Peak Alert issued for Co-Mo Electric customers

The ongoing heat wave blanketing Missouri has led Co-Mo Electric Cooperative to call a Peak Alert.

The alert is in effect from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, as temperatures once again climb to over 100 degrees.

During Peak Alerts, members are asked to limit their use of major electrical appliances and turn off any lights, televisions or small appliances when not in use. Delaying the use of clothes washers and dishwashers until after the alert can not only help Co-Mo save money on its energy costs but also help members keep their homes cooler during the hottest part of the day.

Another way members can help out is by raising their thermostat three degrees during the Peak Alert hours.

A Peak Alert does not mean there is a shortage of power. They are used to let members know of a time when there will be an increased demand on the system. One factor in the bill Co-Mo pays for the power it delivers to its members is the highest demand point during each month.

"So the lower that demand point is, the lower our bill is," said Co-Mo CEO/General Manager Ken Johnson. "Any bill we pay is with our members' money, since we are a member-owned cooperative. Peak Alerts are a way we can show good stewardship of the resources our members provide."

The peak demand for the month of July was 117 megawatts, set on July 2. The demand this past Sunday was more than 102 megawatts.

Co-Mo's service area comprises approximately 2,300 square miles in Central Missouri.