Staring at your electric bill and wondering why the math changed? If you live in Wheat Ridge, time-of-use pricing might be the reason. Under TOU, the price per kilowatt-hour shifts by the hour, so when you use energy matters as much as how much you use. In this guide, you will learn how TOU works, how to confirm your exact Xcel plan, and the easiest ways to shift usage without sacrificing comfort. You will also get a simple checklist you can put to work today. Let’s dive in.
What time-of-use means
Time-of-use rates charge different prices by hour to reflect demand on the grid. Prices are usually higher during on-peak hours, lower during off-peak, and sometimes there is a shoulder period. The goal is to reward you for using less power when the grid is busiest. You can read a plain-English overview in the U.S. Department of Energy’s summary on time-of-use electricity rates.
Your savings depend on a few key variables:
- The exact on-peak and off-peak windows and which days they apply. Some plans treat weekends differently.
- The per-kWh price difference between peak and off-peak, plus any fixed charges.
- Whether you are enrolled in a TOU plan or still on a flat rate.
- Any special terms for customers with solar or demand charges.
Verify your Xcel plan
Xcel Energy’s plan names, hours, and pricing can change. Always confirm your details before you make changes.
Here is how to check:
- Log in to your Xcel online account and look for Rates, Time-of-Use, or a plan comparison tool. You should see your plan and the current on-peak and off-peak hours for your service address.
- Open your latest bill PDF. Many bills show your plan and the TOU windows that apply.
- If you still are not sure, contact customer service and ask: “What residential TOU plans are available for my address, and what are the exact on-peak and off-peak hours by season and weekday or weekend?”
- For general rate references, review Xcel’s rates and regulations page and check statewide programs through the Colorado Energy Office.
Confirm these details before you change your schedule:
- Do weekends have a peak period or not?
- Is there a different winter and summer schedule?
- Are there enrollment terms, equipment requirements, or different fixed charges?
- Will solar exports be credited differently by time of day if you have panels?
When savings matter in Wheat Ridge
Wheat Ridge follows Denver-area climate patterns. Summer afternoons and early evenings are hot and sunny, which drives air conditioning use and higher peak demand. Winter mornings and evenings can also be intensive if you heat with electricity. NOAA’s climate normals describe these seasonal patterns for the Denver region, which is why summer cooling shifts often deliver the biggest wins. For regional context, see NOAA’s overview of U.S. climate normals.
High-impact shifts that work
Not all loads are equal. Shifting a few high-power activities can save more than chasing lots of small ones.
HVAC schedule
Central air conditioners typically draw about 3 to 4 kW while running. Heat pump usage varies by size. That makes cooling a prime target in summer.
Try these steps:
- Pre-cool one to two hours before the on-peak window. Lower your setpoint 1 to 3 degrees so your home coasts through part of peak without heavy AC runtime.
- Use a smart or programmable thermostat with a schedule that respects your TOU hours. Many models support rate-aware scheduling and automation.
- Bump your setpoint up 2 to 4 degrees during on-peak. Small changes add up with minimal comfort tradeoffs.
- Focus shifts on summer afternoons and evenings. If you have electric resistance heating, winter shifts can help too.
For setup, ENERGY STAR’s smart thermostat guidance can help you choose features and programming options. Review their overview of smart thermostats.
EV charging schedule
Level 2 home charging often uses about 6 to 7.7 kW. Every hour of charging is around 7 kWh, so moving just a few hours off-peak can make a meaningful dent in your bill.
What to do:
- Set a charge start time overnight or during your plan’s off-peak hours. Use your car’s app or your charger’s app.
- If you commute most weekdays, use a departure time setting that finishes charging as you wake up, not when you get home.
- If your charger supports utility rate integration, enable it so charging avoids peak windows.
For a quick primer on charging levels and home charging, see the DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center guide to home EV charging.
Water heating and appliances
Electric water heaters often draw 3 to 4.5 kW when heating. Electric dryers draw about 2.5 to 4 kW while heating. Ovens are often 2 to 5 kW. Dishwashers typically average about 1 to 1.5 kW during a wash cycle.
Simple shifts:
- Use delay start on your washer, dishwasher, and dryer to run off-peak.
- If you have an electric storage water heater and a compatible controller, schedule heating during off-peak so the tank carries you through peak.
- When possible, bake or run large appliance loads in the morning or later evening.
Smaller loads
Lighting and electronics draw less power, but they can run for long periods. Simple habits and low-cost tools help.
- Turn off unneeded lights and devices during peak hours.
- Use smart plugs or advanced power strips to stop standby loads during peak.
- Upgrade to LEDs if you have not already.
Solar and TOU
If you have rooftop solar, the value of exports can depend on the time of day under some plans. Confirm your plan’s net metering or export credit rules with Xcel to understand how your daytime generation interacts with TOU windows. The Colorado Energy Office is a good place to check current program summaries and incentives.
Quick-start checklist
Use this to act fast. Start with no-cost moves, then add simple tech if needed.
