SMECO now has Time-of-Use (TOU) rates available for residential and commercial customers.
- SMECO offers a choice so you can select the rate that’s right for you
- Energy costs are higher during peak times for SMECO and lower during off-peak times
- On the Standard Offer Service (SOS) rate, your cost doesn’t fluctuate
- If you select the TOU rate, your cost reflects the peak and off-peak price difference
Customers can save on their monthly bill by shifting their energy use to off-peak times.
- To save, use kitchen and laundry appliances, pool pumps, and other equipment during off-peak hours
- TOU rates can help you save money if you use less energy during peak times
Peak & Off-Peak Hours
Off-Peak Hours
- Summer off-peak times are weekdays after 7 p.m. and before 2 p.m.
- Winter off-peak times are weekdays 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Weekends are always off-peak
- The following holidays – or the weekday they are observed if they fall on a weekend – are off-peak: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
Peak Hours
- Peak times during the summer are weekdays, 2 to 7 p.m.
- Peak times during the winter are weekdays, 6 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
How Much Would I Save on the Time-of-Use Rates?
Residential customers and some commercial customers can log in to Account Manager to review their personalized information. Our system will do a behind-the-scenes calculation based on your energy use data (how much energy you used and when you used it).
The calculation estimates costs based on your current routine, and we will tell you if you can expect to save on a TOU rate or not. If you can shift energy use from peak periods to off-peak periods, you may save even more.
The Time-of-Use rate comparison calculator is not available for SMECO members who have solar panels and participate in our net metering program, and it is not available for all commercial accounts.
Off-Peak Savings Rate for Residential Customers
(As of June 1, 2023)
- Summer $0.07442 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- Winter $0.07794 per kWh
Peak Weekday Rate for Residential Customers
(As of June 1, 2023)
- Summer $0.16569 per kWh
- Winter $0.16004 per kWh
Switching from SOS to TOU
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
To find out when your next billing period starts, check your “next approx. read date” on your bill (second page, top right).
SOS rates do not change during the billing period (Summer = $0.0949; Winter = $0.0931 as of June 1, 2023)
Customers on the SOS or TOU rate will also 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
How Do I Switch Rates?
- To switch from an SOS rate to a TOU rate (or from TOU to SOS), call SMECO or use the Time-of-Use Sign Up form located further down the page
- Your new rate will begin with your next meter reading date and will remain in effect until you request a new rate
- You must have a smart meter to select a TOU rate option
How Often Can I Switch Rates?
- You can select your rate for any billing period, but you can only be on 1 rate during a billing period
- Billing periods begin and end with meter reading dates
- Your meter reading dates are printed at the top of the second page of your bill
What If I Have a Second Home or Weekend Home?
- If you’re only at your house on weekends, your service qualifies for the TOU or SOS rate
- Weekends are always off-peak
What If I Have a Shed, Barn, Pier, or Boat Slip?
- If your shed, barn, pier, or boat slip is on a residential rate, your service qualifies for the TOU or SOS rate
- Weekends are always off-peak
Am I Required to Purchase Energy From SMECO?
- Options for purchasing energy from alternate suppliers can be accessed at the Maryland Public Service Commission’s website
Sign Up for Time-of-Use Rates
If you select TOU, the new rate will go into effect with your next meter reading date. The next bill you receive after that date will show your kWh usage, along with the TOU rate, during on-peak and off-peak periods for your billing period.For example, if you sign up for a new rate on February 4, and your meter reading date is on February 9, your new rate will appear on your March 9 bill.