Time-of-Use Rate
Time-of-Use Rate
Our Time-of-Use Rate option is one way we’re delivering on our promise to provide members with affordable rates and options that fit their individual energy needs. The concept behind this program is fairly simple: Rather than a single flat rate, you pay different rates for electricity based on the time of day and season. Under this plan, the amount of electricity you use is just as important as when you use it.
Our Time-of-Use Rate can help you save money if you’re able to reduce your energy use during peak times (when electricity prices are highest) or shift energy use to off-peak periods (when electricity prices are lowest).
Rate periods & seasons
Pricing for electricity under our Time-of-Use Rate option is different depending on the time of day. Rates are lower during evenings and overnight because the demand for electricity is lower. Our Time-of-Use Rate also changes seasonally because electricity demand differs between summer months and the rest of the year.
Summer (June - September)
Non-summer (October - May)
Is our Time-of-Use Rate right for you?
To get the most out of our Time-of-Use Rate, you must reduce your electricity use during peak periods and/or shift your use from peak to normal/economy periods. During the summer, limiting use from noon to 8 p.m. will help you save significantly. During non-summer months, limiting use from 5 to 8 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. will show the biggest savings.
Time-of-Use Rate calculator
To get an accurate estimate of your potential savings on our Time-of-Use Rate, we have developed a helpful calculator that can apply rate period pricing to your past 12 months of electricity use and let you see how shifting your use could affect your bill.
If you do not have 12 months’ worth of electric use data in our system, you will be able to use the calculator’s estimate feature at a later date.
To use the calculator, follow the directions below. This function is only available using the web version of your account.
- Log in to your account.
- Navigate to My Usage.
- Click on Usage Management.
- Click on the “Time-of-Use Calculator” tab.
- Click on the green button to use the calculator.
Tips for shifting your energy use
The amount of electricity you use each month is calculated by multiplying your appliance/system use (watts) by the length of time you use them (hours). For example, a washing machine may use 1 kilowatt for an hour, which is expressed as 1 kilowatt-hour (kwh).
On the Time-of-Use Rate, shifting your use of the major appliances in your home will save you the most each month. Here are some ideas for ways you can shift and save:
- Consider installing a smart thermostat and setting your system to pre-heat or pre-cool your home during off-peak hours.
- During the summer, set your thermostat to 85 degrees when you’re away from home.
- During the winter, set your thermostat at 68–70 degrees when you’re home and 65 degrees or lower when you’re away.
- Use a fan rather than air conditioning on milder days.
- Run your dishwasher before or after peak times.
- Use the delay function to run your washer and dryer during economy periods.
- Install a timer on your water heater, so it only runs during times you’re likely to use hot water.
- If you have an electric vehicle, set the timer to charge during economy periods.
- Use a timer for your pool pump, and schedule it to run overnight.
For more information or to enroll in this optional rate, call us at 888-554-4732.
