Manager’s Message
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Beat the Peak
Demand for power is highest in the morning and evening—help the grid by shifting power use
When the temperature drops, electricity use goes up. It’s no surprise—heating systems run longer, lights turn on earlier and appliances work harder to keep us comfortable. Added to that, most of us use power at the same times—early mornings and evenings— and the electric grid feels the strain during winter.
At Ohop Mutual Light Co., we plan ahead with our generation partners to keep your power reliable. But remember, we’re part of a much bigger regional grid. When homes and businesses everywhere crank up the heat at once, massively increased demand can push the limits. Severe weather or equipment issues can make things even tougher. In rare cases, grid operators may call for short, controlled outages to protect the system. If that happens, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
The good news? You can help prevent those situations. Here are a few easy ways to make a big difference during peak times:
- Turn down the thermostat a few It really adds up. Also, this can lead to sizable savings on your electric bill.
- Wait to run big appliances like dishwashers and laundry until midday or late
- Set your water heater to 120 F and space out
- Unplug devices and turn off lights when you’re not using
These small steps save energy, lower your bill and help keep the grid strong for everyone. Together, we can make sure our homes stay warm and our lights stay on all winter long.