Updated on 6/3/2022, originally published on 6/15/2021
Starting March 2022, most residential customers were automatically transitioned to a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan, to support the state’s transition to cleaner energy while maintaining energy reliability. With TOU, when you use electricity matters as much as how much electricity you use. Electricity rates are most expensive from 4-9 p.m. when the most fossil fuels are on the grid. We encourage you to help reduce carbon emissions, and lower your energy bills by conserving energy from 4-9.
Why is California shifting to a 4-9 p.m. peak?
TOU rates support a cleaner power grid by encouraging energy use during times when renewable resources are more readily available — solar production typically peaks in the early afternoon and wind energy is more available in the evenings. Energy demand tends to spike between 4-9 p.m., when these renewable energy resources are not at their highest production. Without energy conservation during this time fossil fuel power plants are more likely to be switched on. Learn more about the importance of the 4-9 p.m. peak in our Energy Expert: Duck Curve blog post.
MCE’s residential customers on the most common E-1 (tiered) rate will be automatically transitioned in 2022 to the Time-of-Use Peak Pricing 4-9 p.m. (E-TOU-C) rate plan. Learn more about the Time-of-Use transition. Start managing your energy usage before the official switch with these tips and tricks.
What should I do?
1. Reduce your energy consumption from 4-9 p.m. especially during Flex Alerts!
The 4-9 p.m. hours is also the period used for Flex Alerts. Flex Alerts are requests from California’s electric grid operator for customers to voluntarily conserve electricity on special days during the 4-9 p.m. peak hours. Flex Alerts are usually issued in the summer when extremely hot weather increases electricity demand close to the available capacity. If customers don’t decrease their usage enough and instead switch on their air conditioners and large appliances during 4-9 p.m. on a Flex Alert day, rotating outages can occur. Flex Alerts are different from a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff event because they are not tied to potential wildfire events. Learn more about the difference between a Flex Alert and a PSPS event.
When you use electricity during peak hours, make small adjustments like raising the temperature on your thermostat to 78 degrees or unplugging appliances that you aren’t using. Use room fans and shades to block sunlight in your home. These practices can help keep you cool and reduce your electricity consumption. You can also load your dishwasher or washing machine so they’re ready to run later in the evening or during the daytime.
2. Take advantage of off-peak rates and save money.
Consider shifting your energy usage to off-peak hours even when a Flex Alert isn’t called to take maximum advantage of the lower rates. Precooling your home on hot days, running major appliances in the morning or just before you go to sleep, and charging your electric vehicle overnight can make a big difference in your energy bill. These actions also help during a Flex Alert.
3. Look for ways to lower your energy usage overall.
Look for long-term solutions to reduce your energy consumption like upgrading to LED lightbulbs and energy-efficient appliances. You can even do a full energy efficiency audit with a qualified professional and see if changes like upgrading your cooling system or adding more insulation can lower your consumption. Qualifying single-family homeowners and renters can receive a free energy savings gift box and virtual home energy assessment through our Home Energy Savings program.
Learn more ways to save money and energy from 4-9 p.m.
