Cold days are behind us, for the most part, and I know we all welcome this shift. It was undoubtedly a colder winter than the past few. Let me divulge one recent happening to bolster that.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, our system experienced its highest load demand since the Christmas Eve freeze in 2022. You'll recall that our cooperative never implemented rolling outages, and we avoided doing so once again this winter. Temperatures dipped into single digits almost three years ago and we were in the mid-teens again this year for several hours of the day.
We stayed in regular contact with Duke Energy, who we receive almost all of our power from, about what our regional grid was experiencing this January. It was beneficial to all to keep open lines of communication during this strenuous period.
When you read this column next month, our peak demand hours will have changed. We flip from 6-9 a.m. from November through March to 3-6 p.m. from April through October.
To provide more educational insight into our new rate structure, our cooperative has developed a video series on saving money with little to no change in usage habits. Please consider visiting this link to view those. You will be directed to a YouTube playlist with member testimonials on how to beat the peak demand hours, calculate your energy bill nd even modernize your water heater.
Flat use rate
Our EmPOWERment rate was designed to give members more control over their bills and ease the demand on our regional power grid. Since its initial launch, the cooperative has studied a new, pilot two-part rate (Flat Use) program similar to the old rate before the introduction of EmPOWERment. We know our membership values options. Now, members can enroll in the two-part rate under certain agreed-upon conditions if they believe this format will benefit their household. Please go to blueridge.coop/flatuse for more information on this rate.
Smart thermostat program
In January, our cooperative launched a smart thermostat rebate program to encourage members to make their homes more efficient. There are no gimmicks behind this program. Purchase and install a smart thermostat in your home, fill out the rebate application online at blueridge.coop/smart and enjoy a $100 rebate on your next billing cycle.
Not only are you reaping the immediate benefit of a bill credit, but you'll also save on future bills by efficiently programming your home's thermostat from anywhere using a smartphone. With our peak demand window about to shift, pre-cooling your home ahead of summer hours will save you money. I should add that our cooperative is in no way, shape or form taking control of a member's thermostat at any time.
Annual Meeting
Before I close this piece, I want to remind you to review the information on the unique wrap for this month's magazine cover. It's time for Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative's 84th Annual Meeting of Members in April. Please join us on Thursday, April 10 for this important occasion. Last year, we registered a record crowd of 9,063 members. I hope to see you there.
Jim Lovinggood
President and CEO