, an entire workforce monitors energy use, adjusting power plant production up or down as needed to keep the grid balanced.
As energy demand grows, we all can do our part to use less.
Peak times vary for each electric utility but typically occur in the morning when people get ready for the day and in the evening when they return home from work and school. During these times, we turn on lights, cook, adjust the thermostat, run the dishwasher and do laundry—to name a few of our energy-consuming activities.
Typically, the price of power increases during those times when demand is higher. Reducing your electric use during peak times can lower market prices for everyone and lessen stress on the electric grid.
Electric cooperatives set electric rates to cover costs. Some utilities have time-of-use rates that reflect higher costs during peak demand periods. Whether or not you have time-of-use rates, these tips can help keep costs down for you and your utility and establish off-peak energy habits.
Try to spread out the use of equipment and appliances. For example, avoid washing dishes and clothes and cooking all at the same time. Running a lot of hot water will cause your water heater to use more energy, too.
Increase your home’s energy efficiency to lower its impact on the grid. Weatherize windows and doors and add insulation to improve the comfort of your home. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or using energy-saving features on your existing appliances. If you haven’t already, switch your incandescent lighting to LEDs, which use at least 75% less electricity and last up to 25 times longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Schedule your dishwasher run time. Your dishwasher may have a “delay start” button, which is also handy if your dishwasher is loud. Setting it to start after you go to bed shifts the energy consumption to off-peak hours, and you don’t have to hear it.
Run your washing machine and dryer during off-peak hours, too. If you’re in the market for a new washer or dryer, look for a model with a high Integrated Modified Energy Factor and a low Integrated Water Factor to save water and energy.
Consider switching your charging habits for all devices to off-peak hours. If you have an electric vehicle, use the scheduled charge settings. Plug in your vehicle when you get home, and it will start charging automatically during the off-peak hours you choose.
Small changes at home can make a big difference to the energy grid. Incorporate these energy-wise habits into your daily routine.
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.