Potomac Edison Introduces Time-of-Use Rates
Starting April 20, 2026, Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has made it easier for residents in Maryland to save money on their electricity bills with the launch of a new residential time-of-use rate plan. This new initiative allows customers to benefit from reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours when the demand for energy is lower.
Understanding Time-of-Use Rates
The time-of-use rate involves varying electricity charges based on the time of day. It encourages customers to adjust their energy consumption habits by offering substantial discounts for electricity used during off-peak times. From the implementation date onward, the bills will reflect different rates depending on the time of electricity usage.
Key Rate Details
- - On-Peak Rate: The on-peak price is set at approximately 16 cents per kilowatt-hour. This applies to weekdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. during daylight saving time and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. during standard time.
- - Off-Peak Rate: The off-peak price is significantly reduced to about 9 cents per kilowatt-hour, offering nearly a 44% discount. Off-peak hours include overnight periods, early mornings, daytime hours outside of the peak window, and all day on weekends.
Savings Opportunities
Customers can effectively decrease their monthly expenses by shifting their electricity use to off-peak hours. Here are some practical changes that can lead to savings:
- - Running the Dishwasher: Using the dishwasher during night hours, when rates are lower.
- - Laundry Schedule: Planning laundry loads for early mornings or weekends instead of peak times.
- - Major Appliances: Operating major appliances outside the weekday peak hours to maximize savings.
By implementing these small changes in behavior, customers of Potomac Edison can see a noticeable reduction in their electricity bills while helping the overall power grid by reducing demand during peak times.
Enrollment Process
The good news for Potomac Edison customers is that enrolling in this program incurs no upfront costs. Interested customers can easily sign up by calling 1-800-686-0011. However, it is essential to highlight that eligibility is restricted to customers receiving their electric supply through Potomac Edison. Customers already enrolled in the electric vehicle charger time-of-use rider will not be able to participate in this new residential rate.
After registration, the customer’s electric meter will be updated to measure both on-peak and off-peak usage accurately. The new rates will then take effect with the customer’s next billing cycle, making the process seamless and user-friendly.
Company Background
Potomac Edison is a reliable service provider, catering to roughly 285,000 customers across seven counties in Maryland and around 155,000 users in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The utility company focuses on enhancing customer service through innovative solutions like the new time-of-use rate.
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FirstEnergy Corp., the parent company of Potomac Edison, continues to prioritize safety, reliability, and operational excellence, serving over six million customers across several states. The company operates an extensive transmission network connecting numerous regions, showcasing its commitment to energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.