We’ve been talking about how a Time of Use (TOU) rate can save money and help reduce energy use during busy hours. By changing when you use energy, you might lower your bills and help create a more sustainable energy system.
As we prepare to introduce a Time of Use (TOU) rate this summer, let’s learn how two Seattle-area residents, Christine and Tim, made the most of their time on our TOU pilot program.
Christine’s story managing her home’s energy
Christine lives in Burien with her wife and daughter, who visits from college. She has seen big benefits from joining the TOU rate pilot program by making small changes to when she uses electricity.
Christine joined to lower her winter energy bills. “Our bills were so high that I started wondering how we could cut down on energy costs. The TOU model seemed like a practical way to save money, especially since we use appliances like the washer, dryer, and dishwasher frequently,” she shared.
Christine now tries to use energy during off-peak times, when rates are lower. “I now run the dishwasher after 9 p.m., and sometimes as late as midnight. By making small changes like this, we’ve managed to shave $100 to $150 off our bill [over a year],” she said.
Joining the program inspired Christine to use more smart home devices. She added Wi-Fi lights and a smart bathroom heater. “These devices have simplified how we manage our energy use, especially when we’re not home. Even though setting up some of the smart tech was a bit overwhelming at first, it’s been worth it overall.”
Christine noted some challenges, like older appliances not working with smart tech. But she says the program has still helped her save money and energy without owning an EV.
Tim’s experience with the TOU rate and owning EVs
Tim lives in Seattle with his wife, has two adult children, and owns two electric vehicles (EVs). For Tim, joining the TOU program was all about saving money while charging his cars.
“It just made sense,” Tim said about the program. “We could charge our cars at a lower rate during off-peak hours, so we made it a habit to program the cars to charge at midnight.” Tim’s family also tries to run appliances during off-peak hours to cut costs further.
Since starting the TOU pilot, Tim began tracking his energy savings with our online tools. “During the trial, I frequently checked our usage on the Utility Services Website. The graphs and charts made it easy to track the savings and see the economic and environmental benefits,” he said.
Tim has also made other energy-efficient upgrades, like getting better insulation and replacing windows. “It’s a cost-effective way to power your vehicle,” he said. “I am not spending a penny on gas or the normal maintenance of [gas-powered] vehicles. To be able to power two cars for such a small price means I’m really saving, in my view, more on energy than just $200 a year.” For households without EVs, Tim suggests shifting energy use to off-peak times to save money.
Key takeaways from Christine’s and Tim’s stories
Christine’s and Tim’s experiences help show how you can use a TOU rate to save money and energy in different ways. If you’re considering joining the TOU rate later this year, keep in mind these lessons from their stories:
- Make small changes. Running appliances after midnight can reduce your power bills.
- Use smart technology. Devices like Wi-Fi lights and programmable chargers make it easy to control your energy use.
- Track your energy use. Tools like charts and graphs can show you how your efforts save money and energy.
- TOU can fit many household types. Saving on the Time of Use rate is possible across many home types and lifestyles, from charging an EV to adjusting a thermostat and more.
Why a Time of Use Rate matters
Christine’s and Tim’s experiences show that a TOU rate can work for different households. By using energy when demand is lower, you can save on bills and help create a more sustainable grid.
If you’re looking to save money on winter heating bills, power your EV for less, or just reduce your energy use, the upcoming TOU rate might be right for you.
Stay tuned for more updates as the rollout approaches in summer 2025. If you’d like to stay informed about TOU, sign up here to receive email updates on Time of Use rates.