Shift Your Use, Save Some Cash

Harrison REMC’s time-of-use rate option can help you save more

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Posted on Sep 01 2023 in Harrison REMC

Harrison REMC has been offering a time-of-use (TOU) rate option since 1988. The TOU rate is more reflective of wholesale energy costs, which are determined by two factors: an energy charge and a demand charge.

The REMC’s wholesale costs are low when the demand for energy decreases (off-peak) and the costs are higher when demand increases (on-peak). The TOU rate reflects the REMC’s wholesale costs associated with these on-peak and off-peak periods. Shifting energy use to periods of low demand will reduce our power costs and allow us to pass the savings on to you.

Starting last year, the TOU rate has been revised to include an additional “Super Off-Peak” rate. This new rate will help incentivize members to use electricity at an even lower cost time. This “Super Off-Peak” period is from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day of the year on the TOU rate. This rate is great for members who have electric vehicles or are considering an electric vehicle and could program their EV to charge on the very low rate, as well as set other household appliances to run during that time to save money.

Members who sign up for this rate and expect to save money will need to shift their electric use to off-peak hours by making lifestyle changes, such as adjusting the thermostat a few degrees and drying clothes or running the dishwasher during off-peak hours. WHEN you use other household appliances will also become a top priority. To the left is a list of peak demand offenders from worst to least and a breakdown of off-peak and on-peak hours.

To sign up, or if you have questions, please call the office at 812-738-4115 or 812-951-2323.

Check off the worst peak offenders in your home

Electric furnaces
120-volt space heaters
Electric water heaters, clothes dryers and ovens
Dishwashers
Air conditioners/heat pumps
Leaky ductwork in attics
Dehumidifiers
Hot water circulating pumps
Water pumps for non-drinking purposes
Block heaters for auto or pickup
Open curtains, which require more air conditioning or heating
Electric vehicles

What are the other offenders in your home?

Moderate offenders

  • Hair dryers
  • Toasters
  • Curling irons
  • Leaky ductwork in crawl space or basement
  • Freezers
  • Electric cooktops
  • Stand alone humidifiers
  • Incandescent lighting turned on for the whole peak demand period

Minimal offenders

  • TVs, DVD players, VCRs and radios
  • Computers and printers
  • Blenders/mixers, microwave ovens
  • Phone/game/laptop chargers
  • Ceiling/floor/table fans running to provide relief in lieu of air conditioning
  • Incandescent lighting used as needed (intermittent during peak demand period)
  • Continuous use of ventilation fans during peak period