Peak hours are the busiest times for your local electric cooperative since many people are using
electricity at the same time. In addition, it costs your co-op more to generate electricity when demand soars during peak periods—and the cost of your electricity may also rise. Obviously, using less electricity during peak periods can save your co-op—and you—money.

Here’s how you can help during peak hours, which generally are on the coldest winter days between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

• Shift household chores and activities away from peak periods. Wait to run your dishwasher until you go to bed, for instance.
• Use the most energy-efficient appliances you have. Your microwave oven, for example, uses considerably less energy than your stove or cook-top.
• If you’re buying a new appliance, make sure you get a highly efficient one. Look for ENERGY STAR^® labels when you’re evaluating different models.
• Be aware of your energy consumption and try to get in the habit of using energy efficiently year-round.

Use the energy you need, but use it wisely! You’ll help your co-op avoid building expensive new power plants—and that, in turn, will help keep your electric rates stable.