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DemandLevel Savings Tips for Residential Customers
Your electric bill is changing and so are the tools to help you manage it.
What is DemandLevel?
Starting November 1, OUC will introduce a new pricing structure called DemandLevel that considers how and when you use the most energy.
Your monthly bill will now reflect two ways you use electricity:
- Consumption – Your total monthly energy use
- Peak Demand – Your highest 15‑minute usage in the previous month
Visit Rates & Costs for full pricing details on DemandLevel tiers or DemandLevel for more information about what demand is and how it differs from consumption.
5 Ways to Control Costs
When it comes to managing your energy use, timing can matter just as much as how much electricity you use.
- Stagger Appliance Use: Running major appliances at the same time can spike your energy use. For example, wait until the oven or pool pump is off to start the clothes dryer.
- Use Timers and Delayed Start Features: Many appliances have built-in timers. Set them to run later to avoid overlap and keep your peak demand lower.
- Program Your Thermostat: Use a smart thermostat to minimize cooling costs when you’re away and ensure maximum comfort on your return.
- Charge Your EV Overnight: If you have an electric vehicle, schedule overnight charging so it starts after other appliances power down.
- Spread Out Hot Water Use: Showers, dishwashers, and laundry all activate your water heater, so spacing them out helps avoid added demand peaks.
Tools and Programs That Can Help You Save
Your peak demand resets each billing cycle, so your tier can change monthly. Use OUC’s free online tools and programs to help maximize your efficiency.
Appliance Calculator
See how household electric demand increases as you turn on appliances you use at the same time. You’ll get a better idea of how each device contributes to your home’s demand.
Usage Dashboard
Use your usage data to save money. View your electric (kWh) consumption and peak electric demand (kW) for a custom date range. See how much you use by the hour or in 15-minute intervals.
My OUC Energy Coach
Take the guesswork out of your bill. See what appliances are consuming the most energy, get an estimate of what your upcoming bill may be, and get notified if your consumption is trending higher than normal.
Rebates for Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Get money back — in the form of bill credits — when you invest in energy-efficient appliances and systems. Plus, there are vetted contractors available to help with installation.
Home Conservation Audits
During an audit, an OUC conservation specialist will analyze your home and identify ways to improve efficiency for HVAC systems, insulation, lighting, water heating and more.