Ames Electric Services Seeks Customers for Pilot Program with Time-of-Use Rates
AMES, Iowa – Ames Electric Services is implementing a pilot program for its new Time-of-Use (TOU) electric rates for residential customers and is looking for volunteer participants to test the new program. Customers who shift some of their energy usage to off-peak periods have the potential to see significant savings in their electric bill. The new rates are calculated so that total energy costs, on average, will be very similar for the average customer.
Time-of-Use rates encourage customers to shift energy usage from Ames Electric’s peak period to off-peak and super off-peak periods, which can lower costs for participants and the utility by reducing overall energy usage during the utility’s highest cost periods. The pilot project, which will run for six months, will allow customers to provide feedback to the utility before TOU rates are available to a broader audience. Those interested should complete a short application form on the City’s website available at www.CityOfAmes.org/Electric.
“By offering a discounted cost for off-peak charging, Electric Services is incentivizing actions that are called out in our community Climate Action Plan,” said Donald Kom, Director of Ames Electric Services. “In particular, we encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and homes powered by electricity.”
Time-of-Use rates can be beneficial for all customers who manage their electric usage and can be especially advantageous to those charging an electric vehicle. Electric vehicle charging is a large energy use that can easily be shifted to off-peak and super off-peak periods. Additionally, this new rate structure creates energy pricing that more closely reflects the cost of electricity during select periods within a day. Ames Electric is adopting a three-period rate structure. (The charge per kWh is available on the website):
- On-peak rates: From 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday
- Off-peak rates: From 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on weekdays
- Super off-peak rate: All other times, including weekends and six major holidays
Ames Electric Services will be taking applications through Friday, Jan.10, 2025, for customers who would like to experiment with the Time-of-Use rates. For more information, contact Energy Services Coordinator Joel Zook at 515.239.5177 or email at joel.zook@cityofames.org.
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