Beat the Peak: How You Can Help Keep Power Costs Down
As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, a reliable flow of electricity is essential to help Wharton County Electric Cooperative (WCEC) members stay cool and comfortable.
During extreme summer heat, people spend more time indoors, and air conditioners run longer and harder. This increased use of electricity causes spikes in demand—known as energy peaks. WCEC’s wholesale power costs are largely determined by how high demand climbs across our system during these peak periods.
When demand for electricity surges, power providers must increase generation from available resources—such as coal, natural gas, wind, or solar—and electricity produced during peak times costs more. Higher demand leads directly to higher wholesale power costs for the cooperative.
That’s where you come in. When our area experiences extreme heat and higher electricity demand, members can help reduce costs by conserving energy during peak hours. It’s simple: check the clock and shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak times whenever possible.
WCEC’s peak hours generally occur on weekdays from June through September, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
We also offer summer programs designed to alert members during high-demand periods and provide additional ways to save.
Beat the Peak
Throughout the summer months, watch for Beat the Peak alerts on WCEC’s social media channels. These alerts let us work together to conserve energy when demand is highest.
Simple ways to help during peak hours include:
- Set your thermostat 2–3 degrees higher
- Use ceiling or portable fans to feel 4–6 degrees cooler
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and electronics
- Avoid using large appliances (oven, washer, dryer, water heater, etc.)
- Run pool pumps early in the morning or overnight and shut them off during peak hours
Load Management Program
WCEC’s Load Management Program takes the idea of beating the peak a step further. Members can voluntarily have load control relays installed on the largest power-using appliances in their home—the A/C compressor and water heater.
During times of predicted peak demand, these appliances are briefly cycled off to reduce system demand. This process, known as load shed, occurs when a signal is sent to each relay to interrupt power temporarily.
- A/C compressors are cycled off for 7.5 minutes twice per hour. While the compressor rests, the system’s fan continues circulating air to maintain comfort.
- Water heaters are cycled off for 3–4 hours during peak times (3–7 p.m.). Since water heaters are often used minimally during these hours, most members don’t notice any change. Hot water stored in the tank is typically sufficient for tasks like cooking or washing dishes.
On average, the Load Management Program is activated 5–6 times per month during June, July, August, and September. Most participating members are not even aware when load is shed. Load Management alerts are posted on WCEC’s social media alongside Beat the Peak notifications.
Currently, more than 1,500 relay devices are installed across the WCEC system. We are in the final stages of replacing all load control relays enrolled in the load management program.
WCEC technicians, along with Sanchez Affordable A/C & Heating Repair and Espinoza HVAC Services, continue to make upgrades. If your relays have not been replaced yet, give us a call so we can get you on the schedule.
Savings That Add Up
Members who participate in the Load Management Program receive a $25 bill credit per installed relay device during the summer months. Most households save $200 per year with one A/C relay and one water heater relay installed.
If you’d like to join the Load Management Program before the 2026 summer season begins in June, call the WCEC office or sign up online at: MyWCEC.coop/LoadManagement
A Cooperative Effort That Benefits Everyone
When we work together to beat the summer peak, the entire cooperative benefits. Reducing energy use during peak times helps lower your own bill and keeps electric rates more affordable for all WCEC members.
In 2025 alone, Load Management helped save our cooperative more than $3.2 million.