Understanding Demand
Electricity is generated based on the real-time demand of those who consume it. When demand is high, supply can become an issue.
'Peak demand' occurs when the need for electricity is highest. For us, this is typically during the evening when families return home, cook dinner, and use appliances. Weather can also play a big factor in the demand for energy. High demand generally occurs on hot, humid days in the summer or extreme cold days in the winter. Using electricity during these peak demand periods costs more because more generation is required.
Our peak demand periods are typically from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the summer and 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the winter.
To the electric utility, demand represents the amount of electrical power that must be available to consumers at any given time. To the consumer, demand represents how fast they use energy and how efficiently they use it. Demand is the amount of power needed to supply every electrical device running in your home or business at a specific point in time. Watch the video to learn more.