
PG&E offers several Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans, which charge customers different prices for electricity consumption based on predetermined peak, off-peak, and sometimes shoulder periods. Peak hours refer to the times of day when electricity demand is at its highest, typically early mornings and early evenings. During these periods, electricity usage spikes as people engage in activities that require significant energy consumption, such as cooking, heating, or using appliances. PG&E's TOU rate plans are designed to incentivize customers to shift their electricity usage to off-peak times, thereby reducing strain on the grid during peak periods and promoting energy conservation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Peak hours | 4-9 pm every day |
| Summer rates | June through September |
| Off-peak hours | All hours and days except 5-9 pm on weekdays |
| Partial-peak hours | NA |
| Shoulder periods | NA |
| Time-of-Use rate plans | Based on how much energy is used and when it is used |
| Time of Day pricing | Available for all PGE residential customers |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Peak hours are 5-9 pm weekdays
Peak hours refer to the times of day when electricity demand is at its highest. During these periods, electricity usage spikes as people engage in activities that require significant energy consumption, such as cooking, heating or cooling their homes, and using appliances. Due to the high demand during peak hours, electricity providers often charge higher rates for consumption during these periods.
PG&E offers Time-of-Use rate plans, where customers pay different electricity prices based on when they use power. The rates are typically divided into peak, off-peak, and sometimes shoulder periods. Peak hours usually correspond to times of the highest grid demand, while off-peak hours are when demand is lowest.
Time-of-Use rate plans are designed to incentivize consumers to shift their electricity usage to off-peak times, thereby reducing strain on the grid during peak periods and promoting energy conservation. This pricing model reflects the actual cost of generating electricity at different times and encourages more efficient energy consumption behaviours.
For PGE customers, the peak hours are from 5 pm to 9 pm, weekdays. During these hours, electricity rates are at their highest. However, by adjusting their electricity usage to off-peak times, customers can potentially save on their bills. For example, customers can do their laundry, run the dishwasher, or charge their electric vehicle before 5 pm or after 9 pm. Weekends and holidays are also considered off-peak, so customers can choose to postpone some chores until then to take advantage of the lower rates.
PG&E offers several TOU rate plans to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. Each plan has its own features, and customers can choose the one that best matches their energy consumption patterns, lifestyles, and budgets. By evaluating their energy usage habits and preferences, customers can select a plan with peak hours that align with their low-energy usage periods, potentially saving them money.
Electricity Restoration in Panama City: Is Power Back?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Peak rates are highest in summer
PG&E offers Time-of-Use rate plans, which are based on how much energy is used and when it is used. These plans are designed to incentivize consumers to shift their energy usage to off-peak times, reducing strain on the grid during peak periods. By adjusting their electricity usage, customers can save on their bills and promote more efficient energy consumption behaviours.
The Time-of-Use rate plans include options for both residential and business customers. Residential customers can benefit from Time of Day pricing, which offers lower rates outside of peak hours, including all day on weekends and holidays. Business customers have the option to choose a flex rate plan, which offers off-peak days, as well as electric vehicle rate plans designed to reduce usage during peak times.
To save on their energy bills during summer peak rates, customers can make adjustments to their daily routines. This includes shifting activities such as laundry, dishes, and charging electric vehicles to before 5 pm or after 9 pm. Additionally, customers can take advantage of energy-efficient practices, such as using LED lights and adjusting their thermostats, to further reduce their energy consumption during peak hours.
Pest Damage to Electrical: What Does Insurance Cover?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Off-peak rates are cheaper
Peak hours refer to the times of day when electricity demand is at its highest, typically corresponding to periods of high activity such as early mornings and early evenings. During these peak hours, electricity usage spikes as people engage in activities that require significant energy consumption, such as cooking, heating, cooling homes, and using appliances. As a result, electricity providers often charge higher rates during these periods.
Off-peak hours, on the other hand, are when electricity demand is at its lowest. By adjusting their electricity usage to off-peak times, consumers can take advantage of lower rates and potentially reduce their electricity bills. For example, activities such as laundry, running the dishwasher, and charging electric vehicles can be shifted to off-peak hours, which are typically before 5 pm and after 9 pm on weekdays. Weekends and holidays are also considered off-peak, so doing chores or using energy-intensive appliances during these periods can further reduce electricity costs.