Immediate, no-cost steps
- Confirm your plan and TOU windows in your Xcel account or on your bill. Do not rely on a neighbor’s plan.
- Shift laundry, dishwasher, and oven use to off-peak. Use delay start.
- Pre-cool one to two hours before peak in summer. Raise your thermostat 2 to 4 degrees during peak.
- Unplug or power down big standby loads during peak.
Short term, small investment
- Add smart plugs to schedule small loads and cut standby draw.
- Set EV charging to a schedule in your car or charger app, favoring overnight off-peak.
- If you rent, ask about a smart thermostat or water heater timer. Landlords often appreciate reduced energy use.
Owner actions and upgrades
- Install a smart thermostat and program it around your TOU windows. Some models support utility programs and may qualify for rebates.
- Use a smart EV charger with TOU features and, if available, utility integration.
- For electric water heating, add a timer or upgrade to a heat pump water heater with scheduling.
- Improve insulation, shading, and zoning to reduce overall HVAC runtime.
Renter-friendly habits
- Coordinate laundry so you can run cycles off-peak with delay start.
- Use portable fans during peak to stay comfortable with less AC runtime.
- Close blinds or solar shades during afternoon sun to lower cooling load.
Track your results
- Compare usage in your Xcel online account. Many accounts display hourly data so you can confirm that off-peak consumption is rising and peak consumption is falling.
- Compare bills month over month for similar weather. The pattern should show a higher share of off-peak use if your shifts are working.
Simple math examples
These examples use typical power draws to show how shifting helps. Replace the price difference with your plan’s numbers.
- Example: AC pre-cool vs peak runtime. If your AC runs 2 hours on-peak at 3.5 kW, that is 7 kWh. If on-peak is 0.20 dollars per kWh higher than off-peak, shifting that runtime saves about 1.40 dollars for those 2 hours.
- Example: EV charging. A Level 2 charger that adds about 7 kWh per hour, shifted for 3 hours from peak to off-peak, moves 21 kWh. With a 0.20 dollars per kWh peak-to-off-peak gap, that is about 4.20 dollars saved per session.
- Example: Dryer cycles. A 3 kW dryer for 1 hour is 3 kWh. Move 10 such cycles per month off-peak and you shift 30 kWh. With a 0.20 dollars per kWh difference, that is about 6 dollars per month.
These are examples. Your actual savings depend on your device power, runtime, and your plan’s price difference.
How to pick the right tools
You do not need to overhaul your home to benefit from TOU. Start with scheduling features you already have.
- Thermostat. If you already have a programmable or smart thermostat, create schedules that align with your verified TOU windows. Look for features like pre-cool, eco or away modes, and rate-aware automation. ENERGY STAR’s smart thermostat guide explains key features.
- EV charging. Use your vehicle’s app or your charger’s app to set on-off times. If your charger can follow utility signals, enable that feature.
- Appliances. Check your washer, dryer, and dishwasher for delay start buttons. If your water heater supports scheduling, set it to heat off-peak.
- Smart plugs. Use them on entertainment centers, game consoles, and office gear so they power down during peak windows.
Local programs and rebates
Program availability changes. To confirm current Xcel residential offerings and any enrollment steps, start with the utility’s rates page. For Colorado-wide incentives on heat pumps, EV chargers, and efficiency upgrades, check the Colorado Energy Office.
Bottom line for Wheat Ridge
Time-of-use is not about using less power overall. It is about using power at lower-cost hours. In Wheat Ridge, the biggest wins usually come from summer cooling and EV charging. Confirm your exact plan, schedule the big loads off-peak, and automate what you can. A few smart shifts can make your bill more predictable without giving up comfort.
If you are considering upgrades that affect your home’s comfort, operating costs, or future resale appeal, we are here to help you think it through with a financial lens. Ready to talk through options or next steps for your home? Schedule a consultation with Realty Professionals.
FAQs
What is time-of-use pricing on Xcel bills?
- TOU charges different prices per kWh by hour to reflect grid demand. You can save by shifting use away from higher-priced on-peak periods. See the DOE’s overview of TOU rates.
How do I confirm Xcel’s current peak hours?
- Log in to your Xcel account to view your plan and hours, check your bill, or call customer service. Xcel’s rates page and the Colorado Energy Office provide program context.
Do weekends have peak pricing in Wheat Ridge?
- Many TOU plans treat weekends differently, but policies vary. Check your exact plan for weekend rules in your Xcel account or by calling customer service.
What are the easiest shifts for big savings?
- Schedule EV charging overnight off-peak, pre-cool before peak in summer and raise the thermostat slightly during peak, and run laundry and dishwashers off-peak using delay start.
Can renters benefit from TOU?
- Yes. You can shift appliance use, schedule EV charging, and use smart plugs. Rate plan changes are handled by the account holder, so ask your landlord about enrollment and simple upgrades.
Will a smart thermostat guarantee lower bills on TOU?
- It helps automate pre-cooling and setbacks, but results depend on correct scheduling and the price gap between peak and off-peak. ENERGY STAR’s smart thermostat guidance can help you set it up well.
