Choosing A Rate That’s Right For You

Since Rate R customers are not metered (and therefore, not billed) by time of use, examination of lifestyle and consumption habits is necessary to evaluate the opportunity for cost savings.

Consider household energy usage and identify potential areas of peak (daytime) energy demands. What are the primary opportunities for load shifting (using electricity off-peak instead of during on-peak hours) and subsequent cost savings? What factors present the greatest risk of possibly increasing energy costs under Rate RT (using too much electricity during the day)? Some key things to consider include:

• Number of people living in the household and ages
• Members of the household at home during the weekdays
• Household activity during weekdays
• Primary and secondary heat sources
• Water heating source
• Air conditioning use (especially central cooling systems)
• Use of thermostatic controls
• Pool and/ or spa use
• Dehumidification equipment
• Home office equipment
• Condition, age and maintenance of mechanical systems and appliances
• Condition and maintenance of the home’s thermal performance

By auditing household energy requirements, it is likely that a clear pattern of electric use will emerge. This information can assist potential Rate RT consumers determine if their own consumption habits and lifestyles make sense for a time-of-use rate. Are there any “red flags”? An example of a red flag might be a central air conditioning system that is operating during the day. Can the red flag be mitigated or eliminated? How important is it that the system operates during the day? Is it really only needed for a certain period of the day? If so, can the timing be achieved with a programmable thermostat?