As the diagram on the below right shows and says, supply and demand is a balancing act, and that is never more true when it comes to energy use.

There are numerous factors that impact electric supply and demand, and one we are looking at is demand surges.

We demand energy to heat and cool our homes, to indeed, live our lives, but as more people have demand, supply struggles to keep up.

That’s why cooperatives like South River EMC offer programs like Switch And Save and Member-Owned Generation. One program incentivizes residential members to move energy use to off-peak times. Member-Owned Generation is where our agricultural members with generators, agree to move energy use during peak use times, and run off their generators. This lessens strain on the grid at times.

Members also participate in our Watt Watchers program, where at peak times, they are asked to shift energy use. This is yet another way we reduce demand on the grid.

There are other things that can be done though, such as installing a water heater timer on your electric storage water heater. Instead of letting it heat water throughout the day when no one is home, set it to come on at times when it is needed, such as when you wake up or return home for dinner.

If you have a full house, consider dropping the thermostat a few degrees, as body heat can add to a comfortable situation, making it warmer than necessary.

There are actions we can take to help lessen use and demand on the grid, but there are other factors that we can't control, such as extreme temperatures. However, we can change our energy use during extreme temperatures to help mitigate demand.

Infrastructure, supply chain challenges, fuel costs and regulations are all items we have the ability to learn about and find answers to improving.

If you're interested in any of the program previously mentioned in this article, contact South River EMC today!

We're looking out for you to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity.