Time-of-Use - Shift to Save

Consumers who take steps to shift some of their energy use to mid-peak or off-peak times will reduce their electricity costs while helping to improve the environment.

First, focus in on the electricity guzzlers in your home - and how you use them during peak times.

• Cut your air conditioning costs. Making wise use of your air conditioner will have the biggest impact on your summer energy bill.
• In the summer, avoid running your air conditioner from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays as much as possible.
• Close curtains and blinds to keep out the midday sun.
• Use a portable fan in conjunction with your air conditioner and set the thermostat to 26-28º C (78 -82º F).
• Depending on how well your home is insulated, it may be possible to pre-cool your home by a few degrees prior to on-peak periods so that it remains comfortable during the on-peak periods when prices are higher

• If you have electric heating, your overall costs to heat your home are unlikely to change significantly. In some recent smart meter pilot projects, customers with electric heat have seen savings with Time-of-Use rates. However, to reduce costs from electric heating, you may wish to consider installing programmable baseboard heater thermostats and set them to lower the temperature by a degree or two during peak times.
• Don't forget to reduce the heat by a few degrees in rooms that are not being used.

• Electric water heaters can really make electricity use spike as they refill and heat water. If you reduce the amount of hot water you use during peak periods, you also reduce the amount of electricity you use during these times. Try installing a low-flow showerhead to reduce the amount of water used during every shower.
• Consider purchasing a programmable timer for your water heater and program it to operate during off-peak hours.

• Try setting your dishwasher to start after 7 p.m. when off-peak prices begin. If your dishwasher has a timer - use it.
• Always run full loads
• Use the air-dry setting

• Clothes dryers consume a lot of energy. Wait until evening or the weekend and you'll pay a third of the cost.
• Wash in cold water
• Hang laundry out to dry
• Throw a load of laundry in or turn on the dryer before going to bed. If your washer is equipped with a timer, set it to start after 7 p.m.
• If washing was done during the night, put clothes in the dryer in the early morning

• Older models of refrigerators can be real energy guzzlers. A new fridge can run on as little as half the electricity of a ten-year-old model. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when you buy a new fridge.
• If you are using a secondary refrigerator to store beer and pop, consider that an older fridge may be consuming up to $125 a year in electricity.
• Got an old fridge you would like to get rid of? Call 1-877-797-9473 for FREE fridge pick up under the Save On Energy Fridge and Freezer Pick Up ^OM program

• If you have a swimming pool, sauna, or spa, try using timers where possible to operate pumps, filters and heaters during off-peak periods
• Use a solar blanket on your pool.

• Match the pots to the element size, make sure the bottoms of your pans are flat and put the lids on.
• Minimize the pre-heating time for your oven. Unless you are baking, you may not even need to pre-heat.
• Better yet, use a crock pot, toaster oven or a small microwave - you'll use less energy, and you won't be creating extra heat in the house on hot days.

• Use your electric lawn mower during evening hours or on weekends.

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.

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.