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4.1 ELECTRIC UTILITY AND POWER COMPANY TIME OF USE RATE - TOU

We saved almost $500 last year (according to our electric bill) by using the TIME OF USE, TOU, plan of my local utility. TOU means that you pay more for electricity during peak times and much less during off hours.

If your average bill is $150/month, you'll probably save. However, to be sure, call your electric company and talk to the specialist. He or she should be able to tell you in five minutes whether it will work for you and roughly how much you'll save. TOU may vary from season to season and company to company, so read all the details before you sign up.

TOU does not mean that you will freeze in the winter and boil during the summer. It also does not mean that you can do nothing during peak times and then must run around doing a bunch of chores in the off hours. Constant use of electricity, even during the peaks, is probably no more expensive than you're paying right now. However, you'll want to avoid bursts of electric use. The only change we made was to run the dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer after 9pm or on the weekends.

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