Southern California Edison’s  Time-of-Use rate plans  help customers manage energy use and save. Instead of paying a flat rate, you’re charged based on when you use electricity and how much

 

Save with a Time-of-Use Plan

By Felix Hernandez

 

As the heat rises across Southern California, your electricity bill might try to do the same.

Cooling systems  and other appliances often drive-up costs, especially during times when energy demand is high, such as evenings when the sun goes down and solar power does too.

Southern California Edison’s  Time-of-Use rate plans  help customers manage energy use and save. Instead of paying a flat rate, you’re charged based on when you use electricity and how much.

“The idea is straightforward,” said Larry Chung, SCE's vice president of Customer Solutions. “Shift your energy use away from peak, high-demand hours to lower-cost, off-peak times to save money.”

SCE offers several Time-of-Use plans, including a 4-9 p.m. peak period and a 5-8 p.m. peak period. Customers can save by shifting their energy use outside of those hours.

Off-peak hours — such as mornings, late evenings and weekends — offer lower rates. By adjusting your routine, like running dishwashers at night or charging electric vehicles early in the morning, you can save money.

Here are tips to help you manage your bills:

• Do laundry and run dishwashers during off-peak hours.

• Enroll in  Budget Assistant  through your SCE online account to track usage and set spending goals.

• Consider making some nights “screen-less” and break out some board games.

• Schedule high-use devices like EV chargers and pool pumps to run during off-peak hours.

• During peak hours, turn your air conditioner up by two degrees and use fans  to conserve energy .
• Pre-cool your home. Turn the air conditioner on in the morning before it gets hot — this saves energy and money as electricity is cheaper before and after 4-9 p.m.

Time-of-Use plans can be especially beneficial for customers with  solar panels, EVs or battery storage . You can switch plans once every 12 months without penalty, giving you the flexibility to adapt as your needs change.

Find out which plan is right for you at  sce.com/tou.