(Photo: MGN)UNDATED- With temperatures expected to dip into the 30s tonight, Delaware Electric Cooperative and Choptank Electric Cooperative are asking all of their members to voluntarily conserve or limit energy usage between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m.
According to the cooperatives, the above period of time will be when their members use 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 cooperatives pay only pennies per kilowatt-hour for power. However, during "peak" demand or energy periods when the temperatures rise, the cooperatives can pay up to $1 per kilowatt-hour and in turn, the cooperatives must pass these higher costs onto their members which may have an impact on rates.
Between the hours of 6 and 8 tonight, the cooperatives are requesting their members to turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances that may not be needed. The cooperatives are asking their members to 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 of 6-8 p.m.
