At Jones-Onslow EMC, we are committed to delivering reliable and affordable electricity to our members every day. As your electric cooperative, we believe it’s important to help members understand how the electric system works and how your daily energy habits can make a meaningful difference.
One topic we want to shed light on is peak times—periods during the day when electricity demand across the grid is at its highest. These typically occur in the mornings as people begin their day and again in the evenings when families return home, prepare meals, and use household electronics. During these times, many homes and businesses are using electricity simultaneously, which places greater demand on the electric system.
It’s important to understand that Jones-Onslow EMC does not generate electricity ourselves. Instead, we purchase power from various generation sources—including natural gas, solar, wind, and others—and then distribute it to your home or business. Because we buy electricity from these sources, the cost we pay fluctuates depending on overall demand and availability. Although we do not charge higher rates during peak times, the cost to the cooperative is typically greater when demand is at its highest.
When demand surges, it puts extra pressure on the electric grid. This strain can lead to higher costs and, in extreme cases, may increase the risk of outages or service interruptions. By working together to reduce electricity use during peak periods, we can ease this strain, helping control costs and supporting a more stable and reliable system.
There are many simple ways members can help. For example, adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees during peak hours can reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort. Running energy-intensive appliances like dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers during off-peak hours helps spread out demand. If you own an electric vehicle, charging it overnight instead of immediately after arriving home can make a significant difference.
These small actions, when combined across our entire membership, have a large impact. They help us keep electricity affordable and reliable for everyone in the community. At Jones-Onslow EMC, we are proud to serve you, and we appreciate your role in helping maintain the strength and sustainability of our electric system.
Together, by understanding peak times and making thoughtful energy choices, we can protect the cooperative’s resources and continue delivering the dependable power you expect—today and in the years ahead.