Plugging in off-peak benefits everyone
August 2025
For co-op members who own EVs, off-peak charging provides a strategic solution to help reduce strain on the grid while also lowering costs.
by Chris Lee, Contributing Columnist
As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, it’s increasingly important for owners to understand the impact of charging during peak demand hours and how to effectively leverage off-peak charging rates and incentives.
Thoughtful EV charging, particularly during off-peak hours, is a win-win for EV owners through lower rates, but it also helps electric cooperatives balance their electrical load.
WHAT IS PEAK DEMAND?
Peak demand is when electricity use is at its highest in an area, typically during busy energy-use times for homes, businesses and industries. More appliance use, business activities and even weather can create spikes in demand, making it more challenging for your electric co-op to keep the grid stable and manage costs.
While electricity might seem unlimited when powering household devices, it is actually a limited resource constrained by a co-op’s ability to buy and distribute it across their local grid. During peak demand periods, electric co-ops may need to activate additional generation units or purchase more expensive electricity from the market. These measures, although necessary to keep the grid reliable, can increase costs and put extra pressure on the grid infrastructure.
Contact your local electric cooperative to learn about off-peak hours and rate options for EV owners.
OFF-PEAK CHARGING
Electric cooperatives play a vital role in managing energy demand and ensuring reliable service for all members. For co-op members who own EVs, off-peak charging provides a strategic solution to help reduce strain on the grid while also lowering costs — because charging when demand is lower eases pressure on the electric grid. This helps avoid costly infrastructure upgrades and supports a more reliable, efficient system that benefits everyone in your community.
Off-peak periods — typically during early morning hours and late at night — are times when the overall demand for electricity is lower, allowing co-ops to offer more affordable rates and incentives to shift energy consumption.
Charging your EV during off-peak hours can help you take advantage of reduced electricity rates or incentives, resulting in lower costs compared to charging during peak demand times. Smart scheduling means more affordable EV ownership and better energy budgeting.
MAINTAINING VALUES
Off-peak charging provides a win-win solution for members and electric cooperatives by offering cost savings, improved grid reliability and environmental benefits. This practice not only enhances the appeal of EVs but also aligns with the cooperative values of reliability, sustainability and affordability, helping build a smarter and more efficient energy system for future generations.
Chris Lee writes for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Thoughtful EV charging, particularly during off-peak hours, can help EV owners through lower rates.