Beat the Peak Saved Delaware Electric Co-op Members Millions in 2025

Greenwood, DE – Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) announced that its Beat the Peak program has saved members $3.9 million in 2025. The voluntary initiative encourages members to reduce electricity use during times of peak demand, helping to keep energy costs affordable for members across Kent and Sussex Counties. The program is one of the reasons DEC offers some of the most affordable energy prices in the region. 

DEC issues Beat the Peak alerts during the hottest days of summer, when increased energy use leads to higher power prices. During alert times, the Co-op asks members to voluntary conserve energy. To reduce energy usage, members can raise their thermostats a few degrees and delay the use of major appliances like dryers and dishwashers. Since the program’s launch in 2008, Beat the Peak has saved DEC members over $46 million. The program is also being used by more than 100 not-for-profit utilities across the nation to lower energy costs for their consumers. 

“Our Beat the Peak program is a great example of the cooperative difference in action,” says Rob Book, DEC President and CEO. “Thanks to this partnership with those we serve, we’ve been able to save millions in power costs while continuing to offer the lowest electric rates in the state. We’re also proud that this innovative program is helping people across the country.”

Members receive Beat the Peak alerts through the DEC Connect mobile app, email and automated phone calls. Alerts are also posted on DEC’s social media pages.

DEC offers several Beat the Peak programs that provide billing credits to members who delay charging electric vehicles or allow DEC to make automatic adjustments to smart thermostats during alert periods. As record increases in electricity demand across the nation lead to uncertainty about electricity costs, DEC leaders say Beat the Peak will continue to be an important tool for them to keep rates affordable.  

For more information or to sign up for the Beat the Peak program, members can visit www.beatthepeak.coop.

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned utility that provides power to more than 300,000 people in Kent and Sussex Counties. To learn more, visit www.delaware.coop or www.beatthepeak.coop.