Idaho Power is launching optional TOU rates for Schedule 9 (Small General Service) customers in 2025. On-peak is 4pm-9pm weekdays, off-peak everything else. On-peak energy rate is $0.142/kWh vs $0.098 standard rate. Off-peak is $0.065/kWh. Anyone think this will be worthwhile?
Idaho Power implementing opt-in time-of-use rates 2025
The math works if you can shift load to nights and weekends. I've got a bakery client that could run their mixers overnight instead of during afternoon prep. Could save them $200-300/month.
Problem is the demand charge doesn't change. Still $8.50/kW regardless of when you peak. So customers with high demand but good load shifting capability benefit most.
Idaho Power told me they expect about 15% of Schedule 9 customers to opt in. Mostly food service, some manufacturing. The 5-hour on-peak window is pretty narrow - easier to avoid than longer TOU periods.