In June 2021, many PG&E and Silicon Valley Clean Energy customers not currently on a Time-of-Use rate plan will be automatically transitioned to a Time-of-Use (peak pricing 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. every day) rate. If this applies to you, you should have recently received notices from PG&E and SVCE with information about your rate options.
This Time-of-Use rate transition is a California state requirement, to help improve how electricity is used on the grid, and support California’s shift toward clean energy. Many customers can save money on a Time-of-Use plan, which is based on when they use electricity.
Customers transitioning to a Time-of-Use rate receive Bill Protection during their first 12 months on the new rate, and are free to return to their old, tiered rate or choose a different Time-of-Use rate at any time. Customers can also decline the transition and remain on their tiered rate by contacting PG&E.
How Can I Save Money on Time-of-Use?
You can use the same amount of energy that you normally use, but by shifting some of your usage to off-peak hours you can take advantage of the new rate to save money.
Things to do during “off-peak” hours (before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m.)
- Run your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.
- If you have air conditioning, run it in the afternoon before 4 p.m., to pre-cool your home.
- If you have an EV, charge it during off-peak hours.
Things to do during “peak” hours (between 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Kick your air conditioning up to 78 degrees, health permitting.
- Load your laundry or dishwasher so it is ready to run after peak hours, ‘delay’ settings allow you to prep a load of laundry or dishes and set it to run while you sleep.
- Turn off unused devices like computers or televisions.
You can learn more about the June 2021 transition to Time-of-Use rates at svcleanenergy.org/time-of-use.
More information on bill protection can be found at svcleanenergy.org/bill-protection.
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