(4 Minute Read)
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) recently announced a major change to its time‑of‑use electricity rates—and for many homeowners, this could unlock new opportunities to lower monthly energy costs.
Starting May 1, SDG&E is expanding its lowest‑priced electricity period, known as “super off‑peak,” to include weekday daytime hours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., year‑round. Previously, these lower rates were only available during the spring months.
So what does this change actually mean for your home, and how can you take advantage of it? Let’s break it down.
What Are Super Off‑Peak Hours?
If you’re on an SDG&E time‑of‑use plan, the price you pay for electricity changes depending on the time of day.
- Peak hours (typically 4–9 p.m.) are the most expensive
- Off‑peak hours are moderately priced
- Super off‑peak hours are the cheapest electricity of the day
With SDG&E’s new update, super off‑peak hours now include:
- Weekdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (new, year‑round)
- Weekdays overnight: 12 a.m. – 6 a.m.
- Weekends and holidays: 12 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This change is designed to encourage energy use when clean, solar‑powered electricity is most abundant—during the middle of the day.
Why SDG&E Is Making This Change
California now produces a large amount of solar energy during daylight hours. At the same time, electricity demand spikes in the evening when people get home, turn on appliances, and run air conditioning or heating.
By lowering daytime rates, SDG&E is signaling that using electricity earlier in the day helps reduce strain on the grid and can cost less. For homeowners, that creates new opportunities to shift energy use and save.
How This Impacts Baker Home Energy Customers
Solar Customers
If you have solar panels, this change aligns perfectly with when your system produces the most energy.
- Midday energy is now cheaper to pull from the grid if needed
- Using appliances during the day helps maximize your solar production
- The value of using your own energy instead of exporting it is stronger than ever
For customers on newer solar billing plans, this makes smart energy management even more important.
Battery Storage Customers
This is one of the biggest wins.
With a battery, you can:
- Charge it during low‑cost daytime hours
- Use stored energy during expensive evening peak times
- Reduce reliance on high‑priced grid power
If you already have solar, adding a battery can now provide even more control and savings.
EV and Electrified Homeowners
If your home includes an electric vehicle or electric appliances, daytime super off‑peak hours create new flexibility.
Running energy‑intensive equipment like:
- EV chargers
- Heat pump water heaters
- Pool pumps
- Laundry and dishwashers
during the middle of the day can significantly reduce costs compared to evening use.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Pre‑cooling or pre‑heating your home earlier in the day—especially with a smart thermostat—can help limit energy use during peak hours when electricity is most expensive.
What This Change Does Not Do
It’s important to set expectations:
- Evening peak rates (4–9 p.m.) are still the highest
- Savings depend on your rate plan and your ability to shift usage
- Not all plans include super off‑peak pricing
That’s why personalized guidance matters.
How Baker Home Energy Can Help
This SDG&E update reinforces what we already help homeowners do every day: use energy smarter, not harder.
Our team can help you:
- Understand your current rate plan
- Optimize solar usage
- Add battery storage
- Install EV chargers, heat pumps, or smart controls
- Reduce exposure to rising utility rates
Bottom line: SDG&E is making daytime electricity cheaper on purpose—and homeowners with the right energy solutions are best positioned to benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I determine if I am on a time-of-use plan with SDG&E?
To find out if you are on a time-of-use plan with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), you can log into your online account on the SDG&E website or contact their customer service. Your billing statement will also indicate your current rate plan. If you are unsure, SDG&E representatives can provide detailed information about your plan and help you understand the different pricing tiers, including peak, off-peak, and super off-peak hours.
2. What strategies can I use to maximize savings during super off-peak hours?
To maximize savings during super off-peak hours, consider scheduling energy-intensive tasks like laundry, dishwashing, and charging electric vehicles during the new daytime hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, if you have solar panels, use your appliances when your system is generating the most energy. Implementing smart home technology, such as programmable thermostats, can also help manage energy use efficiently during these hours.
3. Are there any specific appliances that should be used during super off-peak hours?
Yes, certain appliances are particularly beneficial to use during super off-peak hours. Energy-intensive devices like electric vehicle chargers, heat pump water heaters, pool pumps, and large appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers should be scheduled for operation during these hours. This not only reduces your energy costs but also helps to balance the load on the grid during peak demand times.
4. What should I do if my current plan does not include super off-peak pricing?
If your current SDG&E plan does not include super off-peak pricing, you may want to explore switching to a time-of-use plan that does. Contact SDG&E customer service or visit their website to review available plans. They can provide guidance on the best options based on your energy usage patterns and help you understand the potential savings associated with different rate structures.
5. How does battery storage enhance the benefits of super off-peak hours?
Battery storage enhances the benefits of super off-peak hours by allowing homeowners to charge their batteries during low-cost daytime periods and use that stored energy during high-cost evening peak times. This strategy not only reduces reliance on expensive grid power but also maximizes the use of solar energy generated during the day, leading to significant savings on energy bills and increased energy independence.
6. Can I still save money if I don’t have solar panels or battery storage?
Yes, you can still save money even without solar panels or battery storage by shifting your energy usage to super off-peak hours. By running appliances and charging devices during the cheaper daytime hours, you can take advantage of lower rates. Additionally, consider energy-efficient practices and appliances to further reduce your overall energy consumption and costs, regardless of your energy generation setup.
7. What are the potential drawbacks of the new super off-peak hours?
While the new super off-peak hours offer significant savings opportunities, there are potential drawbacks. Evening peak rates remain the highest, which means that if you cannot shift your energy usage, you may not see substantial savings. Additionally, not all rate plans include super off-peak pricing, so it’s essential to review your plan and understand how it aligns with your energy consumption habits to maximize benefits.
