From Bruce Warnecke - HWE Energy Service Advisor 

We have surpassed two years since Time of Day electric rates have been in effect for residential and small commercial services. I have spoken to many members about ways to use this new rate structure to their advantage. If you are able shift any of your electric consumption to off-peak hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), you will see savings on your electric bill. Every kilowatt-hour shifted to off-peak usage will result in a savings of 7.8 cents. Below is a list of devices that do not require 24-hour or on-demand operation, which you may want to consider operating off-peak by adding a timer, programming a start time, or manually operating outside of peak hours:

• Electric clothes dryers, which use approximately 2.25 kWh per load

• Dehumidifiers, which use .5 kWh per hour of operation

• Dishwashers, which use 1.17 kWh per cycle

• Space heaters, which use 1.5 kWh per hour of operation

• Electric water heaters, which use 4.5 kWh per hour of operation

• Swimming pool pumps, which use 1.75 kWh per hour of operation (for a 1-hp pump)

Also, be sure to check the settings of your programmable thermostat for fan circulating operation only during off- peak time. Consider slightly raising your air conditioning operating temperature until 10 p.m., as well.

A realistic goal for most residential homes is to strive for 30% of your energy to be consumed off peak. You can track your progress monthly by dividing the off-peak reading on your electric bill by the total kWh reading. If you have questions about your electric consumption, please give me a call at 419-257-5025. I am happy to help!