LINCOLN – As the temperatures outside increase, so does the demand for electricity. LES customers can do their part to reduce this demand through LES’ Peak Rewards program.
Customers can participate in LES’ Peak Rewards, a program where LES makes two-hour-long adjustments to eligible internet-connected thermostats during events, or times of peak electrical demand. Reducing peak demand, typically during late weekday afternoons in June through September, eases the burden on our local electric system. With more than 4,000 thermostats enrolled in the program, Peak Rewards helped LES reduce peak summer demand by 4.1 megawatts in 2023.
“Four megawatts is the approximate peak power demand of eight big-box retail stores,” said Marc Shkolnick, manager, Energy Services. “By reducing peak demand with the help of our customers, LES can cost-effectively delay the need to add another costly power generating resource.”
Residential and small commercial customers with qualifying thermostats controlling their central air conditioning system are eligible to participate. Participants receive a $25 gift card when they enroll, plus a $25 bill credit at the close of each program year. Events typically occur on hot, humid days when the demand for electricity is high. LES limits the number of thermostat adjustments to 15 per year.
When an event occurs, a thermostat enrolled in Peak Rewards first cools the customer’s home or business by 3 degrees to maintain comfort. Following precooling, the thermostat is adjusted 3 or 4 degrees above the original set temperature for two hours during the system peak to reduce the electricity demand. Once the event is over, the thermostat returns to regular operation.
With summer just around the corner, LES encourages customers to enroll in Peak Rewards. For more information on the program or to enroll your thermostat, visit LES.com/PeakRewards. Stay up to date on the latest at LES by following us on Facebook, X and Instagram.