Time of Day FAQs
Peak Hours: Weekdays 3–7 PM → higher rate
Super Off-Peak Hours: Every day 1–5 AM → lowest rate
Off-Peak Hours: All other hours → lower rate
General
Time & Rates
Billing & Usage
Tools
Eligibility & Enrollment
Impact & Sustainability
Solar, EVs & Battery Storage
Tips
What is CMLP’s Time-of-Day (TOD) electric rate program?
The TOD rate charges different prices for electricity depending on when you use it. There are:
• Peak hours (higher price)
• Super Off-peak hours (lowest price)
• Off-peak hours (middle price)
• Peak hours (higher price)
• Super Off-peak hours (lowest price)
• Off-peak hours (middle price)
Why is CMLP offering a Time-of-Day program?
Time-of-day rates better reflect the real cost of producing and delivering electricity. Power is more expensive during high-demand hours and less expensive when demand is low. This change helps reduce peak demand, lowers long-term power supply costs, reduces emissions and provides an opportunity for customers to lower their bill by shifting usage to less expensive times.
When will this new rate become effective?
The new TOD rate will take effect April 1, 2026. The first CMLP bill on which you will see the new rates reflected is the May 2026 bill, which covers April usage.
How does the Time-of-Day rate differ from standard rates?
Under the current standard R-1 rate, you pay higher rates when you use more total energy each month. Under TOD rates, your bill depends primarily on when you use electricity, not how much you use in total.
How do I know if TOD is right for me?
TOD pricing may not be beneficial for customers who cannot change the time of day that they rely on electricity. Many customers will pay about the same under TOD rates, and those customers can also shift some of their load to save further on their bills.
What are the time periods for Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Off-Peak and what are the associated rates?
As defined in the new TOD rate schedule:
Time Periods
| Period | Time |
|---|---|
| Peak | Weekdays 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Super Off-Peak | Daily 1:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. |
| Off-Peak |
All other hours Monday–Friday 5:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday 5:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. |
4/1/26 Energy Rates
| Period | Standard* | Shoulder** |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | $0.30315 | $0.25379 |
| Super Off-Peak | $0.20117 | $0.19644 |
| Off-Peak | $0.20432 | $0.20230 |
* Standard months: Jan, Feb, May–Sep, Dec
** Shoulder months: Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
** Shoulder months: Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Will the Peak/Off-peak time periods change based on the day of the week/holiday/season?
On weekdays there are three time periods: Peak, Super Off-Peak and Off-peak. On weekends there are only two time periods: Super Off-Peak and Off-peak. Those hours that are Peak on weekdays will be considered Off-Peak on the weekends.
We also apply seasonal charges during the shoulder months of March, April, October, and November.
Holiday rates remain unchanged.
We also apply seasonal charges during the shoulder months of March, April, October, and November.
Holiday rates remain unchanged.
There doesn’t seem to be a very big price difference between the Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak rates. Why should I bother to shift usage to the Super Off-Peak?
The TOD rate is being rolled out in phases. In the first phase, there isn’t as much variation in the peak period prices. However, in phase two, the differences will widen further; creating a wider differential between the Super Off-Peak and the Off-Peak price. It will be helpful to get accustomed to maximizing Super Off-Peak use via flexible loads in phase one so that you can realize bigger savings in phase two.
How do CMLP residential rates compare with other providers in Massachusetts?
CMLP's residential rates are about 30% lower than those customers who live in investor-owned utility areas served by National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil. Our residential rates, however, are higher than those of other municipal utilities because of deliberate local choices to invest in programs and services that directly benefit our customers and community.
CMLP’s energy supply is 100% carbon-free. Not many Massachusetts light plants can claim this.
CMLP offers a wide range of programs and incentives that are not always available—or as robust—from other providers. These include incentives and support for solar installations, heat pumps, electric vehicles and chargers, weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades, and other customer-focused programs. These investments help customers reduce long-term energy costs, lower emissions, and improve comfort and reliability.
In addition, CMLP maintains local control, high reliability standards, and responsive customer service, with decisions made by and for the community rather than by shareholders.
While the price per kilowatt-hour is an important consideration, many customers find that the overall value—including rebates, incentives, energy savings, and local service—makes CMLP’s rates competitive when viewed over time.
We encourage customers to consider both rates and available programs when comparing electric service options.
