As we settle into the heat of July, our homes naturally use more electricity. Air conditioners run longer, refrigerators work harder and daily routines — from cooking dinner to doing laundry — often overlap during the warmest parts of the day. That’s also when the demand for electricity across our community is at its highest. 

At NWEC, our top priority is delivering safe, reliable and affordable power whenever you need it. But during summer peak energy hours — 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. — there’s added pressure on the grid as homes and businesses require larger amounts of electricity, all at the same time. On the hottest days, that strain can be significant. 

The good news is that small changes at home can make a meaningful difference. 

Think of our electric grid like a highway system. During rush hour, traffic is heavy, congestion builds, and everything slows down. But when drivers adjust their schedules, even slightly, it helps ease the bottleneck. The same principle applies to energy use. 

By shifting some of your high-energy activities to off-peak hours — like doing laundry later in the evening, running the dishwasher before you go to bed, or cooking meals earlier in the day — you’re helping spread out demand. That reduces pressure on the grid during those critical peak hours and, because the rates we pay for electricity are based on peak use, it pays off for all members when we “beat the peak.” 

Here are a few simple steps you can take to lower energy use during peak hours. 

Smart technology can be a valuable partner in saving energy. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature when demand is highest, helping you stay comfortable while using energy more efficiently. Even a small adjustment of a few degrees during peak hours can make a difference. 

In the kitchen, simple swaps can help, too. Using a slow cooker, air fryer, or outdoor grill instead of the oven keeps your home more comfortable and reduces the need for additional cooling during the warmer parts of the day. And when it comes to laundry, air-drying clothes or spacing out loads can cut down on both energy use and indoor heat. 

Don’t overlook the power of ceiling fans, either. They can help you feel several degrees cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. 

These actions may seem small on their own, but together, they add up. When many members make mindful choices about when and how they use electricity, it helps reduce peak demand, eases strain on the grid, and supports more stable energy costs for our local communities. 

That’s the cooperative difference. As a member, you’re not just a customer — you’re part of a community working together to power our future. Every effort you make contributes to a stronger, more resilient system. 

This summer, we encourage you to take a closer look at your daily routines. A few simple shifts can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable, your energy use efficient, and our grid running smoothly — no matter how high the temperatures climb.