Use Less Energy and Save with Critical Peak Pricing

Get a 14% lower rate on electricity all summer long when you agree to reduce your use on days when energy demand is at its highest.

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How It Works

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Enroll to Start Saving

When you enroll, you’ll get a 14% lower electricity rate for agreeing to reduce your use during Energy Savings Events.

Shift Use Away From 2 - 6 p.m. During Events

During Energy Savings Events, you will be asked to shift your energy use away from 2 – 6 p.m. If you use energy during this period, you will be charged a flat rate of $1 per kilowatt. The more you shift your electric use out of those four hours, the more you’ll save.

Get the Savings

In the days following the event, you'll receive an energy use report. This will show how well you shifted your usage on the Energy Savings Event.

What is an Energy Savings Event?
Energy Savings Events are announced when we expect a high demand of electricity that might cause strain on the grid. It’s during these events that we need your help to lower your use.

There will be no more than 14 events per summer.
Each event typically lasts four hours from 2 to 6 p.m.

Program Details

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This is a summer program that runs from June 1 through September 30. There will be no more than 14 Energy Savings Events a year. Events are called when electric demand is expected to be high. All electric customers are eligible to enroll.

By participating you:

Agree to reduce your energy use during these event days, which helps reduce the overall demand of energy
Get email alerts before and after the event
Will receive an energy report after an Energy Savings Event Day to see how your home performed
Get a rate discounted by 14% all summer except during Energy Saving Events; These events only occur Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. as these are peak hours

Simple Ways to Shift Your Use

Cook Dinner Outside

Take advantage of the nice weather and grill dinner outside. This will help keep heat out of your house and will help you save energy.

Adjust Your Air Conditioning

In the morning, pre-cool your home at 2 - 3 degrees lower than normal. Then, just before 2 p.m., set your thermostat 3 - 5 degrees higher than normal. You can also install a smart thermostat to help schedule changes for you. Visit our online store to shop for smart thermostats.

Do Chores Earlier or Later

During the week, do the dishes and laundry before 2 p.m. or after 6 p.m. — or wait to do it anytime during the weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between the Critical Peak Pricing Program and the Summer Rate?

The Summer Rate is the standard rate for all Residential electric service customers. It consists of “on-peak” and “off-peak” rates:

“On-peak” rate: From 2 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday from June 1 to September 30, the electricity rate is higher than the “off-peak” rate price.
“Off-peak” rate: Customers pay a lower rate price for electricity used the other 19 hours each summer weekday (outside of “on-peak” times) and all weekend long.

With the Summer Rate, you can save money all summer long by reducing electricity use during the “on-peak” time, or shifting use to mornings, nights and weekends.

The Critical Peak Pricing Program is an additional program you can join to help reduce electricity use on days of high energy demand during the summer. On up to 14 Energy Savings Event days each summer, you agree to reduce or shift your energy use even more than normal from 2 – 6 p.m. (one hour less than the Summer Rate is in effect), and you earn an additional discount on your off-peak rate all summer long.

With both the Summer Rate and the Critical Peak Pricing Program, when you use energy is just as important as how much you use. Your actions can save you money AND help ensure a cleaner energy future for Michigan.

When, and how often, do Energy Savings Events occur?

Energy Savings Events will usually occur up to 14 times during the summer months of June through September. This will be on non-holiday weekdays from 2 – 6 p.m. Events may be called because of an electric supply emergency or when we expect peak electricity demand. This happens especially during hot and humid weather. See Terms and Conditions for more details.

What is peak demand?

Peak demand is the time of day when customers use the most electricity. This is most common during air conditioning season, from June through September, during the late afternoon (2 – 7 p.m.). Reducing energy use during peak demand hours lowers stress on the electric grid and shifts energy use to less expensive off-peak times.

Can I opt out of an event?

If you’re unable to participate in an event, you can choose not to reduce or shift your electricity use on an Energy Savings Event Day. You will be charged the event rate of $1 per kilowatt for any electricity used during that time.

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Rebates & Discounts for Your Home

Check out rebates and discounts on appliances and home improvement upgrades that help save energy.

See Rebates & Discounts

Help Build a Brighter Future with Renewable Energy

By participating in our Renewable Energy Programs, you can offset your carbon footprint and help us build more renewable energy resources.

Explore Renewable Programs