CMLP’s energy supply is 100% carbon-free. Not many Massachusetts light plants can claim this.
CMLP offers a wide range of programs and incentives that are not always available—or as robust—from other providers. These include incentives and support for solar installations, heat pumps, electric vehicles and chargers, weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades, and other customer-focused programs. These investments help customers reduce long-term energy costs, lower emissions, and improve comfort and reliability.
In addition, CMLP maintains local control, high reliability standards, and responsive customer service, with decisions made by and for the community rather than by shareholders.
While the price per kilowatt-hour is an important consideration, many customers find that the overall value—including rebates, incentives, energy savings, and local service—makes CMLP’s rates competitive when viewed over time.
We encourage customers to consider both rates and available programs when comparing electric service options.
Who decides when a rate adjustment is needed?
Historically CMLP rates were adjusted annually, with small adjustments called Power Cost Adjustments (PCAs) used to return over collection or make up under collection if power supply prices were wildly different than expected.
CMLP staff, often under the oversight of a third party rate expert, recommend rate adjustments, when needed, to CMLP’s governing board. With consideration of input from the community, the governing board determines rates. The decision to adjust rates is based on factors such as changes in wholesale electricity costs, infrastructure investments, and overall financial health of the utility.
Who determines the amount of the rate adjustment?
The amount of any rate adjustment is proposed by CMLP staff based on a thorough analysis of costs and revenue requirements. The proposal is then reviewed and approved or adjusted by the CMLP governing board. Public meetings are held to ensure transparency and allow for community feedback before any changes are finalized.
Billing & Usage
Will switching to TOD rates save me money?
The 2026 TOD rate is designed to be revenue neutral. That means CMLP expects to collect the same revenue from the new rate that it did from the old rate in 2025. Overall rates will go neither up nor down. However, individual customers may pay more or less depending on how much energy they use during peak hours. Many customers can keep their bills the same or lower by shifting certain activities (EV charging, Laundry, Running the Dishwasher) to off-peak times.
How can I find what my peak and off-peak historical use is?
Customers can view their historical Peak and Off-peak electricity usage through CMLP’s SmartHub or by reviewing their monthly statements, which will break down usage by time period beginning with the May 2026 bills. For more detailed information, contact CMLP’s customer service team at: concordutilities@concordma.gov or 978-318-3101, who can provide customized usage reports.
How can I reduce my electricity costs with TOD rates?
Shift energy-intensive activities, such as running your dishwasher or charging an electric vehicle, to off-peak hours. Please see these tips on how to reduce your costs.
How will I know what I’m being charged each hour?
Your bill will show your energy usage broken down by time periods: Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Off-Peak.
For the most current details on your usage, visit the SmartHub self-service portal. It’s the easiest way to stay informed and in control.
Click here to register for a SmartHub account With SmartHub, you can: Manage your account information, view and monitor your energy usage and go paperless for convenience.
For the most current details on your usage, visit the SmartHub self-service portal. It’s the easiest way to stay informed and in control.
Click here to register for a SmartHub account With SmartHub, you can: Manage your account information, view and monitor your energy usage and go paperless for convenience.
What appliances should I avoid using during Peak hours?
During peak hours (weekdays 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM), electricity costs more because demand is highest. You can still use any appliance, but to save money try to avoid running these appliances during this time:
- EV chargers
- Dryers
- Air conditioners
- Electric water heaters, pool pumps, and spa pumps
- Dishwashers and washing machines
Can I still use energy during Peak hours?
Yes! You can use electricity anytime you need it. However, during Peak hours (weekdays 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM), rates are higher because demand is at its busiest. Using the “average” amount of energy during peak hours won’t increase your bill. If you use more than the average amount during Peak hours, then you will pay more than you do today. If you use less than the average amount during Peak hours, then you will pay less than you do today.
To save money, try shifting big energy tasks like running the dishwasher, doing laundry, or charging your EV to Off-peak or Super Off-Peak times when rates are lower.
• Super Off-Peak: 1:00 AM – 5:00 AM (lowest rate)
• Off-Peak: All other hours outside weekdays 3:00–7:00 PM
To save money, try shifting big energy tasks like running the dishwasher, doing laundry, or charging your EV to Off-peak or Super Off-Peak times when rates are lower.
• Super Off-Peak: 1:00 AM – 5:00 AM (lowest rate)
• Off-Peak: All other hours outside weekdays 3:00–7:00 PM
Tools & Account Management
How do I register for SmartHub?
