A Voluntary Member Participation Program

Vermont Electric Cooperative's voluntary Beat the Peak program encourages members to conserve, limit, or reduce energy usage during "peak" energy times. A "peak" event is when energy consumption is at its highest. If VEC members can collectively "beat the peak" by conserving electricity during peak energy times, members can help control rising costs that impact electric rates. This is because a large portion of our costs are based on calculations made during these "peak" events.

Energy peaks typically occur between 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon and 6:00 p.m. in the evening on our hottest days of the summer and between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the evening on our coldest days of the winter.  When the Cooperative identifies a "peak," members will be asked to turn off all unnecessary lights or appliances you may not need, delay use of major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryer. Overall, members are asked to use their electricity carefully.

Cooperatives exist for you, our member-owner, to provide electric power at cost. And as a cooperative, when one member saves; we all save. Members interested in "beating the peak" may sign up to receive alerts during peak events. By choosing e-mail, text, or phone message alerts, you can expect to hear from our member service team a few times a year when it's important to save. To enroll, simply click here or call 1-800-832-2667.