To meet the needs of our community, we must all work together to use energy responsibly. Lowering our high-demand, or on-peak electric use, helps everyone save in the long run. Here’s how:
1. Electricity costs more from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.
Like rush hour traffic, we see more congestion on our electric system from the hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. And, just like getting an Uber during rush hour is more expensive, our electricity costs more during high demand times.
2. Higher demand equals the need for more infrastructure
Lowering the amount of expensive electricity we need to buy and produce lowers our overall costs. Higher demand equals the need for more electric generating facilities. While we’ll build new generation in the coming years, we want to manage our costs and prevent the need to build even more than what’s already planned. As a nonprofit, community-owned utility, we pass along costs and savings to our customers.
3. Energy Wise rates = lower rates during off-peak times
Later this year, we’ll introduce new Energy Wise rates. This will give you the option to pay lower electric rates when using electricity outside the peak. Even shifting one or two chores, like laundry, to off-peak hours can make a difference on your bill.
Rates will be lowest on weekdays before 5 p.m. and after 9 p.m., anytime on weekends and most holidays. These times are called off-peak. Rates will be highest on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. These times are called on-peak.
Learn more at csu.org/energywise.
