What is Time-of-Day Pricing?
Here’s your friendly reminder: Fort Collins Time-of-Day (TOD) peak hours will be switching back to non-summer hours as of October 1st. In short, this means that any electricity you use from 5 to 9 pm on weekdays will cost you approximately 3 times as much as the energy your household consumes during non-peak hours. Sandbox Solar, your local, Northern Colorado solar company, is here to explain how Fort Collins Time-of-Day pricing affects your bill and how you can save with solar:
Fort Collins Time-of-Day Pricing Peak Hours
In 2018, the City of Fort Collins utilities moved to a Time-of-Day pricing structure in which users are charged more for electricity used during peak hours. The peak hours vary depending on the time of year. In the summer months, peak hours are from 2 to 7 pm, and in the non-summer months, peak hours are considered to be 5 to 9 pm. As of October 1, the Fort Collins Time-of-Day pricing will switch back to non-summer peak hours. The electricity you use during peak hours is much more costly, and you’re encouraged to avoid utilizing major appliances during peak hours.
Since the inception of Time-of-Day pricing, we’ve heard from utility customers around the city who have changed their habits in order to avoid costly energy bills.
TOD Pricing for Solar Customers
One of the best ways City of Fort Collins residents have found to avoid the increase in utility costs is installing a solar system on their home. Your solar panels will generate the energy needed to power your home, regardless of the time during which you use your appliances, furnace, air conditioner, and so on, instead of drawing power from the grid. Any extra power your system generates can be returned to the grid, and you’ll receive a credit based on when the power was generated. See the full credit rating system here.
If you’ve noticed an increase in your electricity costs based on Fort Collins Time-of-Day pricing, let’s talk. Electricity costs are predicted to only increase over time; we have helped many Fort Collins residents eliminate their electricity bills by generating their own power, and we can help you, too. Contact Sandbox Solar, your local solar company, for a free quote or to learn more about how to avoid Time-of-Day pricing costs with solar.
