Pedernales Electric gives energy-saving tips

Help us protect the Texas electric grid by reducing and shifting energy use between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Shift your energy use away from peak hours, and we can all help reduce our transmission cost for the following year. The joint efforts of Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) and members last summer helped avoid $1.4 million in additional transmission costs this year. These are savings we pass directly through to you.

What are peaks?

Each year, transmission costs are based on a value called Four Coincidental Peaks, or 4CP. Our 4CP is the measure of PEC’s total energy demand when our statewide transmission system experiences the most overall demand — the four “peaks” — each summer. The lower PEC’s demand is during these peaks, the lower our transmission costs will be the following year.

The four peak events occur once each month in June, July, August and September, usually between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m. They’re triggered when system demand is highest: usually on the hottest days of the month during the post-work/dinner hours when we’re all arriving home, turning on the air conditioning, starting dinner and running large appliances like dishwashers.

We can’t avoid peaks, but we can reduce the amount of energy we use during peak times. Every bit counts toward a lower bill next year.

Energy saving tips:

• Pre-cool your home between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., then set the thermostat a few degrees higher during the peak hours of 2–6 p.m. If you’re away, bump it up 7–10 degrees.

• Consider using devices and appliances that can automate when you use energy. Water heater timers are a great example. They can be set to run only during times you use hot water.

• Keep blinds closed in the afternoon, or install solar screens on south- and west-facing windows.

• Avoid running your washing machine, dryer or dishwasher during peak times.

• Use ceiling fans, which allow you to raise the thermostat about 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort. Turn fans off when you leave the room.

• If you have a pool, run your pool pump before 2 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

Finance incentives:

PEC Empower Loans: PEC also offers low interest rates and on-bill financing, PEC Empower loans can put residential solar and battery storage technology with your reach.

Energy Saver Loans: Our partnership with the Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) helps you pursue cost-saving responsible power and energy efficiency projects.

HVAC Rebates: Is it time to replace your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system? We can help you save money and energy when you install a new energy-efficient HVAC system in your home.