Effective January 1st, 2024, Park Electric Board of Trustees approved a demand charge for all residential and commercial rate categories.
Demand is the measure of the highest amount of electricity you use during a single period of time. While some electricity use can’t be avoided, such as refrigerators and freezers cycling on and off throughout the day, other types of usage can be adjusted.
By being mindful of when and how you use larger electrical loads, you can tailor your own peak usage. Below are a few examples of ways you can reduce your peak usage.
Here are some ways you can lower your demand:
- We encourage everyone to "level your load," and spread out the use of major appliances rather than running them at the same time.
- Do laundry and other chores that require significant amounts of electricity at different times or running them mid-day, later in the evening, or on weekends. Consider using the delay start feature on your washer, dishwasher, or a timer for other appliances to run at different times.
- Purchase a programmable or smart thermostat to reduce heating and air conditioning demand.
- Take advantage of our rebate program to upgrade older appliances to ones that have a delay start feature and use less electricity. We also offer rebates for smart and programmable thermostats!
- Invest in a timer for your electric hot water heater so it heats the water before you use it. Insulating the tank and pipes can help reduce the amount of time the unit will need to run as well.
- In the summer, run your lawn irrigation very early in the morning or late in the evening. Not only does this reduce electrical usage, but it also reduces water loss by evaporation during daylight hours.
