While working with different utilities, I’ve started noticing a clear pattern in the rate plans that utilities set for power and gas usage. The two most common structures are either a flat rate or a time-of-use (ToU) rate.

A flat rate remains constant but sometimes changes seasonally, meaning you might have a different rate for summer and winter.

On the other hand, ToU rates are based on when you consume energy, making your billing dependent on specific time slots throughout the day.

Utilities provide these details on their websites, but many customers don’t actively explore their options.

I want to take a moment to talk about this because I see so many people unaware of the choices available to them. If you charge your EV at home, there could be rebates and incentives that help lower your costs.

These are often listed on your utility’s website, but if you don’t see them, don’t hesitate to call. The utility companies are supposed to provide this information, and they will if you ask.

Lately, I’ve noticed an increasing trend where utilities offer special rates for EV charging. Some states even require users to have a separate meter for EV charging to track usage efficiently.

This opens up opportunities to take advantage of lower, EV-specific ToU rates, which could significantly cut down on charging costs.

I also encourage you to look at your own charging habits. If you plug in your EV overnight, does it really need that much charging? Maybe you can schedule it to charge only during off-peak hours. But what are the off-peak hours in your area? That’s something your utility provider can tell you, and it’s worth checking.

At the end of the day, being informed about your rate plan and energy consumption can save you money and help optimize the use of resources.

Smart energy use benefits not just your wallet but also the overall grid and sustainability efforts. I always tell people—make conscious choices and use energy wisely.