From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. members on this rate can charge their electric vehicles for 3.57¢ per kWh. The average EV owner that travels 40 miles each day, can charge their EV for less than .82¢ per day on this rate. Your actual savings on the EV TOU rate will be based on how committed you are to shifting your EV charging to super off-peak times.
In addition to adjusting the time that you charge your EV, other small changes in your energy use will save you even more money.
Evaluate what appliances and equipment are your biggest users of electricity. In general, electric devices that heat or cool are the big users. Some of these items include water heaters, air conditioners and heaters, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, hot tubs, saunas, and pool pumps.
Next, decide if you can avoid using these electric devices during the peak periods. Some ways to shift your usage times are:
- Use the delay timer setting on your washing machine, dishwasher, and other devices to use them during off-peak times.
- Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures for on-peak and off-peak hours.
- Do your baking and cooking during off-peak times. You will only use a small amount of energy to reheat the meal later.
Timers can make it easy to concentrate your electric usage during off-peak times. Plug-in appliance timers are available for a modest price from most hardware and home improvement stores. They can be used to control room air conditioners or heaters, pool pumps, and even that extra freezer that you open only occasionally.
For hard-wired devices such as a water heater, consult with an electrician or heating and plumbing contractor for installation of a timer. A timer allows the device to only come on during off-peak times. You will need to adjust the timers twice a year to accommodate the winter and summer off-peak times.