Switching From Tiered Rate Plan E-1 to Time-Of-Use Rates
Depending on how you want to drive your electric vehicle, you may have several different choices of rate plans. Some of these plans are Time-of-Use, Partial-Peak hours and Electric Vehicle and Battery Storage option rate plans.
Time-of-Use
PG&E and SCE will begin the process of switching customers from the current tiered rate plan called E-1 to Time-of-Use (TOU) rates. These rates help reduce energy consumption and fossil fuel emissions by encouraging customers to use energy during more affordable times of day.
Time-of-Use rates differ seasonally, based on the high demand times. Peak energy periods occur between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm each day, while off-peak periods are cheaper and occur during the rest of the day. PG&E is encouraging customers to use energy when rates are lower and renewable resources are plentiful.
Customers who have chosen the E-1 tiered rate plan will have to wait at least 12 months before transitioning to Time-of-Use rates. This gives customers time to decide on a new rate plan. Customers who are adversely affected can choose another rate plan. PG&E customers can choose from several Time-of-Use rate plans.
Time-of-Use rate plans help support California's commitment to clean energy. The California Public Utilities Commission has directed electric utilities to transition customers from their current tiered rate plans to Time-of-Use rates.
Partial-Peak hours plan
PG&E offers three Time-of-Use rate plans for residential customers. There are two weekday plans and one Everyday Time-of-Use plan. Each tier carries different rates. To figure out which plan is right for you, visit your utility's website and review their rate comparison chart.
To get the most out of your dollar, you'll want to select a plan that incorporates both Peak and Off-Peak hours. The Peak hours are your most expensive time to buy energy, while the Off-Peak hours are the least expensive.
The Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan is a great way to save money while still enjoying the latest in energy efficiency. The Time-of-Use is a feature that lets you pay for the electricity you use, as opposed to paying a flat rate. The E-TOU-A rate plan boasts several tiers, each with a unique set of prices.
To get the most out of your electric bill, consider adding a battery or charger to your home. PG&E's Rate Comparison calculator can help you figure out which plan will work best for you.
Time-Based Control
Having a Time-Based Control feature on your Powerwall can be an excellent way to optimize the discharges of your solar panels. This feature uses machine learning and an algorithm to determine when your battery needs charging, and then optimizes the charging accordingly. It can also help to minimize your energy bill, which is great news for those with a solar system.
While it may be a bit of a stretch to say that Time-Based Control is the best feature on your Powerwall, it is a great way to improve the efficiency of your charging and decrease your energy bill. A Time-Based Control plan also allows you to build a rate plan that closely matches your utility rates.
Time-of-Use rate plans allow you to avoid peak energy hours, which are typically the most expensive. They also allow you to switch to a cheaper rate plan during off-peak hours. It's a great way to reduce your electricity bill, but only if you can time it right.
Electric vehicle and battery storage option rate plans
Choosing the right electric vehicle and battery storage option rate plan is important to ensure the best value for your energy bill. To ensure that your rate plan will best meet your needs, consider what you use in your home, how you plan to use the electricity, and what your future electricity needs might be. Choosing the right rate structure will give you the best value for your money, and it might even help you avoid peak rates.
Southern California Edison, the utility in the state where most electric cars are sold, offers a special residential time-of-use plan for plug-in vehicles. It's a three-tier plan that starts at 28 cents per kWh for the basic monthly plan and goes up to 46 cents per kWh when more than 400% of your baseline energy allocation is used. The basic plan also includes a tier for electric vehicle charging sessions. The first session costs $4.90 and the second session costs $6.48. The third session costs $8.05, and the fourth and fifth sessions are free. The cost of these sessions are based on the kWh of electricity used.