Did you know Wiregrass Electric Cooperative (WEC)’s highest demand for power occurs in late January or early February? A few easy steps can help lower your energy demand in winter and help keep energy prices low for all WEC members.
- Schedule energy-intensive tasks, like running the dishwasher or dryer, for later in the day.
- Invest in proper insulation and weatherstripping to keep heat from leaking.
- Buy a smart thermostat you can program to turn down the temperature during peak hours or when the house is empty.
- Connect devices to an advanced power strip so you turn them all off at night, or better yet — use a smart plug.
- Monitor your energy usage through the WEC mobile app to understand how your habits affect how much you’re paying for energy.
Peak Times Are Changing
In the summer, peak demand is when it’s hottest outside, from around 3 to 6 p.m. When temperatures start dropping close to freezing, peak demand hours change to the coldest time of the day, around 6 to 9 a.m. This is when demand for electricity, and the cost of providing it, are highest.