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Time-of-Use Residential Tips

Tips to Maximize Your Savings with Time-of-Use Rates

Heating and Cooling: account for a large portion of your electric use.

During peak hours:

  • Turn your thermostat up in warm weather, down when it’s cold – air conditioning at 78 degrees and heat at 68 degrees still “feels great.” A programmable thermostat will make this easy.
  • Close blinds or drapes to keep the sun or the cold air out.
  • Have your heating/cooling systems serviced annually so they operate efficiently.
  • Don’t open doors unnecessarily or hold them open.
  • Use fans to make the temperature feel about 4 degrees cooler.
  • Minimize the use of appliances, such as your oven/stovetop, that add heat to the house.

Water Heaters: are the next highest energy users.

During peak hours:

  • Avoid using large amounts of hot water (for washing clothes, bathing, etc).
  • If you have to do laundry, use cold water settings.
  • Turning your water heater off during peak hours; a simple water heater timer will do it for you.

In General:

  • Wash and dry laundry and run your dishwasher during off-peak hours.
  • Consider purchasing “smart” appliances, now offered by some manufacturers, and connecting them to home energy management system; this can make a big difference, making it easy to save more with Time-of-Use Rates.
  • Take showers/baths during off-peak hours.
  • Unplug electronics that are not in use.
  • Be extra vigilant about conserving power in any way you can during peak hours.