Wiregrass Electric is issuing a Peak Demand Alert

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Jan 16 2018 3:38 PM

HARTFORD, Alabama — Wiregrass Electric is issuing a Peak Demand Alert in anticipation of low temperatures Wednesday and Thursday mornings. The load control event will occur Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6-8 a.m., and again on Thursday from 6-8 a.m.

Members are asked to take steps to conserve energy if at all possible during these peak demand times. “We want our members to know we are prepared for these expected low temperatures, and they are in no danger of running out of power,” says Brad Kimbro, chief operating officer for the cooperative.

“We will meet all of our members’ energy needs. By working together on these cold mornings, we can limit the peak demand and hold down wholesale power costs for everyone.” Peak demand is the point at which WEC members use the most electricity. “Peak represents the highest demand for electricity, and it’s what our wholesale power supplier uses to determine the amount of electricity they must be prepared to provide us during the year,” Kimbro says.

When a high peak is set, it causes the cooperative’s wholesale power prices to be higher, which in turn causes everyone’s electric bills to be higher for the following year, Kimbro says. “It is too early to tell the impact this frigid cold will have on our wholesale power rates,” says Kimbro. “But we know for certain that without the efforts of our residential members, as well as our businesses and industries, our peak demand would be higher.”

WEC will continue to make temporary adjustments at its substations to help contain costs. The biggest impact, however, can come from members. “As part of the Peak Demand Alert, we are asking for our members’ help in holding down power costs,” says Kimbro. “By using electricity more efficiently during the peak hours on Wednesday and Thursday, members can help themselves by helping the Wiregrass Electric system use less power.”

During the hours of 6-8 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, members are asked to consider ways they can use less electricity:

• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees (instead of the common 72 degrees or higher).

• Take showers the night before, if possible, to avoid extensive use of water heaters.

• Run your dishwasher and washing machine the night before, later in the morning, or in the afternoon.

• Limit the use of TVs (especially large, flat-screen units), gaming consoles, computers and unnecessary lighting. For more information, visit WEC’s website at www.wiregrass.coop or follow WEC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wiregrasselectric.

“I want our members to know that Wiregrass Electric appreciates their efforts to help us control peak demand,” Kimbro adds.

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