As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, a reliable flow of electricity is essential to ensure Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative (CWEC) members stay cool and connected.

July and August bring some of the most extreme summer temps, which means people will be spending more time indoors to avoid the heat, and air conditioners will be working overtime. This increased use of electricity will cause spikes in demand, also known as energy peaks. During peak times, CWEC must work closely with our wholesale power provider to ensure a balanced supply of electricity is always available to meet the energy needs of the communities we serve.

The electric grid is essentially a giant network that connects power plants, utility poles and power lines to homes and businesses across the country, throughout our state and to our local communities. All parts of the network must work together to ensure the flow of electricity stays balanced 24/7.

When the demand for electricity is higher than usual, power providers must ramp up electricity production––whether from coal, natural gas, wind, solar or other energy sources––and utilities will pay more for electricity produced during the peak. These higher prices along with the general increase in electricity use are why you typically see higher bills during the hottest months. In extreme cases, demand can overpower the available supply, causing electricity shortages. During these times, utilities are required to implement rolling power outages to reduce the demand for electricity and re-balance the grid.  

When our area experiences extreme summer heat and higher demand for electricity, you can help by conserving energy. During the hottest part of the day, when air conditioners will be running and increasing the overall demand for electricity, limit your energy use in order to offset the increased demand of air conditioners.

When we all work together to reduce energy use during peak times, CWEC can lock in lower electricity rates so everyone in our community saves. Conserving during peak times also eases pressure on the grid and helps balance the supply and demand of electricity.

CWEC offers several different load management programs designed to save money for both our members and the co-op. These load management programs are designed around central air conditioning, electric heat and heat pumps, and irrigation. For more information about the load management programs offered, visit our website at www.cwecoop.com/load-management or call our office at 715-677-2211.

There are many ways to lower your home energy use. Here are a few recommendations to help you save energy (and money) during the summer peak:

• Set your thermostat a few degrees higher. If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, adjust the settings so your cooling system syncs with the off-peak hours.

• Speaking of raising the thermostat, did you know ceiling fans can make you feel 4 degrees cooler? Operate ceiling or oscillating fans in occupied rooms to supplement your air conditioning. Be sure to raise the thermostat while fans are running for maximum energy savings. Remember, fans cool people (not homes), so turn them off when you leave the room.

• Plan energy-intensive activities like laundry and running the dishwasher for off-peak hours. Use automatic timers to run hot tubs, pool pumps, water heaters and other appliances in the same way.

• Unplug electronics when they’re not in use or use power strips to manage devices.
• Close drapes and blinds during the afternoon to block unnecessary heat from sunlight.

When we all work together to beat the summer peak, our entire community benefits. Saving energy during peak times reduces your bills, keeps electric rates lower for all, and relieves pressure on the grid.