APS Off-Peak Hours are the following periods of time:
APS On-Peak Hours are Monday through Friday from 4PM to 7PM. Generally speaking, APS Off-Peak Hours are all times that are not On-Peak. Usage charges are lower during Off-Peak times and higher during On-Peak times.
For more information on usage charges in APS, see our pages on the APS Plans Before Solar and After Solar.
If you are looking to save money on your utility bill, one way to do so is by using energy during off-peak hours. What are off-peak hours? They are typically the times of day when there is less demand for electricity. This means that the electricity is cheaper during these times.
How can you take advantage of off-peak hours? One way is to use major appliances such as washers and dryers during these times. Another way is to shift your work schedule so that you are working during off-peak hours and taking advantage of the cheaper electricity.
The following holidays are considered Off-Peak no matter what time of day and day of the week they fall on, unless otherwise noted:
If these holidays fall on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be off-peak.
If they fall on a Sunday, the following Monday will be off-peak.
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are off-peak holidays as well but only when they fall on a weekday.
Many people today have smart technology, such as programmable thermostats, washer-dryer combos, and dishwashers, that can be programmed to run overnight. Use the delayed start function on your smart appliances so that your devices will run during Off-Peak hours.
Super Cooling is the act of running your air conditioner during APS Off-Peak hours and shutting it down during On-Peak hours. For example, say that you like your thermostat to be set around 75 degrees in the summer. APS On-Peak hours are 4PM to 7PM on weekdays. Take the following steps to Super Cool your home. These programming steps are for Monday through Friday only.
Since your air conditioner will not be running during On-Peak times, you will save a large amount of money in the summer. Electricity is cheaper during APS Off-Peak times from 1PM to 4PM. By cooling your home down to 68 degrees at this time, you are prepared for shutting off the air conditioner. Thus, from 4PM to 7PM your home will be cool even though the air conditioner will be turned off.
You don’t need to waste energy when nobody is home, particularly during peak hours. Make a habit of turning the lights off and unplugging devices before you leave for work to save electricity. There are also smart connected power strips and wall plugs available that allow you to turn off appliances remotely or on a timer.
Unplugging all your electronic devices at every opportunity will keep them from drawing unnecessary power. Even if you turn them off, your electronics may continue drawing power. This is called Vampire Energy and it can account for up to 20% of your energy bill.
