At Cloverland Electric Cooperative, we are committed to forging a future of financial stability, reliability and equitable service for all members. A key part of this mission is the implementation of our new rate structure introduced in January 2023. This structure ensures fairer cost distribution by aligning charges with actual power usage during peak demand hours—times when energy costs are highest, such as during winter cold snaps when heating usage surges.
This change represents the first letter in “FORGING”—financial stability. By accurately reflecting the cost of electricity during peak hours, we’re better equipped to manage our power supply expenses, ensuring sustainable pricing for members while strengthening our cooperative’s financial foundation.
Why Does the Peak Demand Window Include Weekends?
The peak demand window, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., was established to mimic how Cloverland is billed under our current supply contract with Wisconsin Energy. This timeframe includes weekends because energy consumption patterns have changed and no longer adhere to a strict weekday schedule. Many members cook, heat their homes and do laundry on weekends, driving up demand during these times. Including weekends ensures costs are fairly shared among all members, no matter when they use electricity.
Looking ahead, we’re committed to outstanding member relations by addressing your concerns. That’s why we plan to conduct a cost of service study in mid-2025 to explore opportunities to narrow the peak demand window while maintaining fairness and affordability for all members.
How You Can Reduce Your Peak Demand Charge
Cloverland members can embrace reliability by adopting energy-saving habits that not only reduce their peak demand charges but also enhance the cooperative’s overall sustainability. Simple adjustments include:
- Spreading out major appliance use during peak hours.
- Running energy-intensive tasks during nonpeak times.
- Using programmable thermostats to reduce heating or cooling during peak periods.
- Charging electric vehicles and batteries overnight.
These small changes contribute to the growth of our cooperative by fostering a collective effort to reduce peak demand costs, which benefits all members.
A Broader Perspective on Peak Demand
The implementation of technology is vital to the success of our rate structure. Our power supply team uses advanced forecasting tools to predict demand peaks with incredible accuracy, achieving a success rate of 24 out of 25 months and saving members nearly $3 million in 2024 alone. This advanced forecasting is required because Cloverland is billed on the time that Wisconsin peaks, not Cloverland. This demonstrates how innovation —both financial and operational—are core to our efforts. As we forge ahead, “never forgetting safety” remains a core part of our culture, guiding every decision and reinforcing our commitment to protecting employees, members and the communities we serve.
Forging Ahead with Renewable Energy
Finally, the “G” in “FORGING” reminds us of the growth of employees and our cooperative through strategic energy management. As we plan for the future, Cloverland’s power supply team is preparing to meet new renewable energy requirements under PA 235 while maximizing revenue from Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). In 2024 alone, REC sales brought in $1.2 million, a valuable stream of revenue that supports member equity and affordable rates.
Together, we are “forging our future” by creating a more reliable, equitable and sustainable energy system. Thank you for your partnership as we shape a brighter future for Cloverland and our members.
Reducing Your Peak Demand Charge
You can help lower your peak demand charge by making simple changes to your energy habits:
- Use major appliances at different times, rather than simultaneously.
- Schedule energy-intensive tasks, like laundry or dishwashing, during non-peak hours.
- Utilize delay-start functions on appliances.
- Use a programmable thermostat to adjust heating or cooling during peak periods.
- Charge electric vehicles and battery-powered tools overnight or during off-peak times.
How Peak Demand Is Calculated
Your peak demand charge is based on your household’s highest electricity usage during peak hours (8 a.m.– 9 p.m.) in a billing month, which is multiplied by your rate class’s demand rate:
- Residential: $0.93/kW
- General Service 1: $1.67/kW
- General Service 2: $2.02/kW
