Colder than normal temperatures are driving high energy demand which is limiting power supplies - not just in our area but across the East Coast.
Below are proactive steps you can take to help manage utility consumption, which can reduce the system’s load and lessen the shock of a higher-than-expected bill.
- Lower the temperature of your heat a few degrees during peak hours
- Put on a sweater, long pants and socks to stay warm instead of turning up the heat
- Cover drafty windows and doors
- Turn off pool heaters during peak hours
- Avoid charging electric vehicles during peak hours
- Reduce the use of hot water during peak periods, including the use of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
Heating and cooling systems (HVAC) are most often the largest energy draws for a home and can account for roughly half of the annual energy consumption.
We understand that reducing your energy use, especially during colder than normal periods, is challenging, but we appreciate your consideration.
What is peak demand & why it matters
Did you know that your electric usage directly influences the cost of power? It’s not just about the amount of electricity you consume daily. It’s also about WHEN you use it.
Every day, there is a window of time when electricity demand spikes - when you and your neighbors collectively use more power. These high-demand times are typically linked to a seasonal uptick in heating and cooling. And power consumption during that window plays a huge part in the price of your power, not just during one billing period but throughout the year.
For Wake Forest Power, this peak demand hits between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., during the winter months. During the summer months, peak demand typically occurs between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Our goal is to try and control how high that peak gets because it’s something that can be managed if everyone works together. It can be especially challenging when extreme temperatures keep the heating or cooling systems of the entire community working at maximum. High usage during these peaks can strain the energy grid, driving up costs. Reducing the rate of energy use during these periods can greatly lower load on the power grid, and that means more affordable energy for everyone.