San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) will be putting into effect recently updated seasonal and peak periods starting December 1, 2017. This will affect residential and business customers, as high energy use periods may need to change to accommodate energy pricing.

The California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) recent General Rate Case proceeding reviewed energy forecasts and costs and determined that a change in seasonal and peak periods was necessary to set rates that adequately provide safe and reliable gas and electric service to customers.

The decision established new time periods for Time-of-Use (TOU) rates and changed the month of May from a Summer month to a Winter month. The new seasonal periods are:

The previous On-Peak period of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. has been in place since the 1980s. As more renewable energy is available during the day, the peak period has shifted to later in the day, resulting in the new time of use periods.

The year-round On-Peak period, when electricity is needed the most and customers will pay the highest price, will be 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. effective December 1, 2017.

Shifting energy use to Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak hours can help you save energy and money. Review your pricing plan at sdge.com/myaccount to understand how these changes may impact your residential and/or business billing.