The consumers’ cost of energy is on the rise again and it’s not likely to stop. Colorado’s largest power provider, Xcel Energy, has announced two rate changes that will drive up rates for both natural gas and electricity.

Peak Time Change Means Higher Electric Costs

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC)recently approved new peak-rate times for Xcel, extending the highest electricity rates from 7 pm to 9 pm on non-holiday weekdays beginning no earlier than October of this year.

These Time-of-Use (TOU) rates apply to users of “smart” meters, which allow for varying rates based on when power is used. Current rates peak between 3 and 7 pm and drop slightly between 1 and 3 pm during the summer (June-September). The change means that you’ll pay nearly three times as much for electricity during summer afternoons and evenings than when the sun’s down—32¢ vs 12¢ per kilowatt hour (kwh)—and four times as much during the winter.

NOTE: Customers can opt out of the TOU rate and choose a flat rate, which is higher than the TOU off-peak rate but lower than the TOU on-peak rate. Check with your utility for current plans and rates.

Tips to Lower Your Electricity Costs

• Shift Your Usage Times
  With the TOU pricing, moving energy use to later is an obvious way to pay less per kilowatt hour, but with the peak time shift to 9 pm, that may not always be convenient or even possible.Nobody wants to leave their air conditioning off during the hottest times of day, and few people want to start dinner or laundry at 9 o’clock.

But there are a few things you can consider to cut down energy use in the afternoons and evenings. For instance:

• Cook outdoors, especially if you have an electric range or cooktop and oven
  A 40-amp range can consume 4800 watts per hour (4.8 kw). It not only saves electricity but doesn’t heat up your kitchen, causing your air conditioner to run more.
• Consider an induction cooktop or range
  Many places, including Denver and Boulder, are limiting or even prohibiting gas hookups in new construction. If you’re moving to a new home or needing a new range, consider an induction model. They don’t heat up the surrounding air, heat and cool quicker, and are safer to use. And while they’re more expensive than traditional ranges, rebates of $400-600 are widely available, making them often less expensive than other types. Plus, they use less electricity than other electric models.
• Run your dishwasher overnight
  Most dishwashers have time delays to let you wash while you sleep. Energy efficient models cost about $35 a year to operate. Older models, or frequent use, can double that cost or more.
• Switch to a heat pump for year ‘round heating and cooling
  Yes, heat pumps can cool your home as well as heat it. Their two-way operation works both directions, plus they’re less expensive to run and more environmentally friendly than other heating and air conditioning options. Learn more about how heat pumps work for year ‘round comfort and savings here.
• Switch to LED lighting
  Let’s say a typical 3-bedroom, 2-bath house has around 35 light fixtures of varying types averaging 60 watts each and 8 hours of use daily. That’s roughly 480 watts per hour or about ½ kilowatt per hour times 8 hours. That’s about 4 kwh per day, which may not seem like much, but over the course of a year, that’s roughly 1.500 kwh or $300-400 a year.Switching to LED lighting can save up to 75% on energy use, reduce heat gain from fixtures, plus they last much longer than incandescent bulbs, making them much more efficient…and environmentally friendlier, too.
• Charge your electric vehicle overnight
  This is a no-brainer. The amount of electricity it takes to charge an EV is considerable, so if you have an EV and can install a Level 2 home charger, do it.Most EVs have built-in safety features to prevent overcharging and other issues that could lead to fires or damage to the vehicle. For extra safety and longer battery life, set it to stop charging at 80% unless you’ll need more for a long trip.

For more information on the benefits of EV charging at home, see this article.

These are only a few ways to cut back on electricity use, and while any one tip may not save a ton of money, they add up quickly over the course of a year and can total well over a thousand dollars or more.

For more energy saving tips, check out this article on the Allstar Electrical Services website.

When It’s Time to Change, It’s Time to Call a Pro

Upgrading systems and appliances can be complicated and expensive. If not done carefully, it can cost more than money—it can pose serious risks to both your property and the precious things it houses.

So if you’re ready, or even just thinking about it, let Allstar Electrical Services help you assess the costs and benefits of such a move. Give us a call at 303.399.7420 or visit our website. We’ve served Colorado’s Front Range for over 20 years, are top-rated by the Better Business Bureau, and are a preferred contractor by Angi’s® Home Advisor. We’re ready to work with you to get the results you expect and deserve, whatever your needs may be.