Forecasts indicate that Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s temperatures will reach record highs. Projected afternoon temperatures in the mid-90s will create a high electricity demand due to home cooling. DREMC predicts that this will be the highest daily purchase of energy from TVA so far this month. Because of that, we need your help to limit that purchase.
“Our daily max purchase from TVA sets the demand portion of our monthly wholesale power bill, and that equals 40% of our monthly bill,” explains, DREMC Member Services Manager Carol Garrette. “Our Beat the Peak program is all about lowering the peak energy usage on those predicted days for just a few hours. Every month we try to predict the handful of potential peak days and conserve energy on those days. If we get it right, the money saved eventually impacts retail rates.”
The Beat the Peak alert window on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 1 and 2, 2019, is from 4-6 PM. DREMC asks that members turn up their air conditioner thermostats by three degrees during the peak period. If the setting is normally 75 degrees, adjusting the thermostat to 78 will help lessen our energy demand.
In addition, members should:
✓ Defer use of hot water. Give the electric water heater a break by not showering, running the dishwasher or using the washing machine.
✓ Delay running the clothes dryer.
✓ Close shades and curtains to block sunlight. If you have a swimming pool, turn off the water circulation pump.
✓ Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
✓ Keep the oven turned off.
When the peak period has passed, normal electricity use can resume.
“With Beat the PeakTM, we attempt to hold down DREMC’s wholesale power bill,” Garrette added. “To reduce your individual bill, look for many resources on our website including home energy audits, energy calculators, and low-cost/no-cost summertime tips. Also, The Tennessee Magazine, mailed monthly to our consumer-members, features energy efficiency advice worth checking out.”
Beat the PeakTM is a network of thousands of residential households that are sent peak alert warnings via email, text message and ads broadcast on local radio stations. Members voluntarily reduce their electricity use during the time when DREMC predicts a new potential peak demand.
To sign up for Beat the PeakTM emails and texts, go to www.dremc.com and click on the “My Account” tab, or contact your local DREMC office.
