Energy Efficient Living

Cut Costs as You Conserve Energy

Did you know that the energy charge varies based on peak and off-peak hours during the day, and these fluctuations can impact the energy bill significantly?

The energy is not typically charged at the same rate throughout the day. In many places, electricity providers implement time-of-use (TOU) pricing, where the cost of electricity varies based on the time of day and the level of demand on the energy grid. This pricing model is designed to encourage consumers to shift their energy usage to off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is lower and, in turn, helps balance the load on the grid.

The three common pricing periods in time-of-use pricing are:

Off-Peak Hours: Energy rates are the lowest during off-peak hours, which are usually late at night, early morning, and sometimes weekends when electricity demand is minimal.

Mid-Peak Hours: Energy rates are higher during mid-peak hours, which generally fall during the daytime or early evening when there is moderate demand for electricity.

Peak Hours: Energy rates are at their highest during peak hours, typically occurring during the late afternoon and early evening when energy demand is at its highest due to increased residential and commercial activities.

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*Please note that it may differ based on the region and the provider. For example, here are some energy-saving hours in New York City:

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Con Edison: During the summer, you should shift some energy use to off-peak hours, which are midnight to 8 AM or all day on weekends

Central Hudson: Peak hours are 2 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday

Smart Energy Plan: For some customers, the peak period is noon to 8 PM, and for others it's 2 PM to 10 PM

On-peak winter hours: 5 PM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday (December - February)

PSEG Long Island: Peak hours are from 4 PM until 8 PM weekdays

Weekends and holidays: All day off-peak periods

As you can see, you will need to contact your service provider or look at your bills to learn the peak and saver time of your area. You can also consider shifting some energy use to off-peak hours to avoid using large devices and appliances during the super-peak period, which is Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 PM.

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By charging different rates based on the time of day, utilities aim to incentivize consumers to use electricity during off-peak hours, thus reducing the strain on the grid during peak periods and promoting energy conservation.

It's important for consumers to be aware of their electricity provider's pricing structure, as well as the specific times designated for off-peak, mid-peak, and peak hours. By understanding these rates, consumers can make informed decisions about when to use energy-intensive appliances to potentially save on their electricity bills. Some utility companies may also offer incentives or programs to encourage customers to shift their energy usage to off-peak times, further promoting energy efficiency and grid stability.

Stay energy smart and save money!

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Sources:

https://www.coned.com/.../accounts.../your-bill/time-of-use

https://www.ohmconnect.com/.../why-is-my-electric-bill-so...

https://www.nyseg.com/.../electricpricing/day-night-rate

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Res.../At-Home/Energy-Saving-Tips