Time-of-Use - Reducing Energy Consumption to Save

One way to reduce your electricity bill is to bring your overall energy use down.

Electronics - Beware of "Phantom Load"

• The average Canadian home has 25 electronic devices that use standby power (also known as "phantom load") which can add up to 10 per cent of household electricity consumption.
• Electronic items that use standby power include computers, televisions, game consoles and cell phone or power tool chargers, etc. These devices continue to use standby power even when they are turned off.
• Take steps to reduce standby power consumption particularly during peak periods.

Around the House

• Unplug battery chargers as soon as devices are fully charged or when the charger is not being used. Avoid charging batteries during peak periods.
• If you regularly use a number of battery chargers (e.g. for cell phones), consider creating a charging station where all of the chargers are plugged into a single power bar equipped with a built-in timer. Set the timer to come on during off-peak times and shut off after only a few hours of charging.
• Ensure all lights are off during the day if you will not be home.
• Install compact fluorescent lights, especially in light fixtures that will be on during peak times

In the Entertainment Room

• Large-screen televisions, DVD players and game consoles consume a significant amount of electricity. Plug these devices into a power bar. When not in use, turn off the devices using the power bar.

In the Home Office

• Avoid using screen savers since they cause your monitor to consume the same amount of power as when it is running normally. Instead, activate power management features on computers and monitors so that they enter sleep mode when inactive for a short period of time.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when they are not being used. In the case of computers, most electricity waste occurs when they are left on overnight, on weekends or for extended periods of inactivity during peak periods during the day.
• Plug your home office equipment (computer, monitor, speakers, printer, scanner, etc.) into a power bar that can easily be turned off when the equipment is not in use.

Buying appliances, home entertainment equipment or home office equipment?
Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products. An ENERGY STAR qualified computer, for example, uses 70 per cent less electricity than a model without power management capabilities.

Learn how to take advantage of Time-of-Use rates - Visit 10 Smart Meter Lane

The interactive house at 10 Smart Meter Lane shows you the effect of Time-of-Use rates as you are using appliances, lighting and air conditioning at different times of the day.

Simply click on appliances and input how long you would use the appliance to see how much you would save by shifting some of your usage to mid-peak or off-peak times.

How much can I save by shifting my electricity use?

One way to benefit from Time-of-Use rates is to shift some of your electricity use to off-peak or mid-peak periods when rates are lower.

The chart below shows some examples of the cost to run various appliances during off-peak, mid-peak and on-peak time periods.

ENERGY STAR® mark is administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada

Note: If you currently purchase electricity under a contract with a retailer, you will continue to follow the terms and price stated in your contract.