Save by Shifting When You Use Electricity
Northfork Electric Cooperative now offers a Time of Use rate option. This rate gives members an opportunity to lower their electricity costs by shifting energy use away from peak hours.
What Is a Time of Use Rate (TOU)?
With a Time of Use rate, the price of electricity changes depending on the time of day. Electricity costs more during peak hours, when demand on the electric grid is highest, and less during off-peak hours.
This means when electricity is used can be just as important as how much is used. Members who can move activities such as laundry, charging and meal preparation to off-peak hours may have an opportunity to save.
Why move to the TOU rate?
Peak hours are set for when the electric grid has its highest usage. By shifting your usage away from those times, you ease the strain on the grid as well as enjoy lower pricing.
Time of Use Rates
All prices are per kilowatt-hour.
| Rate Option | Price | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Residential Rate | $0.1075 per kWh | All hours |
| Time of Use - Off-Peak | $0.0895 per kWh | Outside peak hours |
| Time of Use - On-Peak | $0.25 per kWh | During peak hours |
Peak Hours
| Season | Months | Peak hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | April through October | 3-7 p.m. |
| Winter | November through March | 6-10 a.m. |
Electricity used outside the listed peak periods is billed at the lower off-peak rate.
Is the TOU Right for You?
The Time of Use rate may be a good fit for members who can move large-appliance use, electric-vehicle charging and other energy-intensive activities outside peak hours. Shifting energy use can also help reduce strain on the electric grid during periods of highest demand.
Actual costs depend on each household's energy use and how much usage can be shifted outside peak hours.
Four Easy Ways to Shift and Save
A few simple adjustments can make a difference.
RUN APPLIANCES LATER
Dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers often have delay-start settings. Set them to run during off-peak times.
CHARGE OVERNIGHT
Plug in electric vehicles, phones, tablets, and other devices so they charge during off-peak hours. A smart plug or timers can assist with this.
ADJUST THERMOSTAT AHEAD OF TIME
Pre-cool or pre-heat your home by a couple of degrees before peak hours begin to stay comfortable while avoiding higher-cost energy use.
RETHINK MEAL PREP
Use smaller appliances like microwaves or air fryers during peak times or prepare meals earlier in the day when energy costs are lower, if possible.
Who is the TOU rate best suited for?
Savers of both energy and cost who will modify behavior to maximize savings.
Request a Customized Rate Analysis
Contact Northfork Electric Cooperative's customer service department to learn whether the Time of Use rate may be a good fit.
Phone: (580) 928-3366
Email: customerservice@nfecoop.com
Members who switch must remain on the TOU rate for a minimum of 12 months.