PG&E offers several TOU rate plans to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. The Tiered Rate Plan (E-1) offers a fixed rate for a certain amount of energy usage, with higher rates applied beyond the baseline. This plan is suitable for customers who maintain consistent energy consumption levels and prefer a predictable billing structure. Additionally, PG&E provides rate plans specifically designed for electric vehicle (EV) owners, offering discounted rates for charging EVs at home during off-peak hours, helping EV owners minimize their charging costs.
By understanding their energy usage patterns, preferences, and budgetary constraints, consumers can select the most suitable TOU rate plan. Plans with peak hours that align with a customer's low-energy usage periods can result in significant savings. For instance, a customer who primarily works from home and can adjust their energy usage habits during peak hours may benefit from a plan with off-peak rates in the early mornings and early evenings.
In summary, off-peak rates offer a cost-effective opportunity for electricity consumers. By adjusting their energy usage habits and leveraging the lower rates during off-peak hours, consumers can reduce their annual electricity costs. PG&E's Time-of-Use rate plans provide flexibility and encourage more efficient energy consumption behaviors, ultimately supporting California's clean energy policies.
Connecting Electric Imp: Easy Network Setup Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Adjusting habits can save money
Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans are based on how much energy you use and when you use it. With TOU rates, customers pay different electricity prices based on when they use power, with rates typically divided into peak, off-peak, and sometimes shoulder periods. Peak hours refer to the times of day when electricity demand is at its highest, and providers often charge higher rates during these periods.
PG&E offers several TOU rate plans to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Each plan has its own features and is designed to cater to specific customer segments. For example, there are plans tailored for customers with electric vehicles (EVs) who want to take advantage of off-peak rates to minimize charging costs. There are also plans for customers with all-electric homes or those transitioning to electric appliances, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
By understanding your energy usage patterns and selecting a rate plan that aligns with your low-energy usage periods, you can potentially save money. Adjusting your habits and shifting energy-intensive activities such as laundry, cooking, and charging devices to off-peak hours can result in significant savings on your energy bills.
For instance, you can do the laundry, dishes, or charge your EV before 5 pm or after 9 pm on weekdays. Weekends are also considered off-peak, so you can schedule some chores for the weekend to benefit from lower rates. Additionally, consider using energy-efficient LED lights and setting your thermostat to lower temperatures when possible to further reduce your energy consumption and costs.
By enrolling in a suitable TOU rate plan and making small adjustments to your household routine, you can take control of your energy bills and save money. The more you can shift your energy usage to off-peak hours, the more you can save annually.
Enhancing Electric Motorcycles: Adding Sound Effects
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$18.72

Time-of-Use rate plans are available
PG&E offers several TOU rate plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Each plan has its own unique features and is designed to cater to specific customer segments. For instance, there are plans specifically for customers with electric vehicles, offering discounted rates for charging EVs at home during off-peak hours. There are also plans for customers with all-electric homes or those transitioning to electric appliances, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
Choosing the best PG&E TOU rate plan involves evaluating various factors, including your energy consumption habits, lifestyle, and budget. It is important to determine if the peak hours specified in each plan align with your daily routine. Plans with peak hours matching your low-energy usage periods can help you save money. For example, if you can adjust activities such as laundry, cooking, and charging devices to off-peak hours, you may benefit from lower rates during those times.
Additionally, PG&E offers flex rate options for businesses that can limit their operating hours to certain days of the week. There are also electric vehicle rate plans for business customers with on-site EV charging, featuring a peak period designed to reduce usage on the electric grid when demand is highest.
Electricity and Magnetism: Two Sides of the Same Coin
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Peak hours refer to the times of day when electricity demand is at its highest. These periods are typically when people are most active, such as early mornings and early evenings. PGE's peak hours are from 5 pm to 9 pm on weekdays.
TOU (Time of Use) rates refer to the different prices of electricity based on the time of day. Customers pay varying prices based on predetermined peak, off-peak, and sometimes shoulder periods. During peak hours, electricity providers often charge higher rates due to the higher demand.
By adjusting your energy usage to off-peak times, you can save money on your PGE bill. Try doing chores like laundry, dishes, or charging your EV before 5 pm or after 9 pm. You can also take advantage of the weekends, when all hours are considered off-peak and have lower prices.











































