TOU Summer Is Almost Here: What It Means and How to Get Ahead
TOU Summer Is Almost Here: What It Means and How to Get Ahead
June 1 isn't just the start of summer break — it's the beginning of "TOU Summer" in California, when electricity prices often shift dramatically depending on when and where you use power.
In Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing, summer months are billed at higher rates, especially during afternoon and evening hours. But the exact timing of the summer season depends on your utility.
With just two weeks to go, here's what you need to know — and a few things you can still do to get ahead of it.
☀️ TOU Summer vs. Winter: What’s the Difference?
In TOU rate plans, the year is divided into "summer" and "winter" seasons, each with different price structures. Why?
- Summer = more demand = higher generation and delivery costs
- Winter = lower overall demand, fewer peak price hours
In most of California, TOU summer starts on June 1 — but not everywhere. Some regions extend summer into October; others keep it shorter.
📊 Summer TOU Seasons by Provider
| Utility | Summer Season | Winter Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG&E | June 1 – Sept 30 | Oct 1 – May 31 | 8-month winter, 4-month summer |
| SCE | June 1 – Sept 30 | Oct 1 – May 31 | Matches PG&E |
| SDG&E | June 1 – Oct 31 | Nov 1 – May 31 | Longer summer season in San Diego region |
🧭 Your seasonal pricing depends on your provider and your location.
Some community choice aggregators (CCAs) or municipal utilities may use different seasonal windows, so always check your bill or provider website for exact dates.
⚡ What Changes in Summer?
- Peak prices rise: Afternoon and evening hours (4–9 PM) get more expensive
- Off-peak hours shrink: Cheaper nighttime or morning rates may still apply — but the savings gap is smaller
- Appliance use becomes costlier: Dryers, ovens, and AC use hit harder during peak
✅ What You Can Do Today to Get Ahead
Summer rates may be inevitable — but there are still two weeks to plan and save. Here’s how:
🔋 1. Charge Your EV Before June
Rates will rise soon. Charge now during off-peak hours.
➡️ Use our Dashboard Tool to check when your cheapest charging window occurs.
🌡️ 2. Cool Your Home Strategically
- Pre-cool the house before peak hours
- Use fans during peak instead of AC
- Close curtains in sun-facing rooms
🧺 3. Shift Major Appliances to Late Night
Run your dishwasher, laundry, and dryer after 9 PM or before 4 PM when off-peak rates are in effect.
📉 4. Monitor Your Usage Patterns
Now is a great time to start tracking when you use the most energy — so you can shift those habits before the cost goes up.
Check your smart meter or visit mykwhnow.com for hourly usage insights.
🔁 Recap: What Happens on June 1?
- California TOU summer pricing takes effect
- Rates go up during peak hours, especially in the afternoon
- The specific summer season varies slightly by provider
