CEO Letter

Posted on March 1, 2021

Spring is right around the corner. With the start of a new season comes a fresh opportunity to find ways to save energy, money and prepare for a sustainable future.

One quick and easy way to start saving is by signing up for Beat the Peak alerts. When you sign up, you will be notified when to delay or reduce the use of electricity during peak periods via text, email or phone call. Energy peaks typically occur when many people need large amounts of electricity at once, making the demand for electricity and the cost for it the highest.

By voluntarily delaying the use of large appliances, like dishwashers and clothes dryers during that peak time, you can help hold down power costs and keep rates affordable. In 2020, more than 50,000 Beat the Peak participants throughout the state of South Carolina have helped save a projected $580,000 in wholesale power costs.

You might already be familiar with H2O Select, our electric water heater program that saves members money each year in rebates and incentives. By heating water when the demand for electricity is low and storing that thermal energy for later use, electric water heaters save both you and the cooperative money.

In a similar way, the Smart Thermostat program helps you save by allowing Palmetto Electric to adjust your thermostat’s settings during peak energy periods.  When you enroll, you will receive a free ecobee thermostat, free installation, and could be eligible for monthly Smart Rewards bill credits. You can track your energy use and conveniently adjust your thermostat from anywhere, at any time on your phone, tablet or computer.

Palmetto Electric remains committed to promoting  sustainable and renewable energy sources through programs such as Community Solar and Green Power.  In addition to our two Community Solar farms, Palmetto Electric and the other electric cooperatives in South Carolina recently agreed to add 363 megawatts (MW) of renewable solar energy to its resource portfolio in 2023. This is enough power to provide the annual energy needs for more than 50,000 homes in South Carolina.

Palmetto Electric is the leader among co-ops in the state in Green Power commercial sales, with tremendous residential support, too.  One of the most popular events in our area, the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, is powered by 100-percent renewable sources. In April, we are proud to once again partner with the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing and Santee Cooper to make this year’s tournament a certified Green Power partner event for the 13th year in a row. Without the support of our members, these types of programs would not  succeed. By making small changes, we all have the power to not only save energy and money, but to make our community a little “greener.”