Understanding Peak Alerts & Load Control

Load Control Radio Switch (RCS). Normal: green light only. During peak: green and red lights. If breaker is turned off, RCS will go through a 10-minute start sequence where lights will alternate on/off.When extreme temperatures drive up the demand for energy across our service territory and regional grid, URE will notify its members that a Peak Alert has been issued. This important notice is our request for all our members to voluntarily conserve energy. Alerts are posted on our website, social media and members will receive notification through the email address we have on file.

In addition, members can voluntarily participate in our load management program to reduce energy load during peak times. The load management program utilizes appliances equipped with radio control switches (RCS) during peak usage times.

Appliances equipped with radio-control switches (RCS) include:

  • Geo units
  • Heat pumps
  • Central a/c
  • Water heaters

Thank you for using energy wisely during peak times, your participation/conservation helps hold down energy costs for the co-op and fellow members.

  • URE uses load management programs to reduce the overall load across our electric distribution system when energy use is at its highest
  • By reducing our system’s energy footprint during peak times, we can avoid costs associated with high grid demand and/or securing additional power generation

When Do Peak Alerts Occur?

Peak alerts typically occur in the warmest summer afternoons, usually between the hours of 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

How Can I Help During Peak Times?

  • By reducing energy use during a “peak alert”
  • By having an RCS installed on your electric water heater or heat pump system

It is a simple philosophy:

  • The more electric demand your cooperative can control, the more effectively we can hold down your rates
  • The success of load management is up to every one of us – Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated

Can I Tell if the RCS is Being Controlled During a Peak Alert?

A load control period is indicated by the RCS when both green and red LED lights are illuminated on the left side of the RCS.

  • In a normal period, only the green LED will be illuminated
  • Control times generally occur in less than 1% of all the hours during a given year
  • Notices of peak alerts are typically posted on the cooperative’s website or via our Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter) feeds

Understanding Peak Alerts Video

Did you know the cost of electricity goes up during periods of peak demand? Normally, electricity costs only pennies per kilowatt-hour, but during peak load times, it can cost as high as a dollar per kilowatt-hour! To save money and energy during "peak alert" times, your cooperative's wholesale electricity supplier can shut off power to the water heaters and air conditioners of co-op members who have enrolled in the program, called "load management." The appliances are turned off during the times when electricity use is peaking. In the end, everyone saves by conserving electricity when demands are highest, which reduces costs over the long term. Little switches do a big job to keep electricity costs low for everyone. At peak levels your units are turned off remotely. After the peak has passed, the units are restarted.