What can I do with SmartHub?
SmartHub makes managing your account simple and convenient.
With SmartHub, you can:
- Manage your account information anytime
- View and monitor your energy usage to stay on top of consumption
- Go paperless and reduce clutter
- Access your current bill and bill history with ease
- Sign up for notifications via email or text for account activity
- Pay your bill instantly with secure online payments
- Set up Auto Pay (bank draft only) so you never miss a payment
- Update your email, phone numbers, and mailing address
Can I manage TOD settings myself using the Ecobee app?
Customers can enable and manage Time-of-Day (TOD) scheduling through Ecobee’s Eco+ functionality. With the correct Eco+ setup in the Ecobee app, customers have full control to configure TOD settings according to CMLP's rate schedule. Customers can enable and manage this feature themselves by following these steps:
- Ensure your Ecobee thermostat is compatible and connected.
- Activate Eco+ in the Ecobee app ( Learn more about Eco+).
- Configure TOD settings according to CMLP's time-of-day rate schedule.
This setup gives customers flexibility and control over their energy usage while optimizing savings.
Eligibility & Enrollment
Who is eligible for the TOD program?
All metered residential customers in the Concord Municipal Light Plant service territory are eligible for this rate. No action is needed; you will automatically transition to these rates on April 1.
Can I opt out of TOD, and is there a penalty for leaving the program after enrolling? Or what if I don't want to be on the TOD Rate?
All residential customers currently on the R-1 rate will be switched to the TOD rate on April 1, 2026 unless an opt-out form is completed.
The OPT OUT rate is designed to be simple and predictable, but it is priced to be about 4% higher than the TOD rate for the “average” customer. This reflects the fact that TOD customers help reduce costs by shifting electricity use away from peak hours.
We encourage you to try the TOD rate if you’re interested, knowing that you can opt out if it doesn’t work for you. There is no penalty or fee to leave the TOD rate. However, to provide stability for both customers and the electric system, customers may switch between the TOD rate and the OPT OUT rate only once during a 12-month period.
If you choose to leave the TOD rate, your new rate will take effect on the next billing cycle, and you would remain on the OPT OUT rate for at least 12 months before being able to switch to TOD again.
The TOD rate works best for customers who can shift some electricity use to off-peak hours, but customers always have a choice. We encourage customers to review their usage patterns and decide which rate is the best fit for their household. Our goal is to give customers flexibility and choice.
If you have more questions about the OPT OUT rate, please contact the Customer Service team at 978‑318‑3101.
The OPT OUT rate is designed to be simple and predictable, but it is priced to be about 4% higher than the TOD rate for the “average” customer. This reflects the fact that TOD customers help reduce costs by shifting electricity use away from peak hours.
We encourage you to try the TOD rate if you’re interested, knowing that you can opt out if it doesn’t work for you. There is no penalty or fee to leave the TOD rate. However, to provide stability for both customers and the electric system, customers may switch between the TOD rate and the OPT OUT rate only once during a 12-month period.
If you choose to leave the TOD rate, your new rate will take effect on the next billing cycle, and you would remain on the OPT OUT rate for at least 12 months before being able to switch to TOD again.
The TOD rate works best for customers who can shift some electricity use to off-peak hours, but customers always have a choice. We encourage customers to review their usage patterns and decide which rate is the best fit for their household. Our goal is to give customers flexibility and choice.
If you have more questions about the OPT OUT rate, please contact the Customer Service team at 978‑318‑3101.
Program Impact & Sustainability
How does the TOD program support sustainability goals?
TOD encourages customers to shift energy use away from peak hours, reducing strain on the grid and lowering reliance on fossil fuels. This helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and supports Concord’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Time-of-Day rates were one of the primary goals outlined under the Energy section of the Sustainable Concord Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
Will the TOD program help reduce power outages?
Yes, reducing demand during peak hours helps maintain system reliability and prevents strain on the grid.
How does TOD save all ratepayers money?
To understand how Time-of-Day (TOD) saves everyone money, it helps to look at how our utility is billed by the regional grid operator. A significant portion of the town’s total energy costs isn’t based on the total amount of electricity we use, but rather on how much we use during the region’s busiest hour.
