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Peak Project
Eligibility - If you have an electric water heater and centrally controlled electric heating system, click here or call 208.765.1200 to find out if you’re eligible for the Peak Project. See more details below. The goal of the Peak Project is to reduce power consumption at times of peak demand. This joint venture between the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Kootenai Electric Cooperative (KEC) is well underway. KEC is rolling out this project in several areas to test the effectiveness of this new technology. KEC and BPA anticipate that this project will be rolled out on a larger scale to KEC members and in other areas in the Pacific Northwest. What is Peak Demand?
On the hottest and coldest days, the need for electricity to heat and cool our homes is at its highest, creating a spike in energy consumption. In the past, the Bonneville Power Administration could handle these peaks with surplus hydropower from federal dams. Since KEC purchases all of its power from BPA, and the system is nearing capacity during these energy peaks, we are looking for ways to help manage these spikes in consumption. How does the project work?
Participation in the project is voluntary. Those who elect to participate will receive a free programmable Energate Thermostat (a $200 value), a free home energy audit and electronic controls for their water heater. Click here for photos of an installation. Peak Project participants can gain more control over their power consumption through the use of the programmable thermostat and enjoy upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning functionality. The new thermostat and water heater controls allow KEC to monitor program participants’ power consumption. Then, just a few times per year, on the hottest and coldest days, KEC would remotely adjust thermostats by three degrees from its set temperature for three hours. At these times, the water heaters in participating homes would also be cycled off for three hours, but with the average capacity and insulation of today’s hot water heaters, participants would probably not even notice. These reductions, multiplied across hundreds of homes, constitute large savings and, when integrated with emerging Smart Grid technology, can help us better address power consumption across the entire region. What does it mean to me?
If BPA cannot meet supply with hydropower, it has to buy power on the market from less-affordable, non-renewable sources such coal or natural gas power plants. Ultimately, since BPA must cover its expenses, these power purchases will be reflected in electricity rates. How can we keep our rates affordable?
At KEC, we like keeping costs down. That’s why we’re moving forward on the Fighting Creek Landfill Gas Project and why we’re participating in the Peak Project. It will help us minimize the spikes in energy usage, ultimately saving KEC and you, our members, money. If we can meet peak demands with our current supply, we could avoid buying expensive power elsewhere. Affordable and reliable power is part of the Northwest way of life. Help us keep it that way. Interest in the Peak Project continues to grow. If you have an electric water heater and centrally controlled electric heating system, click here or call 208.765.1200 to find out if you’re eligible. Additional Program Details:
- The short intervals when your water heater is powered down, and when your thermostat is adjusted are called “events.” BPA has planned a total of eight events for this project (four in summer and four in winter).
- Summer events occur between 2 and 5 p.m., with thermostats adjusting up 3 degrees
- Winter events would happen between 7 and 10 a.m., with thermostats adjusting down 3 degrees
- Peak Project participants can press a button on the thermostat to opt out during specific events.
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