Demand (measured in kilowatts or kW) represents the rate at which electricity is consumed at a given point in time during a billing period. The demand kW on your electric bill is the peak amount of energy your home or business used during that billing period. Your billing statement displays your peak demand for the billing cycle even if you are in a rate class that does not charge for demand.
You may know how much energy you use each month. But did you know that when you use the energy and how much you use at once (your demand) is also important? During busy times of the day or extreme weather events, the power grid may be pushed to its limit. Simple changes like using the timer to run the dishwasher or dryer at night, or shifting big energy loads like level 2 EV charging to run after 10:00 p.m. reduces demand. By making energy-smart decisions and reducing demand, we can help keep rates low for everybody.