The Concept of the “Regional Peak”
Every month and every year, the regional power grid hits a “peak” – the single hour when electricity demand is at its absolute highest across the entire state or region. Our utility must pay a share of the regional grid’s costs based on the town’s electricity demand at that specific moment. This is often referred to as the Coincident Peak.
Where the Savings Come From
By using TOD rates to encourage residents to shift their usage (like running dishwashers or charging EVs) to off-peak hours, the town shaves its demand during those critical peak windows. This reduces two major expenses:
Capacity Payments: These are fees paid to power plants to ensure there is enough “standing” electricity available to meet the highest possible demand. If our town’s peak demand is lower, our mandatory capacity obligation, and its associated cost, drops.
Transmission Charges: These are the costs of moving high volumes of electricity over long-distance high-voltage lines. Like a toll road, these charges are highest when the traffic is heaviest. Reducing our peak usage reduces these infrastructure fees.
The Community Effect
Because these capacity and transmission costs are fixed expenses that the utility must recover through its rates, they are eventually spread across every customer’s bill.When CMLP’s peak is high: The utility’s costs go up, and eventually, everyone’s rates must rise to cover those payments.
When CMLP’s peak is low: The utility saves big money in regional fees. These savings allow the utility to keep base rates lower for all customers, even those who are not personally enrolled in the TOD program.
By flattening CMLP’s overall demand curve, we reduce the expensive regional surcharges that would otherwise drive up electricity rates for the entire community.
The Concept of the “Regional Peak”
Every month and every year, the regional power grid hits a “peak” – the single hour when electricity demand is at its absolute highest across the entire state or region. Our utility must pay a share of the regional grid’s costs based on the town’s electricity demand at that specific moment. This is often referred to as the Coincident Peak.
Where the Savings Come From
By using TOD rates to encourage residents to shift their usage (like running dishwashers or charging EVs) to off-peak hours, the town shaves its demand during those critical peak windows. This reduces two major expenses:
The Community Effect
Because these capacity and transmission costs are fixed expenses that the utility must recover through its rates, they are eventually spread across every customer’s bill.
By flattening CMLP’s overall demand curve, we reduce the expensive regional surcharges that would otherwise drive up electricity rates for the entire community.
What are the pros and cons of TOD?
Pros:
- Potential Cost Savings: You can lower your bill by shifting electricity usage to off-peak periods.
- Environmental Benefits: Shifting electricity usage to off-peak periods reduces carbon emissions.
- Grid Reliability: Reducing demand during peak periods helps prevent grid overload and reduces the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
- Usage Transparency: With the advanced meters CMLP installed in 2024 and SmartHub, you are able to better monitor and manage your energy usage.
- Incentivizes Smart Technology: TOD rates encourage the adoption of energy-efficient devices like smart thermostats and timers for appliances.
Cons:
- Behavioral Adjustment: You may need to change habits and schedule energy-intensive activities during off-peak hours to benefit.
- Higher Peak Costs: Electricity during Peak hours is more expensive under TOD rates, which can increase costs if usage isn’t adjusted.
- Inconvenience for Some: Shifting activities such as laundry, cooking, or EV charging to off-peak hours may be challenging for those with inflexible schedules.
Solar, Electric Vehicles & Battery Storage
How do time-of-day rates work if I have solar panels?
Time-of-day rates charge different prices for electricity depending on when you use it. You pay less to use electricity during lower-cost hours. If you use electricity during higher-cost hours, you pay more. Your solar system helps reduce how much electricity you need to buy from the grid, but the timing of your usage still matters.
Is CMLP’s Net Metering with Banking Rate changing?
Yes. The residential Net Metering with Banking Rate will change to a Net Billing Rate on April 1, 2026. Under Net Billing, the monthly Distribution Charge based on the installed capacity of your system will be replaced by a variable distribution cost ($0.09183/kWh) on all electricity you send to CMLP. This means electricity you send to CMLP is credited the retail rate minus the $0.09183/kWh cost of distribution. Under the previous Net Metering with Banking Rate, credits for excess solar included the cost of distribution.
Are solar exports credited differently depending on the time of day?
Under time-of-day rates, exported solar electricity will be credited at different values depending on when it is sent to the grid. Exports during lower-cost hours receive a lower credit than exports during higher-cost hours..
Under the new Net Billing Rate, what happens if I send more electricity to CMLP during the month than CMLP sends to me?
