Time-of-Use Pilot Program
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Avista launched two (2) Time-of-Use (TOU) rate pilot programs in June 2024 to a limited number of Washington residential and small commercial electric customers.
The pilot program is fully subscribed for the purposes of the study.
Enrollment ended May 31st, 2025. The TOU pilot will run for two years and help Avista develop a time-of-use rate structure that can effectively shift power use away from peak demand times to maintain reliability, conserve energy, and potentially drive cost savings for customers that have the flexibility to shift their usage on weekdays away from peak periods when rates are higher.
When and how you use electricity matters. Time-of-use (TOU) rates are an easy way for electric customers who have the flexibility to shift their home or business energy load away from “peak” periods to save money on their monthly bill. On a TOU rate plan, customers will pay less for electricity during “off-peak” periods on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays.
TOU rate options may be available to more electric customers after completion of the pilot programs.
Pilot TOU Rate Plans
TOU-A
TOU-B
Compare rate plans
FAQs
Enrollment became available on June 1st, 2024 to residential and small business customers on a first come basis. Participation is optional and voluntary.
Avista will determine future TOU rate options after completion of the pilot.
- Residential TOU rate plans include schedule 07 (TOU-A) and schedule 08 (TOU-B)
- Small Business TOU rate plans include schedule 17 (TOU-A) and schedule 18 (TOU-B)
When does my new rate plan start if I sign up?
After you enroll, the new rate plan starts on the first day of your next bill cycle.
How can I save money on a TOU plan?
Use the Rate Comparison Tool to estimate monthly costs between the TOU rate plans and current rate plans to get an idea what plan is best for you.
A TOU rate plan may work well for some customers who currently use less electricity during “peak” hours or have the flexibility to shift when and how they use electricity.
TOU plans require some effort by the customer to learn the “peak” and “off-peak” hours associated with their TOU rate plan and adjust their lifestyle or business/operating hours.
Some examples of shifting usage from “peak” to “off-peak” include adjusting the time of day that energy intensive appliances, equipment, and heating/cooling systems are used.
Avista cannot guarantee a TOU rate plan will lower all customers’ electric bills.
Will I be able to see the difference between my TOU rate plan and my previous rate plan?
Yes, customers enrolled in a TOU rate plan will be able to compare their TOU rate bill with what they would have been billed if still on their previous rate plan by accessing a Standard Rate Comparison tool on their online MyAvista account.
Customers should expect variances month to month between their TOU rate plan and their previous rate plan. Some months the TOU rate plan may be less than the previous rate plan, and other months the TOU plan may be more.
Is there a price guarantee?
Yes, Avista guarantees against excessive increase of customer costs for the first year of enrollment in the program. If the total energy costs incurred on a TOU rate plan for the first year exceed 10% over what costs would have been for the same period on the customer’s default rate schedule, the net difference will be credited on the customer’s bill following the end of the first year of service under the program.
No Guarantee Payment shall be given if customer terminates service on the TOU rate plan before the end of the first year on the program.
Before signing up, customers are encouraged to look at their online rate comparison tool, which provides an estimate of each rate plan based on historical usage and current rates.
If I switch to a TOU rate plan, can I cancel and switch back to my previous rate?
Yes, at any time you can change back to your standard rate plan, schedule 01 for residential customers or schedule 11 for small business customers.
When you unenroll in TOU and change back to your previous rate plan, the standard rate plan will start on the first day of your next bill cycle.
When you unenroll in any TOU rate plan, you may not enroll again in a TOU rate plan for the term of the pilot.
What if I move, can I still participate in TOU at my new location?
No, if you move, your enrollment in TOU is cancelled and you cannot reenroll in TOU for the term of the pilot.
Which holidays are included in Off-Peak hours?
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Veteran’s Day
- Thanksgiving Day and Day after
- Christmas Day
Thank you! Your request to enroll in the Time-of-Use pilot program has been submitted. Our team will input your application, and you will receive a confirmation email within 1-2 business days. The Rate Comparison Tool will be updated after your next bill.
Thank you! Your request to switch back to the Standard Rate has been submitted. Our team will input your application, and you will receive a confirmation email within 1-2 business days.