APS On-Peak Hours

APS On-Peak Hours are Monday through Friday from 4PM to 7PM. This applies to both APS Time of Use Plans:

1. Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays (Previously named Saver Choice)
2. Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge (Previously named Saver Choice Max)

In April 2022, Arizona Public Service (APS) announced new on-peak utility hours for electric service. We will call these new hours APS On-Peak Hours or APS Peak Hours.

The new hours will be from 4PM to 7PM on weekdays, effective May 2022. The Arizona Corporation Commission voted to change the on-peak hours from five hours to three hours to make managing energy easier during APS Peak Hours. The new hours are intended to reduce energy use during the hottest part of the day and shift some of that demand to early evening when it’s cooler and there’s more solar power available. APS also increased their pricing for On-Peak and Off-Peak usage charges to compensate for removing two hours of APS On-Peak Hours.

What Are APS On-Peak Hours?

APS On-Peak utility hours are the times of day when electricity demand is at its highest. In most cases, this means during the daytime when people are using lots of appliances and air conditioners. As a result, utilities charge more for electricity during on-peak hours in order to cover the increased demand. If you’re trying to save money on your electric bill, one of the best things you can do is avoid using electricity during on-peak hours. This may mean turning off your air conditioner during the day or doing laundry at night. APS offers Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak time-of-use rates that give discounts for electricity used outside of APS Peak Hours.

APS On-Peak Hours and Customer Impact

On-Peak Hours are the hours during which energy use is at its highest. APS Peak Hours are between 4PM and 7PM. This is when air conditioners are running full blast to combat the heat of the day. The demand for electricity during on-peak hours puts a strain on the power grid, and can lead to higher prices for customers. APS charges more per kilowatt-hour during peak Hours in order to encourage customers to use less power during these times. Some customers have no choice but to use electricity during on-peak hours because of their work schedules or other commitments. Others may be able to take steps to reduce their energy use during these times, such as turning up the thermostat a few degrees or using fans instead of air conditioning.

Ways to Save Money During Peak Hours

There are a few easy ways to save money on your energy bill during APS On-Peak Hours. First, try to avoid using large appliances during on-peak hours. This includes your oven, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other appliance that uses a lot of energy. If you can wait to use these appliances until off-peak hours, you’ll see a difference in your bill. Second, adjust the thermostat in your home or office. During the summer, set the AC a few degrees higher than usual and in the winter, set the heat a few degrees lower. You probably won’t even notice the difference in temperature, but your energy bill will reflect it. Finally, take advantage of natural light as much as possible.

For more information on saving money in APS, see our pages on the APS Plans Before Solar and After Solar.