Shift unnecessary electricity use to before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
When members save energy, they tend to save money. However, there is always something in our homes using electricity – whether to cool the home, turn on the lights or run appliances. While using electricity is inevitable, HOW members choose to use it can be impactful.
The goal of the Summer Shift program is to shift non-essential electricity use to before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m., June through August. These are times when electricity use is not at its peak and, therefore, is not as expensive. So, how does Summer Shift work?
If a member shifts their electricity use, they may not necessarily save energy. They could use the same amount of electricity but at a different time of the day. That is still beneficial because it means the cooperative’s wholesale power provider – Dairyland Power Cooperative – did not have to purchase as much power when electricity costs were more expensive. When the cooperative saves, so do members.
The price of electricity purchased on the grid is always changing, based on the need for electricity balanced with available generation resources. As need – or demand – rises during the day, the price of electricity increases as more generation resources (power plants, solar arrays, etc.) are needed to power homes, businesses, and other buildings or devices. When temperatures cool and things quiet down for the night, electricity demand drops as do prices for electricity.
Tips for doing the summer shift:
-
Set your thermostat to 78 degrees (or a level that is comfortable for the home, but a few degrees higher than normal). Closing curtains and shades will help the home feel cooler, longer. A ceiling fan or table fan throughout the afternoon will help circulate air.
-
Set up a schedule for your smart thermostat and smart lighting options, ensuring a minimal amount of energy is used between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
-
Charge electric vehicles overnight
-
Set the water heater to 120 degrees
-
Washing dishes in an ENERGY STAR dishwasher instead of by hand can save a home $111 per year
-
Open the dishwasher after the wash cycle to let dishes air dry
