If you look around your home, you likely have more devices and equipment that require electricity than ever before. Our connected lives are increasingly dependent on more electricity to function. At the same time, as demand for electricity rises, Oakdale Electric Cooperative (OEC) must deliver an uninterrupted 24/7 power supply––regardless of market conditions or other circumstances.
As you would expect based on your family’s habits, electricity use fluctuates throughout the day based on consumer demand. OEC must be able to provide enough electricity to meet the energy needs of all members during times of highest energy use or “peak hours.” These peak times are typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return to their homes.
What you may not know is that electric utilities including OEC typically pay more for electricity––either from a power plant or from another utility with excess power––during those morning and evening “energy rush hours.” In addition, the demand for electricity is even higher when it’s especially cold outside, when heating systems must run longer to warm our homes.
If the “peak times” concept is puzzling, here’s an easy way to think about it. It’s like a major concert. We know costs go up when there is strong demand for tickets (or electricity), and both are subject to the basic economic laws of supply and demand. When a lot of people want the same thing, it’s more expensive. When they don’t, it’s cheaper––like a bargain matinee or an “early bird” special at a restaurant.
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