What exactly is ‘time of use?’

The idea behind “time of use” rates is to get members to shift or reduce their electricity use during peak demand times. If you are willing and able to shift a significant portion of your electric use away from times of high electric demand, then you will be able to lower your electric bill with the time-of-use (TOU) electric rates.

Participants will receive a discounted rate for using power during off-peak periods, but will pay more for energy consumed during periods of highest electric demand. Our current meters can automatically record this data and keep track of electric use throughout the day so we can bill members accordingly.

The important thing to remember is that the TOU rate will give members with high electricity use an opportunity to control their bills by shifting use to these lower cost, off-peak periods. Peak hours are during weekday mornings and evenings in the winter (December, January and February) and weekday afternoons/evenings in the summer (June, July and August). All weekends and holidays will be considered off-peak. If you would like to sign up for the rate, visit www.bcremc.com/tou.  Members will need to stay on the rate for a full year.