Time-of-Use billing is an option that offers a lower rate for electricity when demand on our system is low, balanced with a higher rate when demand on our system is high. It gives you the opportunity to save money on your bill by moving your energy consumption to times when demand on BEMC’s system is low.

Time when demand is high is called on-peak, and time when demand is low is called off-peak. This billing option is not for everyone, but if your lifestyle allows you to shift a portion of your energy use from on-peak times to off-peak times, you could experience savings.

If you sign up for this plan the on-peak hours, or times to avoid using lots of electricity, are during the week from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the winter, and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer. With Time-of-Use, you pay a lower rate than our standard rate all other times, and a much lower rate from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. year-round.

We are offering this option to give members the opportunity to reduce your bill, and because it encourages the most efficient use of our system. By minimizing peak demand, your cooperative keeps wholesale power costs as low as possible and all members benefit.

To make the most of Time-of-Use billing we recommend that you install a timer on your water heater to keep it from cycling on during on-peak hours, and add a programmable thermostat to the HVAC system so the thermostat will automatically go up in the summer and down in the winter during on-peak hours. To be successful with this rate you’ll need to avoid doing the majority of your cooking, laundry and other high energy-use activities during on-peak hours as well.

An application process, including a free consultation, is required to sign up for this rate. The new Time-of-Use billing option goes into effect April 1 and Member Service Representatives are available now to assist you during business hours at (800) 842-5871.