After Hours Emergency Number: (406) 883-7972
Website: www.missionvalleypower.org
All Electric Services
When any (200, 400, 600 or 800 amp) service is installed, the size of
our service is determined by the electrical load anticipated. The
connected load may result in a high energy demand. All the
electrical devices in the home can add to a total demand when they
are on: heat pumps, heating strip, air conditioner, floor heat,
lighting, appliances, water heater, hot tubs, garage service needs,
and anything else that uses electricity.
Any service that is expected to have over 25 kW demand will be
placed in (whether it is a residence or business as well as a 400 amp
service) the General Service with Demand rate class.
“Demand” refers to the average energy consumption over any
fifteen minute period recorded by a demand meter during a billing
period. Demand is measured in kilowatts (kW).
What’s the difference in cost? As of October 1, 2011, here are the
rate comparisons for Residential or General Service without Demand
versus General Services with Demand.
Residential Class
Mo. Min.
$15.00
Basic Charge
Demand Rate
$10.00
None
Energy Charge
$0.0599/kwh
General Services without Demand
Mo. Min.
None
Basic Charge
Demand Rate
$10.00
Energy Charge
None
$0.0695/kwh
General Services with Demand
Mo. Min.
Basic Charge
Demand Rate
Energy Charge
None
$27.50 1
$4.10/KW
$0.0475/kwh
None
$45.00 2
$4.10/KW
$0.0475/kwh
1 = Single phase service
2 = Three phase service
So, before you install a 400 amp service, to serve a larger (or two)
heating system(s), multiple hot water tanks and/or jet tubs, be sure you
understand that your cost may be greater than anticipated.
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Typical energy load for each home appliance is as follows.
Remember, if you have more than one, you will need to add an
estimate for each appliance.
Total demand is the “sum” of all the items “on” at the same time.
** Phantom loads include items such as:
satellite receiver, mobile phone chargers,
desktop computer, inkjet fax or laser fax,
clock/radio, microwave (with clock display),
stove (with clock display).
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If you turn on all your electric appliances at the same time, you are
“demanding” a lot of electricity all at once. The demand meter will register the
total amount of kilowatts coming through to you, and the highest amount
registered during each billing cycle is the amount for which you will be billed.
Logically, the way to hold down your demand cost is to not turn on all electrical
appliances at once. Don’t enter your cabin by the lake, suddenly turn up the heat,
while a friend fills the Jacuzzi and another jumps into the hot tub and turns on all
the jets and someone else decides to wash a load of clothes and another bakes
cookies. This “demand” will cost.
If your demand is held under 25 kW for 10 out of 12 consecutive months, you can
ask to have your home or business moved to a Residential or General Service
without Demand rate class.
Lessons Learned:
1. For water in-floor heating, heat pumps, large electric furnaces, set the
temperature at one level and leave it.
2. Verify with your heating and cooling provider that you need all the heating
elements on to service your building.
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