Why Timing Matters: The "Rush Hour" of Electricity

Electricity is unique: it has to be produced the exact second you use it. Because of this, the cost of power varies by time of day. This is why HPC uses Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing.

The "Rush Hour" Challenge
Most of the day, electricity is generated by the most efficient, lowest-cost sources. But between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, demand spikes as everyone comes home, turns on the AC, and starts dinner. To keep the lights on during this "rush hour," the grid must suddenly produce much more power. This extra energy is:

• More Expensive: The backup sources required to meet sudden demand cost significantly more to operate.
• Less Efficient: These "start-and-stop" energy sources are harder to maintain and aren’t as efficient.

You Have the Power to Save
HPC uses TOU pricing to give you more control over your bill. Instead of charging a higher flat rate to everyone, we give you the choice to save:

• On-Peak (weekdays 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm): Energy is at its most expensive because it costs the most to produce.
• Off-Peak & Super-Off Peak: Energy is significantly less expensive and comes from our most efficient sources.

Can it Wait Until Eight?
By shifting heavy tasks—like laundry or running the dishwasher—until after 8:00 pm during the week, you help the co-op avoid expensive "rush hour" or On-Peak energy. This keeps the grid stable and puts the savings directly back into your pocket.

*Super Off-Peak 11:00 pm – 4:59 am; Off-Peak 5:00 am – 4:59 pm and 8:01 pm – 10:59 pm; and On-Peak 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, excluding weekends and New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor  Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Off-Peak rates will apply from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on weekends and these holidays.