Time-of-Day Plan FAQs
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers will provide more details about Idaho Power's Time-of-Day plan, available for select Idaho customers who have Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters.
- What is the Time-of-Day plan?
- How much does energy cost in each of these blocks per kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
- How does this cost compare to the Residential Standard Plan?
- Are other charges added to these plans?
- Why should I consider joining the Time-of-Day plan?
- What type of customer would benefit from this plan?
- How do I sign up for the Time-of-Day plan?
- If I don’t like the plan, how do I end it and change to another?
- May I sign up for the Time-of-Day plan if I am participating in A/C Cool Credit?
- May I select the Time-of-Day plan if I am a Net Metering (Schedule 84) customer?
1. What is the Time-of-Day plan?
Time-of-Day is a voluntary plan offered to selected Idaho residential customers with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters. Participants pay two different prices for electricity depending on what time of day it’s used: Peak time is the most expensive. Off-Peak is least expensive. Prices change once in the summer months (June-August) and once in the non-summer months.
The Time-of-Day periods for this plan are:
- Summer Peak: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, except holidays
- Summer Off-Peak: 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are entirely Off-Peak.
- Non-Summer Peak: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, except holidays.
- Non-Summer Off-Peak: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are entirely Off-Peak.
2. How much does energy cost in each of these blocks per kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
During the summer months (June, July and August), the price per kWh is:
- About 11.35 cents for Peak
- About 6.26 cents for Off-Peak
During the non-summer months (September through May), the price per kWh is:
- About 8.23 cents for Peak
- About 6.26 cents for Off-Peak
3. How does this cost compare to the Residential Standard Plan?
The current Residential Standard Plan energy charge rates are:
- Summer - 7.39 cents for the first 800 kWh; 9.01 cents for 801-2,000 kWh; and 10.81 cents for all electricity over 2,000 kWh
- Non-Summer - 6.83 cents for the first 800 kWh; 7.59 cents for 801-2,000 kWh; and 8.67 cents for all electricity over 2,000 kWh
4. Are other charges added to these plans?
Yes. Just like your current plan, other charges that will be added include a Service Charge, the Power Cost Adjustment, Energy Efficiency Services and, if applicable, a local franchise fee.
5. Why should I consider joining the Time-of-Day plan?
The greatest demand for electricity in southern Idaho occurs during hot summer afternoons when residential and commercial air conditioners are used the most and the agricultural irrigation season is in full swing. The result is an ever-growing need for power at very specific, “peak” times during June, July and August.
By responding to our invitation to join this pilot with other residential customers in our Time-of-Day plan, you can help reduce peak use when demand on the electric system is highest by shifting some of your usage from the daytime peak hours to the late evening and weekend off-peak hours. And much like recycling, a small individual effort from many households can lead to powerful changes that benefit the entire community.
This plan provides most customers an opportunity to save a little on their electricity bill if they change the time of day and days of the week they use electricity. Without changing energy use, some customers’ electricity bills will go up on the Time-of-Day plan and some will not change. If you sign up for the plan but don’t change your usage patterns, your electricity bill may go up.
6. What type of customer would benefit from this plan?
Customers willing and able to shift their electricity use to Off-Peak hours may reduce their electricity bills. Customers who currently do not use much electricity during the Peak periods also may benefit from this plan.
7. How do I sign up for the Time-of-Day plan?
Sign up online, or call Customer Service at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151, outside the Treasure Valley. When prompted by our automated telephone system, please say “residential services,” then “other question” when prompted again. Personal assistance is available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
8. If I don’t like the plan, how do I end it and change to another?
After electing to go on this plan, you can choose to go off at any time. Your service will be placed back on the Residential Standard Plan. However, if you go off the Time-of-Day plan, you cannot go back on it again for twelve months.
9. May I sign up for the Time-of-Day plan if I am participating in A/C Cool Credit?
Yes. Customers currently participating in A/C Cool Credit are eligible for this Time-of-Day rate plan.
10. May I select the Time-of-Day plan if I am a Net Metering (Schedule 84) customer?
No. Our Net Metering customers are not eligible for this Time-of-Day rate plan.
*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.
