GA Power, Nights And Weekends

[myrdale]

About a month ago, my old power meter was switched out for one of the newer "Smart Meters." A service man will no longer have to come to my house to read the meter; rather the monthly consumption is radio'ed in directly from the meter.

This past week I received an offer from GA Power for their nights and weekends program. From June though September, they charge $0.18 / kwh from 2 PM to 7 PM, week days. All other hours are billed at $0.04. All other taxes and charges still apply.

My biggest question to GA Power is does the $0.04 apply year round. I spoke with a lady on the phone, but I was not confident in her answer of yes. I will go by and chat with the folks at the local office later this week. My current rate is $0.10 / kwh. Considering that I work from 8 AM till 5 PM, and then often times spend an hour at the gym and often run late I am not home till after the 7 PM cut off any how.

Anyone else had good luck with this program? At first I disgarded the letter, but after some consideration, it seems like a no brainer to me.

[snafu]

I'm sure you know, whether you are home or not, you are still using kWh, often called Phantom Power. It operates most TVs, DVDs, computers, charging stn., microwave...anything with instant-on power. Those dials on the meter spin 24/7

[Seeker]

Originally Posted by snafu

I'm sure you know, whether you are home or not, you are still using kWh, often called Phantom Power. It operates most TVs, DVDs, computers, charging stn., microwave...anything with instant-on power. Those dials on the meter spin 24/7

While this is true, this power consumption is not the real "drain" on energy resources.

Myrdale pays 10 cents for 24/7 now; so you could say $2.40/day.

This could be reduced to 4 cents for 19 hours (76 cents per that portion of the day) plus, 18 cents within peak hours for the other 5 hours (90 cents per that portion of the day).... but most of his activities are not taking place within peak.

76 + 90 = $1.66 per day instead of $2.40.

But of course, electrical use is not a constant. But a 60% cost reduction reduction is not easily discounted. It should make a difference.

This is a case-study done on power consumption and why companies are moving in this direction (though this particular company ended the program).

Time of Use Electricity Billing: How Puget Sound Energy Reduced Peak Power Demands (Case Study) (Energy Priorities)

The fact is that when prices are lower, people do indeed change their habits to take advantage of that situation. It's natural.


Myrdale -- it sounds like this offer is from June to Sept.... are they charging something to "change" or "monitor" power consumption specifically?

If it's something you have to signup for, then there might very well be a catch or a limit to the benefits.

Sorta wondering why the power companies don't just do it automatically and when people notice the differing prices, they will modify their habits? Or maybe people won't notice?

[quizbiz]

Check their website. They have a lot of info online.
I am a GA power customer too.