Member newsletter for Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative

Time-of-Use rates may help you save

SMECO has Time-of-Use (TOU) rates available for all residential and commercial customers. During peak times, energy costs are higher for SMECO, and during off-peak times, costs are lower. If you are billed on the traditional Standard Offer Service (SOS) rate, your cost doesn’t fluctuate based on the time of day you use the energy. But, if you select the TOU rate, your cost reflects the peak and off-peak price difference.

SMECO offers a choice so you can select the rate that is right for you.

Consider Time-of-Use Rates

TOU rates can help you save money if you use less energy during peak times. Choose TOU rates and save by shifting your use of kitchen and laundry appliances, pool pumps, and other equipment to off-peak hours.

Off-peak days
Weekends and most major holidays are always off-peak.

Summer peak and off-peak times and rates (residential)*
Peak times: weekdays, 2–7 p.m. — $0.16184/kWh
Off-peak times: weekdays before 2 p.m. and after 7 p.m. — $0.06820/kWh

Winter peak and off-peak times and rates (residential)*
Peak times: weekdays, 6–9 a.m. and 5–8 p.m. — $0.14603/kWh
Off-peak times: weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and 8 p.m.–6 a.m. — $0.07032/kWh
*Rates as of October 1, 2024

How to Change Your Rate

You can change your rate from SOS to TOU or from TOU to SOS. The rate you select will begin with your next billing period.

  • Customers on the SOS or TOU rate will be charged (or credited) the Power Cost Adjustment—Energy.
  • You must have a smart meter for TOU rates.
  • SMECO’s SOS and TOU rates do not apply to alternate supplier
    energy rates.

Qualifying services are eligible for the residential SOS or TOU rate: primary residence, second home, weekend house, shed, barn, pier, and boat slip

For more information, visit: smeco.coop/selectmyrate

For options that are available from alternate suppliers, go to the link “Shop for Electricity” on the Maryland PSC’s website—psc.state.md.us.