As a member of Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, you know how to make smart energy choices that help you save money. But did you know that when you use electricity can be just as important as how much you use?

Throughout the day, energy use fluctuates based on consumer demand. Typically, most households use larger amounts of electricity in the morning when most people are getting ready for their day. In the evenings, people return from work, cook dinner, wash clothes, and watch television.

When people in our community are using more electricity at the same time is called “peak” hours. The cost for UCEMC to provide power is higher during these times because of the additional electricity demand.

By shifting some of your energy use to hours when demand is lower, also known as off-peak hours, you can save money on your energy bills and help keep rates lower for our community.

Here are a few easy ways you can shift energy use to off-peak hours:

• Adjust your thermostat. During the summer months, raise the thermostat a few degrees during peak hours.
• Wash full loads of clothes in cold water during off-peak hours.
• Run the dishwasher right before you go to bed, or air-dry dishes by opening the dishwasher instead of using the heated dry cycle.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. (Try to make this a daily habit, whether during peak or off-peak hours.)

There are just a few examples of ways to save energy and money by making a few minor adjustments to your daily routine.