Peak Day Toolkit

Ways to save on the Smart Choice Rate:

1. For Smart Choice Rate members, the easiest way to reduce your energy use on Energy Saving Peak Days is to shift high power consumption to off-peak hours. Simple tips:
   • Reduce the overall demand when you avoid using all of your equipment at the same time. For example, running the dishwasher, dryer, TVs and oven at the same time.
   • Pre-cool your home on Energy Saving Peak Days and set your thermostat to 80 degrees or higher during peak hours (2-7 p.m.).
   • Avoid using the oven. This makes your house warmer which causes your AC unit to work harder to cool the house.
   • Grill outside instead of cooking on the stove top or baking in the oven.
   • Turn off unnecessary lights in the house during peak hours (2-7 p.m.).
   • Limit the use of electronics during peak hours (2-7 p.m.).
   • Schedule outdoor activities to avoid using extra energy in the home.
   • Turn off equipment outside of the home, such as in a shop or garage.
   • If you have an electric water heater, use less hot water during peak hours (2-7 p.m.). Set your water heater to 120º.
   • Initiate energy efficiency measures in your home in an effort to lower your overall energy use. Make small changes like switching to LEDs.
   • Don’t use electricity when you’re not using it! Many people keep devices plugged in when they’re not in use. This includes TVs, computers, DVD players, DVRs, game consoles, air conditioning or heating (when we are out), toaster ovens and many more. Even when these devices are off, they continue to use electricity, or standby electricity, while plugged in. To save energy, unplug devices when you aren’t going to use them for several hours or days. (And, in the case of the AC or heating, turn it off when you are going to be out for a while.) Energy-saving plugs can also help you cut standby electricity.
   • Do not charge your electric vehicle during peak hours (2-7 p.m.) on Energy Saving Peak Days. Did you know you can charge your EV for free with the NiteFlex rate?
2. Use a smart thermostat to program how and when your home uses energy. You can remotely pre-cool your home and adjust your cooling settings.
3. Smart meters allow you to track electricity use by the hour so you can make smart energy decisions. Monitor your daily and hourly energy use online or download our app to check your energy use on the go.
4. Quick tips to save energy at home:
   • Change your air filters regularly
   • Seal air leaks
   • Make sure your house is properly insulated: (Attic insulation: R30-R60, cathedral ceiling: R22-R38, cavity: R13-R15, floor: R25)
   • Service your HVAC system regularly
   • Check your vents to ensure they are not blocked
   • Replace your old appliances with ENERGY STAR^® qualified appliances
5. Complete a home energy assessment to determine which parts of your house use the most energy and learn the best ways to cut energy costs. Check out our energy audit video below for expert tips on identifying ways to save energy in your home.