Critical Peak Pricing Program

Use Less Energy and Save with Critical Peak Pricing

Get a discounted rate on electricity all summer long when you agree to reduce your use on days when energy demand is at its highest.

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How It Works

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Enroll to Start Saving

When you enroll, you'll receive a discounted electricity rate for agreeing to reduce your use during Energy Savings Events.

Shift Use Away From 2 - 6 p.m. During Events

During Energy Savings Events, you will be asked to shift your energy use away from 2 – 6 p.m. If you use energy during this period, you will be charged a flat rate of $1 per kWh. The more you shift your electric use out of those four hours, the more you’ll save.

Get the Savings

In the days following the event, you'll receive an energy use report. This will show how well you shifted your usage on the Energy Savings Event.

Program Details

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This is a summer program that runs from June 1 through August 31. There will be no more than 14 Energy Savings Events a year. Events are called when electric demand is expected to be high. All electric customers are eligible to enroll.

By participating you:

Agree to reduce your energy use during these event days, which helps reduce the overall demand of energy
Must be in the program for a minimum of 12 months
Get email alerts before and after the event
Will receive an energy report after an Energy Savings Event Day to see how your home performed
Receive a discounted rate on electricity during off-peak hours from June 1 through August 31—excluding Energy Saving Events, which may occur Monday through Friday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Simple Ways to Shift Your Use

Cook Dinner Outside

Take advantage of the nice weather and grill dinner outside. This will help keep heat out of your house and will help you save energy.

Adjust Your Air Conditioning

In the morning, pre-cool your home at 2 - 3 degrees lower than normal. Then, just before 2 p.m., set your thermostat 3 - 5 degrees higher than normal. You can also install a smart thermostat to help schedule changes for you. Visit our online store to shop for smart thermostats.

Do Chores Earlier or Later

During the week, do the dishes and laundry before 2 p.m. or after 6 p.m. — or wait to do it anytime during the weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How is the Critical Peak Pricing Program Different From The Summer Rate?

The Summer Rate is the standard rate for residential customers that runs from June 1 through August 31. As they temperature rises in the summer, so does the demand on the energy grid. With increased demand comes an increased cost. The rate structure consists of on-peak and off-peak pricing that encourages you to save money by reducing electricity use during the on-peak hours of 2 - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, or shift your use to mornings, nights and weekends.

“On-peak” rate: From 2 - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday from June 1 to August 31, the electricity rate is higher than the “off-peak” rate price.
“Off-peak” rate: Customers pay a lower rate price for electricity used the other 19 hours each summer weekday (outside of “on-peak” times) and all weekend long.

Critical Peak Pricing is an additional voluntary program that allows you to save even more from June through August. You'll get a discount on your bill all summer long outside on-peak hours. Then on up to 14 Energy Savings Event Days, during the most critical hours on the hottest days of the year, you'll be charged $1 per kWh for any electricity you use. We will alert you so you can save money and conserve energy when its needed most by temporarily shifting or reducing electricity use between the hours of 2 - 6 p.m. on these days.

So, the more you shift away from on-peak times in the summer months, the more you'll save!

When, and how often, do Energy Savings Events occur?

Energy Savings Events will usually occur up to 14 times during the summer months of June through August. This will be on non-holiday weekdays from 2 – 6 p.m. Events may be called because of an electric supply emergency or when we expect peak electricity demand. This happens especially during hot and humid weather. See Terms and Conditions for more details.

What is peak demand?

Peak demand is the time of day when customers use the most electricity. This is most common during air conditioning season, from June through August, during the late afternoon (2 – 7 p.m.). Reducing energy use during peak demand hours lowers stress on the electric grid and shifts energy use to less expensive off-peak times.

Can I opt out of an event?

If you’re unable to participate in an event, you can choose not to reduce or shift your electricity use on an Energy Savings Event Day. You will be charged the event rate of $1 per kilowatt for any electricity used during that time.

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Rebates & Discounts for Your Home

Check out rebates and discounts on appliances and home improvement upgrades that help save energy.

See Rebates & Discounts

Help Build a Brighter Future with Renewable Energy

By participating in our Renewable Energy Programs, you can offset your carbon footprint and help us build more renewable energy resources.

Explore Renewable Programs