How Time of Use Rates Work
A Glance At The Clock Can Help You Control Your Energy Costs
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.
Before choosing TOU, members should understand their daily energy habits and whether they can consistently use power outside of on-peak hours.
Here’s a closer look at how TOU rates work and how you can benefit.
Summer and Winter Seasons
TOU Rates are based on two designated seasons: Summer & Winter, with six months identified in each. By understanding and using these time periods, you can reduce your energy costs and help reduce demand. To enroll in TOU, please click the link in the banner 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 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 to manage demand and encourage conservation.
Off-Peak Hours
Off-peak hours have lower electricity rates because demand on the power grid is reduced. During these times, the grid experiences less strain, allowing you to enjoy lower rates.
Super Off-Peak Hours
Super off-peak hours offer the best savings opportunity, as electricity demand is lowest. This period offers the lowest 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Use features available on an electric car to allow for charging during off-peak or super-off-peak hours.
- Schedule your EV charger during off-peak or super off-peak hours.
