Shred the Peak & Save

What are peaks, and why are they important?

Energy peaks occur when the highest level of electricity is consumed in our region within a specific timeframe.

Peak electricity is expensive and has a direct impact on power supply costs — which affects customer bills. Peak electricity use may also impact the environment, since meeting high demand often requires turning on less efficient, higher-emission power plants.

How can I help 'Shred the Peak' and save?

Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) offers 'Shred the Peak', a suite of programs that empower customers to actively reduce their usage during peak times. Taking action through these programs helps to keep RMLD rates low and achieve non-carbon requirements. 

Shred Peak Residential Power Load(Graph: typical summer peak energy use)

  1. Signing Up for Email Alerts

    Stay informed and be notified of predicted peaks so you can take action.

  1. Enrolling in Connected Homes

    Get rewarded for automated monthly demand reduction.

  1. Switching to Time-of-Use Rate

    Enjoy a reduced rate for energy use during off-peak times.

When do RMLD peaks occur?

Peaks that impact RMLD power supply costs occur once per month and once per year.

Annual Peak

  • Typically occurs on a hot and humid weekday afternoon from June to August between 2 and 7 p.m. 
  • Impacts RMLD’s wholesale capacity costs. This cost ensures sufficient capacity is available to meet RMLD’s highest potential electricity needs and are based on the amount of electricity RMLD’s system uses during the annual peak hour for our region. 
  • Based on current rates, RMLD could save approximately $50,000 in future power supply costs for every 1 megawatt (1,000 kW) of energy use reduction during the annual peak. 

Monthly Peaks

  • Typically occurs on the hottest or coldest weekday of each month.
  • Warmer month peaks typically occur between 3 and 8 p.m. Cooler month peaks typically occur between 4 and 8 p.m. 
  • Impacts RMLD’s wholesale transmission costs. This cost includes transmission assets, such as high voltage power lines, needed to supply RMLD’s system with power. Transmission costs are based on the amount of electricity RMLD’s system uses during each monthly peak hour for our region.
  • Based on current rates, RMLD could save approximately $16,000/month in future power supply costs for every 1 megawatt (1,000 kW) of energy use reduction during each monthly transmission peak. 

Shred the Peak Video