Small and Medium Business
Transition to time-of-use starts November 2012
Beginning in November 2012, Small and Medium business 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.
Most small and medium businesses will transition to time-of-use rates. In order to meet the transition critera your account must:
- Receive bundled service 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 a monthly demand of 200 kW or more for three consecutive months in the last 12 months.
Customers who participate in Direct Access or net metering are not eligible for Peak Day Pricing. Additional 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 learn more.
Customer Success Stories
See how PG&E customers are already benefitting from their rate plans.
Save energy on time-of-use and Peak Day Pricing
Here are just a few good energy reduction tips and practices to get you started on lowering your electricity use during peak times.
Energy Reduction Tips
Turn off equipment when not in use.
Set thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit for cooling in the summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit for heating in the winter.
Close curtains, shades and blinds at night, during unoccupied periods of the day and on weekends to maintain comfortable room temperatures and lower heating and cooling costs.
Regularly clean and perform maintenance on AC and HVAC units, cleaning condenser coils, replacing air filters and checking ducts and pipe insulation for damage.
Install motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms.
Add weather stripping, caulking or foam around windows and doors to reduce drafts.
Adjust door latches, replace worn door gaskets, install auto-closers and add strip curtains to walk-in refrigerator and freezer doors.
When purchasing desktop computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers, consider ENERGY STAR® models that hibernate after periods of inactivity.
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.
