Time-of-Use Frequently Asked Questions

TOU Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing?

  Time-Of-Use (TOU) Pricing is an optional, generation-only rate for smart-metered, non-Customer Assistance Program (CAP) residential and small commercial customers. TOU Pricing offers different prices according to a pre-determined schedule of On-Peak, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak hours (unlike real-time / market pricing). Customers pay more for usage supplied during On-Peak hours but also less for usage supplied during Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak hours.

• How do I know if TOU Pricing is right for me?

  To save money with TOU Pricing, you would need to shift usage away from the On-Peak hours of 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. For example, you can run the dishwasher at 9 p.m. and do laundry on weekends. You also can install timers on other equipment such as water heaters, pool pumps and dehumidifiers to lower your On-Peak usage.

  TOU Pricing may not be beneficial for customers that cannot change the time of day that they rely on electricity, such as those with medical devices that require electricity or customers who are home during On-Peak hours.

• Why are TOU Pricing's electricity costs different throughout the day?

  Usually, the price of electricity is less expensive at night than during the daytime. This rate is designed to reflect the costs of electricity throughout the day. The Off-Peak period consists of all other hours outside of On-Peak and Super Off-Peak periods.  TOU Pricing’s Super Off-Peak rate is intended to encourage electric vehicle charging during overnight low-priced energy hours. The TOU Pricing encourages customers to shift their energy use from On-Peak periods to periods where the demand for energy and its price are typically lower.

• What are TOU Pricing Periods?

  TOU Pricing periods are blocks of time for year-round days that vary by hours of the day. The generation price is different in each of these three blocks. 

  TOU Pricing Period	Year-Round Days/Hours Included
  On-Peak	2 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Friday
  Super Off-Peak	11 p.m. – 6 a.m. Every Day
  Off-Peak	All Other Hours

• Who is eligible for TOU Pricing?

  TOU Pricing is an optional, generation-only rate for smart-metered, non-CAP residential and small commercial customers. Customers enrolled in budget billing are not eligible for TOU pricing.

  If you are a customer with low or moderate income, other programs, including grant assistance, monthly bill credits, and debt forgiveness, may be available to help you afford your bill. Contact us at 800-545-7741, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for more information and to apply.
  

• How do I calculate my TOU rate?

  On, Off and Super Off-Peak rates are calculated using your current PTC multiplied by the Pricing Period multiplier specific to your electric company. You can find your current PTC at www.papowerswitch.com. The calculations for your electric company are as follows:

  		Current PTC	On-Peak Multiplier	Super Off-Peak Multiplier	Off-Peak Multiplier
  Met-Ed	Commercial	Current PTCx	2.0558	0.5298	0.7277
  	Residential	Current PTCx	2.0180	0.5438	0.7285
  Penelec	Commercial	Current PTCx	1.9532	0.5582	0.7686
  	Residential	Current PTCx	1.9367	0.5669	0.7633
  Penn Power	Commercial	Current PTCx	2.0271	0.5202	0.7409
  	Residential	Current PTCx	2.0140	0.5331	0.7377
  West Penn Power	Commercial	Current PTCx	1.9416	0.5663	0.7870
  	Residential	Current PTCx	1.8632	0.5749	0.7821

• I have solar panels and I am a net metering customer. Am I eligible?

  Yes, most non-CAP residential and small business net metering customers are eligible, except for virtual net metering customers. Net metering TOU bills will track how many On-Peak, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak hours you have in your bank.

• Can I keep my electrity supplier?

  No, but some suppliers may offer their own TOU Pricing. FirstEnergy’s TOU Program is for customers who do not have an electricity supplier. To enroll in FirstEnergy’s TOU Pricing, you would need to switch from your current electricity supplier to FirstEnergy. Whether you will save money will depend on your supplier’s current price and how you use electricity. Before deciding whether to switch, please contact your current supplier first. Be sure to ask whether there are any early cancellation fees or penalties.

• How do I find more information about TOU Pricing?

  Please visit our website at https://www.firstenergycorp.com for additional information regarding your eligibility and to help you evaluate if the TOU Pricing is right for you.  You can also easily enroll by signing into your FirstEnergy online MyAccount.

• Must I have an email address to enroll in TOU Pricing?

  No, but FirstEnergy strongly recommends that you use the tools available on the FirstEnergy website to help maximize your savings.

• Where can I access my home or business usage?

  You can view or export your usage on a monthly, daily or even hourly basis by logging in to your FirstEnergy MyAccount. You can also view up to one year of usage history. 

• How long does it take for the TOU Pricing to begin after I enroll?

  After enrolling in TOU, it will be effective by the beginning of your next billing cycle.

• How will my bill change if I choose the TOU Pricing?

  You will continue to receive your bill from FirstEnergy. On the billing details section, you will see separate charges for On-Peak, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak supply charges.

• What happens if I enroll but find I am spending more than I would on FirstEnergy's default service rate?

  You may leave TOU Pricing at any time without penalty. However, you will not be eligible to return to TOU Pricing for 12 months.

• Is FirstEnergy the only entity offering TOU Pricing?

  Other electric suppliers may also be offering TOU rate plans to customers with different pricing periods and rates.  Visit www.PAPowerSwitch.com for more information and a list of electric suppliers.