Shift Energy Use to Off-Peak Times to Save

Time-of-Use rate rewards customer flexibility. 

Looking for a way to manage your electricity costs? Consider MGE’s Time-of-Use (TOU) rate, which gives customers the opportunity to reduce their electric bills by shifting the time of day when they use electricity. It may be an easy way to save on your electric bill.  
 

What is Time-of-Use? 

Using electricity during “on-peak” hours puts a strain on the electric grid. These high-volume times occur when the majority of our customers are working, running household appliances and more. To help manage these busy times for our grid, MGE offers a TOU rate. If customers can shift significant electricity use from times of high demand to “off-peak” hours when demand is low, they can save.  

Off-peak hours are 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday, plus all day weekends and holidays. On-peak hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays.  
 

Is Time-of-Use a good option for me? 

Think about your home’s major energy users—clothes dryer, water heater, dehumidifier, electric vehicle (EV), air conditioner. If you are willing to operate these energy users primarily during off-peak times, you likely are a good candidate for TOU. Typically, customers who can shift more than two-thirds of their use to off-peak will save.  

In contrast, you may not be a good candidate for TOU rates if you have electric heat. This is because it runs around the clock, making it more challenging to save with TOU. 

MGE’s Energy Experts are available through our Home Energy Line to help answer questions about TOU. Call 608-252-7117 or 1-800-245-1125 and leave a messge or send an email to AskExperts@mge.com. 
 

Time-of-Use FAQ  

Aren’t I automatically on the TOU rate?
No. You must sign up for TOU and commit to one full year. 

Does the TOU rate apply only to my EV?
If you choose TOU, it applies to all of your home’s electric consumption—not just the electricity you use to charge your EV. If you drive an EV, you can earn rewards by allowing MGE to manage your home EV charging through our Charge Ahead program. Drivers on standard rates can earn incentives, while drivers on the TOU rate save on their electricity bills. 

How do I enroll in the program?
For residential customers, please call the Home Energy Line at 608-252-7117 and leave a message or email AskExperts@mge.com. For business customers, please call your MGE account representative at 608-252-7007 or email Business@mge.com.

published: Jan-14-2025