As your electricity demands grow and change, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative has a new Time-of-Use (TOU) rate designed to give members more control over their electric bills.
Unlike a traditional rate where electricity costs the same regardless of when you use it, the Time-of-Use rate encourages members to shift some of their electricity use to times when demand on the electric system is lower. By making a few simple adjustments to when certain appliances run, members can take advantage of significantly lower energy prices.
Already enrolled in demand-based TOU? Click here for information about changes to the current rate.
How the Rate Works
The TOU rate divides each day of the year into three pricing periods:
- Super Off-Peak – 5.5¢/kWh
- Off-Peak – 6.5¢/kWh
- On-Peak – 40¢/kWh
While the super off-peak period remains the same year-round (10 PM – 5 AM), the on-peak and off-peak periods change between summer and winter to reflect when electricity demand is highest. The higher on-peak price encourages members to reduce electricity use during the few hours each day when electricity is most expensive for the cooperative to purchase.
How You Can Save
The Time-of-Use rate rewards flexibility. Members who can shift energy-intensive activities outside the on-peak period have the greatest opportunity to lower their monthly electric bill.
Consider these easy ways to save:
- Charge electric vehicles overnight.
- Program smart thermostats to cool or heat your home before on-peak hours begin.
- Delay pool pumps, water heaters, or other large electrical loads until off-peak or super off-peak periods if your equipment allows.
- Use programmable timers or smart home devices to automate energy use.
- Even shifting just a few large appliances away from on-peak hours can make a noticeable difference over the course of a month.
Is the TOU Rate Right for You?
The TOU rate may be a good fit if you:
- Have a flexible schedule
- Work outside the home during the day
- Own an electric vehicle
- Can automate appliances with timers or smart controls
- Are willing to adjust when you use major appliances
Members who use most of their electricity during on-peak hours without changing their habits may see higher energy costs, so it’s important to understand and commit to the schedule before enrolling.
See your potential savings using our Time-of-Use calculator. Please use a desktop computer to access the TOU calculator for the best experience.
For a more in depth look at your account and help determining if the TOU rate is right for you, contact CCEC’s Customer Service team at 252.247.3107.
All-Energy Time-of-Use Bill Protection Guarantee
Thinking about switching to CCEC’s new All-Energy Time-of-Use rate? Try the rate for up to 12 billing months with added peace of mind. If the standard residential rate would have resulted in a lower bill, CCEC will credit you the difference.
At the end of your first 12 billing months on All-Energy TOU, CCEC will compare what you paid with what you would have paid under the standard residential rate using the same energy usage. If the standard residential rate would have resulted in a lower bill, we’ll credit you the difference on your next bill.
If you move to another rate or end your CCEC service before 12 months, we’ll calculate your protection through your final billing date and apply any applicable credit to your next bill.*
When you are ready to enroll, call us at 252.247.3107.
*At this time, the following members are not eligible to participate in the Bill Protection Plan:
- Commercial Members
- Prepay Members
- Members with poor pay history
Accounts must have AMI metering that provides an acceptable level of hourly interval reads.
Current Solar + Storage TOU members who try the all-energy TOU rate will have their bills compared back to the demand Solar + Storage TOU rate, not the standard residential rate.
Members must enroll in the All-Energy Time-of-Use rate by December 31, 2026, to be eligible for bill protection. Bill Protection is only available during member’s initial enrollment in the All-Energy TOU program. Participation in the Bill Protection Program is limited to the first 200 members to enroll. CCEC reserves the right to adjust participation limits and enrollment deadline as needed.