Saving Energy at the Peak: How to Curtail Energy Usage from 4-9 PM
Peak energy hours—typically from 4-9 PM—are when electricity demand surges, leading to higher rates and increased strain on the grid. Whether you’re looking to save on your energy bill or reduce your carbon footprint, curtailing energy use during these hours can make a significant impact. Here’s how you can optimize your home’s energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
1. Shift High-Energy Activities to Off-Peak Hours
Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers consume a lot of energy. Running these outside of peak hours—before 4 PM or after 9 PM—can help reduce your energy costs. Consider using delay start functions to automate this shift.
2. Pre-Cool or Pre-Heat Your Home
Heating and cooling are among the biggest energy drains. In the summer, pre-cool your home before 4 PM by setting your thermostat a few degrees lower, then let it drift up during peak hours. In the winter, warm your home earlier and reduce heating usage in the evening. Smart thermostats can automate this process for efficiency.
3. Optimize Your Lighting
Use natural light as much as possible during the day. When artificial lighting is needed, switch to LED bulbs, which consume far less energy than incandescent or CFL bulbs. Smart lighting systems can also help by dimming or turning off unused lights automatically.
4. Reduce Standby Power Drain
Electronics like TVs, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances continue to draw power even when not in use. Unplug devices or use smart power strips to cut standby power during peak hours.
5. Leverage Smart Home Technology
Smart plugs, load controllers, and energy monitoring systems can help you track and reduce consumption in real-time. Many utility companies also offer incentives for demand response programs, where smart thermostats or other devices automatically adjust to lower demand.
6. Cook Smarter
Instead of using high-energy appliances like ovens or stovetops during peak hours, opt for alternatives such as microwaves, air fryers, or slow cookers. Grilling outside can also help reduce indoor heat buildup, easing the load on your AC.
7. Maximize Your Energy Storage (If You Have It)
If you have a Powerwall or another home battery system, set it to discharge during peak hours. This allows you to use stored energy instead of drawing from the grid when rates are highest. Some energy plans even let you earn credits by sending excess power back to the grid.
8. Be Strategic with EV Charging
Avoid charging your EV between 4-9 PM unless absolutely necessary. Instead, schedule charging overnight or during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates and reduce grid demand.
9. Check Your Utility’s Time-of-Use Rates
Many utilities offer Time-of-Use (TOU) plans where electricity costs vary throughout the day. Aligning your energy use with off-peak hours can lead to significant savings.
Small Changes, Big Impact
By making small adjustments in how and when you use energy, you can lower your electricity bill, reduce stress on the grid, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. Whether you’re shifting laundry times, leveraging smart technology, or optimizing your home battery, every effort counts toward a more efficient energy future.
Would you like to discuss how a Powerwall can help you maximize savings during peak hours? Reach out today!
About the Authors:
This blog post was originally written by ChatGPT prompted by Daniel Ehinger, an experienced electrician dedicated to promoting electrical safety and best practices. The content was edited and enhanced by Daniel Ehinger, who provided valuable insights and improvements to ensure accuracy, clarity and readability.
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