As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, it’s increasingly important for owners to understand the impact of charging during peak demand hours and how to leverage off-peak charging rates and incentives effectively.
Thoughtful EV charging, particularly during off-peak hours, can mean lower rates for EV owners, but it also helps electric cooperatives balance electrical load.
What is peak demand?
Peak demand is when electricity use is at its highest in an area, typically during busy energy-use times for homes, businesses and industries. More appliance use, business activities and even weather can create spikes in demand, making it more challenging for electric co-ops to keep the grid stable and manage costs.
While electricity may feel unlimited when powering household devices, it’s a finite resource constrained by an electric cooperative’s capacity to purchase or produce electricity and distribute it throughout the local grid to power the communities it serves.
To serve the grid during times of peak demand, electric cooperatives may need to activate additional generation resources or purchase higher-cost electricity from the market. These efforts, while necessary to maintain reliability, can lead to increased expenses and strain the grid infrastructure.
A strategic approach
Illinois’ electric co-ops play a vital role in managing energy demand and ensuring reliable service for all members. For co-op members who own EVs, off-peak charging provides a strategic solution to help reduce strain on the grid while also lowering costs — because charging when demand is lower eases pressure on the electric grid. This helps avoid costly infrastructure upgrades and supports a more reliable, efficient system that benefits everyone in the community.
Off-peak periods (typically during early morning hours and late at night) are times when the overall demand for electricity is lower, allowing many co-ops to offer more affordable rates and incentives to shift energy consumption. Smart scheduling means more affordable EV ownership and better energy budgeting.
Benefits of off-peak EV charging
Off-peak charging provides a win-win solution for members and electric co-ops by offering cost savings, improving grid reliability and benefiting the environment. This practice not only enhances the appeal of EVs but also aligns with the cooperative values of reliability, sustainability and affordability, helping build a smarter and more efficient energy system for future generations.
