In December’s conservation article we discussed power generation and why there are time periods when we need to cut back on our energy consumption (kilowatt-hours) and time periods when we want to sell more energy. This article will tell you why OEC’s Time-Of-Use rate fits that scenario perfectly.
The Time-Of-Use rate encourages members to curb their kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage during the time periods in which the demand for generation is high and to use more kWhs when the demand for generation is low.  If you change your lifestyle to fit this rate, you will also save money on your electric bill. The price per kWh is dependent on the time of the day that you purchase it. 

The times that kilowatt-hours are purchased at the on-peak price is 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday through Friday.  During this time you will purchase kilowatt-hours at 17¢ each.
Off-peak is all other times.  That means from 8 PM – 8 AM during the week is off-peak as well as from 8 PM Friday through 8 AM Monday – the entire weekend.  There are also some holidays that are entirely off-peak. They are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  During off-peak times you will pay 3.4¢ per kilowatt-hour.
Compare this rate to OEC’s Farm and Residential rate which is 9.98¢ per kilowatt-hour at all times. 

The Importance of Time-Of-Use 

There are two reasons this rate is important. First, as mentioned earlier everyone needs to start cutting back on electric consumption during times of high demand (on-peak) so that less generation is needed in the future. 
The second reason the Time-Of-Use rate is important is that most people who choose to go on this rate can save money. BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU USE ELECTRICITY.  How much you change - by shifting your usage to off-peak hours - will directly affect how much you save on your electric bill.  

How The Time-Of-Use Rate Will Affect You

First you need to determine what appliances and equipment in your house use the most electricity...in general, this would be things that heat or cool.  Some high use items include electric water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, space heaters, air conditioners, electric clothes dryers, electric ranges, hot tubs/saunas, water beds, welders and pool pumps.  Being on the Time-Of-Use rate means you must decide what can be shifted to off-peak hours. 
Obviously you cannot change the way your refrigerator or freezer uses electricity, but your electric water heater can be shut off during on-peak hours by putting it on a timer. Wait until after 8 PM to use your dish washer, clothes washer or dryer.  If you have an electric range, cook large meals on the weekend and just reheat them during the week.
YOU WILL ONLY SAVE MONEY IF YOU ARE WILLING TO SHIFT LOAD TO OFF-PEAK HOURS.

Signing Up For Time-Of-Use

You can go to www.ocontoelectric.com and click on Billing then Time-Of-Use rates.  At the bottom of the page there is a link to the Time-Of-Use form.  Simply print the form, complete it and send it in. Or you can call OEC to have a form mailed to you.
Once OEC receives your completed form, your account will be switched at the end of the billing period.  This is usually the last day of the month.
Members on the Dual Fuel/Thermal Storage rate are NOT eligible to be on the Time-Of-Use rate.