MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Santee Cooper’s new rates take effect with April bills, which will reflect March electric use. The new residential rates include a peak hour demand charge based on the single highest hour of electricity use during the three peak hours each day of the billing period, an approximately 34% lower energy charge, and a customer charge.
To help residential customers better control their bills, Santee Cooper is sharing tips and tricks to “Defeat The Peak and Bank The Savings.”
“Peak hours are the three hours each day when demand for electricity surges, and so does the cost to provide it. When customers choose to make simple changes to when they use electricity, they have more control over their bills,” said Vicky Budreau, Santee Cooper’s Chief Customer Officer. “Shifting and delaying the use of appliances that require a lot of electricity can help customers lower their bills.”
Customers can “Defeat The Peak and Bank The Savings” by shifting or staggering the use of energy-intensive appliances away from the three peak hours each day, including:
Delaying the dishwasher.
Pre-heating or pre-cooling their home.
Deferring the dryer.
Setting a timer to ensure the water heater stays off during peak hours.
Peak hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. during winter months (November through March) and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. during summer months (April through October).
For more information on ways to save money under the new rates, visit DefeatThePeakSC.com or follow #DefeatThePeakSC on social media. For information on the rates process and specific changes, visit santeecooper.com/ratestudy .