How to Lower Peak Demand
Small timing changes and available programs can lower your peak demand and help manage your bill.
Shift. Stagger. Save.
Shift
Move flexible activities outside peak hours, when possible.
- Run dishwasher later in the evening
- Charge EV after peak window
- Use delay-start features on appliances
Stagger
Avoid running major appliances at the same time during peak hours.
- Don’t run dryer and oven together
- Space laundry and showers
- Separate shop tools and household loads
Save
Save money on your bill by using programs and tools designed to reduce peak demand. Same life, smarter timing.
- Enroll in pilot programs
- Use efficiency rebates
- Get usage coaching
How much electricity do common household items “demand”?
Understanding how much power your devices use can help lower your Demand Charge. The easiest way to save is to avoid running multiple major appliances at once during the 5–9 p.m. peak hours. Instead, use delay settings to use overnight or shift their use to the middle of the day.
This list displays some typical, common wattage values of household devices. Remember to check your exact brand and model of appliance or device for exact wattage information.
Tip: 1,000 watts = 1 kilowatt
These appliances can significantly increase your peak demand, especially if more than one operates at the same time.
- Electric furnace: 10–20 kW
- Cold climate heat pump: 2.5–7 kW
- Electric boiler: 9–15 kW
- Electric clothes dryer: 3–5 kW
- Electric water heater (tank): 3–5 kW
- Electric oven: 2–5 kW
- Electric range burners: 1–3 kW each
- Central air conditioner: 2–5 kW
- Level 2 EV charger: 6–11 kW
- Well pump: 0.5–2 kW running (higher at startup)
Tip: Avoid running multiple high-load items simultaneously to keep peak demand lower.
These use a moderate amount of power. Combined with a high-load device, they can contribute to a higher overall peak.
- Microwave: 0.6–1.5 kW
- Dishwasher: 1–2 kW
- Space heater: 1–1.5 kW
- Clothes washer: 0.3–0.8 kW
- Vacuum cleaner: 0.6–1.2 kW
- Toaster: 0.8–1.5 kW
- Coffee maker: 0.8–1.2 kW
- Induction cooktop (single burner): 1–1.8 kW
- Window AC unit: 0.5–1.5 kW
- Heat Tape (100 feet): 1 kW
Tip: Running several medium-load devices at once can mimic the impact of a single high-load appliance.
- Refrigerator: 0.1–0.2 kW
- Freezer: 0.1–0.2 kW
- TV: 0.05–0.2 kW
- Desktop/laptop computer: 0.05–0.25 kW
- Wi-Fi router: 0.01–0.02 kW
- LED lights: 0.005–0.015 kW each
- Phone chargers and small electronics: below 0.02 kW
Tip: These items have minimal effect on demand charges, even if several are in use.
Programs & Rebates
SDCEA offers programs and rebates that make it easier to manage your energy use and stay in control of your bill.
Explore All Pilot Programs RebatesPrograms
Enroll in our pilot programs designed to reduce peak demand and give you more control.
EV Vehicles Program
Have an electric vehicle? This program provides a way to lower your demand charge and better utilize solar generation.
Learn More About Our EV Vehicle Program
Water Heater Controls
The time of day when members utilize water heaters can have a significant impact on SDCEA’s power-supply cost.
Learn More About Water Heater Controls
Residential Battery Storage
The Residential Battery Pilot Program assists members in lowering their demand charge and better utilizing solar generation.
Residential Battery Storage Program Details
Rebates
Use rebates to improve efficiency and reduce energy use
Heat Pump Rebates
Heat pumps are an attractive option for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and save on heating and cooling costs. Their ability to provide both heating and cooling also makes them a versatile choice for various climates and home types.
Apply for Heat Pump Rebates
Electric Water Heater Rebate
Incentives to replace your electric hot water heater here.
Apply for Electric Water Heater Rebate
On-Bill Repayment Program
Repay gradually, right on your monthly utility bill.
On-Bill Repayment Program
Our On-Bill Repayment Program (OBR) makes energy efficiency and electrification upgrades more accessible for homeowners, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Learn More About On-Bill Repayment
Peak Hours: What Matters Most
Peak-Hours Tips
- Peak hours: 5–9 pm (Mon–Sat, excluding Sundays and major holidays)
- Avoid running major appliances at the same time during peak hours
- Spacing loads by even 15 minutes helps
- Delay or use delay-start on appliances to spread out use or start after peak hours
- One stacked hour can set your demand charge for the month
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Member Services can review your usage and suggest options.
Talk with member services at (844) 395-2412 (toll-free) or email sdcearates@myelectric.coop.
FAQs
No! This isn’t about telling you how to live. Small timing changes can make a difference.
SDCEA programs, including pilot programs (water heater, EV charging, battery), efficiency rebates, and assistance options, are designed to help members keep control. Learn more about SDCEA’s programs here: Save Energy & Money – Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc.
We are investigating large scale battery storage opportunities that would be used to manage SDCEA system peaks for the benefit of the membership.
SDCEA’s pilot programs are also designed to manage costs. For more information, please click here: SDCEA 2026 Pilot Programs – Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc.