Time of Use rate plans

You can save money on this rate plan by shifting use of some major appliances like the dishwasher, clothes washer and clothes dryer to lower-cost, off-peak hours. Here are some ways to shift energy use and save: 

• Run your dishwasher in the morning or at bedtime. Let your dishes air-dry when possible.
• Do laundry on the weekends, or earlier in the day (or at night) on weekdays.  
• Use a smart or programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature in your home. 
  • In the summer, set your thermostat at 78º especially during peak hours. Use fans to circulate cool air. Close blinds and drapes during the hottest part of the day. 
  • In the winter, turn down your thermostat to 68º or lower.
• Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. To make it easier, plug home electronics and computers into smart power strips.
• Have your furnace and central air conditioner tuned up annually, and clean or replace filters monthly for efficient operation.
• Wait until 10 p.m. to turn on outdoor lights.
• Take shorter showers instead of baths.
• Try preparing extra meals on the weekends, and heat them up in the microwave. Use your microwave, slow cooker, toaster oven or outdoor grill instead of your range and oven.
• If you have an electric vehicle, set your vehicle’s time scheduling function to charge your car overnight at 10 p.m. when demand for electricity is lower.
• If you have a pool or spa, use a variable speed pool pump or manually operate your pool and spa pump and heater during off-peak times. Cover your pool or spa to keep it clean and save heat. Spa covers should be well insulated. Keep grates clear of debris.
• Save household projects such as cleaning, repairs and remodeling for weekends. 
• Consider landscaping with leafy shade trees. Plant them on the southeast and southwest sides of your home and to shade A/C units.

See more energy-saving tips »

Download the Wattsmart Energy Handbook (PDF)

Yes, we have tools to help you monitor your energy use and find ways to save:

Track your energy use

• Review your energy use. Access your usage
• Use our Home Energy Reports portal to better understand your energy usage and pinpoint ways to save. More usage insights

Understand your appliances and usage

• Use our calculator to fill in the number and type of appliances you use in your home. Calculate your usage
• Take our free, self-guided virtual home energy assessment to identify energy-saving opportunities in your home's heating and cooling, insulation, lighting and more. Home energy assessment

Changes in the weather, your lifestyle and conditions in your home all play a part in determining your bill each month. Here are some factors that can impact your bill and considerations for shifting away from peak hours:

Weather conditions

• Above-average summer heat
• Below-average winter cold

Changes at home

• New family member or house guest
• Installing additional appliances
• A change in your work schedule or habits

Electric heating & heat sources – avoid using this equipment during on-peak hours

• Central heating with an electric furnace or heat pump
• Zonal heating with plug-in space heaters, built-in wall heaters, in-floor heating or baseboard heaters
• Outdoor heating with heat lamps, heat tape, water trough heaters or engine block heaters

Cooling equipment – avoid using this equipment during on-peak hours

• Central air conditioning
• Window and portable air conditioners   

Other electrical equipment – avoid using this equipment during on-peak hours

• Electric vehicle charging
• Electric water heaters
• Swimming pools, hot tubs or spas
• Irrigation pumps
• Equipment such as your water heater, heat pump or air conditioner is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced
• Plasma TVs

Generally, customers who use more energy have more opportunities to save on Time of Use (as indicated by the chart below). 

Utah Schedule 1 Time of Use Estimated Annual Savings
Percentage of on-peak kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage

Holidays are considered off-peak all day. These include:

• New Year's Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Pioneer Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday before the holiday is included. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is included and considered off-peak. 

For the first year of enrollment, we will provide a guarantee payment, so residential customers don’t pay more than 10% on their bills compared to standard rates.

Yes, check for available discounts and rebates on energy-efficient equipment for Wattsmart® Homes and Wattsmart Business.

Electrical infrastructure must be built to provide power when energy demand is highest (during peak times). Offering Time of Use rate plans and other programs like Cool Keeper helps optimize energy use on the grid, keeps costs down for everyone and benefits the enviroment.

If you have an electric vehicle, set your vehicle’s time scheduling function to charge your car overnight at 10 p.m. when demand for electricity is lower.

As part of our 2024 General Rate Case settlement agreement, participants on Schedule 2 and Schedule 2E are being moved to Schedule 1 Residential Time of Use by December 1, 2025. New on-peak hours are from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays. Weekends and holidays are off-peak. If you'd like to switch to the standard Schedule 1 rate, please call us at 1-888-221-7070.