DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — Choctawhatchee Electrical Cooperative members can help keep energy costs low by participating in CHELCO's "Beat the Peak" program, which is designed to save energy and help CHELCO manage the cost of wholesale power.
The idea is to curtail usage of electrical devices or appliances during a period of peak demand for power. The event is publicized and members are notified by phone beforehand so members have adequate time to react. Normally, these peak periods occur in the winter on the coldest mornings of the year.
During extremely cold weather, CHELCO asks that members voluntarily conserve energy by following these simple tips:
●Take showers or baths at night.
●Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees or below.
●Turn off unnecessary lights.
●Postpone cooking, washing dishes and doing laundry.
●Do not use ventilation fans, since they draw air outside.
"When we work together to 'Beat the Peak,' CHELCO avoids hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra cost. Those savings are passed on to our members," said Vice President of Member Services Steve Wolfrom. "In 2015, the savings totaled nearly $650,000."
"A portion of CHELCO's monthly wholesale power bill is based on the peak demand for electricity," said Wolfrom. "Therefore, controlling peak demand reduces these charges. This is important to members because any fluctuations in what CHELCO pays for electricity is passed on to members through the wholesale power cost adjustment."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHELCO's 5 ways to lower Northwest Florida electricity bills