Jerry Groskreutz article continued...

During peak energy demand Power Cooperatives may not have excess capacity to meet the demand. They would then be forced to buy power on the open market, which is very expensive. Power Cooperatives have Load Management programs to deal with peak demand times. We all need to take advantage of these programs; in fact Power Cooperatives will pay us to do so. If we allow them to shut off our hot water heaters and air-conditioners for a short period of time we can get a discount on our electric bill. They even have programs for large members. For example, most large dairy farms have diesel powered stand-by generators. If Dairymen agree to take their whole operation off line during peak demand times they can save hundreds of dollars per month!

My how things have changed, not only in how electricity is generated, but also in how Cooperatives work with members. No longer is a Power Cooperative just someone who is responsible for making sure electricity is there when we hit the switch and sending a monthly bill.

If you are interested in getting information on next year's Coal Creek tour e-mail swce@swce.coop or call the SWCE office at 507-451-7340.