We’ve been asking members to voluntarily limit energy usage during Beat the Peak alerts, which are usually three-hour windows when we are expecting a high or low temperature for the month, and the peak demand that goes with it. Thank you to all of you who have been participating, you are making a difference. The rate we pay for wholesale power during any given month is partly based on the highest hour of peak demand during that month, and we have the power to collectively reduce that rate by lowering that peak.

Keeping peak demand as low as possible also helps us avoid needing more capacity. If we can work together to reduce peak demand, we can avoid, or delay, expensive upgrades to our infrastructure and the building of new power generating plants.

Members who participate during Beat the Peak alerts do things like adjusting their thermostats a few degrees, and avoiding doing dishes, laundry, showering and cooking. But even just turning off one light bulb can help. If you’re not receiving Beat the Peak alerts and would like to, please call (800) 842-5871. If you’ve been participating and would like to share what you do during alerts to make a difference, email brookes.versaggi@bemc.org. We want to hear from you.

Your actions matter, and together we can keep everyone’s bill as low as possible, avoid rate increases, and have a positive impact on the environment.