Under Net Metering with Banking, all monthly kilowatt hours of solar production in excess of the kilowatt hours CMLP sent to you were credited at the wholesale rate – usually between $0.02 and $0.05/kWh. Under Net Billing, all solar electricity sent to the grid is credited at the Time-of-Day retail rate minus the distribution portion. The new value of your solar changes with the season and time period you send excess solar to CMLP's grid –ranging from $0.10461 to $0.21132/kWh.
Will I still receive net metering credits under time-of-day rates?
Yes. Customers with solar continue to receive credits for electricity sent to the grid. credits are valued based on rates for each time period (peak, off-peak, or super off-peak).
What amount will I be credited when I send more kWh to the grid than I draw from the grid?
The number of kilowatt hours you send to the grid during each time period will be credited on your bill as shown here:
4/1/26 Solar Compensation Rates
| Time Period | Standard Season* | Shoulder Season** |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | $0.21132 | $0.16196 |
| Super Off-Peak | $0.10934 | $0.11047 |
| Off-Peak | $0.11249 | $0.10461 |
* Standard months: Jan, Feb, May–Sep, Dec
** Shoulder months: Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
** Shoulder months: Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Will time-of-day rates increase or decrease my bill if I have solar?
The median solar customer will save $36 more per year than with the old rate, but there is a large range. If you continue to use the same amount of electricity in each time period, your bills could be from $1,200 lower up to $700 higher per year. Shifting your electric use to different time periods will improve these totals.
There are several factors for solar customers:
There are several factors for solar customers:
-
How many kilowatt hours do you use?
Previously, customers using over 835 kWh per month paid the highest Tier 3 price. The TOD has no penalty for using more electricity. If your bills had a lot of kWh in the third tier, your bills will likely decrease with TOD. -
How high is your monthly solar distribution charge?
Larger solar systems had higher solar distribution charges. Net Billing eliminates this monthly charge, so customers with large arrays will likely have lower bills with TOD. -
How many kilowatt hours do you send to the grid each month?
If you regularly sent more kWh to the grid than you drew from it, those extra kWh were credited at wholesale rates. Now you’ll receive higher credits for excess electricity sent to grid. That additional revenue will tend to lower your bill. -
How much of your energy usage occurs between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays?
Drawing more electricity from the grid during these hours will increase your bill. If you draw less at that time, your bill will go down.
Why might my bill increase even though I generate electricity during the day?
The highest TOD price is from 3–7 p.m. You may have low or no solar production at that time because the sun sets early in winter or your array faces east. If you draw a lot of electricity from the grid during those hours, your bill may increase.
How do seasonal changes affect solar customers on TOD rates?
In summer, longer days mean more solar production can offset grid usage. The shorter days of winter mean lower solar output and more reliance on the grid, especially during high-priced evening hours.
What happens on cloudy days or during the winter?
On days with low solar production, you may need to draw more electricity from the grid. With TOD rates, the cost depends on when you do so.
Does system size matter under time-of-day rates?
Larger solar systems produce more electricity and more credits, but timing still matters. A large system won’t protect you from higher costs if you draw most of your electricity from the grid during peak-price hours.
Do peak electricity prices line up with peak solar production?
No. Solar production usually peaks around midday. East-facing panels may produce the most before noon. If your array faces mostly west, it may be 1 or 2 pm, but likely not from 3–7 pm, when TOD prices are the highest.
Why are evening hours often the most expensive?
Electric demand is typically highest in the evening when people are home using lights and appliances, cooking, and solar production has dropped off. Higher demand throughout New England means CMLP pays more during those hours to draw electricity from the regional grid. Time of Day rates are designed to be transparent, so when CMLP has to pay more to bring electricity to Concord, customer rates are higher.
How much of my electricity use typically occurs during peak hours?
The average household uses between 11% and 17% of their electricity during Peak hours, depending on the time of year. Peak hours are 12% of the hours each year.
How are my solar credits applied to my bill?
Solar credits are valued based on when the kWh are sent to the grid. For each time period you are charged the retail rate for electricity you draw from the grid and are credited the retail rate minus distribution costs for electricity you send to CMLP.
Should I change when I use electricity under time-of-day rates?
Lower your bill by sending as much solar electricity to the grid as you can on weekday afternoons from 3-7 pm during standard seasons. Shift flexible activities—such as laundry, dishwashing, or electric vehicle charging— away from these high-cost hours. At all other times, use your solar electricity at home instead of sending it to the grid. If your solar array isn’t producing, switch as much electric use as you can to the 1-5 am super off-peak hours.
