July is a peak month—here’s how you can take control! Summer is heating up, and so is energy demand. July is one of the highest energy use months of the year, which makes it a peak month for Piedmont Electric Cooperative and our members. But what exactly is a peak month—and why does it matter to you?
What is a peak month?
A peak month is when energy use is at its highest, often due to increased air conditioning and appliance use as temperatures rise. This high demand can increase the cost of electricity for the co-op, which eventually impacts costs for all members. That’s because Piedmont Electric must purchase enough power to meet the highest levels of demand—even if those levels only happen for a few hours.
Why it matters to you: When electricity demand spikes during peak times—typically between 1–6 p.m. on hot, summer, weekday afternoons—it puts extra strain on the grid and increases wholesale power costs. Piedmont Electric actively looks for ways to control costs whenever possible. Reducing demand during these times helps us control costs and helps members save.
What you can do to help Small changes can make a big difference during peak times. Here’s how you can help lower demand—and cool down your summer energy bill:
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Shift energy use: Run dishwashers, laundry and other appliances early in the morning or later in the evening.
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Pre-cool your home: If you use a smart thermostat, cool your home before peak hours and increase your temperature a few degrees during peak hours (1–6 p.m.)
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Use ceiling fans: They help you feel cooler at higher thermostat settings.
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Spread out your energy use: Running multiple appliances at the same time increases demand. Using them one after the other, instead of all at once, uses the same amount of energy but less demand.
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Turn off unused electronics: TVs, computers and game consoles all contribute to your energy use—even in standby mode.