In May 2021, most residential electricity customers in Alameda County were placed on Time of Use rates as part of a statewide transition to support more renewable energy. The transition included a year of bill protection, which has now concluded.
Learn moreTime-of-Use Rates
Residents can now help California increase renewable energy use and save money by using Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates.
As California is moving toward our energy goals, we can help out and save money by using less energy during “peak” energy usage times. During the day, our renewable energy sources are plentiful! But, we need a lot more energy later in the day when the sun is going down—typically between 4–9PM. By shifting heavy energy usage to “off-peak” times, we can collectively benefit cleaner energy sources and save money.
Choosing the Right TOU Rate Plan
In May 2021, PG&E automatically transitioned most EBCE residential customers in Alameda County to TOU rates. Residential customers in Tracy were transitioned to Time of Use rates in April 2022. But you still have options! Below is an overview of the TOU rate plans PG&E is offering. The default plan residents were migrated to is TOU-C. You can change your TOU rate through PG&E at any time. If you change your TOU rate plan, PG&E will notify EBCE and you’ll soon see your updated rate plan for both delivery (PG&E) and generation (EBCE). EBCE’s charges for generation service will be on the same schedule as PG&E’s charges.
EBCE customers' plans will align with the TOU rate plan they adapt, and will maintain comparison to PG&E's pricing: Bright Choice is always 1% cheaper than PG&E and Renewable100 is always 1 cent/kWh above PG&E. Whatever rate schedule you choose, that is our value proposition.
E-TOU-C
Peak hours from 4–9PM every day, the default rate. See example rates below.
E-TOU-D
Peak hours 5–8PM on non-holiday weekdays. This rate does not offer a baseline credit and is not compatible with the CARE discount program. Higher energy users may benefit from this rate.
EV2A
Requires that a registered battery electric vehicle or battery hybrid electric vehicle is charged at this residence. Peak hours from 4–9PM every day. Partial-peak 3–4PM and 9PM–12AM. Off-peak all other hours.
E-1
Rates are the same, regardless of time of day. Prices increase as usage increases.
Rate details for E-TOU-C
PG&E customers in Alameda County were transitioned to TOU rates in May 2021, and the default plan for most residential customers is E-TOU-C. Residential customers in Tracy were placed on TOU rates in April 2022.
Summer (June- September)
Rates during Peak times, 4-9PM, are 17% higher than Off-Peak times.
Winter (October-May)
Rates during Peak times, 4-9PM, are 6% higher than Off-Peak times
Ways to Save Money
Turn it off - the conservation measures we learn in kindergarten apply today. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Be energy efficient - when purchasing new appliances and lighting for your home, look for the Energy Star logo. These products will help you reduce your energy use.
Use the timer feature on your appliances. Many washing machines and dishwashers have a delay start feature. Set the cycle to begin outside of peak hours. Don't have a smart appliance? You can get a smart plug that provides a timer feature. Find out more about smart plugs here.
Install a solar + battery system to shift energy use away from peak hours. For an extra $1,250 incentive, see EBCE's Resilient Home program.
SUMMER
If you have air conditioning, pre-cool your home early in the day. Program your thermostat to allow a higher temperature during peak pricing times (4-9 PM).
WINTER
Program your thermostat so the heat is not running when you are not at home. Consider wearing another layer instead of turning the thermostat to a higher temperature.
If Your Rate Was Automatically Transitioned to E-TOU-C
Bill protection is a means of helping the transition from a flat rate (E-1) to a new Time-of-Use rate; it provides a level of insurance to our customers as they are transitioned from E-1 to E-TOU-C.
If you remain on E-TOU-C and with EBCE for 12 months, EBCE will calculate the difference between your generation charges on E-TOU-C and on E-1. If you would have paid less on E-1, EBCE will provide you with a credit on your PG&E/EBCE bill.
If you close your account prior to 12 months, or before the bill protection credit has been applied in month 13 or 14, please contact us by email at customer-support@ebce.org or call us at 1-833-699-EBCE (3223) and speak with a live representative on weekdays 9AM–5PM so we may calculate your bill difference and send a check if you paid more with E-TOU-C.
Customers change to a different rate during the first 12 months on the new E-TOU-C rate will not be eligible for bill protection with EBCE.
Customers that opt-out of EBCE's service during the first 12 months on the new E-TOU-C rate, or opt-out prior to the bill protection credit on month 13 or 14 will not be eligible for bill protection with EBCE.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why am I being transitioned to E-TOU-C?
The California Public Utilities Commission requests that all Californians reduce energy use from 4–9PM when energy demand is high and less clean energy is available. Time-of-Use pricing helps us all remember when to use less energy.
