All About Peak

What Is Peak?

In simple terms, “peak” is the maximum amount of electricity that’s used during a day.  There’s a peak every day, when people’s demand for electricity is at its highest, usually in the afternoon or early evening.

Why Does Peak Matter?

On a few days each year, particularly on hot days, people use more energy so we need run to all the local power plants and buy power from outside the region.  We also have to build our system to meet the highest level of electricity demand for any single day.

What is Demand Response?

Demand response is a way to help mange high electricity use by encouraging people at home and work to reduce their use, or shift it to another time.  We have a number of programs that provide incentives for temporarily reducing or shifting energy use.

If enough people conserve when asked, then the peak is lower, natural resources are saved, and the price of electricity is lower.

When you participate in demand response programs, you’re helping to avoid building new power plants to meet California’s growing demand, and helping to keep the price of electricity lower year-round.