Save more money by doing less

How to Lower the Cost of Utility Bills during Peak Rate Periods

When was the last time you looked at your electric bill; I mean REALLY looked at your electric bill? If you’re like most people, you simply look at the total bill amount, and pay the amount due – and depending on the time of year, and potential energy efficiency issues in your home or office, you may utter a few expletives prior to actually paying the bill. Or, you could be like many technologically advanced homeowners and business owners and have your electric bill set up for auto draft from your bank account or to auto pay to a credit card.

In either case, if you simply glance at your electric bill, if at all, you are missing out on an important piece of information regarding power costs: utility companies charge different rates during different times throughout the day. For example, Pedernales Electric Cooperative charges a baseline rate, called economy rate, a normal rate, and a peak rate. See the rates corresponding to the time of day below:

Baseline: 11pm – 10am

Normal: 10am – 2pm

Peak: 2pm – 6pm

Normal: 6pm – 11pm

Austin Energy charges a baseline rate, and adds an adjustment based on usage.

To save energy and cut your utility bills, we recommend you make a few minor adjustments throughout the day. Taking into consideration peak hours are between 2pm and 6pm from June through September, practice energy conservation by following three simple suggestions:

1. Take showers in the morning, rather than in the evening. Utility rates are up to five (5) times lower in the morning than during other times of the day
2. Use major appliances such as dishwashers, and washer and dryer after 6pm. If possible, use the delay option on your dishwasher to run after 11pm
3. Set your thermostat 1-3 degrees higher during peak hours, and use ceiling fans to help circulate air throughout your home

The benefits to making these small changes will conserve energy and save you an additional 10-15% on your utility bill. Not only will you save money now, you are savings for the future. Utility companies spend up to 70% of their operating costs on buying power. Avoid future utility rate increases by conserving energy today.

You can save an additional 20-40% on utility bills and increase the comfort by making energy efficient upgrades to your home or office. Not only can you save with these home energy saver ideas, but saving energy can also be accomplished by installing energy efficient upgrades such as whole house air sealing, duct sealing, attic insulation, attic ventilation, radiant barrier, wall foam insulation, and spray foam insulation. Schedule a FREE energy performance assessment today.