Do you know the difference between energy and demand — and why it should matter to you? Understanding the difference between the two — and how to manage them within your household, business or farm operation — can significantly impact how much of a burden you place on the power grid.
Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure the total amount of power consumption by your household, business or farm operation over a period of time. This is also referred to as energy. Meanwhile, a kilowatt (kW) is a measurement of electrical power that describes how much energy is required at a single moment in time. This reflects the demand your household, business or farm operation places on the power grid.
Finding ways to reduce demand and boost grid reliability
Why does managing demand (kW) levels matter? Simply put, reducing your own energy demand helps secure greater reliability across your Touchstone Energy® Cooperative's footprint by placing less of a burden on the power grid.
Here are three simple ways you can lower kW totals and help power reliability — both for your individual household and the entire community.
1. Stagger power use in your household or business
If you’re running multiple appliances and devices simultaneously, the demand you place on local power supply will surge. Consider staggering the use of your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. Or perhaps you can power up your devices overnight so that you’re not charging them while brewing coffee, frying a couple of eggs and watching the morning show on TV.
2. Maximize your own energy efficiency
There are many ways to shore up efficiency in your home or business. Replacing older appliances with new, more energy-efficient models will help manage your overall electricity consumption totals (kWh) and lower your demand (kW). Other simple measures such as adjusting your thermostat during winter and summer months and addressing poor insulation can also lower the strain you place on the power grid.
3. Run certain appliances during off-peak hours
Because we live in a world where work and home schedules tend to look fairly similar, most power cooperative customers overlap usage at certain times of the day. That means there is increased demand for electricity, which can translate to greater kW levels during a billing period. Small changes to your routine can lighten your load on the local power supply and keep demand down. If you work from home, for example, consider running your washing machine mid-morning rather than in the evening when many of your neighbors are using more electricity.
Find additional tips from your local co-op
Want to learn more about this and other ways you can reduce energy use and demand? Talk to your Touchstone Energy® Cooperative today.