What information do I need in order 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 zone
• 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 rates, you will need to check your rate schedule. To find out more about how to enter seasonal rate zones in the app, check here.
How do I set up a rate zone that carries over into the following day or occurs multiple times in a day?
Rate zone 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 zones.
For example, if your Off-peak Rate Zone is from 8PM to 8AM, you would set up two separate rate zones (1) 8PM - 12AM (2) 12AM - 8AM.
Can I set my off-peak rate zone as my “Default electricity cost”?
Yes, if you have many rate zones you are able to reduce your overall number of rate zones by setting your Default electricity cost as your off-peak rate zone. However, rate zones set-up as default electricity cost will have slightly different default behaviors, including changes to:
Time of Use rate entry alerts You won’t receive alerts when you’re entering into your off-peak/default cost rate zone
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 like a Rate Zone. A change to your default electricity cost will change all historical cost data utilizing it to the updated rate
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 Rate Zone?
Not at this time, but we hope to add that functionality in the future.