Summer Energy Usage
Posted: Monday, June 03, 2024
Overall customer demand for electricity is highest in the summer, largely due to increased air conditioner usage. This increased summer demand raises the cost of wholesale power, as well as puts pressure on the distribution system to ensure that enough power is being provided during peak times when people use it the most. As the community’s locally owned utility, we work with our wholesale power supplier WPPI Energy to continue meeting the electric needs of the homes and businesses we serve.
For more information on how you can save energy and money, click here.
Your Utility Bill
Electricity costs more in the summer because of higher demand. This additional cost is reflected on your utility bill as the Power Cost Adjustment Clause (PCAC).
The PCAC shown on your bill varies monthly and is equal to the current cost of wholesale power that is greater or less than current electric rates. The monthly cost of your electricity varies based on the wholesale energy market. The PCAC can either be a credit on your bill (like in the winter when electricity is cheaper) or a charge on your bill (like in the summer when electricity is more expensive).
Resident Preparation
You can save energy and money simply by being mindful of your energy usage this summer, and making a few simple changes. Adjusting your thermostat just one degree warmer can save you 3-5% on energy costs. Using ceiling fans to keep cool and getting a professional air conditioner tune-up can also help save energy.
Minimizing your electricity use on hot days during peak weekday hours of 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. can reduce the strain on the regional power grid. Reducing your air conditioning use, postponing doing laundry, and cooking dinner outside on the grill are ways to reduce use. If you have an electric vehicle, charging overnight instead of during daytime hours is also a good choice.
Click here for more energy saving tips!
Energy Aware Days
Occasionally, when weather forecasts call for higher temperatures (and more air conditioning to stay cool!) we will try to combat the additional demand on our electric system by calling an Energy Aware Day. On Energy Aware Days, we ask customers to voluntarily reduce their energy usage when demand is highest to ensure the continued reliability of our electric system!
On an Energy Aware Day, we will notify customers via email and ask them to voluntarily reduce their energy usage, especially during peak hours of 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. when people are getting home from work, doing laundry, cooking dinner, and watching TV.