Time-of-Use Rate Can Help Members Trim Bill During Winter Months

Looking to cut your electric bill this winter? Consider switching to Delta-Montrose Electric Association's (DMEA) Time-of-rate. Under this special rate, members  willing to move their electric usage to "off peak" hours can cut their bills, while helping to keep future rates low.

DMEA's cost for wholesale energy is determined in part by our system wide demand. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Asso

ciation, DMEA's wholesale power provider, calculates our power bill based on two factors: energy used and a demand charge. Shifting your energy use to times when demand is low helps cut our bill, allowing us to pass on these savings on to members participating in our Time-of-Use (TOU) rate. As a rule of thumb, membersusing more than 750 kWh per month will likely save money.

From October through April, these periods of high electric demand, called “on peak” hours, fall between 6:30 - 11 a.m. and 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. All  other times, including all day Sunday, are considered off peak. During on peak hours, members are encouraged to postpone their energy intensive tasks, such as washing clothes or running the dishwasher. Unlike DMEA's standard residential and commercial rates that bill at a flat rate per kilowatthour of electricity used. TOU separates the day into on and off peak time blocks. Energy used on peak is charged at $.154 per kWh, while energy consumed off peak is billed at $.038 per kWh -two and half times less than our standard rate of $.097 per kWh. From May through September, members are billed at the standard residential rate.

To encourage members to transition to the TOU rate, DMEA offers a no-risk, one-year trial period. During your year trial, DMEA will calculate your bill with both the  standard rate and the TOU rate. These amounts will be displayed on your bill and you will only be billed for whichever amount is less. DMEA charges a one-time, non refundable fee of $15 to install a special Time-of-Use  meter. Members can also elect to switch back to the standard rate at any time without paying a penalty.

For even greater savings, TOU members are encourage to install timers on appliances, water heaters, and heating equipment. Timers are available from your local electrician, electrical supplier, or hardware store.

For more information on DMEA's Time-of-Use  rate or to sign up, call 1-877-687-3632 (1-877-OUR-DMEA).