Small and Medium Agriculture
Transition to time-of-use starts March 2013
Beginning in March 2013, Small and Medium agriculture customers will start transitioning to time-of-use electric rates. This transition is part of a statewide plan to help protect California’s energy resources. On time-of-use, rates are higher during summer weekday afternoons when electric demand is higher, typically noon to 6 p.m., May through October. In return you’ll pay lower rates at all other times. This means that when you use energy is just as important as how much you use.
Transitioning customers will be provided multiple notices in advance of their transition date and will also have the ability to opt-in to Peak Day Pricing. Learn more about Peak Day Pricing.
Log on to My Energy to see your account information, energy use and compare rate options.
Many Small and Medium Agriculture customers will transition to time-of-use rates. In order to meet the transition criteria, your account must:
- Receive bundled service from PG&E.
- Currently be on an Agricultural rate from PG&E.
- Have an interval meter (e.g., a SmartMeter™ device) and 12 months of billing data from that meter on file.
- Not have demand of 200 kW or more for three consecutive months in the last 12 months.
Small Agriculture customers who participate in Direct Access or net metering are not eligible for Peak Day Pricing. Additional criteria and exceptions apply.
Customers are now eligible to participate in Peak Day Pricing and a qualifying Demand Response program. Download (PDF, 203 KB) the Dual Participation fact sheet to lean more.
Customer Success Stories
See how PG&E customers are already benefitting from Peak Day Pricing.
Save energy during peak hours
During peak times reduce energy demand and help enhance system reliability. Here are just a few good energy reduction practices to get you started:
Energy Reduction Tips
- Pre-cool, then float or cycle refrigeration.
- Shift irrigation tasks to take place before or after peak hours.
- Conduct key operational processes during off-peak periods, if possible, and delay less critical tasks until after peak hours.
- Turn down or cycle cooling fans, ceiling fans, blowers, chillers or other air circulation equipment and motors.
- Adjust variable speed drive controls to reduce load from fans, pumps and chillers.
- Conduct team meetings during peak hours to minimize use of equipment.
- Adjust employee schedules and shifts so that times of increased production or energy use occur before or after peak hours.
Time-Varying Pricing Webinars and Local Workshops
Participate in a webinar or live PG&E-led workshop to learn:
• When and how your business will be affected by the transition
• How PG&E can help you with customized tools and resources
Help from PG&E
PG&E can help you reduce your energy use and improve your bottom line. Here are just some of the resources, tools and programs we offer to make energy management easier:
Rate analysis
Log on to My Energy and view your energy use and rate options.
Don’t have an account?
Set one up today.
Energy efficiency rebates
Rebates are simple and self-service. Purchase a qualified energy-efficient product, fill out an application and PG&E sends you a rebate check.
Energy assessment
Get a free assessment for your business, and discover energy-saving steps you can take to save money.
Personalized assistance
Contact PG&E for more information about new rates, energy assessments for your business and more.
Call PG&E at
1-800-987-4923 .
Ag Customers can call1-877-311-FARM (3276) .
Or email us your question.
