Time-of-Use: Summer Peak Energy Use is Coming

Summer Energy Use Is Coming—Be Prepared

As we head into the warmer months, it’s important to plan ahead for how summer energy use can impact your electric bill. From June through September, electricity demand increases across the community primarily due to air conditioning and cooling needs. As demand rises, so can the cost of electricity during certain times of day.

With Traverse City Light & Power’s Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, when you use electricity matters just as much as how much you use.

Understanding On-Peak Hours

During the summer, weekday afternoons are considered on-peak hours when electricity demand and cost are the highest.

• Eco Champion: Weekdays, 1 PM – 5 PM
• Eco Steady: Weekdays, 11 AM – 6 PM
• Weekends & holidays: Always off-peak

Using electricity during on-peak hours can lead to higher costs, while shifting usage to off-peak times can help you save.

Simple Ways to Lower Your Bill

Making small adjustments to when you use energy can add up to meaningful savings:

• Run dishwashers and laundry in the evening or early morning
• Charge electric vehicles overnight
• Pre-cool your home before peak hours begin
• Use smart thermostats or timers to manage energy use

These small changes not only reduce your bill they also help ease demand on the electric grid during peak times

Plan Ahead for Summer Bills

It’s normal to see higher energy use in the summer as cooling systems run more frequently. By understanding TOU pricing and planning your energy use around on-peak hours, you can take control of your bill and avoid surprises.

For Businesses

Summer energy use can significantly impact operating costs. Adjusting schedules, managing cooling systems efficiently, and shifting energy-intensive tasks outside of peak hours can help reduce expenses and improve overall efficiency.

To learn more about Time-of-Use, click here.