“Beat the Peak” is a voluntary energy conservation program that encourages limited energy usage, especially during peak times. Peak times are when Ocala Electric Utility is purchasing wholesale power at the highest prices. By cutting back on the amount of wholesale power purchased during these peak, high-priced periods, Ocala Electric Utility can reduce its total wholesale power costs. Reductions in wholesale power costs are passed through to the customers in the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA).

The demand for electricity in the winter months is greatest during extreme cold temperatures, especially between the peak periods of 7 a. m. - 10 a. m. and 7 p. m. – 10 p. m. In the summer months during extreme hot temperatures, the peak period is from 2 p. m. – 6 p. m.

Watch for “Beat the Peak” Conservation Level

“Beat the Peak” conservation level appears on our website homepage and in our Customer Service lobby. The three levels of conservation activity are: Green (Normal), Yellow (Elevated) and Red (Significant). Based on the projected electricity usage and the cost of producing electricity, an appropriate level of conservation will be recommended. Just scroll down to the corresponding level that is displayed on our homepage, and view the recommended conservation measures.

"Beat the Peak" activity levels are determined by the projected demand for electricity, the anticipated cost of power production and local weather forecasts. Activity levels are based on the best available data at the time of its release. Power grid conditions and weather are subject to change without warning.

Beat the Peak! Proceed With Normal Conservation

• Set your heat thermostat one or two degrees lower. You can save 6-8% for each degree the thermostat is set below the recommended 70 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer.
• Turn off lights, appliances and electronic equipment when not in use.
• Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.
• Use dimmers, motion sensors, or timing devices on appropriate light fixtures.
• If possible consider installing a timer on the electric water heater and only running it for two hours a day.

Beat the Peak! Elevated Conservation Recommended From 7 to 10, Morning and Night.

Extra conservation is recommended. Along with Normal Conservation, consumers are asked to consider these additional steps, especially during the peak power time frames for winter and summer months.

• Avoid using electricity, especially large appliances during peak power usage hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the winter months, and 2 p.m.to 6 p.m. in summer months.
• Set heating thermostats at 68 degrees or lower and air conditioning at 80 degrees or higher, if health permits.
• Run your dishwasher and laundry equipment during non-peak hours.
• Operate swimming pool pumps during non-peak hours.

Beat the Peak! Significant Conservation Recommended from 7 to 10 Morning & Night

Red Power Day is the highest level of voluntary conservation and occurs usually when extreme weather conditions cause a significant increase in power consumption.

• Turn off all non-essential electrical needs, especially during the peak electrical usage hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during winter months, and 2 p. m. to 6 p.m. during summer months.
• Adjust your heating thermostat to a minimum 68 degrees or lower and air conditioning 80 degrees or higher, if health permits.
• If you plan to be away from home, lower your heating thermostat to 55 degrees or raise air conditioning to 85 degrees or higher.
• Prepare food on outdoor grills or select foods that do not require electricity to prepare (sandwiches, cold cuts, etc.).
• Turn electrical breaker off to the water heater, especially during peak electrical consumption hours of 7a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during winter months, and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. during summer months.

We want to assure you OEU has adequate energy resources to supply our community’s electricity needs. However, when it comes to electricity, it is in everyone’s interest to use energy resources wisely. We encourage our customers to examine their energy use and take steps to conserve on a regular basis. At times of peak electricity use, it’s even more important to conserve.

First, there is the direct benefit to you the customer. When you can reduce kilowatt usage, you reduce your energy costs. During extreme cold or hot weather, your heating and cooling systems will be running the most. Anything you can do to reduce the run time on those systems will directly help reduce your energy costs. 

Second, reducing the peak electricity demand produces savings for Ocala Electric Utility, which benefit customers through lower electric rates. 

The third benefit has the double advantage of saving money and protecting the environment. Utilities or power suppliers have to build new power plants when their customers’ peak electricity usage approaches the power generating capability. By reducing the peak demand, we delay the need for a future power plant. This saves money by postponing construction expenses, and it protects the environment by avoiding power plant emissions.

There are savings to be had and even little steps, if everyone joins in, can make a big difference.