What is Time-of-Use?
Time-of-use (TOU) rates mean the price of energy varies based on the time of day. Peak hours vary by rate class, but are generally defined as the hours between 4–9PM. By shifting some electricity usage to non-peak hours when energy costs less (and is typically less polluting), you can lower your bill and support a healthier environment.
Time-of-Use Peak Pricing 4–9 p.m. Every Day
California’s electric customers will begin moving to a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan, risk-free, to support our state’s ongoing commitment to clean energy. Electricity customers on non-TOU rates will be transitioned to the Time-of-Use (Peak Pricing 4-9 p.m. Every Day) (E-TOU-C) rate plan, as part of a statewide initiative to ensure greater power reliability and a better energy future. Customers may decline to participate in the transition and remain on a non-TOU rate plan, or choose another rate plan.
Bill Protection
If you are moving from a non-TOU rate, you can try the E-TOU-C rate plan for the first 12 months with automatic bill protection. If your first year of service under E-TOU-C is more expensive than your current non-TOU rate, PG&E will credit you the difference at the end of the first 12 months. If you decide you are not satisfied on this rate plan, you can switch to another rate plan at any time, and you will still be eligible for bill protection for the months that you were on the E-TOU-C rate plan. While most accounts are eligible for full bill protection, some accounts may not be eligible.
Click on your county to find out more about your city's Time-Of-Use Pricing Transition Schedule:
The video below from EnergySage explains TOU rate plans and provides energy-saving tips.
Photo credit: PG&E time-of-use rate plan hours via pge.com.