What happens when it gets hot in the summer time? As far as the electric system at BARC on really hot days (around 90 degrees or more), our system reaches peaks of usage late in the afternoon and into the early evening. During those times we often need to purchase very expensive power in order to meet the peaks.

Often you ask us, “What can I do to avoid these high power bills?” One very useful thing would be to watch what you are using late in the afternoon on hot days between 4 and 7p.m. Maybe you can delay using hot water until after 7 p.m. Maybe you can delay washing and drying clothes. How about waiting to wash the dishes? Another effective measure is to close your window shades. Perhaps you can even turn the thermostat up a degree or two.

I hope you will help us to help you by doing these things on really hot days, because by each of us doing a little bit, together we can do a lot to keep your power bills down because we will avoid buying unnecessary peak power that ultimately ends up in the fuel adjustment on your bills.

Help us Beat the Peak 

One of our sister cooperatives, Delaware Electric Coop, calls this “Beat the Peak.” It works really well for them, and I know you will want to help us make it work at BARC.

If you like this idea and you find you can help to reduce these electric peaks, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   and let us know that you will help and maybe what you've done.  We could then notify you by email on those few peak days that occur throughout the summer. (We'll talk about winter some other time.) We would like to hear from you. You can send the email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or fill out the form below and we will add you to our "Beat the Peak" email list.