As a member-consumer of Guthrie County Rural Electric Cooperative (REC), you know how to make smart energy choices that help save you money. But did you know that when you use electricity can be just as important as how much you use?

Throughout the day, energy demands fluctuate. Typically, most households use larger amounts of electricity in the morning as people get ready for their day or in the early evenings when they are active at home.

The times when people in our service territory are using more electricity at the same time are called “peak” hours. The cost is higher for your cooperative to provide power during these times because of additional demand for electricity. By shifting some of your energy use to hours when demand is lower, you can help keep rates lower for our cooperative.

Because of our location, our peak energy use typically occurs during the summer months, and our peak hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Here are a few ways you can help beat the peak:

1. Adjust your thermostat by raising it a few degrees during peak hours.

2. Wash full loads of clothes in cold water during off-peak hours.

3. Run the dishwasher right before you go to bed or schedule it to run overnight.

4. Turn off lights in rooms, not in use.

A little can go a long way. Together, we can beat the peak!