CEO February Message - 2023

If you look around your home, you likely have more devices and equipment that require electricity more than ever before. Our connected lives are increasingly dependent on more electricity to function. As demand for electricity rises, Hill County Electric (HCE) delivers an uninterrupted 24/7 power supply.

Electricity use fluctuates throughout the day based on consumer demand. HCE must be able to provide enough electricity to meet the energy needs of all members during times of high energy use or “peak hours.” These peak times are typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return home.

What you may not know is that HCE pays based on peak load during those morning and evening peak hours. As you can imagine, the demand for electricity is even higher when it's especially cold outside, when heating systems run longer to warm our homes and in the summer during times to cool the home from the heat of the day.

During peak hours when the cost to produce and purchase power is higher, we encourage you to take simple steps to save energy, such as turning your thermostat down a few degrees, turning off unnecessary lights when out of the room and waiting to use large appliances (clothes dryer and water heaters if electric) until off-peak times.

You can also save energy by plugging electronics and equipment into a power strip, then turn it off at the switch during peak hours. If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust the settings lower when no one is home. By reducing energy use during periods of high electricity demand, we can relieve pressure on the grid and the cooperative can save a little money along the way.

Another benefit of using energy in the nonpeak hours is it allows greater control over your bill. Reducing the peak hour impacts on the power-supply reduces costs to every co-op member. This is particularly noticeable as energy costs have risen across the U.S. Conserving energy and making small changes can truly make a difference, now and in the future.

Remember, taking simple steps to save energy throughout the day and shifting energy intensive chores to off-peak hours is a good choice for you and for our cooperative. And for those environmentally focused, lowering the peak demand on the grid, lowers the carbon footprint of the grid.

Remember, be safe and stay healthy!