Compare Tiered (E-1) vs. Time-of-Use (TOU-C) costs
Standard is approx. 300-500 kWh based on zone.
30% of usage occurs during Peak Hours
Estimated Monthly Charges
Tiered (E-1)
$0.00
Best for low energy users
Time-of-Use (TOU-C)
$0.00
Best for off-peak users
Understanding PG&E Rate Plans
Choosing the right rate plan for your Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) bill can save you hundreds of dollars annually. As California transitions to greener energy, the pricing structures have shifted significantly.
1. Tiered Rate Plan (E-1)
The E-1 plan is the traditional billing model. You are given a "Baseline Allowance" based on your geographic zone and heating source.
Tier 1: Usage up to your baseline is charged at the lowest rate.
Tier 2: Usage exceeding the baseline is charged at a significantly higher rate.
2. Time-of-Use Rate Plan (TOU-C)
The Time-of-Use Peak Pricing 4 PM – 9 PM Everyday (TOU-C) plan charges you based on when you use electricity, not just how much you use.
Peak (4 PM – 9 PM): Highest rates apply when demand on the grid is greatest.
Off-Peak: Lower rates apply during all other hours (before 4 PM and after 9 PM).
Which Plan is Better for You?
A Tiered plan is generally better if you use very little electricity overall, staying mostly within your baseline allowance. A Time-of-Use plan is often better if you can shift heavy appliance use (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging) to the morning or late night hours.
Example Scenario:
If you use 600 kWh a month and your baseline is 300 kWh, under E-1 you pay Tier 1 prices for the first 300 and Tier 2 for the remaining 300. If you switch to TOU-C and manage to keep 80% of your usage outside the 4 PM-9 PM window, your bill could be significantly lower even with high total consumption.
function calculatePgeRates() {
// Current PG&E Estimated Rates (Approximate averages for simulation)
// E-1 Rates
var e1Tier1Rate = 0.32; // Baseline
var e1Tier2Rate = 0.41; // Above Baseline
// TOU-C Rates
var touPeakRate = 0.49; // 4PM – 9PM
var touOffPeakRate = 0.40; // Other times
// Get Inputs
var totalKwh = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalKwh').value);
var baseline = parseFloat(document.getElementById('baselineAllowance').value);
var peakPercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('peakPercentage').value);
// Validate
if (isNaN(totalKwh) || totalKwh <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid monthly kWh usage.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(baseline) || baseline < 0) {
baseline = 0;
}
// Logic: Calculate Tiered (E-1)
var tieredCost = 0;
if (totalKwh <= baseline) {
tieredCost = totalKwh * e1Tier1Rate;
} else {
tieredCost = (baseline * e1Tier1Rate) + ((totalKwh – baseline) * e1Tier2Rate);
}
// Logic: Calculate TOU-C
var peakKwh = totalKwh * (peakPercent / 100);
var offPeakKwh = totalKwh – peakKwh;
var touCost = (peakKwh * touPeakRate) + (offPeakKwh * touOffPeakRate);
// Display Results
document.getElementById('resultsArea').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('tieredTotal').innerText = '$' + tieredCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('touTotal').innerText = '$' + touCost.toFixed(2);
var recDiv = document.getElementById('recommendation');
if (tieredCost < touCost) {
var diff = touCost – tieredCost;
recDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#d4edda';
recDiv.style.color = '#155724';
recDiv.innerText = "The Tiered (E-1) plan is estimated to save you $" + diff.toFixed(2) + " per month.";
} else {
var diff = tieredCost – touCost;
recDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#d1ecf1';
recDiv.style.color = '#0c5460';
recDiv.innerText = "The Time-of-Use (TOU-C) plan is estimated to save you $" + diff.toFixed(2) + " per month.";
}
}