x
Breaking News
More () »

PG&E Time-of-Use plan with higher summer rates starts on June 1

Your electricity bill could go up with Peak pricing summer costs in effect for the next four months.
Credit: abc10

CALIFORNIA, USA — The official start to summer is still on the horizon, though the recent 100-degree weather may have you thinking we are already in the peak heat season. 

That is why it's important to note that Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) will be switching to their summer "Time-of-Use" rates on June 1. This means customers could see more expensive power bills if they use electricity during Peak hours.

The adjustment to Time-of-Use rates means that costs will be higher for four months, from June to September. 

Partial-Peak hours also begin for non-residential customers (businesses) and some residential customers, where two hours before and after Peak hours electricity is priced at "medium energy cost," according to the PG&E website. If you are currently enrolled in the Time-of-Use E-6 plan, your energy costs include Partial-Peak hours. 

PG&E has several different Time-of-Use rate plans, including one that puts Peak hours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. everyday ( and another that shifts Peak hours to 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. only on weekdays. These plans do not include Partial-Peak hours. 

PG&E customers on the E-1 (traditional residential tiered rate plan) will not have summer and winter rate changes.

Learn which Time-of-Use plan is best for your energy consumption here

Credit: Pacific Gas and Electric
PG&E's Time-of-Day breakdown for businesses (non-residential customers) shows how Partial-Peak hours will affect costs.

Here is how costs break down for PG&E customers on Time-of-Use plans: 

Off-Peak

Time-of-Use default plan: 

  • $0.3547 kWh
  • 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. and after 9 p.m./ Every Day

Time-of-Use alternate plan: 

  • $0.2815 kWh
  • 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m./ Weekdays

Off-peak hours have the lowest cost for electricity. Weekends and holidays run on Off-Peak hour rates all day.

Partial-Peak (for some customers)

  • $0.3017 kWh 
  • 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. / Monday through Friday 
  • 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. / Monday through Friday 

Partial-Peak costs may depend on the plan customers chose, but will mostly affect residential customers on the E-6 plan and commercial business customers. During Partial-Peak hours, electricity is slightly more expensive. Partial-Peak hours occur before and after peak hours Monday through Friday.

Peak

Time-of-Use default plan:

  • $0.4181 kWh 
  • 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. / Every Day

Time-of-Use alternate plan: 

  • $0.37644 kWh 
  • 5 p.m. to 8 p.m./ Weekdays

Peak hours may depend on the plan customers choose. As the name might imply, electricity is most expensive during Peak hours. Customers will be looking at rates that are higher than what's available during Off-Peak hours. The Peak hours occur Monday through Friday.

WATCH MORE: How are people beating the heat in Sacramento?

Before You Leave, Check This Out