DEC Encourages Members to Beat the Peak During Heat Wave

GREENWOOD, Del. — As dangerous heat impacts Delaware this week, Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) encourages members to stay safe, use energy wisely and participate in the Cooperative's Beat the Peak program to help reduce electricity demand and keep costs affordable.

The National Weather Service is forecasting several days of dangerously hot and humid conditions, with heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees through Saturday, July 4. Periods of extreme heat often lead to increased electricity use as air conditioners work harder to keep homes comfortable. These high-demand periods also increase the cost of purchasing electricity. 

Through DEC’s Beat the Peak program, members voluntarily take simple steps to reduce energy use when electricity demand and power costs are expected to be highest due to extreme temperatures.

"Participating in Beat the Peak is the most impactful way our members can partner with us to help control energy costs," said Rob Book, DEC president and CEO. 

When a Beat the Peak alert is issued, members can help by raising their thermostat a few degrees during the alert period and by delaying the use of major appliances such as dishwashers, clothes dryers and ovens. Members with electric vehicles can help by waiting to charge until the alert period has passed. 

Members receive Beat the Peak notifications by downloading the free Beat the Peak app, signing up for email alerts or following Delaware Electric Cooperative on social media. Because electricity demand is expected to remain high throughout the week, members may receive multiple Beat the Peak alerts as conditions warrant. Each alert provides advance notice, a start and end time and practical tips to help members reduce electricity use.

"When thousands of members make small changes during a peak alert, those actions add up and help us avoid costly power purchases,” said Book. “We're asking members to stay safe and join in helping beat the peak during the extreme heat."

Since the program began in 2008, Beat the Peak has saved members more than $45 million. Those savings help the Co-op offer some of the lowest electric rates in the region.

DEC also encourages members to take extra precautions during the heat wave by drinking plenty of water, avoiding prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and staying in an air-conditioned location whenever possible. Members should also check on elderly neighbors, friends and family members; never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles; and use fans to improve comfort and reduce air conditioning use, when appropriate.

While members do their part to Beat the Peak, DEC's lineworkers, engineers and operations staff will be working around the clock to safely maintain reliable electric service throughout the extreme heat.

For more information about Beat the Peak and other energy-saving programs, visit delaware.coop/btp. Members also can download the Beat the Peak app by searching for "Beat the Peak" in their mobile app store.

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility powering more than 300,000 people in Kent and Sussex Counties. For more information, visit us at www.delaware.coop or follow us on social media.