Starting in fall 2025, we are introducing a Time of Use (TOU) rate for homes and small to medium businesses. With TOU, when you use electricity affects how much you pay. Electricity will cost more during peak hours (from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.), when demand is highest, but it will cost less during other times.
By shifting some of your electricity use to off-peak or mid-peak hours, you can reduce your bill and help make the power system more efficient. Here’s how it works and what you can do to save.
What are peak, mid-peak, and off-peak hours?
Our TOU rate has three pricing periods:
- Peak hours (most expensive): 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday–Saturday (excluding city holidays).
- Mid-peak hours (moderate pricing): 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight, Monday–Saturday. On Sundays and holidays, mid-peak pricing lasts all day (6 a.m. to midnight).
- Off-peak hours (least expensive): Midnight to 6 a.m., every day.
Knowing these time periods will help you plan your energy use and save money.
Tips to save energy and money with TOU
Use appliances at the right time
- Run appliances off-peak: Use dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers late at night or early in the morning. Many have delay-start features to make this easier.
- Choose smaller appliances: Use tools like air fryers or slow cookers earlier in the day instead of ovens during peak hours.
- Charge EVs overnight: Set your electric vehicle (EV) to charge during off-peak hours when rates are lowest.
Use smart technology to save energy
Smart devices can help you lower energy use:
- Smart thermostats: Adjust heating or cooling to off-peak hours and use less energy overall.
- Wi-Fi-enabled appliances: Use delay-start features on dishwashers or laundry machines.
- Smart plugs or power strips: Schedule devices to turn off and stop wasting energy when not in use.
Manage heating and cooling
Heating and cooling are big energy users. Here’s how to heat and cool more efficiently.
- Pre-heat or cool: Warm or cool your home during off-peak hours and maintain the temperature.
- Use natural ventilation: Open windows or use fans instead of running air conditioning during peak hours.
- Block sunlight: Use blinds or curtains to keep your home cool in summer or insulated in winter.
- Layer up: Wear extra clothes inside during winter to avoid using too much heat during peak hours.
Practical Tips for Renters
Renters can save energy even without upgrading appliances or systems:
- Energy-saving devices: Use smart plugs, timers, or power strips to avoid wasted electricity. Charge devices like laptops or tablets during off-peak hours.
- Smaller appliances: Cook meals with a microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer instead of a full oven. Preheat or cool rooms using space heaters or window AC units off-peak.
- Talk to property managers: Ask about upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or smart thermostats. They might qualify for rebates or energy efficiency programs.
Simple ways to be energy efficient
Even if shifting energy use isn’t possible for every activity, small changes can make a big difference:
- Wash with cold water: Use cold settings for laundry, which saves energy regardless of the time of day.
- Air dry clothes: Skip the dryer and air dry your laundry.
- Run full loads: Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when they’re full.
Stay updated
Sign up for email updates or visit our website to learn more about TOU rates and how they can help you save.
By planning when you use energy, you can lower your electric bill while helping to create a more efficient energy system.