Vermont Electric Co-op designed the energy tracker to inform members when conserving electricity may be important. Although VEC encourages members to save energy every day, some days may require extra energy conservation measures like on a hot summer day or cold winter evening for examples.

VEC's energy usage tracker also includes forecasts to reflect conservation needs for the next day. By informing members of energy usage forecasts, members may choose to run their dishwasher in the morning or decide to cook on the grill for dinner.

If VEC members can reduce energy usage during peak energy times, members can help control rising costs that impact electric rates. VEC offers a voluntary program called "Beat the Peak" where members may sign up to receive alerts during peak events. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Normal Use
No special energy-saving measures are necessary. Still, Vermont Electric Co-op encourages members to find ways to conserve energy every day. Following are some tips to get started:

• Turn off lights when they are not in use. After heat and domestic hot water, lighting is the next highest consumer of energy.
• Install energy efficient lamps and fixtures in areas of the home where usage is three hours per day or more. A variety of compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) is available.
• Purchase energy efficient appliances. Look for “Energy Star” appliances and appliances with the lowest “Energy Guide” ratings. Often there are rebate incentives available for these.
• Turn off televisions, stereos, computers, monitors, and cell phone chargers when they are not in use. Many appliances have a standby or "phantom" use that adds to energy usage in the home.
• Sign up to receive alerts on peak days.

Peak Use
Electricity consumption is forecasted to be high. As a result, VEC is encouraging members to conserve, limit, or reduce energy usage. 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. Or 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the evening on the coldest days of the winter. If members can collectively "beat the peak" members can help control rising costs that impact electric rates. This is because a large portion of costs are based on calculations made during "peak" events. VEC encourages the following tips to conserve energy:

• Delay running the dishwasher, clothes washer and clothes dryer before or after peak times or delay until the next morning.
• Instead of using the oven to prepare meals try grilling.
• Turn off lights, appliances and other electric items that are not needed. Do not forget pool pumps, dehumidifiers or pumps for water features such as ponds and fountains.
• In the summer, raise your thermostat or air conditioner by 3 degrees, In the winter, try lowering your heating thermostat by 3 degrees.
• Sign up to receive alerts on peak days.

Overall, members are asked to use electricity resources wisely.