Does using electricity during the day help solar customers?
Pay attention to the peak to lower your bill: reduce kWh drawn from the grid, increase kWh sent to the grid, and shift kWh use to lower cost hours. Credits for solar sent to the grid during standard season peak hours (weekdays from 3-7 pm) are higher than costs to draw electricity from the grid at any other time, so that’s the only time to send as much solar to the grid as possible. Otherwise, shift as many electric needs as you can to avoid drawing from the grid during expensive peak hours and use your solar electricity at home.
How much difference can changing habits make?
With time-of-day pricing even small changes add up over time, like running appliances outside of peak hours.
How does Time of Day (TOD) impact me as an electric vehicle owner?
If you do not have solar, the best time of day to charge an electric car is during the super off-peak hours between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. If you do have solar, follow the prioritized list under “Best times for solar customers to charge a battery under TOD rates” below. Charging at lower cost times can significantly reduce your cost per mile. Consider using a smart charger or timer to schedule charging automatically.
Would adding a battery help under time-of-day rates?
If you already have a battery, reduce your TOD bills by charging it up with low-cost electricity and drawing it down when rates are high. Energy stored in the battery can be used to lower your usage, but cannot be exported to the CMLP grid at this time. If you’re thinking about adding a battery, keep in mind that it would likely take many years to recoup the capital cost with just the savings from TOD.
What are the best times for solar customers to charge a battery under TOD rates?
- Best: from excess solar during Off-Peak (any season)
- Better: from excess solar during Peak (shoulder season only)
- Good: from grid during Super Off-Peak (any season)
- OK: from grid during Off-Peak (any season)
- Bad: from solar during Peak (standard season)
- Worst: from grid during Peak (avoid this in any season)
Can stored solar energy be used during Peak periods?
Yes. Batteries can be programmed to power your home when electricity prices are highest or when solar production is low. CMLP allows electricity from your solar array to be used at home, stored in a battery, or sent to the grid at any time, but electricity from your battery can only be used at home, never sent to the grid.
Tips for Saving
Tips for Saving Money During Peak Hours
- Use Programmable or Smart Thermostats
- Set your thermostat to automatically reduce heating or cooling during peak hours.
- Some smart thermostats can even adjust based on real-time energy rates and weather patterns.
- Schedule Appliance Use During Off-Peak Hours
- Dishwashers: Run them overnight or early in the morning.
- Washing Machines and Dryers: Wash clothes during weekends or off-peak hours. Use cold water to save even more energy.
- Electric Ovens: Plan cooking or baking during off-peak hours or use energy-efficient countertop appliances like toaster ovens or air fryers during peak times.
- Use Timers and Smart Plugs
- Set timers on appliances such as water heaters, pool pumps, and dehumidifiers to operate during off-peak hours.
- Smart plugs can automate schedules and let you control appliances remotely.
- Charge Electric Vehicles (EVs) During Off-Peak Hours
- Take advantage of lower rates by scheduling EV charging overnight or during designated off-peak hours.
- Optimize Water Heater Usage
- Install a timer on your electric water heater to limit heating to off-peak hours.
- Consider insulating your water heater and pipes to reduce heat loss.
- Use Energy Storage Solutions
- Battery Storage: Store electricity during off-peak hours for use during peak periods.
- Thermal Storage: Pre-cool your home or store hot water during off-peak hours.
- Shift Lighting Usage
- Use LED bulbs, which consume less energy and generate less heat.
- Install motion sensors in high-traffic areas to automatically turn lights on and off.
- Leverage Home Automation
- Connect smart home systems to control multiple devices and manage energy use based on TOD rates.
- Many systems offer "away modes" to reduce unnecessary energy usage when you’re not home.
- Understand and Track Usage
- Monitor your electricity usage with online tools or mobile apps provided by CMLP.
- Analyze patterns to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to reduce energy costs.
- Reduce Phantom Load (Standby Power Consumption)
- Unplug devices like chargers, gaming consoles, and entertainment systems when not in use.
- Use smart power strips that automatically cut power to idle devices.
- Weatherproof Your Home
- Seal windows and doors to reduce heating and cooling needs.
- Use curtains or blinds to block out the sun during hot months and retain heat during winter.