Did you know that electricity costs different amounts depending upon the time of the day it is used? This is because the demand for electricity is higher during certain times of the day. Depending upon the demand our power supplier, Hoosier Energy REC, may have to use gas fired peaking plants to generate the needed amount of electricity or even buy electricity on the open market which are both very expensive.
Our "Take A Load Off The Peak" program gives our members with large motor loads a unique opportunity to make a difference by shutting down their operations during times of peak demand. The peak is the one hour a month that all cooperatives served by Hoosier Energy REC have the greatest demand for electricity. Historically, the peak in the summer months is between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time or 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time and in the winter months is 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time or 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Central Time. The goal of the program is to decrease the demand for electricity during the peak usage times in order to keep rates as low as possible for all members.
We are currently working with our members that have irrigation systems and the local levee associations to control their loads during peak times. In the future other types of accounts with large motor loads, such as gas wells, oil wells and water wells, will have the opportunity to be a part of the program.
Irrigation Program Details:
· Irrigation Systems-The program is designed to assist irrigation systems in controlling their load during peak demand times in order to keep electric rates as low as possible.
· The Peak-The goal of this program is to control our load at the time of Hoosier Energy’s demand peak which occurs one hour a month. The cost of electricity is much higher at this time.
· Load Control Periods-In order to avoid running during the peak, irrigation systems should be controlled during historical peak demand times of 5:00-7:00 p.m. Eastern Time or 4:00-6:00 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday during the months of June, July and August. Systems that run during the load control periods may be billed a demand charge of $27 per KW if the demand is on Hoosier Energy’s peak.
· Off-Peak Periods-Irrigation systems can be in operation anytime outside the load control periods including all day Saturday and Sunday and not be charged the demand charge of $27 per KW.
· Control Solutions-Members can work with their irrigation company to install equipment or programming on irrigation system panels for automated control.
· Incentive-WIN Energy REMC is offering a $750 rebate per controlled irrigation pivot and an additional $1000 rebate for systems with phase converters. Members must complete a rebate request form.
· Maintenance-Member maintains the control equipment and is responsible to make sure that it is functioning properly every year. WIN Energy will send yearly reminders and $100 maintenance checks each year for continued participation.