See Energy Upgrade California for more information and resources: www.energyupgradeca.org/time-of-use/ - Are all-electric customers part of the default transition to TOU-C?
Yes, all-electric residential buildings and homes on an E-1 rate are part of the default transition.
- Are CARE/ FERA/ Medical Baseline customers included in the transition?
CARE/ FERA customers in hot climate zones are not included in the TOU transition. All medical baseline customers are exempt from the transition. For more information, check out PG&E’s webpage pge.com/toutransition.
- Are NEM customers included in the transition?
NEM customers on an E-1 rate that do not fall under PG&E’s grandfathering rules will be included in the transition. NEM customers will be transitioning during the month of their PG&E true up date beginning April 2021.
- NEM customers on an E-1 rate that do not fall under PG&E’s grandfathering rules will be included in the transition. NEM customers will be transitioning during the month of their PG&E true up date beginning April 2021.
If you’re already on a Time-of-Use rate, you don’t need to do anything.
If you’re on E-1, a tiered rate without a time-of-day component, you can call PG&E at 1-866-743-7945, go online at pge.com/TOUchoice, or mail in the reply card that looks like this:
This letter was sent out to most of Alameda County in February 2021 and will be sent again in April. NEM customers that are currently on E-1 can also elect to stay on E-1. - What is bill protection?
Bill protection allows you to try the TOU-C rate (peak pricing 4–9PM) risk free for one year. If you pay more during your first year on TOU-C than you would have on E-1, you will be credited the difference. EBCE has a bill protection policy for the generation charges for customers who are automatically transitioned onto TOU-C from E-1 and stay on this rate for a year. You will automatically receive bill protection if you fall into this category. Customers who close their account prior to 12 months can contact us by email at customer-support@ebce.org or call us at 1-833-699-EBCE (3223) and speak with a live representative M-F 7AM–7PM so we may calculate your bill difference and send a check if you paid more with TOU-C.
PG&E also offers bill protection on the delivery charges for EBCE customers. For more information about their bill protection policy, visit pge.com/billprotection - Will I get bill protection from EBCE if?
- I opt out of EBCE?
No, customers that opt out of EBCE service will not be eligible for bill protection with EBCE.
- I change my rate to another TOU rate?
No, customers that change their rate during the first 12 months on TOU-C will not be eligible for bill protection with EBCE
- I move during the year?
Yes, if you move and contact EBCE, we can calculate your bill difference for your old address and send a check for this amount to your new mailing address.
- I changed to the TOU-C rate before the automatic transition?
No, customers that were not automatically transitioned to TOU-C will not be eligible for bill protection with EBCE
- I change back to an E-1 rate?
No, customers that change their rate during the first 12 months on TOU-C will not be eligible for bill protection with EBCE
-I am an NEM customer?
Yes, NEM customers that were part of the automatic TOU transition will be eligible for bill protection with EBCE. - How long does the bill protection last?
The bill protection from EBCE will last for your first 12 months on TOU-C from the date you were automatically transitioned.
- How will I get paid out for bill protection from EBCE?
The bill protection credit for your generation charges will be applied to your PG&E bill on the EBCE page of the bill.
If you terminate your account and contact us about your bill protection, EBCE will send a check to your updated mailing address. - Why is my rate changing?
The California Public Utilities Commission requests that all Californians reduce energy use from 4–9PM when energy demand is high and less clean energy is available. These changes are happening to accommodate the growth of renewable energy sources on the grid, which has shifted the peak demand times for energy usage from afternoons to evenings. Time-of-Use pricing helps us all remember when to use less energy.
- If I opt-out of EBCE can I return to my old rate?
You may change your rate at any time. You do not need to opt out to change your rate. EBCE mirrors whichever PG&E rate you are on. By opting out of EBCE, you would no longer be able to take advantage of our 1% discount on generation charges for Bright Choice customers.
- How long will my E-1 rate be available?
EBCE does not know if this rate will close and will continue to communicate with our customers on developments with the E-1 rate.
- If I transition to the TOU-C rate and then change my mind, can I return to E-1?
Yes, you can change your rate with PG&E at any time. However, you will not be eligible for EBCE bill protection if you change your rate during your first 12 months on TOU-C.
- How can I tell which rate plan is most cost effective for my household?
You can view a personalized rate plan comparison by logging into your account online at pge.com/myrate
- Are there other TOU rate plans available?
Yes, there is a TOU-D rate plan, which has peak pricing from 5–8PM on weekdays, except most holidays. There are also EV rate plans available. You are free to choose from any of PG&E’s residential TOU rate plans that you are eligible for. Click here for more information about the TOU rate plans.
- How can I save money on the TOU-C rate?
By shifting your energy usage away from the peak hours of 4–9PM and reducing energy usage overall, you can save money on this rate.
