/content/fplgp/us/en/northwest/rates/time-of-use.html
Back To Rates and Your Bill

Residential Time-of-Use Rate


FPL customers can save money on their electric bills by enrolling in a Time-of-Use rate and shifting electricity use away from times of the day when electricity is in high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Time-of-Use (TOU) rate?

Throughout the course of each day, the demand for electricity moves up and down. During “peak” demand periods – such as summer afternoons when air-conditioning usage is high, for example – the cost of generating electricity is more expensive. There are also daily “off-peak” periods when electricity usage is lower, making the cost of producing electricity less expensive. TOU rates provide an incentive to reduce the demand for electricity during “peak” times by allowing customers to pay lower rates for electrical usage during “off-peak” times.

How does the TOU rate compare to the standard residential rate?

Unlike the standard residential rate, a TOU-rate customer pays a lower rate for “off-peak” use and a higher rate for “peak” period use. In order to realize savings, customers must use less energy during the “peak” hours.

Is the TOU rate for residential or business customers?

We have programs for both.

Is there a cost to participate?

There is no additional cost to participate in the TOU program. The customer charge in the TOU program is the same as in our standard residential service.

How will I know if the program will benefit me?

A rate analysis can be performed comparing your energy consumption profile to the “peak” and “off-peak” time periods. This analysis will help you determine whether or not the rate is a good fit for your home.

What if I go on the program and later decide it’s not a good fit?

Residential customers have the option to exit the program after the first full month of being on the rate should they feel it is not beneficial. If a residential customer decides to go back on the TOU rate, then the minimum enrollment period is one year.

When are the “on-peak” and “off-peak” periods?

FPL’s “peak” hours are listed below.  All other hours are considered “off-peak.”

  • Nov. 1 - March 31: Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
  • April 1 – Oct. 31: Monday through Friday during the hours from noon to 9 p.m., excluding Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day

Is there a maximum amount of energy I can use during on-peak times? Is there a penalty for going over?

No. With a TOU rate you simply pay a lower rate for “off-peak” use and a higher rate for “peak” period use.

Will I be notified when the TOU rates/times change season to season?

We include reminders in our customer newsletters.

Can I check my usage and rate mid-month to make sure I’m meeting my savings goals?

Not at this time.

I’m currently enrolled in other FPL programs – will I still be able to participate in these programs while on the TOU rate?

Customers cannot be enrolled on the TOU rate if they also enrolled in our Budget Billing® or On Call® programs. If you discover that the TOU rate is not the most economical option, residential customers can save up to $137 per year in the On Call® program.

How do I enroll?

Call our Customer Care Center at (800) 226-3545 and request that a customer service representative perform a rate analysis to get started.

How long will it take to get on the program?

It will take up to three months.

Do I need to be home when they install my new meter?

Only if the meter is inaccessible for our field technicians.

I own an electric vehicle – with the TOU rate help me save money?

Whether or not you would save depends upon a number of factors. As a general rule, electric vehicle owners who are able to shift their charging to off peak times, along with other household electric consumption – such as laundry and dishwashing - may save money on this rate. Call our Customer Care Center at (800) 226-3545 and request a rate analysis.