Santee Cooper Peak Hours Change November 1

Tips To Defeat The Morning Peak and Bank The Savings

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR CUSTOMERS

• Winter peak hours begin Nov. 1: Peak hours switch to mornings, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily, through March.
• Small changes can help manage electric bills: Shift energy-intensive activities, such as running dishwashers and clothes dryers, outside peak hours.
• Energy-saving products can help: Smart thermostats and water heater timers can help customers consistently reduce their electricity demand during the morning peak period.

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Beginning Nov. 1, Santee Cooper’s peak hours for residential customers will shift to 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., as electricity demand increases during the colder months.

Although heating systems and everyday household routines can drive up morning electricity use in colder months, customers can still take simple steps to shift energy-intensive activities outside peak hours and help reduce their peak demand charge on monthly bills.

Simple Solutions to Reduce Peak-Hour Energy Use

• Use a water heater timer. Schedule your water heater to run before or after peak hours to help reduce electricity use during the morning peak period. To ensure safety, have a licensed electrician install a water heater timer.
• Install a smart thermostat. Preheat your home before 6 a.m. to maintain comfort while reducing the need for additional heating during peak hours.
• Delay energy-intensive appliances. Run dishwashers and clothes dryers outside the 6–9 a.m. window. If you must use larger appliances during peak hours, stagger their use rather than running several at once.

“Taking charge of your energy use during peak hours is one of the simplest ways to keep your electric bill in check,” said Marty Watson, Senior Director of Commercial and Customer Service. “As temperatures drop, small changes in when you use electricity can help reduce system peak demand while keeping your home comfortable.”

Santee Cooper customers can also shop for energy-efficient products through Santee Cooper Marketplace, where products such as smart thermostats and water heater timers may be available with discounts and instant rebates. Customers can learn more about peak-hour savings and additional energy-saving tips at santeecooper.com.