The Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association is launching their Peak Power Reward program to relieve stress on the electric grid during periods of high demand. The program allows customers to earn credits on their bill in exchange for reducing electric consumption.
During short periods of high demand their supplier Southern Illinois Power Cooperative has to purchase electricity from outside suppliers - putting pressure on the grid and increasing the cost of electricity.
Roni Croxell with the Cooperative says the program should reduce energy used during these peaks, "It's just a way to bring down the demand while also offering a benefit to the consumer members who are, you know, doing things that they can to reduce their energy consumption."
To take part in the program customers will sign up on the Egyptian Electric Cooperative's website. When their provider predicts a period of high demand is coming, registered customers will receive a notification to reduce their usage. Croxell explains what happens next, "Members, they decide if and how they want to reduce their energy use, whether that be adjusting that thermostat a few degrees again, turning off those lights, or unplugging electronics. And then they will earn a dollar for each kilowatt hourthey'reable to reduce below their personal baseline. And we are seeing, like our pilot participants, this lasttime,they were averaging about $5 in bill credits per event."
The Egyptian Electric Cooperative is constantly prepared for a peak power event to happen - even during winter, like the surge they experienced during the recent cold snap, "When we were seeing such frigid temperatures, our cooperative was, you know, braced to send out those notifications in case the Peak Power Awards event was called. It wasn't, but we certainly anticipate that sometime between now and the end of the year, there will be some kind of event."
Croxell emphasizes participation is voluntary. If customers can reduce their power, they're encouraged to do so, but if they're not, they won't be penalized. Croxell says they hope to get
You can find out more at this link: https://eeca.coop/peak-power-rewards-ppr-program/
