The electricity demand is higher than it’s ever been. On July 5, the Southwest Power Pool set a record for energy demand, and overall, we see demand on the rise. Energy consumption and demand are different. Consumption is how much you use overall, and demand is when you use that energy. FreeState must be able to supply the maximum amount of energy required by our members. Every time we turn on a light, make a meal or adjust a thermostat, we increase demand. However, when we aren’t home, demand decreases. It’s very easy to see how electricity demand fluctuates.
Why Does FreeState Focus on Demand?
Distributing power to our members is our job. We need to have enough pow-er to supply every member with what they need — no matter how much they use. Demand matters because significant increases can put pressure on the power grid. If demand exceeds the capability to supply it, the price can go up. That matters because power is the co-op’s greatest expense. Two-thirds of our monthly expenses go directly to power costs. We talk about ways members can beat the peak, but there are other things you can do to help the cooperative. One of the biggest things you can do is tell us if you add significant power-pulling items at home. For example, if you purchase a new electric vehicle (EV) — then communicating it to us is important, and not just for your service — but for your neighbor’s service, too. If the co-op knows you need that extra demand, we can plan for it, and that not only helps with cost management but also reliability. Our engineering and operations staff can look at the infrastructure already present and whether adjustments need to be made to keep everyone’s lights on. FreeState’s Energy Use Coordinator Matt Lambert addresses how big items like an EV can impact demand and monthly billing in this month’s Ask Matt feature on Page 12D.
If you have questions about demand or energy use, contact us at 800-794-1989 or by email at custom-erservice@freestate.coop.