What is "Beat the Peak"?

Beat the Peak is a voluntary program designed to help consumers of Kay Electric to not only increase their energy efficiency awareness, but also encourage lower consumption during demand periods. Through the proper utilization of these two factors, your distribution cooperative will benefit as less power will be consumed during the peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m.

The price of electricity is based on two primary factors, including the price of fuel needed to generate power and the demand for power. The demand for electricity on the Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) system is greatest in the hot summer months between the peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m. WFEC is the wholesale power provider for KEC and 19 other Oklahoma distribution cooperatives.

The primary goal of this program is to reduce the overall system demand, with less power being necessary at critical peak times. Plus, using energy efficient ideas in homes and businesses can help each consumer as well. 

Another benefit involves the ability of WFEC to delay immediate new construction of power plant facilities due to an increase in capacity needs. As the service territory of WFEC continues to grow, increased capacity is needed to cover these demands. So, if less power is used during peak times, the less capacity that will be needed.

Ways to get the alert:

Energy Efficient Changes Help Conserve Usage

Help make a difference by implementing energy efficient changes in your home or business.  This difference can be even more crucial during times that are considered to be high usage periods – or peak times.

Through reducing energy usage in your home during peak load times of the summer months, you can help out your electric cooperative. Peak load times are considered to be between 3 and 7 p.m. on hot summer afternoons. This timeframe is typically when people are getting home from work, turning up the air conditioner and running other appliances as well.

A few energy-saving tips include:

  • Installing programmable thermostats on a heating/cooling system can help control the amount of energy used and reduce costs. Setting a programmable thermostat to operate during off-peak hours, or turning the fan to “auto” rather than “on” can also help conserve energy. Always clean or change filters frequently.

  • During peak hours try to reduce the use of heat-producing appliances such as ovens, ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers.

  • Doing laundry on the weekend or after 7 p.m. during the week will help. Pre-soak clothes and use a shorter agitation time. Use cold water for washing.

  • Prepare extra meals on the weekend, and use the microwave to heat them up through the week. This will save time as well as energy.

  • Run the dishwasher after 7 p.m. and let the dishes air-dry when possible.

  • Save household projects such as vacuuming, ironing and running power tools for the weekend or during off-peak hours.

  • Use a timer or manually operate a pool or spa pump and heater during off-peak times only. Cover your pool or spa to keep it clean and save heat.

beat the peak