Not all electricity is created equal. On weekdays from 5–9 p.m., demand spikes - and so do costs. As a community-owned utility, those higher costs are shared by everyone.
We don’t generate power at full capacity 24/7. Instead, we try to match generation to demand. When many people use electricity at once, we hit a peak demand. New peaks require more infrastructure, which can lead to higher costs.
Take our Front Range Power Plant turbine (pictured above): it weighs 96,000 pounds (about 24 cars!), spins at a blazing 3,600 RPM, and is so precisely balanced it can’t wobble more than 0.001 inches per second. It’s powerful, but a small part of a complex, costly system built to meet peak demand.
As our community grows, so does the need for energy. But we can all help by using electricity more wisely, especially during peak hours.
Simple Ways to Lower the Peak:
- Do laundry on weekends: On weekdays, you can also save by starting the washer or dryer in the morning, or after 9 p.m. Skip the dryer all together and hang clothes to dry them.
- Set your thermostat for savings: Use a smart thermostat to control your use when home and switch to an energy-saving mode when away. We offer a $50 rebate on qualified models.
- Small appliances save in the kitchen: Microwaves, toaster ovens and slow cookers typically use 50% or less electricity than a stove or oven. Bonus: if you already meal prep on the weekends, this will also save electricity during the week.
- Clean dishes, lower cost: Run the dishwasher in the morning, after 9 p.m. or anytime on the weekend.
- Power up savings: Charge electric vehicles during off-peak times.
By shifting your energy use, you help reduce the need for new infrastructure - and lower your bill.
Learn more at csu.org/energywise.
