SHRED THE PEAK!
What is a peak? For electricity providers, a peak is when the highest level of electricity is consumed in their region within a specific timeframe.
Why do peaks matter? Peaks increase the price of electricity since demand is so high. The amount of pollution and greenhouse gas also emitted increases during a peak, as more inefficient and environmentally destructive generators must be brought online to meet the demand. Peaks increase RMLD transmission and capacity costs. These costs are passed on to its customers and increase our electric bills.
What is Shred the Peak? The Reading Municipal Light Department, in an effort to save their customers money, protect the environment, and reduce climate change, sends a Shred the Peak ALERT email to customers who have signed up for the program to let them know of a coming peak and ask them to use less electricity during the peak.
In all seasons, you can:
- Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.
- Delay the use of appliances, such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and dehumidifiers.
In the summer, the peak window is usually from 2 PM to 7 PM, so you can:
- Raise the temperature setting on your A/C a few degrees.
- Close curtains/blinds of south-facing windows to keep the heat from the sun out.
In the winter, the peak window is usually from 5 PM to 9 PM, so you can:
- Limit the use of electric space heaters.
- If you have electric heat, decrease the temperature setting.
How can I sign up? If you’re an RMLD customer and don’t receive Shred the Peak ALERTS, go to rmld.com/home/pages/shred-peak for more information and to sign up.
Customer Notification System. RMLD is expanding its Customer Notification System. When the system is rolled out, you will be able to receive various alerts, including Shred the Peak, via your choice of text, phone, and/or email. To learn more and sign up, go to rmld.com/home/customer-notification-system.
Reporting by the Greater Reading Alliance for Clean Energy (GRACE), a grass-roots organization dedicated to promoting clean electric energy in the towns served by the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD). Our goals are [1] to support electrification, [2] to increase participation in RMLD energy efficiency programs, and [3] to encourage the RMLD to become a leader among municipal light plants in the regional generation and local use of energy from renewable sources.
