Understanding Peak Alerts & Load Control

Load Control Radio Switch (RCS). Normal: green light only. During peak: green and red lights. If breaker is turned off, RCS will go through a 10-minute start sequence where lights will alternate on/off.When extreme temperatures drive up the demand for energy across our service territory and regional grid, URE will notify its members that a Peak Alert has been issued. This important notice is our request for all our members to voluntarily conserve energy. Avoiding a new electric demand peak is important. When a new peak is established, it may affect future transmission and generation costs. A Peak Alert does not indicate a shortage of electricity; it is a way for members to help hold down electric costs.

Peak Alerts are posted on our website, social media and members will receive notification via the email address we have on file.

When Do Peak Alerts Occur?

Peak alerts typically occur during the extreme temperatures of winter and summer. In the winter, these alerts are most common during the morning hours, while summer peak alerts usually happen between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Help The Co-Op Save During Peak Alerts With A Radio-Controlled Switch (RCS)

A RCS is a device that is installed (free for members) on select air conditioning and electric water heater systems.

During peak alert times, the radio control switch turns off water heaters for the duration of the peak and air conditioning units are cycled off for a maximum of 12 minutes in a 30-minute cycle. Members who participate in the RCS program may be eligible to receive a load management rebate.

How Can I Help During Peak Times?

  • Adjust your thermostat. Raise your thermostat 2-5 degrees if it’s a summer peak alert or lower your thermostat 2-5 degrees if it’s a winter peak alert.
  • Turn off lights in the home.
  • Postpone household chores that use electricity (such as laundry, dishes, and baths or showers).
  • Avoid charging an electric vehicle.

These are just a few changes that members can implement to help reduce energy consumption during a peak.

It is a simple philosophy:

  • The more electric demand your cooperative can control, the more effectively we can hold down your rates
  • The success of load management is up to every one of us – Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated

Can I Tell if the RCS is Being Controlled During a Peak Alert?

A load control period is indicated by the RCS when both green and red LED lights are illuminated on the left side of the RCS.

  • In a normal period, only the green LED will be illuminated
  • Control times generally occur in less than 1% of all the hours during a given year
  • Notices of peak alerts are typically posted on the cooperative’s website or via our Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter) feeds

Understanding Peak Alerts Video

Did you know the cost of electricity goes up during periods of peak demand? Normally, electricity costs only pennies per kilowatt-hour, but during peak load times, it can cost as high as a dollar per kilowatt-hour! To save money and energy during "peak alert" times, your cooperative's wholesale electricity supplier can shut off power to the water heaters and air conditioners of co-op members who have enrolled in the program, called "load management." The appliances are turned off during the times when electricity use is peaking. In the end, everyone saves by conserving electricity when demands are highest, which reduces costs over the long term. Little switches do a big job to keep electricity costs low for everyone. At peak levels your units are turned off remotely. After the peak has passed, the units are restarted.