As a cost-conscious consumer, you know that reducing your energy use can save you money. But did you know that when you use electricity can be just as important in decreasing your bill?
Throughout the day, energy use fluctuates based on consumer demand. Typically, most households use larger amounts of electricity in the morning when people are getting ready for their day, and in the evening when people return from work, cook dinner, wash cloths, and watch television.
LPEA’s peak hours are 4pm to 9pm. During these hours, the cost of providing power is higher. To account for that, LPEA charges members on our standard rate a Peak Power Charge, which is based on the ONE HOUR per monthly billing cycle, between the peak hours of 4-9pm, where a member uses the most electricity.
By shifting some of your energy use to hours when demand is lower, also known as off-peak hours, you can save money on your LPEA bill and help keep rates lower for our community.
Here are seven ways you can shift your energy use to off-peak hours:
1. Log into SmartHub. When do you use the most power in a typical day? What is your average daily use? Analyze your electricity usage patterns, update your account details, pay your bill, report outages, and more on LPEA’s SmartHub app. Visit our website or call us to get set up.
2. Get a rate comparison. LPEA offers an optional Time-of-Use rate that may save you money! Call or email us your request to csr@lpea.coop. We can analyze your account, predict potential cost savings, and advise on the best rate for you.
3. Get a timer. Timers allow you to automatically set appliances to turn off during peak hours. For example, turning off your water heater from 4 to 9 p.m. can save $7 per month on your bill. BONUS: LPEA offers a $25 rebate on the purchase of any timer.
4. Get a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can help you adjust your heating and cooling settings to use less energy between 4 and 9 p.m. During these hours, increase (during cooling season) or decrease (during heating season) your set temperature a few degrees to save energy. BONUS: LPEA offers a $25 rebate on the purchase of a programmable thermostat.
5. Wash and dry later. Load your dishwasher after dinner and then start the cycle after 9 p.m. and dry your clothes outside peak hours. Shifting these two activities to different times of the day can make a real difference in your electric bill.
6. Make the switch to LED. If you haven’t already, switch your home lighting to LED. These bulbs last 25 times longer and use 75% less energy than standard incandescent lighting. BONUS: LPEA will reimburse you 50% of the cost of an LED bulb up to $8 per bulb.
7. Charge overnight. If you are one of an increasing number of LPEA members with an electric vehicle (EV), make sure to charge it overnight. BONUS: LPEA offers a FREE Level 2 plug-in EV charger to our members ($700 value) and up to $500 back on parts and labor for plug installation.
Get more energy-saving tips here.
Hillary Knox is VP of Communications at La Plata Electric Association, Inc. (LPEA)