Beat the Peak

Help Keep Electricity Reliable in Summerside

Beat the Peak is a City of Summerside electricity awareness campaign encouraging residents and businesses to reduce or shift electricity use during periods of high demand this winter.

Peak electricity demand usually happens on cold days when many people are using heat, hot water, and appliances at the same time.

Peak hours are typically:

• 6:00–9:00 AM
• 4:00–8:00 PM

By making small changes during these times, we can work together to protect our local electrical system, manage costs, and plan responsibly for Summerside’s future.

 

What is Peak Demand?

Peak demand is the highest level of electricity use at any one time.

In winter, demand rises sharply when residents:

• Turn up electric heat
• Take hot showers
• Cook meals
• Run appliances
• Charge electric vehicles

 

It’s important to remember:

Peak demand isn’t about how much electricity we use overall — it’s about when we use it.

 

Why Does Peak Demand Matter in Summerside?

When electricity demand spikes:

• The local electrical grid is under more strain
• More expensive power sources may be required
• System costs increase for everyone
• The need for future infrastructure can be accelerated

   

  Reducing peak demand helps:

• Keep electricity costs more stable
• Improve system reliability during extreme cold
• Reduce reliance on higher-emission power sources
• Support smart, long-term planning as Summerside grows

 

“Beat the Peak is about working together as a community. Small changes in our daily routines can have a meaningful impact on our electrical system and help manage costs as our city continues to grow.”

— JP Desrosiers, Chief Administrative Officer

 

When Are Peak Hours?

Peak demand usually occurs on cold winter weekdays during:

• Morning: 6:00–9:00 AM
• Evening: 4:00–8:00 PM

These are the times when reducing or shifting electricity use has the greatest impact.

 

How You Can Beat the Peak

You don’t need to sacrifice comfort. Small changes in timing can make a big difference.

Shift High-Energy Activities

• Charge electric vehicles overnight (11:00 PM–6:00 AM)
• Run dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines outside peak hours
• Delay cooking, laundry, or other major appliance use when possible
• Manage Heating
• Lower heat slightly in unoccupied rooms
• Preheat your home earlier, then reduce heat during peak windows
• Keep baseboard heaters clean and unobstructed
• Use Hot Water Wisely
• Take shorter showers (10 minutes or less)
• Wash full loads of dishes and laundry
• Use cold water whenever possible

 

Everyday Habits

• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
• Use LED lighting
• Avoid using portable space heaters during peak hours

 

“Peak demand isn’t about how much electricity we use — it’s about when we use it. By shifting just a few high-energy activities to off-peak hours, residents can help protect the system and manage costs.”

— Greg Gaudet, Director of Municipal Services

 

Electric Vehicles and Peak Demand

Electric vehicles are an important part of a cleaner energy future — but when you charge matters.

Best practice for EV owners:

• Set your vehicle to charge overnight between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Overnight charging reduces strain on the system during peak hours and supports long-term planning for Summerside’s electric grid.

 

Beat the Peak for Businesses

• Businesses can also help reduce peak demand by:
• Understanding when and how energy is used
• Shifting energy-intensive activities outside peak hours
• Eliminating unnecessary energy use
• Engaging employees in conservation efforts
• Tracking monthly usage to measure progress
• Even small operational changes can add up across the community.

 

Peak Alerts During Cold Weather

During periods of extreme cold, the City may issue Peak Alerts asking residents and businesses to temporarily reduce electricity use during peak hours.

Peak Alerts may be shared through:

• City social media channels
• City communications
• Utility messaging

These alerts help protect the system during the highest-risk periods.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give up comfort to beat the peak?

No. Beat the Peak focuses on simple timing changes that don’t affect comfort or convenience.

 

Why does peak demand matter if there’s usually enough electricity?

Winter peaks are short but intense. Meeting them can require more expensive and less sustainable power sources.

 

I can’t afford new equipment — can I still help?

Yes. Many of the most effective actions cost nothing, such as adjusting thermostat settings or delaying appliance use.

 

Why don’t I see big savings right away?

Electricity use is affected by weather, home size, and household habits. Peak reduction helps stabilize system costs over time, even if individual savings vary.

 

About the Beat the Peak Campaign

Campaign period: January to March 2026

Who it’s for: Residents, businesses, EV owners, and community partners

Goal: Reduce electricity use during peak hours and build awareness of when energy demand matters most

Residents will see reminders throughout the winter through City communications.

 

Thank You, Summerside

Many small actions, taken together, can make a big difference.

Thank you for helping Beat the Peak and supporting a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity system for our community.