Understanding Load Control and Peak Alerts
A Peak Alert is issued due to high temps & energy use. Load management is in effect normally between the hours of 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. for appliances equipped with radio-control switches (including geo units, heat pumps, central a/c, and water heaters).
Thank you for using energy wisely during peak times, your participation / conservation helps hold down energy costs for the co-op and fellow members.
URE uses load management programs to reduce the overall load across our electric distribution system when energy use is at its highest. By reducing our system's energy footprint during peak times, we can avoid costs associated with high grid demand and/or securing additional power generation.
Peak alerts typically occur in the warmest summer afternoons, usually between hours of 1-7 p.m.
How can I help during peak times?
Members can help the cooperative by reducing energy use during a "peak alert" or by having a radio-controlled switch (RCS) installed on your electric water heater or heat pump system.
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.
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 percent of all the hours during a given year. Notices of peak alerts are typically posted here on the cooperative's website or via our Facebook and Twitter feeds.
