It was 90 degrees in March. Did winter even happen? Hotter than average summer temperatures are expected across much of Colorado this year, which may lead to many households using more electricity than usual. With that in mind, and finances already stretched thin, now might be a good time for some San Isabel Electric members to take a closer look at our optional Off-Peak Plus time-of-day rate plan which rewards households with nearly half-price electricity for shifting their electricity usage outside of high-demand hours. Off-Peak Plus is not right for everyone and requires at least a one-year commitment, but it can be a great fit for certain lifestyles and usage patterns.
Because of its pricing structure, the key to success with Off-Peak Plus is avoiding electricity use during the 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on-peak period. For many co-op members — particularly those in areas with more moderate summer temperatures where central air conditioning is uncommon — this may be relatively easy. Homes without heavy evening cooling needs, or those with flexible schedules, often have no trouble keeping peak usage low.
Off-Peak Plus can be especially favorable for members who can shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours. This includes charging electric vehicles overnight, running dishwashers and laundry later in the evening, scheduling water heating for nighttime or early morning, or using programmable or smart appliances.
On the other hand, Off-Peak Plus may not be the best option for members who consistently use moderate to large amounts of electricity between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. This includes households that rely heavily on air conditioning, electric cooking, small entertainment and gaming devices, and multiple appliances during on-peak hours. Because on-peak power is so expensive, even a modest amount of peak usage, especially central air conditioning, can quickly erode off-peak savings. If you’re not home or not using the majority of your electricity between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., during off-peak hours, the Off-Peak Plus option would not be a good fit for your lifestyle. Our mobile account management app SmartHub can help you determine if you might benefit from this rate plan. SmartHub’s Usage Explorer tool shows members how much electricity is used down to the hour.
In short, Off-Peak Plus offers meaningful savings potential, but members are encouraged to review their past energy use and consider their daily routines to determine whether this time-of-day rate is a good match for their household. If you’re interested, give us a call or send us an email and we can help with the analysis.
Visit siea.com/rateselectiontool to learn more about rate options and apply to switch rates.
