Watt Watchers is a program to help hold down power costs, keeping bills and rates low, for members of South River EMC.

Participants voluntarily agree to reduce their use of electricity during peak use periods: these would be the few critical hours when the most people are using the most electricity, all at the same time.

How Does It Work?

When you sign up, you will receive alerts and take action to lower electricity use in your household during the peak period of just a few hours. And these simple actions help, for example adjusting the thermostat a few degrees; turning off unnecessary lights, shifting the time you use large appliances for laundry or dishes; and reducing hot water use. 

How Will I Be Alerted?

When you sign up for Watt Watchers, you will provide contact information to receive your notices, which include phone, email, or both.  This information is used to notify you in advance of the peak, or high use, period! Alerts are brief messages that will typically be sent the day before a peak period telling you the hours we'll need your help. Peaks occur based on the weather temperatures and electricity use patterns: typically a few hours on the hottest summer afternoons or coldest winter mornings.

What Are The Benefits?

By being a Watt Watcher, you can help keep all members’ bills lower. For example, in winter when temperatures are expected to be especially low, more power will need to be generated to keep up with member demand. This has an impact on South River EMC's electric costs and member's rates. With members working together to level the Cooperative’s energy use, it can reduce wholesale power cost, which is a savings passed on to you.