Residential Time-of-Use Rates

To enjoy TOU rates, you must 'Opt In'.  

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How Residential Time of Use Rates Work

A Glance At The Clock Can Help You Control Your Energy Costs

Residential Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are designed to help you save on electricity by aligning your energy consumption with periods of lower demand. Using power during off-peak hours, when rates are lower, can reduce your overall electric bill. Making small changes to your everyday activities can help you save money. 

Before opting into TOU rates, members should understand their daily energy habits and whether they can consistently use power outside of on-peak hours. Members who opt in to TOU, but continue to use most of their electricity during peak times will pay a higher rate than the usual residential rate. It is important to assess your willingness and ability to actually use electricity during the specified TOU to enjoy savings.

Here’s a closer look at how TOU rates work and how you can benefit.

Summer and Winter Seasons

Residential TOU Rates are based on two designated seasons: Summer & Winter, with six months identified in each.
By understanding and using electricity during these time periods, you can reduce your energy costs. To enroll in TOU, please click the banner link or call 844-MyDEMCO.

Summer Months - The six (6) monthly billing periods of May through October.

Summer On-Peak 1 pm – 8 pm $0.06958 per kWh
Summer Off-Peak All other hours $0.03479
Summer Super Off-Peak 11 pm – 5 am $0.00500

Winter Months – The six (6) monthly billing periods of November through April.

Winter On-Peak 6 am – 10 am; 6 pm – 9 pm $0.06958 per kWh
Winter Off-Peak All other hours $0.03479
Winter Super Off-Peak 11 pm – 5 am $0.00500

Understanding Residential Time Of Use On-Peak and Off-Peak Periods

On-Peak Hours

On-Peak hours are when electricity demand is at its highest. During these periods, electricity costs are higher.

Off-Peak Hours

Off-peak hours have lower electricity rates than the usual residential rate. This rate is only for those who can shift their energy use to off-peak times. It's not a rate for everyone, but if you are confident you can shift your usage to the times designated, this may be a great way to enjoy a lower rate. You must opt in to the TOU rate schedule and use electricity as outlined to enjoy TOU rates. 

Super Off-Peak Hours

Super off-peak hours offer the best savings opportunity. During these time periods, rates are lowest. You must opt in to the TOU rate schedule and use electricity during the designated times to enjoy TOU rates. 

Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are designed to help you save on electricity by aligning your energy consumption with periods of lower demand. By using power during off-peak hours when rates are lower, you can reduce your overall electric bill. Making small changes to your everyday activities can help you save money.

Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are an optional rate schedule for members who can shift electricity use to certain times of day— such as laundry, dishwashers, or electric vehicle charging — to off-peak times.

Before choosing TOU, members should understand their daily energy habits and whether they can consistently use power outside of on-peak hours.

TOU rates can benefit members who can shift most of their electricity use to off-peak times. 

TOU may be a good fit if you:

  • Can run major appliances outside on-peak hours
  • Charge electric vehicles overnight
  • Use less electricity during peak demand times

TOU may not be a good fit if you:

  •  Use most electricity during on-peak hours
  •  Cannot shift usage due to work or family schedules

The key to saving money is lowering your usage during on-peak time. Here are a few ways to do that.

  1. Using delay start or timers on your appliances for them to start at off-peak times or run them early in the morning during the super off-peak is a great start.

  2. Installing a smart thermostat and pre-cool or pre-heat your home during off-peak times to reduce your HVAC load during peak times. A well-insulated home may allow you to turn off the air conditioner or heat and remain comfortable until the peak passes.

  3. Use features available on an electric car to allow for charging during off-peak or super-off-peak hours.

  4. Schedule your EV charger during off-peak or super off-peak hours.