(Photo: MGN)UNDATED- Because of warmer than expected temperatures, Delaware Electric and Choptank Electric cooperatives are asking all of their members to voluntarily conserve or limit energy usage between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Monday, April 16, when their members will be using the greatest amount of electricity. As a result, the cooperatives will be purchasing power from the market at extremely high prices.
During "normal" load periods, the co-ops pay only pennies per kilowatt-hour for power. However, during "Peak" demand or energy periods when the temperatures rise, the co-ops can pay up to $1 per kilowatt-hour and in turn, must pass these higher costs on to their members. This also may have an impact on electricity rates.
Between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday, the cooperatives are asking their members to turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances that may not be needed. The cooperatives would ask that our members delay major appliance usage such as dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers and delay any hot water usage.
Other important steps to take might include closing window shades and adjusting thermostats up 3 degrees during these "Peak" times.
