Summer is once again upon us. As your power provider, we closely monitor summer peaks, which directly affect the cost of your electricity.

Our peak season for electrical demand costs (peak capacity) runs from June 1 through Sept. 30. What can you, our consumer-members, do to help lower those peaks, which in turn will lower the power cost adjustment (PCA) on your bill? On those very hot days, reduce your electric consumption from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Turn things off prior to 3 p.m. and delay starting things until after 6 p.m. Dishwashers, washing machines and dryers are some easy household appliances to delay until after peak times have passed. Grain dryers, welders and electric motors are some common farm items that make a difference. Another way to help beat the peak on hot days is to turn up the thermostat on your air conditioner a couple degrees during those times (programmable thermostats make this easier). This also goes for anyone with an electric vehicle (EV), which should be charged during off-peak hours.

Here at 4 Rivers, we run peak generators during those summer peak days to help shave that peak demand. We also have tracking solar panels to generate at full capacity even during the late afternoon. Stationary/fixed solar panels do not capture the late afternoon sun as efficiently.

Summer brings higher usage because of air conditioning. If you want a more levelized power bill throughout the year, please contact us about whether budget billing is right for you. Switching to budget billing alleviates the peaks and valleys of usage costs throughout the year.

On a completely different topic, 4 Rivers is a not-for-profit organization. Our margins are allocated back to you, the consumer-members, as capital credits. We retire those capital credits as we are able. For those who have had loved ones pass away who were members of the cooperative, please contact us to see if those capital credits are eligible for retirement.

Please stay safe this summer and let us know if you have any questions for us.

Dennis Svanes, General Manager/CEO