Time-Of-Use (TOU) Rates | San Miguel Power Association, Inc.

SMPA’S Time-of-Use (TOU) rate offers members a discount on energy for 19 hours of the day, 11¢ / kWh (previously 13.5¢ / kWh). During the 5 hour “Peak” period of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., members see a higher rate (22¢ /kWh). With minimal impact on the overall cost for most members, Time-of-Use creates incentives for members to use energy during lower-demand periods and it better reflects the actual cost of energy throughout the day.

Learn how SMPA’s TOU rates
enhance member choice

Why Energy Costs More During the Peak:

Tri-State has to invest large amounts of money to be able to reliably provide electricity during a relatively small number of hours when its system is under the greatest strain. Similar to how prices increase when there is a high demand for Ubers during rainstorms, or when you fly home during the holidays, energy is more expensive when everyone wants to use it.

Providing rates that reflect the cost of operating the electric system encourages more efficient use of the system. It also promotes fairness by ensuring that customers pay in proportion to how much they contribute to the costly system peaks.

Rate Calculator

Optimal Time-Of-Day Peak Power Rate:

Some members’ usage profile may position them to benefit from our Peak Power rate option. This rate charges the same amount (11.96¢ / kWh) for both on-peak and off-peak energy. It also includes a charge for the maximum KW demand for a given month. To see how this option might affect your bill, use the calculator below.

We recommend you enter numbers from several past bills to see how the TOD Demand affects your bill at different points throughout the year.

Time-of-use Calculator

Why Energy Costs More During the Peak:

Optimal Time-Of-Day Peak Power Rate:

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