Beat the Peak

Sign up to receive alerts when demand for energy is the highest!

Beat the Peak is a voluntary program that encourages customers to reduce energy use when demand for electricity and/or natural gas is highest, which are referred to as "peak events". Peak events typically occur on hot summer evenings and extremely cold winter days, when more energy is being used for cooling and heating. During peak events, not only are the costs for energy higher, but the sources used to produce that energy tend to have higher carbon emissions.

Natural Gas Peaks: Natural gas peaks typically occur on cold winter days, when demand, and cost, for natural gas is highest. Natural gas peaks are determined based on daily consumption.

Electric Peaks: During certain hours each month when demand for electricity is highest, not only do dirtier power plants need to come online in order to supply enough electricity to meet the demand, but HG&E also incurs significant additional charges based on the amount of demand during the peak event. Unlike natural gas peaks, electric peaks occur during a specific time range, typically from 4pm-8pm on a weekday evening. Click here to learn more about peak electric demand events.

Through our new voluntary demand response program, you can sign up to be notified of upcoming peak electric and natural gas events so you can reduce your energy use during those times. You will save energy and money on your utility bill and help keep costs down for all HG&E customers, all while reducing our collective carbon footprint.

Examples of how to temporarily reduce your energy consumption:

• On hot days, reduce your air conditioner use by temporarily turning it off or raising the temperature For example, increase the temperature by 2-4 degrees from where you would normally set it to.
• On cold days, reduce your thermostat temperature by a few degrees (if you use natural gas or electricity for heating). For example, decrease the temperature by 2-4 degrees from where you would normally set it to.
• Turn off unnecessary appliances, equipment and lighting (or dimming lights). Consider unplugging them as well - devices that are plugged in but are not being used cost americans an estimated $19 billion per year! Appliances that contribute most to what is known as 'vampire load' include coffee makers, computers, smart TVs, etc.
• Avoid using hot water (if you have an electric or gas hot water heater)  
• Wait to run major appliances and equipment, such as clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers, electric vehicle chargers, etc.
• Fire up the grill instead of the oven for dinner
• Visit our Energy Conservation Tips webpage for more ideas on how to save energy and help Beat the Peak!

How many notifications will I receive and when?

Customers will typically receive 2-3 notifications per month (though as many as 5 could occur). Electric peak events typically occur on weekday evenings between 4-8 pm. You will receive a notification on the morning of an anticipated electric peak event with information on the hours the peak is anticipated to occur.

Customers who heat with natural gas in the winter months will receive notifications the day before an anticipated peak day requesting a reduction in your gas use throughout the following day. Unlike the electric peak which occurs over a few hours, a natural gas peak takes place over a longer period so customers will be encouraged to modify their usage for 24 hours. As a participant in this program you will receive between 5 and 10 notifications over the winter months, as natural gas peak events usually occur when the average daily temperature is 10 degrees or less.

How will I be notified?

When you sign up, you can choose to be notified of peak events through email, text messages, or both. 

Additional Demand Response Programs Available (for electric vehicles and smart/Wi-Fi devices including electric hot water heaters, thermostats and heat pump controllers):