Using less energy during peak hours is a simple way for Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC) members to help lower power costs, reduce demand on the grid, and support a more reliable and efficient energy system.
“Peak times” refer to periods of the day when the demand for electricity is highest. Think early mornings when people are getting ready for work or school and evenings when families return home, cook dinner and unwind with electronics. When everyone uses energy at once, it adds pressure on the electric grid.
CCEC works around the clock to ensure that electricity flows to your home whenever you need it. Behind the scenes, an enormous and intricate system is at work—one of the most complex machines in the world: the U.S. power grid. The grid is made up of three major interconnections that span the country, each managing supply and demand through regional authorities to keep the lights on and our economy running smoothly.
Electricity comes from a diverse mix of sources—nuclear, hydropower, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and more. Some power plants can respond quickly to spikes in demand, while others are less flexible. Once energy is generated, it travels through high-voltage transmission lines to local utilities, like CCEC, which then delivers it to your home or business through distribution power lines.
When electricity demand surges during peak times, it’s more expensive to generate or purchase power. If supply can’t keep up, the risk of outages increases. That’s why using less energy during peak hours is more important than ever. It not only eases strain on the grid but also helps reduce the cooperative’s wholesale power costs; those savings are then passed along to members.
How can you help Beat the Peak?
Join hundreds of other CCEC members who have signed up to receive Beat the Peak alerts. Participating members are notified by text message of upcoming peak usage periods. These periods occur most often between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the winter and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer. And they don’t happen every day. Peak periods will occur approximately 3 to 5 times per month, depending upon the temperatures. When you receive an alert, we ask that you reduce your usage during peak hours. Here are a few simple steps that can make a big impact in your home's energy consumption.
- Adjust your thermostat 3º F (up in the summer and down in the winter)
- Postpone hot water usage
- Turn off unnecessary lights and unplug items not in use
- Delay using major appliances (dishwashers, washers, dryers)
- Charge electric vehicles overnight
To enroll in Beat the Peak, complete the online registration form or call 252.247.3107.
Small actions taken by many households can lead to big results. When we all work together to reduce energy use during peak times, we protect our power grid, help control costs and ensure reliable electricity for our communities.