Peak Busters FAQs
What are "peak times"?
Peak times can be defined as periods in a day when the demand for electricity on our system is at its highest. For example, during the summer, our peak times usually occur between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., when temperatures are at their hottest and air conditioners are working hardest. That also covers the hours when many people are returning from work and school and cranking up those appliances and electronic devices at home.
Why is there a difference between the electricity I use during peak times and off peak times?
There's no difference in the electricity itself, but rather how much it costs Baldwin EMC to purchase.
There are two factors that affect the price of electricity: the price of the fuels used to generate electricity, and the demand for power. When these factors increase, they in turn increase the cost of electricity.
During peak times, electricity demand is much greater than it is during off peak times. Therefore, more supply is needed to keep up. More supply costs more money.
Isn't that similar to price gouging?
Not at all. Price gouging is when a company raises prices on a product in anticipation and advance of increased demand. Electricity prices increase as its consumption increases, simply due to the law of supply and demand.
How does all this affect my bill?
The largest portion of the bill you pay each month goes to cover the cost of electricity. As electricity costs get higher, so does that portion of your bill.
Additionally, Baldwin EMC's power supplier uses records of how high our system's peak demand reached in one year to determine how much electricity they must make available to our members for the upcoming year. In turn, the bill we receive includes a supply that would cover that highest peak demand, regardless of whether or not we reach that high of a demand in the future.
What should I do during these peak times?
-
You can take steps to conserve energy in your home or business:
-
Turn off all unnecessary lights, especially lights in unoccupied rooms.
-
Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees and use ceiling fans to cool off in occupied rooms and spaces
(Note: For health reasons, you may not want to turn your air conditioner completely off. Adjust it to a temperature where you still feel comfortable.) -
Postpone household chores that use large appliances or produce a lot of heat, such as washing and drying laundry.
-
Hold off on taking hot baths or showers.
Turn off any electronic devices you're not using, such as televisions or computers.
How will I know when Baldwin EMC is about to hit a peak?
If you sign up for our Peak Busters program, you'll receive an automated phone call that'll give you a heads up 12 to 24 hours before Baldwin EMC hits a peak.
Even if you aren't part of the program, you can familiarize yourself with our typical peak times. Typically, in the summer (May through October), Baldwin EMC hits our peak somewhere between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. In the winter (November through April), we're most likely to hit a peak period between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 a.m.
How often would I be called?
It's hard to predict exactly how often, because peak demands are affected by changing temperatures, seasons, etc. You won't be called more often than once a day and not necessarily every day. When temperatures are mild and our demand stays average, there could be a long period when you aren't called at all. You'll still be a part of the program until you decide to opt out.
Are text message alerts available?
Text message alerts are not available at this time, but might be in the near future. When you sign up for the program, you can indicate whether or not that's something you'd be interested in.
If you have any other questions about the Peak Busters program, or how you can lower your electricity usage, call Baldwin EMC and ask to speak to one of our Energy Marketing Specialists.