In addition to monitoring overall usage, you should familiarize yourself with the Time-of-Day schedule and peak hours (Time Day Schedule). As a member of NCE, you know how to make smart energy choices that help you save money. However, when you use electricity can be just as important as how much you use.
Throughout the day, energy use fluctuates based on consumer demand. Typically, households use larger amounts of electricity in the morning when most people are getting ready for their day, and in the evenings when people return from work, cook dinner, wash clothes, and watch television.
These times, when people are using more electricity at the same time, are called “peak” hours. The cost to provide power is higher during these times because of the additional demand for electricity. NCE’s peak times are 2-10 p.m. on weekdays during the summer (May 16 through September 15), and weekdays from 6-9 a.m. and 5-10 p.m. during the winter (September 16 to May 15).
By shifting some of your energy use to hours when demand is lower, known as off-peak hours, you can save money on your energy bills and help keep rates lower for our community.
Here are a few easy ways you can shift energy use to off-peak hours:
- Wash full loads of clothes in cold water during off-peak hours.
- Run the dishwasher right before you go to bed, or air-dry dishes by opening the dishwasher instead of using the heated dry cycle.
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Use smart devices to schedule running during off-peak hours (washers, dryers, dishwashers, etc.)
