Beat the Peak Continues to Cut Energy Costs for Delaware Co-op Members

DEC’s Brittany Wagner, Manager of Operational Technology & System Controls, and Technology Support Analyst Rick Kinnikin monitor system demand as part of the Beat the Peak program, which helped members save millions in 2025. (Photo credit: Delaware Electric Cooperative)

Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) reported this week that its long-running Beat the Peak program saved members an estimated $3.9 million in 2025, continuing a trend of cost reductions tied to voluntary energy conservation.

Beat the Peak alerts are issued during periods of high electricity demand—typically the hottest days of summer—when wholesale power prices spike. During those alerts, members are asked to voluntarily cut back on usage by raising thermostats a few degrees or delaying the use of major appliances. DEC says such small adjustments help reduce overall demand and keep rates stable for the cooperative’s roughly 300,000 customers in Kent and Sussex counties.

Since its launch in 2008, the program has saved members more than $46 million, according to the cooperative. DEC officials say the model has drawn national attention, with more than 100 not-for-profit utilities adopting similar programs.

“Our Beat the Peak program is a great example of the cooperative difference in action,” said Rob Book, DEC president and CEO. “Thanks to this partnership with those we serve, we’ve been able to save millions in power costs while continuing to offer the lowest electric rates in the state. We’re also proud that this innovative program is helping people across the country.”

Members can receive alerts through the DEC Connect app, email, automated phone calls, and the cooperative’s social media pages. DEC also offers optional programs that provide bill credits for members who delay charging electric vehicles or allow the cooperative to adjust smart thermostats during peak alerts.

With electricity demand climbing nationwide, DEC leaders say Beat the Peak remains a key tool in keeping rates affordable.

More information about the program is available at beatthepeak.coop.