Prepare for the Peak Charge
What Is the Peak Charge?
Each summer, from June through September, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative includes a Peak Charge on bills for members on our default Peak Savers rate. This charge is based on your highest one-hour of energy use during one of the highest-demand days of the month—also known as a “Peak Day.”
In 2025, the Peak Charge has increased to $4 per kilowatt (kW).
Watch this quick video to understand how it works:
Why Does the Peak Charge Exist?
Electricity costs more when demand is high—especially on hot summer afternoons when air conditioners, appliances, and equipment are all running at once. As a distribution co-op, we don’t generate power ourselves; we buy it from a wholesale provider. And that provider charges us more when demand across the region is at its peak.
The Peak Charge helps us do two things:
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Encourage smart energy use by giving members an incentive to reduce use during the costliest times.
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Allocate costs more fairly—so members who use more during peak demand times cover more of the cost they help create.
How Is My Peak Charge Calculated?
Each month during the summer, we identify one or more peak days. On those days, we track your energy use hour by hour.
At the end of the month, we find your highest single hour of use on a peak day and multiply that number by $4/kW. That total becomes your Peak Charge for the month.
When finding your highest hour of usage to calculate your Peak Charge, Heartland will only look at your usage between 3 to 8 p.m. on declared Peak Days, which we'll tell you about the day before.
Example:
If your highest one-hour usage between 3 and 8 p.m. on a Peak Day was 5.2 kW in the month of July, your July Peak Charge would be:
5.2 kW × $4 = $20.80
How Can I Avoid a High Peak Charge?
The good news is, you can reduce your Peak Charge by adjusting when you use electricity—especially on Peak Days.
Here are a few tips:
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Cool your home early. Run your A/C in the morning, then raise the thermostat a few degrees during peak hours (typically 3–8 p.m.).
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Delay chores. Run dishwashers, laundry, and other major appliances later in the evening.
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Stagger large appliance use. Avoid using multiple high-energy devices at the same time.
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Use fans and natural ventilation when possible to reduce reliance on A/C.
How Will I Know Which Days Are Peak Days?
We’ll tell you!
The easiest way to stay informed is by signing up for Peak Day Savings Opportunity Notifications.
✔️ SmartHub Users
If you have a SmartHub account, you’re automatically opted in to email notifications. You can also opt in to text messages and even automated phone calls. We want to make it easy for you to plan ahead and save.
👉 Log in or create your SmartHub account »
📱 Not using SmartHub?
We strongly encourage members to sign up for SmartHub, as it allows you to do so much more than simply get notifications. Those who do not want to sign up for SmartHub can still receive text alerts through a backup option. If you are interested in this backup option, please call us at (800) 835-9586.
Still Have Questions?
Check out our Peak Savers page or contact us at (800) 835-9586—we’re happy to help you take control of your summer energy costs.