PG&E – Electricity rate plan changes in October 2021

Objective:
Trying to understand what changes are, options, etc

Disclaimer: I live in Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California – so YMMV.

Rate-Plan: Time-of-use
Note: If I don’t do anything, then it automatically shifts to this plan “Time-of-Use (Peak Pricing 4-9 p.m. Every Day) E-TOU-C” without my input
-Looks like many people are going to do this, and it’s risk-free.

Q: What does Time-of-use mean?
A: Peak Pricing is 4PM to 9PM every day. The rate plan is risk-free for the first 12 months with automatic bill protection.
A: If I pay more during the first year on Time-of-Use vs current rate plan, I would receive a credit for the difference at the end of the 12 months.

Q: What does “Peak” Pricing actually mean?
A: It’s not just about how much electricity I use, but WHEN.
A: I would receive lower electricity pricing during most of the day, when energy demand is lower. In other words, if I’m home during the day, then it would be strategic (for example) to run the dishwasher with it ending before 4PM.
A: Electricity pricing will be either during “Peak” usage times which is 4PM to 9PM.
A: There are two time periods – “Peak” and “Off-Peak”

Q: What does Bill Protection actually mean?
A: If I somehow pay more after a year, compared to my current plan (xxx), then I get a credit for the difference after a year. I can also switch to another rate at any time. Bill protection still applies for the time I’m on the Time-of-use plan.

Q: What is my current rate plan?
A: Short answer is: Tiered Rate Plan E-1
A: This actually really bothers me – I’m looking at my bill on 20210910 and it’s not obvious what it’s called. In hindsight, it became clearer – after spending an hour dissecting everything.
A: I’m seeing two line items – 1. Current PG&E Electric Delivery charges and 2. Central Coast Community Energy Electric Generation charges
A: For Details of PG&E Electric Delivery, it’s “Rate Schedule: E1 T Residential Service”. For August 2021, Tier 1 allowance is 225 kWh, and I’m up to Tier 2 with an additional 132 kWh for a total of 357 kWh. There is a line-item of a “Generation Credit” and one for “Power Charge Indifference Adjustment”.
A: For Details of Central Coast Community Energy Electric Generation charges, it’s “Rate Schedule: MBRETCH1 3Cchoice E1”. There was a Generation total of 357 kWh.

Q: What is description of the various rate plans?
A: “Tiered Rate Plan E-1” – This rate plan is best for you if you are able to conserve electricity throughout the month and are not able to decrease your electricity usage during the late afternoon and early evening hours.

A: “Peak-Pricing” – This rate plan is best for you if you can reduce some of your electricity usage during the higher priced, peak time of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day (including weekends) and can stay below or close to your Baseline Allowance.

A: Time-of-use (Peak Pricing 5-8 PM Weekday (E-TOU-D). This rate plan is best for you if you typically use a high amount of electricity throughout the month but can reduce your electricity usage during the higher priced, peak time of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays.

A: Home Charging EV2-A – This rate plan is for Electric Vehicle (EV) and/or battery storage customers who can charge during off-peak hours and shift other electricity usage to off-peak hours. Customers using over 800% of Baseline Allowance in the last 12 months are ineligible. Note: This is not me.

Q: Where is the change? Is it only within the PG&E line-item?
A: I “think” it’s only with the PG&E line item

Q: What is 3CE (Central Coast Community Energy)?
A: This is a an org that effectively sources clean energy and is good for the community. The 3CE charge replaces PG&E’s charge for electric generation. This explains the generation credit within the PG&E Section.

Q: How do I decide?
A: Answer appears to be in a behavioral shift within the hours from 4PM to 9PM. For example, ensuring things like dishwasher is done during the day would help. Challenge will always be the cost of heating during the winter – which is typically in the evening. Creative things like the shrink-wrap on the windows goes towards energy conservation.
A: There appears to be a financial forecast of $50 less over the year by going to Time-of-Use — so, might as well all the automated switch to happen.

About Paul

CERT Coordinator, Ham Radio Operator, GTD Fan; Photographer; Domino/Notes Administrator
This entry was posted in Pacific Gas and Edison, Utility Companies. Bookmark the permalink.