A better plan

Since we've been in the house, we've been on SRP's Time of Use plan, which has higher rates during peak periods (weekdays only: 1-8 pm during the summer; 5-9 am & pm in the winter) and lower rates at all other times. During the summer, by timeshifting our power, we've save $10-30/month. With winter, there's little change--I've always had some intention of canceling TOU during the winter for the convenience factor, but have never actually done so.

SRP has also started to roll out "smart meters" which allows one to see their daily electric use. For June, you can see what the heat wave started, and on our particular bill, you can see where we adusted the thermostat up one degree, then when we finally added the blinds to the front windows, and the day after that when we turned the thermostat back down because it was too high for Grandma K:


In perusing the site, I came across a new plan, the EZ-3. Its peak period is only 3-6 pm during summer weekdays, and it uses the regular winter price planning (no time of use). But both its peak and off-peak rates are higher than time of use. But does the reduction of peak use make up for the increased cost of off peak? Let's run the numbers using the June bill:



THe assumption here is that our total peak usage will decrease by more than half--after all its only 3 hours versus 7, and we can make sure we are very thrifty with any electrical use between 3-6. Even if it's only a wash financially, it looks to be a much more convenient plan without having to deal with a change of plans in the winter, or waiting until after 8 pm to turn down the thermostat, or make dinner (this rarely happens), or do a load of laundry.

So, dear, I made the switch. Sorry I didn't let you know first.