WAYS TO SAVE
Learn About How You're Billed - and How You Can Save
Business customers are charged both for the amount of power they use, and the peak rate at which they use it
Understanding Your Bill
Use vs. Demand
Here’s a common analogy: Think of your car. Your odometer measures how far you’ve driven (total usage), while your speedometer measures how fast you drive (demand). The demand charge is like a snapshot of the highest point your speedometer reached in the past month.
Why is a demand charge needed?
Some businesses use power at a steady rate, while others have spikes where they use a lot of power in a short time. Businesses with high spikes pay a higher demand charge to cover the added costs to meet those extraordinary needs.
Why don’t I see a demand charge on my home bill?
Residential customers don’t see a demand charge because homes’ peak demand for energy doesn’t vary all that much. The difference is much greater for businesses.
Where can I see my business’s demand?
Just check the chart on the first page of your monthly bill. You can also check your usage online to see your business’s patterns of energy use.
To Reduce Your Total Electricity Usage:
Rebate Programs
Check out our energy efficiency programs and rebates for business customers. You may be able to install energy efficiency measures with little out-of-pocket costs or paperwork.
Be Energy-Efficient
Buy the most energy-efficient equipment and lighting possible. Power down equipment, including computers and lights, when they are not needed.
To reduce your demand:
One at a Time
If possible, turn on your equipment piece by piece, allowing 15 to 20 minutes between each. Don’t turn on everything at once.
Use Standby Mode
Keep unneeded office equipment, like copiers and printers, in energy-saving standby mode – or, better yet, turned off – when they aren’t being used.
Lights Out
Make sure lights are turned off in unused spaces. Install occupancy sensors. Open curtains and blinds and use sunlight where possible.
Cycle Equipment
Use an energy-management system to schedule equipment and building system operations. Install automatic sequencers.