MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Starting April 1, Santee Cooper peak hours for residential customers change to 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The change is designed to help customers manage their energy use during the high-demand afternoon hours when air conditioning systems drive system peaks as they use more electricity to keep homes cool.
With summer approaching, energy consumption often spikes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as people return home from school and work and start their evening routine. To avoid an increase in your energy bill, Santee Cooper encourages customers to take steps to reduce energy use during these peak hours.
Simple Solutions to Save Energy
Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat is a great investment for pre-cooling your home before peak hours, ensuring comfort without extra energy use.
Water Heater Timer: Installing a water heater timer can help reduce energy consumption by programming it to heat water before and after peak hours.
Avoid Energy-Guzzling Appliances: While small appliances like microwaves don’t have a significant impact on peak charges, energy-intensive appliances including dishwashers and clothes dryers should be avoided between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“Enough small changes by enough customers will reduce our system peaks and benefit the entire system,” said Marty Watson, Senior Director of Commercial and Customer Service. “Customers who shift major energy use to non-peak hours also avoid the higher peak-hour demand charges and save money, while supporting a more reliable and efficient power system.”
Defeat the Peak with Our Rewards Program
Looking for ways to Defeat the Peak? Santee Cooper is offering bill credits to customers who enroll their smart thermostats in the new Santee Cooper Rewards demand response program.
Customers earn $75 when they enroll their smart thermostat and $50 annually for participating. Through the program, smart thermostats are automatically adjusted to reduce energy use during times of high demand – like extreme heat or cold spells – making participation in Santee Cooper Rewards effortless.
Customers who do not have a smart thermostat but would like to participate can buy one from Santee Cooper Marketplace and receive an instant rebate. Other energy-efficient equipment is available on Marketplace, most with manufacturers’ discounts and/or instant rebates. Marketplace is a service Santee Cooper offers customers, and the utility does not receive proceeds from sales.