I've heard electricity is cheaper in the evening hours, but it doesn't seem to say that on my bill?

Question

If power companies charge less for off-peak electricity, why isn't my bill broken down by evening and day usage? Peak vs. off-peak usage?

And how much of a savings is it to run the washing machine, dishwasher or dryer during off-peak hours?

Answer 1

A company called PSE introduced Time of Use Billing back in 2001...they don't use it any longer, but some companies still do...perhaps yours is one of them? Check out the following article for more information than you probably wanted to know:

http://energypriorities.com/entries/2006...

Answer 2

My power company doesn't break down the bill for evening vs. daytime hours.  There is a flat rate for all electricity used.

Answer 3

Some large companies get a cheaper rate for off-peak usage. But do not believe this is open to most individuals. This is a great idea for power companies to consider and would not be too hard to implement with the new type meters we now have in many areas. (They transmit usage through the power lines). The power companies talk conservation and using in off peak hours but they do not place their money where their mouth is. Most times they just give lip service and do not really want you to cut back, especially at off peak hours. Like any other commodity the more sold the more profit made. Our power company is offering an 8% interest for installation of a Heat Pump. What a great deal 8%. You can do better than that on a signature loan at many places.  

Answer 4

Most power companies - as others have said - either don't break it down or don't even bill a different rate.  The best way to know if your utility company does this is to contact them.

The reason they urge people to use big appliances during off-peak hours is because during "work hours" there is a larger draw on utilities for office machines, air conditioning, etc, and it's an effort to conserve energy during these hours so they don't have to institute mandatory power cuts (because the power stations would otherwise become overloaded).  

In San Diego, SDG&E has in the past instituted "rolling blackouts" and just shut down power to various quadrants of the city on different grids.  The power will go out at one place for 15-30 minutes, then the power will go out in the next quadrant of the grid. Sucks, but it's what they do....

Answer 5

To be able to get off-peak rates you need to have a specific type of meter that is able to measure the different times.  If there is no mention of off-peak on your bill, it's unlikely you have the right type of meter.

Answer 6

that not true ,it is the same rate all day,7 days a week.