Posted on May 14, 2015
Peak shaving is a voluntary program where customers are encouraged to conserve or limit energy usage during peak times. “Peak” times are in the summer and winter when PJM and DP&L* are at their highest level of electric capacity or demand. By cutting back on the amount of capacity and energy used during these peak periods, the Town can reduce its total wholesale power costs. Reductions in wholesale power costs are passed through directly to the customers in our power cost adjustment (PCA).
Peak periods occur when the demand for electricity is the highest. Usually these are periods when it is very hot or cold outside. When you volunteer to participate in the program, we will notify you when it is urgent for you to raise the thermostat in the cooling season, lower the thermostat in winter, curtail the use of major appliances, and turn off all unnecessary lights in an effort to reduce the peak demand on our system.
The Town will alert you of these opportunities time via CodeRED, Facebook, and Twitter updates. The message will inform you of the anticipated day and time of the peak period to remind you of the importance to reduce the energy consumption during this critical period. There will also be peak notices shown on the Town website and a local television station as well.
Together we can peak shave by using our electricity resources wisely, but our customers’ help is vitally important. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
By joining the peak shaving program, you will assist your Town to lower the need to purchase wholesale power when prices are highest, help save energy resources and help the environment. Please sign up for CodeRED, Facebook, and/or Twitter updates from the Town. Thank you.
CodeRED: Click Here
Facebook: Click Here
Twitter: Click Here (@berlinmd)
In the summer, Peaks tend to happen on weekdays between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (mainly between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.)
- Turn off all unnecessary lights
- Postpone using major appliances/hot water until after 6:00 p.m.
- Turn your air conditioner thermostat up to 78 degrees or higher
In winter, Peaks tend to happen on weekdays between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. (though times can vary)
- Turn off all unnecessary lights
- Postpone using major appliances/hot water until after the alert ends
- Turn your heat thermostat down to 67 degrees or lower
- There are also numerous sources on the internet that you can research to determine some simple and in-expensive ways to conserve energy; use caution when making any purchase or hiring independent consultants or contractors. You may also contact the Berlin Electric Department and ask about a home energy audit.
*The Town buys its Capacity and Transmission from PJM. A majority of the Town’s Capacity and Transmission charges are based on the Town’s demand during PJM’s and DP&L’s peaks. PJM is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia. DP&L, Delmarva Power, provides energy to 500,000 electric delivery customers in Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula.
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