Did You Know?
- Six hours of each year, 30 minutes of each month, causes 46% of Gunnison County Electric Association’s (GCEA’s) wholesale power bill
- It’s called a demand charge and it occurs 75% of the time within 2 hours after sunset
What Are On-Peak Hours?
On-peak is defined as the hours during the day when electricity is most used and more expensive.
GCEA’s on-peak hours occur from 5 pm to 10 pm Monday through Saturday.
- Occurs one hour after sunset on average
- Morning peak occurs an hour and 20 minutes after sunrise on average
- Within two hours after sunset 85% of the time
- On or within three days of an observed holiday 23% of the time
How to Cut Down on Energy Use During On-Peak Hours
- Adjust your thermostat
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat
- Program your thermostat to come on early enough to have your home warm by 5 pm
- Limit hot water use
- Consider placing a timer on your water heater that will help shift energy load
- Use high-wattage appliances like the dryer, washer, oven, and stove before or after the on-peak hours
- Use a toaster oven instead
- Use the delay on dishwasher
- Use a crockpot to cook meals
- Consider doing laundry on Sunday when there is no peak time
What Drives Peak
- Weather variations during the month/year
- Coincidental usage patterns
- Business hours
- Sleep cycles
- Programmable devices
- Special Events
- Tourism
- Presence/lack of incentives to influence consumer behavior
- Extent of consumer education/awareness
By reducing your demand during peak hours along with other GCEA members, you can help us keep your electricity rates down long-term and reduce pollution in our environment.