Beat the Peak - What is "Beat the Peak"?

Harrison REMC is introducing a new voluntary program to its members called “Beat the Peak”.  The program is designed to encourage members to become more aware of the energy they use and to reduce their energy usage during PEAK demand periods.  PEAK demand periods occur when the demand for electricity is the highest.  This PEAK occurs when the weather is very hot or very cold.  Summer peaks normally occur between noon to 10pm weekdays and winter peaks normally occur between 7 – 10am or between 6 – 9pm on weekdays. But, there are also instances where it may occur on the weekend.   (NOTE: Members will only be asked for their participation during the months of June through August and December through February)  During these PEAK periods, the REMC is charged a higher cost from our power supplier, Hoosier Energy. 

Currently, over 75% of our operating cost is for the wholesale power we purchase from Hoosier Energy.  There are three major factors that affect the price of electricity – the price of fuel (coal and gas) needed to generate power, the cost to comply with environmental regulations, and the demand for power.  So, if we can all work together to help reduce the demand during these PEAK times, we can reduce the REMC’s power costs and minimize the increases to members on their monthly electric bill.

Here’s how the “Beat the Peak” program will work:

When the REMC determines that a PEAK period is approaching, we will publish the alert on our website and alert all participants by e-mail, text message to their cell phone, or phone call as to the anticipated day and time of the PEAK period.  This alert will be published and sent up to 24 hours before the scheduled PEAK period.  The message will also suggest the following ways to help limit your energy consumption:

• Adjusting your thermostat by 3 degrees, (up in summer and down in winter)
• Delaying the usage of major appliances in your home such as dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers,
• Delaying your hot water usage, and
• Turning off all unneeded lights and appliances in your home.

Our goals in introducing the “Beat the Peak” program are:

• control future wholesale power costs,
• use our electricity resources wisely, and
• minimize future rate increases to our members.

Together we can make a difference and “Beat the Peak”.