What information do I need to set-up Time Of Use?
You should be able to find these details on your rate schedule, typically available on your utilities’ website. You will need:
• Cost per kWh for each Time Of Use period
• The days and times for which your different rates apply
• The seasonal differences, if any, for your rate plan
How do I enter seasonal Time Of Use periods into Sense?
Your Time Of Use rates may vary seasonally or otherwise throughout the year. You can enter these into Sense by using the Start Date and End Date to define the time periods where your Time Of Use rates should apply. To find your seasonal periods, you will need to check your rate schedule. To find out more about how to enter seasonal rate periods in the app, check here.
How do I set up a rate period that carries over into the following day or occurs multiple times in a day?
Rate period start and end times are based on a 24 hour day (defined from 12AM to 12AM). Rate zones that carry into the following day or occur multiple times in a day must be entered as two separate rate periods.
For example, if your Off-peak Rate Period is from 8PM to 8AM, you would set up two separate rate periods: (1) 8PM - 12AM and (2) 12AM - 8AM.
Can I set my off-peak rate period as my “default electricity cost”?
Yes, if you have many rate periods you are able to reduce your overall number by setting your default electricity cost as your off-peak period. However, rate periods set-up as default electricity cost will have slightly different default behaviors, including changes to:
1. Time Of Use period entry alerts
You won’t receive alerts when you’re entering into your off-peak/default cost period
2. Time Of Use-style high-usage alerts
You won't receive high usage alerts during these periods
Default electricity cost is not bound to a specific time period.
Can I use Time Of Use functionality for tracking tiered utility costs or additional utility payment structures?
Sense does not support tiered, baseline electrical rates or fixed bill modifiers. Given that Sense cannot support the varied idiosyncrasies of particular utilities, perfect bill match is unlikely with this feature, but it should provide more accurate calculations for your usage costs, while helping you to tailor your usage around your Time Of Use periods.
Can I see a breakdown of my total usage by my Time Of Use period?
Not at this time, but we hope to add that functionality in the future.