At Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, we are committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to the members we serve. As your electric co-op, we believe it is important for members to understand how the electric system works and how your everyday energy choices can help control costs for everyone.
One important concept is peak demand, periods when electricity use across our system is at its highest. These peaks typically occur on hot summer afternoons when air conditioners are working hardest and on cold winter mornings when heating systems are running and families are preparing for the day.
Like most electric cooperatives, CCEC does not generate electricity. Instead, we purchase power from our wholesale power provider, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), and deliver it to homes and businesses throughout our service area. The cost of that electricity increases during periods of high demand, meaning the electricity used during these peak periods is often the most expensive power the cooperative purchases all year.
When demand rises sharply, it places additional strain on the electric grid and increases costs for the cooperative and its members. By reducing electricity use during these periods, members can help lower wholesale power costs and improve system reliability.
That’s where CCEC’s Beat the Peak program comes in. Beat the Peak is a free, voluntary program that alerts members when electricity demand is expected to be especially high. During these events, members receive a text message asking them to reduce energy use for a short period of time, typically by adjusting their thermostat a few degrees, delaying the use of dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, or waiting to charge an electric vehicle.
While one member reducing energy use may seem small, thousands of members making small changes at the same time can have a significant impact. Together, these efforts help lower wholesale power costs and support more affordable rates for the entire membership.
Members interested in participating can sign up for Beat the Peak by clicking here or calling 252.247.3107. By working together during periods of high demand, we can help keep costs low while delivering the reliable service members depend on every day.