What can I do to help lower my Demand charge?

The Demand charge is calculated based on the average peak demand usage during any one-hour interval within a billing period. Spreading out activities that require a lot of energy throughout the day instead of doing them all at once will help reduce your average peak demand, which will lower your Demand charge on your electric bill. The goal is to level out your load. For example: 

• Operate your electric stove, oven, washing machine, clothes dryer, dishwasher, car charger and other large appliances at different time intervals throughout the day, and not all at once. You could start your washer or dryer after cooking, and try not to run your washer and dryer at the same time. You could also set your dishwasher, pool and spa pump, charging electric vehicle to run after you go to bed.

• Turn off non-essential lights and appliances when not in-use.
• When possible, adjust your thermostat to reduce heating and cooling.
• Use electricity during the off-peak periods. Off-peak periods are: Sundays and major holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.)

The Demand charge is calculated based on the average peak demand usage during any one-hour interval within a billing period.