Pacific Gas
&
amp; Electric is putting together an optional program to start
in May 2010 that will call for price adjustments according to peak
and low-usage times in an effort to reduce electricity use during
those busier stretches.
HOLLISTER
Pacific Gas & Electric is putting together an optional program to start in May 2010 that will call for price adjustments according to peak and low-usage times in an effort to reduce electricity use during those busier stretches.
A spokesperson confirmed PG&E is working on the program called Peak Day Pricing. The California Public Utilities Commission ordered PG&E to make such “dynamic” pricing available to customers, she said.
Some large PG&E customers automatically will be enrolled in this program, but will have the option to opt out, according to Zerwer. Smaller customers, such as residential and commercial customers, will have the ability to opt into the program if they would like.
“It’s a program that’s going to be offered to a variety of customers,” said Jennifer Zerwer, spokeswoman for PG&E. “It’s an opportunity for our customers to lower demand during peak hours.”
Instead of paying a flat rate for electricity, customers will pay different rates depending on what time power is used.
“Nighttime will be generally cheaper,” Zerwer said. “(Rates for) the hottest time of day during the hottest time of year will be higher.”
The program is scheduled to begin in May 1 and also will include 12 peak-day “events” throughout the year when PG&E will ask its 15 million customers to reduce their electricity use. PG&E will send out notices to customers one business day prior to the event, asking them to reduce usage between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Zerwer said that the events are “most likely” to occur on weekdays during the summer that are forecast for high temperatures. She added that the program could include up to 18 events.
