This November, OUC will launch DemandLevel — a new pricing structure — and a set of tools to give you more control over your bill and keep long-term electric costs affordable. Over the past year, we’ve introduced “peak demand” and why managing it matters; DemandLevel is the next step in that effort.
Why Peak Demand Matters
Peak demand is the highest amount of electricity you use at any one time, such as when several appliances run at once. When many customers reach these high-use moments together, it can push the need for new costly infrastructure, like power plants. Lowering peak demand helps delay these investments and keep electric rates lower for everyone.
How the New Pricing Structure Works
The new structure considers both your monthly total electricity use (consumption) and your peak demand — the highest amount of electricity used during any single 15-minute period in the previous month. This determines your DemandLevel tier. The lower your peak demand, the lower your tier and corresponding charge.
What You Will See on Your Bill
Beginning in November, your bill will show a lower kilowatt-hour rate for your consumption (it will drop by 12.5%) and the new DemandLevel amount. Power Pass customers will see a daily DemandLevel amount based on their tier, starting at 16¢ (17¢ in St. Cloud). Most customers should see little or no change in their bill amount.
Simple Ways to Stay in a Lower Tier
Avoid running multiple major appliances at once. Spread out activities like laundry, cooking, and dishwashing — especially when your A/C is working hardest — to help keep your demand lower.
A Fresh Start Every Month
Your peak demand resets each billing cycle, so your tier can change monthly. Free online tools like the Usage Dashboard (found in your myOUC account) and Appliance Calculator help you understand your energy use.
Discover more about demand and how to stay in control of your energy costs at OUC.com/demand.
