Load Management
There is not an inexhaustible supply of energy. Stewardship and conservation of our energy resources, including electric power, can help ensure that current and future demand can be met.
Buckeye REC is part of a cooperative power generation system (Buckeye Power), from where wholesale electricity is purchased to be distributed and sold at retail rates to co-op members. Peak demand occurs when everyone is using large amounts of electricity at the same time. Higher peak demand increases wholesale power costs.
Load management is an important conservation tool, and it can be used to avoid peak demand penalties, thereby helping keep rates stable for members of Buckeye REC.
Load management takes two forms. System-wide, Buckeye REC monitors, maintains, and upgrades its electric distribution between substations and transformers. The co-op’s on-going construction work plan aims to upgrade conductor material and size, install devices to maintain voltage levels, and improve substation capacity and operation.
Buckeye REC members can also help with load management by participating in the co-op’s programs to control peak demand. The Dual Fuel Program offers a rebate on the cost of installation of an electric heat pump/fossil fuel furnace system.”
Buckeye REC’s Energy Services page (click here) on this website contains information about conservation and load control programs.
Peak Alerts
What is a Peak Alert?
A peak alert occurs when all of Ohio’s electric cooperatives approach a new peak demand for electricity usage. This is important because Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative purchases your electricity based on the total number of kilowatt hours of electricity our members use, and also the largest demand for electric power during any 1-hour increment.
When we:
- Set a new “peak demand,” it can mean a higher rate for electricity throughout the rest of the year
- Share peak alerts with our members, they can help out by reducing their usage during those times (reducing the demand) when everyone is using more electricity
A peak alert is:
- Not a shortage of electricity available to our members
- A way we manage the cost of our electricity
By lowering usage during times of peak demand, our members reap the benefit in the form of a lower cost of power.
When Do Peak Alerts Occur?
Peak alerts:
- Are likely to occur Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. on days that are extremely hot and humid
- Can vary during the winter depending on temperatures and demand
How Can I Help?
When we experience those severely extreme weather days, find small ways to lower your electric use, such as:
- In the winter, lower your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower, or where comfortable.
- In the summer, raise your thermostat if possible to where comfortable. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees.
- Turn off lights and appliances you aren’t using. It’s a waste of energy and your money.
- Delay doing laundry, running the dishwasher, or using other major appliances until later in the evening.
- In the summer, take advantage of using the outdoor grill to keep cooking heat outside.
By working together, we can curb the demand for electric power. This teamwork is a win-win for everyone, as the cooperative consistently works toward the goal of keeping the cost of power as low as possible.