TIME-OF-USE RATE TRANSITION & BILL PROTECTION
California’s electric customers are moving to a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan to fight climate change and support a cleaner and healthier energy future for our state. Most CleanPowerSF residential customers were automatically transitioned to TOU rates, risk-free in July 2021.
Watch our Understanding Your Energy Options: Time-Of-Use Rate Plan Webinar to learn more.
Check the Hour Before Using Power: Avoid 4–9 p.m.
A TOU rate plan means that when you use electricity is just as important as how much electricity you use. From 4–9 p.m., energy demand is high, and less wind and solar power is available. By using less electricity during these hours, you can lower your bill, and ensure that your energy is coming from cleaner sources.
Your Choice Matters
Most CleanPowerSF residential customers were automatically transitioned to the TOU rate plan (E-TOU-C) in July 2021. If you were part of the transition, you received two notices mailed from PG&E and CleanPowerSF summarizing your rate options before you were moved to a TOU rate. You also received information on if you were expected to save money on a TOU rate based on a personalized review of when your household typically uses energy. Unless you took action to choose another rate plan, your household was automatically transitioned and you are now trying the TOU rate plan risk-free for one year with automatic bill protection.
Sign into your PG&E account to learn if your account was part of the transition and compare your estimated charges on different rate plans.
Here’s How Time-of-Use Can Benefit You
one year of Automatic bill protection
Customers automatically included in the TOU transition receive automatic bill protection for one year. If your first year of service under E-TOU-C is more expensive than your current non-TOU rate, we will credit you the difference at the end of the first 12 months. Only customers who are automatically transitioned to the E-TOU-C rate and remain on the rate for a full 12 months will be eligible for CleanPowerSF bill protection.
Sign into your PG&E account to learn if your account was part of the transition and is receiving automatic bill protection.
You Have Options
Every home is unique. When deciding which rate to be on, you should consider your lifestyle and what times of day your household uses the most electricity.
You should examine your rate plan every year to make sure you are still on the plan that makes sense for your household.
View your personalized rate comparison and update your rate plan through PG&E.
SAVE on your energy bill: Power down 4—9 p.m.
Most CleanPowerSF customers are expected to save money on a TOU rate plan. You can save more money by making a few simple changes to use less energy from 4 - 9 PM when you are charged the peak rate.
Power Down from 4 - 9 pm: Turn down, turn off, and unplug your electric-powered devices.
Recharge While You Sleep: Plug your phone, computer, headphones, and other electric-powered devices in to charge right before you go to sleep. You will wake up to a full charge!
Hold Off On Chores: Do your laundry and run your dishwasher either during the day (before 4 pm) or hit start right before you go to sleep!
Pre-Cool & Pre-Heat: Keep your home temperature comfortable by setting your thermostat to pre-cool or pre-heat outside of peak hours.
Learn More: Interested in more tips to save money and energy?
Keep it Golden: Energy saving tips for TOU rate plans.
BayRENHome+: Free home energy kits and rebates on appliances and other home energy improvements.
LIHEAP: Home weatherization and bill assistance for low income customers.
PG&E Marketplace: Rebates on energy efficient appliances and smart thermostats.
RESOURCES
Understanding Your Energy Options: TOU Webinar: Watch our joint webinar with PG&E and learn more about the TOU transition, tips for saving money on a TOU rate plan, and how to use the personalize rate comparison tool to learn if your household will save money on a TOU rate through the PG&E account portal.
Login to your PG&E account to view your personalized rate comparison
Monthly Appliance Energy Costs Comparison: shows you the price difference on running your household appliances during peak and off-peak hours.
FAQ
How can I save money on a time-of-use rate?
Most CleanPowerSF residential customers are expected to save money on TOU rates. However, you can save more money by taking simple steps to use less energy during peak periods from 4-9 p.m., every day. For example, you can save money by running appliances like washers, charging electronics, and heating your home during off-peak hours (off peak hours are all hours outside of 4-9 p.m.).
Who will not be transitioned?
Several groups are excluded from CleanPowerSF and PG&E's TOU transition in San Francisco, including:
- Customers who started PG&E service as of October 1, 2020 or later
- Customers already on a TOU rate plan
- Customers who were previously on a TOU rate plan
- Customers in apartment buildings who are master-metered and do not have their own electricity account
Are electric vehicle (EV) and Net Energy Metering (NEM) solar customers included in the transition?
EV customers already on a TOU rate (for example EV and E-TOU-D) will not be transitioned and can continue to use their preferred TOU rate.
NEM customers on an E-1 rate that do not fall under PG&E’s grandfathering rules will be included in the transition. NEM customers will be transitioning during the month of their PG&E true up date beginning April 2021.
Are apartment complexes included in the transition?
Apartment complexes that are individually metered in which residents have their own electric service accounts are included in the TOU transition. Properties with service on a master meter are not eligible for the transition.
Why is there a statewide time-of-use transition?
In 2015 the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted to adopt Residential Rate Reform, which enacted a series of changes to residential rate structures to simplify electric rates for all customers. In 2021, most CleanPowerSF residential electric customers are expected to transition to a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan where the price of electricity will vary depending on the time of day in which it’s used.
How do time-of-use rate plans help the state meet its climate goals?
When it comes to renewable energy, timing is everything! During the day, solar power is strongest and more of our energy grid is powered by lower cost clean energy that does not cause harmful emissions. The TOU rate makes energy cheapest 19 hours a day when the availability of this clean energy is highest!
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Have questions about the time-of-use transition? Email us at CleanPowerSF@sfwater.org or call (415) 554-0773.
To confirm you are eligible for bill protection contact PG&E at (866) 743-2273 or login to your PG&E account.