How one Broad River member finds savings with new rate
by Clary Phillips
Adam Stocks already knew how to control his energy use.
The Cowpens resident and Broad River Electric member had previously been on a time-of-use rate, which encouraged members to use power during low-demand parts of the day.
Like a majority of members, Stocks has found new ways to save since Broad River Electric changed to its new rate structure last June. In those 10 months, he has been able to lower his total electricity expenses by more than $500.
“I like the three-part rate even better, because the peak hour timeframe is shorter,” says Stocks. “This structure works for me. I did have to make a few changes, but I like having the control.”
With Broad River Electric’s new rate structure, the off-peak energy rate is almost 40% lower than the old rate structure. By reducing the amount of energy he uses during peak hours (3 p.m. to 6 p.m., April 1–Oct. 31 and 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Nov. 1 to March 31) and shifting energy consumption to off-peak hours, Stocks can avoid a peak demand charge, which is $12 per kilowatt.
When Broad River Electric was faced with the choice between raising rates or implementing a new rate structure, senior management felt sure that giving members the chance to save money on their monthly electric bills was the right way to go.
“We wanted to give our members control over their bills,” says Chief Strategy Officer Wes Allsbrook. “Instead of simply raising everyone’s rates, we knew it would be more beneficial for our members to take advantage of the threepart rate structure.”
Stocks took steps to make his home more energy efficient by installing a smart thermostat and a variable speed pool pump with a timer. He uses Google Home, where he was able to shop for devices that make homes more energy efficient.
“Buying a smart thermostat is one of the easiest things people can do,” he says.
Still, Stocks acknowledges the three-part rate structure is not without its challenges. He says weekends are harder, when he and his family are home more during the day and their schedule isn’t as structured.
In the summer, when his kids are home more, Stocks takes on the role of his home’s “energy czar.”
“I have to remind them of the peak hours and make sure they don’t do laundry or run a lot of kitchen appliances during those peak hours,” says Stocks.
But the savings he’s seeing are worth the shift in household habits.
“Mainly, I’m being more cognizant of when I cook and more careful with maintaining the temperature inside our house,” says Stocks, who will fire up the outdoor grill or use smaller appliances such as an air fryer if he needs to cook during peak hours.
While monitoring his energy use during peak hours is easier some days than others, the devices Stocks put in place and the habits his family adopted have paid off. And instead of being hit with a rate increase, Stocks is grateful he has the option to make changes and save money. “The control I have is the best part about this rate structure,” says Stocks.