Peak Alerts are announced on our website and Facebook page,
as well as through the CodeRED system (sign up for free and
opt-in to texts or calls from Farmers' Electric Cooperative).

Beat the Peak Program

Here’s how it works:

When Farmers’ Electric is approaching a period when energy use is expected to be very high, we’ll issue what is called a “Beat the Peak” alert. You may see or hear the announcements on social media, on our website, or via texts and calls from the *CodeRED system. The Beat the Peak program aims to reduce electricity use during the time of day when power use peaks, such as winter mornings when temperatures are often at their lowest or late summer afternoons when temperatures are highest.

Code Red logo

*CodeRED is a text/call alert service available only in Livingston County. For help signing up for CodeRED, click here.


How does this help Members?

The idea behind Beat the Peak is to shift energy usage away from times when electricity demand is highest. Doing so could save the Cooperative and its Members significant money over time by keeping the wholesale power costs low and stable. This is a voluntary program, which benefits all Farmers’ Electric Cooperative Members.

How to conserve:

  • In summer, raise your thermostat a few degrees

  • In winter, lower your thermostat a few degrees

  • Turn off any unnecessary lights

  • Delay the use of major appliances like dishwashers and dryers until after the peak alert time period has passed

  • Delay activities that require hot water, such as washing clothes, taking showers, or washing dishes

  • Consider grilling outside instead of using the oven or stovetop

*Look for more ways you can help save energy usage and money by visiting our Energy Efficiency page.

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The Switch Team

One of the most effective means for reducing peaks and lowering system-wide demand is through energy load management. Feasibility studies have shown that energy management can save your Cooperative millions of dollars over time, but this depends upon the cooperative efforts of everyone.

By participating in your Cooperative's Switch Team Program you can make a difference in the future of your electric rates for years to come.

Residential homes are considered the greatest source of potential reductions in peak energy demand. They are the largest contributors, as a whole, to the daily peak late in each day when water heating, air conditioning, and electric heating demands are the greatest. These units place the greatest demands for electricity during peak periods, yet they are the most easily managed.

By allowing your Cooperative to control your electric water heater, you are taking an active role in helping to maintain your current electric rate for as long as possible.

How does The Switch Team work?

A radio signal is sent from our main office to Communication Carrier Units (CCU's) in each of our substations. The CCU interprets the signal and sends the signal through the power lines from the substation to your home. The Switch receives the signal from the power line and is activated.

The Switch usually controls water heaters in a rotation scenario. For example, four groups of water heaters are cycled on and off during a controlled period. A controlled period is dependent upon when there is potential for a peak in our energy demand throughout our system. The on and off rotation of water heaters helps reduce our peak demand while causing minimal inconvenience to our Members.

Farmers’ Electric does not control the heating side of heat pumps, furnaces, or any other appliance in a Member's residence or business.

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