PEAK/LOAD MANAGEMENT
Electric cooperative members across the state have saved millions of dollars by allowing their generation supplier, Buckeye Power, to control their use of electricity at certain times through Peak Management.
Electricity cost is highest when it’s most needed – less than one percent of the hours in a year. The maximum or “peak” amount of electricity used determines Pioneer's future costs of power. When the peak goes up, so does the cost. By reducing the demand for electricity created by electric water heaters, home-heating systems and central air-conditioning systems of our members, the cooperative reduces its costs for power.
So, when you volunteer to participate in a Peak Management program, you’re joining thousands of other electric cooperative members across Ohio to control use of electricity and save money.
Want to sign up or learn more about our Peak Management programs?
E-mail energyadvisor@pioneerec.com or contact our office.
Summer peaks are currently our biggest concern, however this can change over time. With Buckeye Power becoming a member of the PJM Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), hot days in Ohio do not always correspond with the need to use peak management.
Costs are allocated in two ways: The first is based on five days during the summer when the entire PJM system load is highest and the second is determined during the one hour of the year when the transmission utilities serving Buckeye’s members experience their peak demand. This simply means it may be cool and mild in Ohio, but if the east coast is experiencing high temperatures and humidity, it may be necessary to control.
The radio-controlled switch (RCS) is a vital part of the load management system. Whenever there is a risk of a peak, the RCS is activated and temporarily interrupts your electricity. This does not control your thermostat or harm your systems in any way. It simply cycles the compressor of your HVAC unit for brief periods of time. During these cycles, the air handler continues to run circulating air throughout the home. Cycling periods are brief so that current program participants rarely experience a change in comfort. And, since the water in an electric water heater stays warm for several hours without power, most members will never notice the temporary shutdown.
If you have an RCS on your water heater and central air conditioning system, you may also be eligible for our Geothermal & Heat Pump Rate Discount.
What do the indicator lights mean?
When switches are in use a red light illuminates on the RCS. There is also a green light on the RCS, which should always be on to indicate there is power to the RCS.