As temperatures drop and heater use increases, energy demand also rises. By making simple adjustments to reduce usage, you can help ease the strain on the grid and support the cooperative’s efforts to maintain stability.
Savings That Benefit Everyone
When co-op members collectively reduce their usage, DEMCO can avoid buying expensive extra power during peak periods. This not only helps to stabilize energy rates but also ensures a smoother operation of the grid, reducing the likelihood of service interruptions. By acting together, members play a key role in maintaining the affordability and reliability that define our cooperative. This helps keep rates stable and affordable for everyone. By reducing the load on the power grid, we all benefit from a more reliable and cost-effective energy supply.
Why Your Bill Can Spike in Winter
Heating your home demands more energy than any other household use—especially during extreme cold—impacting the cooperative as a whole by driving up overall demand. This can lead to higher bills if energy use is not managed carefully. When usage exceeds expectations, DEMCO must buy additional power to meet demand at the current market price—a cost that every member shares. This increases costs for everyone and heightens the importance of reducing usage to maintain affordability and reliability for all members.
Easy Ways to Lighten the Load
Reducing energy usage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort—it’s about taking small but meaningful steps right now to ease the strain on the grid and ensure reliable energy for everyone during this critical time. Simple steps can make a significant impact on your bill, such as:
- Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees or less
- Only use large appliances like dishwashers and dryers when full
- Wash clothes using cold water
- Turn off lights and unplug electronics not in use.
- Use natural heat by opening curtains during the day and closing them at night.
By making these small adjustments, you can lower your costs while helping DEMCO avoid high-priced energy purchases during peak demand times. This collective effort benefits everyone and reinforces the stability of our cooperative.
Together, we can make a positive impact—not just on your bill, but on the strength and stability of our cooperative power.
