Take control with Time-of-Use rate plans
Shift electricity use to lower-priced times of day
Time-of-Use rate plans are based on how much energy you use and when you use it. By shifting some electricity usage to times when costs are less and demand is down, you can lower your bill and support a healthier environment.
Explore Time-of-Use Rate Plans
Time-of-Use (Peak Pricing 4 - 9 p.m. Every day) E-TOU-C
How it works:
- The price you pay changes based on the time of day
- Peak (higher price) – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day
- Off-Peak (lower price) – before 4 p.m. and after 9 p.m. every day
What it means for you:
- You can save money if you can reduce your energy usage overall and especially during the higher-priced (peak) hours.
Download PG&E Residential Rate Plan Pricing (PDF, 105 KB)
Learn more about the TIME-OF-USE (Peak Pricing 4 - 9 P.M. Every Day) E-TOU-C rate plan
EVERY DAY (WEEKDAYS AND WEEKENDS)

Time-of-Use (Peak Pricing 5 - 8 p.m. Weekdays) E-TOU-D
This rate plan offers lower prices during periods of the day when energy costs are lower—before 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m. on weekdays and during all hours on weekends and most holidays.
How it works:
- The price you pay changes based on the time of day, the day of the week, and the season:
- Peak (highest price) – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday (except most holidays)
- Off-Peak (lowest price) – before 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and all hours on weekends and most holidays
- Eight months (October through May) have lower prices than the four months of summer (June through September).
- Unlike the Time-of-Use Rate Plan 4-9 p.m., there is no Baseline Allowance on this rate plan.
What it means for you:
- You have the opportunity to save money if you can reduce your energy usage overall and especially during the higher-priced (peak) hours.
- This Time-of-Use rate plan (E-TOU-D) may be more attractive for higher energy users, because the price of electricity is lower than E-TOU-C once your monthly electricity usage exceeds the Tier 1 amount (Baseline Allowance).
Download PG&E Residential Rate Plan Pricing (PDF, 105 KB)
Learn more about the TIME-OF-USE (Peak Pricing 5 - 8 P.M. Weekdays) E-TOU-D rate plan
WEEKDAYS
WEEKENDS AND MOST HOLIDAYS
Tips for saving energy and money on a Time-of-Use rate plan
Changing when you use some electricity will help California make progress toward its clean energy goals. Follow these simple ideas to save money on your Time-of-Use rate plan.
Anytime tips
Make these energy-saving practices part of your daily routine.

Anytime: Turn it off
Turning lights, appliances, TVs and computers off while not in use is one of the easiest ways to conserve energy.

Morning to midday: Pre-cool your home
If you have air conditioning, cool your home during lower-priced times. Then, nudge it up to 78 F or higher (health permitting) during peak times.

Late afternoon to evening: Load first, run later
During peak times, get your dishes loaded and your clothes ready to wash or dry, then wait until lower-priced off-peak times to wash them.

Late night: Press the start button
When peak time ends, run your laundry or dishwasher overnight.
Warm-weather tips
Learn how to shift and save on warmer days

When possible, save heat-producing chores like doing laundry for lower-priced off-peak times.

Now and then, find activities to do in cool places during peak times. Leaving the house to go swimming or to visit the library can be a great way to cool off and save energy.
If you have an air conditioner, cool your home for less

Set your air conditioner to 75-78°F when you’re at home, health permitting. Pre-cool your home before peak hours. Turn it up to 85°F when you leave.

Check your air conditioner’s filters every 1-2 months. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder to keep you cool, wasting energy.
Cool-weather tips
Take control as the weather cools

Shut out the cold. Keep warm air in and cold air out by closing curtains, shades and blinds when you sleep or leave the house.

Bundle up. Instead of turning up the heat, try adding layers of clothing and blankets, especially during peak hours.

String up savings. Use energy-efficient LED lights for holiday decorations. Turn them off when you go to bed or use a timer to so you don’t forget.
Save on heating costs with these home temperature tips

Save while you’re home. Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower, health permitting. Your home uses 3 to 5 percent more energy for every additional degree that it’s raised.

Save while you’re away. When you leave the house, set your thermostat to 56°F or shut it off. You can save 5 to 15 percent on your annual heating bill by keeping your home at this temperature 8 hours per day.

Seal and save. Keep your home comfortable and save up to $50 a year in heating costs by weather stripping your windows and doors.
Time-of-Use Rate Plans
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Time-of-Use Savings Tips
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