Energy Watch Frequently Asked Questions
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers provide more details about Idaho Power's Energy Watch program.
- What is Energy Watch?
- How does the Energy Watch program work?
- Why should I consider joining Energy Watch?
- How can I make an informed decision about whether or not to sign up?
- How do I sign up for Energy Watch?
- Residential customers in the Emmett Valley have three special programs (Time-of-Day, Energy Watch, and A/C Cool Credit) they can choose from this summer. How many of these programs can I sign up for?
1. What is Energy Watch?
Energy Watch is a voluntary program offered to residential customers in the Emmett Valley with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters and whose usage equals or exceeds 300 kilowatt-hours (kWh*) of electricity per month. Participants will be charged a lower standard residential rate during all times of day for the entire summer, except for the 10 four-hour Energy Watch events between June 15 and Aug. 15.
2. How does the Energy Watch program work?
Participating in Energy Watch means that you’ll pay the same low rate for electricity for the majority of the summer, 6.3 cents per kWh. In return, Energy Watch requires that during a four-hour block of time for no more than 10 days this summer, between June 15 and August 15, the rate you pay will be considerably higher. These four-hour blocks are called Energy Watch hours.
Participants will be notified by phone and/or e-mail by 4 p.m. the day before Energy Watch hours are scheduled to begin. For example, Energy Watch hours will be implemented when the demand for electricity is very high and the energy supply becomes limited. On a day when Energy Watch hours are in effect, participants would be asked to use as little electricity as possible between 5 and 9 p.m. This may mean grilling outdoors instead of using your stovetop. It could also be as simple as waiting until after 9 p.m. to do laundry or run your dishwasher.
On these 10 days, from 5 to 9 p.m., participants’ energy will be very expensive—20 cents per kWh—or about three times the normal rate. This rate is in effect only for the duration of that four-hour block; after that your electricity use is once again billed at the lower rate.
3. Why should I consider joining Energy Watch?
The greatest demand for electricity in southern Idaho occurs during hot summer afternoons when air conditioners are used the most and Idaho farmers are pumping water to their fields. The result is an ever-growing need for power at very specific “peak” times in June, July and August.
By volunteering to partner with other residential customers in our Energy Watch program, you can help reduce peak electricity use when demand on the company’s system is highest. Much like recycling, a small individual effort from many households can lead to powerful changes that benefit the entire community. Last summer, participants reduced a significant amount of electricity during Energy Watch hours.
You may save money on the Energy Watch program. It depends on when you use electricity and how willing you are to reduce your usage during a few hours of the summer. However, if you sign up for the program but don’t change your usage patterns, your electricity bill probably will go up.
Here are some additional ideas for reducing your energy use during Energy Watch hours:
- Make sure your house cools overnight.
- In the morning, while its still cool outside, close all windows and window coverings.
- Reduce your air conditioner usage.
- Delay watering your lawn or garden if you have an electric water pump.
- Turn off your electric appliances that aren't needed during this time, such as computers and TVs.
- Delay running the dishwasher, clothes washer or clothes dryer.
Typical household electricity use
during summer peak periods.
4. How can I make an informed decision about whether or not to sign up?
Log in as an Account Manager or register to become an Account Manager. You will need a copy of your latest bill. Once you’re logged in, from the Account Information page, click "energy usage from last summer" to see your energy usage from last summer. This information will help you estimate how much electricity you might use this summer. From the Energy Tools Bill Center page you can access your more recent energy usage information and get tips on how to shift or reduce energy usage.
5. How do I sign up for Energy Watch?
Residential customers in the Emmett Valley who are not participating in the Time-of-Day or A/C Cool Credit programs are eligible. Sign up online or call Customer Service at 208-388-2323 from the Emmett Valley or 1-800-488-6151 from elsewhere. When prompted by our automated telephone system, please say “residential services,” then “programs” when prompted again. Personal assistance is available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
6. Residential customers in the Emmett Valley have three special programs (Time-of-Day, Energy Watch, and A/C Cool Credit) they can choose from this summer. How many of these programs can I sign up for?
In order to allow Idaho Power to independently assess each program, customers are only able to participate in one of these programs. Participation is voluntary.
*A kWh is the unit Idaho Power uses to measure your electricity usage each month. One kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts of electricity used for one hour. For example, if you operate a 1,000-watt microwave oven for one hour, or if you operate a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours, each will use one kilowatt-hour of electricity.
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