As we enter the last month of the year and look forward to celebrating the holidays, this is a good time to plan for next year.

One way to save energy and money is by switching to the South River EMC time-of-use (TOU) rate. This rate offers electricity to members at a discounted rate when used during the off-peak and super off-peak times. Now, before you say this definitely is or is not the way to go, read a little more about it.

1 First, the rate itself, as shown in the chart below for a residential account.

2 Second, the hours to earn savings. This is what makes or breaks a TOU rate for some. During the summer, on-peak, or the most expensive times to use electricity, are 2-6 p.m., off-peak times are 5 a.m.-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Meanwhile, super-off-peak times, or the cheapest time to use electricity, are 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Winter times are on-peak, 6-9 a.m.; off-peak, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; super-off-peak, 10 p.m.-5 a.m.

3 Third, your habits. When using a TOU rate it might mean you must alter your habits for the best savings. For example, if you have an electric vehicle, plug it in at 10 p.m. instead of right when you get home to take advantage of that lower rate. You might need to shower at a different time, or wash clothes or dishes at an earlier or later time.

Consider how you could rework your energy-use schedule and make the change a gift to yourself. On average, members on the TOU rate save $30 a month.

You can light the Christmas lights each evening, cook the big family meal and have family get-togethers. However, you might be able to adjust the thermostat a little with those gatherings.