Real-Time Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Real-Time Pricing (RTP)?
A:
RTP is pricing that reflects the hourly variations in
electricity costs due to changes in demand. Typically,
the demand for electricity will increase during midday
Q: How much do I need to reduce my
energy usage?
A:
The RTP program has no minimum reduction
requirement. How much you reduce your usage is really
business hours when the weather is warmer. In order to
up to your business needs and your electricity budget.
generate more electricity to satisfy demand, SCE may
Generally, the less electricity you use during hours when
have to increase output or bring additional generators
energy charges are highest, the less you can expect to
online – both of which require more fuel and labor. In
pay for electricity each month.
some cases, SCE may even purchase electricity from
other sources.
Q: Who is eligible for the program?
A:
RTP is open to any business and agricultural and
pumping operation receiving bundled service (delivery
and generation of electricity) from SCE. There are no
restrictions on monthly demand, size of your business,
or type of industry. RTP works best for operations with
flexibility in their operations that allow them to reduce
or shift their energy usage. For more specific tips for
reducing energy usage at your business, go to sce.com/
energytips.
For more information about the Real-Time Pricing program, please contact your SCE Account Representative.
You may also call the Demand Response Helpline at (866) 334-7827 or visit us at sce.com/drp.
Real-Time Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are rates determined?
A: RTP pricing schedules are based on the season and the prior day’s temperature. There are 9 different pricing schedules for RTP:
five different pricing schedules occur during the summer season, two different pricing schedules occur during the winter season,
and two different pricing schedules for weekends, which are unrelated to the season.
Summer Season Pricing Schedules
• Extremely Hot Summer Weekday (≥ 95°F)
• Very Hot Summer Weekday (91°F - 94°F)
Winter Season Pricing Schedules
• High Cost Winter Weekday (> 90°F)
• Low Cost Winter Weekday (≤ 90°F)
Weekend Pricing Schedules
• Hot Summer Weekday (85°F - 90°F)
• Moderate Summer Weekday (81°F - 84°F)
• Mild Summer Weekday (≤ 80°F)
• High Cost Weekend (≥ 78°F)
• Low Cost Weekend (< 78°F)
Q: When do the RTP prices go
into effect?
Q: Why is the weather a factor
in determining prices?
A:
A:
Prices for RTP are in effect 365 days a year, seven days a week,
24 hours a day. Prices vary based on time of day, time of year,
Typically, midday hours are warmest, and the demand for
electricity across SCE’s entire customer base increases –
day of the week, daily maximum temperature, and
mostly from running cooling and HVAC systems. Although
your voltage.
weather is not the only factor in energy demand, it is often a
predictable indicator.
Q: Will I see a credit on my monthly bill
for participating on this program?
A:
No. The RTP program will not appear as a lump sum credit
on your bill because the savings are built into the hourly rate,
which varies according to time of day, time of year, day of
the week, daily maximum temperature, and your voltage (if
applicable). Energy charges are incurred per kWh of usage,
per meter, per month.
Q: Why not base RTP prices on today’s
maximum temperature, instead of,
yesterday’s?
A:
It would be difficult for you to determine what price category
applies for the current day, as the maximum temperature
will not be known until it has occurred. By using yesterday’s
temperature data, RTP lets you know exactly which price
category will apply throughout the day.
For more information about the Real-Time Pricing program, please contact your SCE Account Representative.
You may also call the Demand Response Helpline at (866) 334-7827 or visit us at sce.com/drp.
FOR OVER 100 YEARS...LIFE. POWERED BY EDISON.
Real-Time Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I shift or reduce my
energy usage?
A:
How you shift your energy usage depends on the needs
of your business and operations. You may be able to turn
off unnecessary equipment and pumps or lighting when
electricity costs are higher. You may consider scheduling
batch or continuous processes earlier or later in the day,
when electricity costs are lower. To permanently reduce
your energy usage, consider simple, inexpensive energy
efficiency measures. For specific suggestions for your
business, go to sce.com/energytips.
Q: Is there a fee or penalty for not
reducing my energy usage when
the temperature is highest?
A:
No. Since RTP sets all hourly prices for the year up front, it is
up to you to decide if it makes sense to use electricity even
when the prices may be higher.
Q: Why RTP, instead of, an event-based
Demand Response (DR) program?
A:
Unlike some event-based DR programs, RTP has no
minimum reduction requirements or penalties if you do not
reduce your usage, and does not rely on you changing your
business operations on short notice. RTP sets all prices up
front, and you decide when reducing energy is right for you.
Q: Do I need to have a special meter
installed to be on the RTP program?
A:
In order to record your actual usage and apply the hourly
rates, you must have an installed data meter capable of
recording and reporting usage in 15-minute increments.
For program information please see the
RTP fact sheet at sce.com/drp
An Edison SmartConnect® meter is one example. Most
business customers already have an appropriate meter;
however, upon request, SCE will install a meter at your site at
no cost to you (subject to availability).
For more information about the Real-Time Pricing program, please contact your SCE Account Representative.
You may also call the Demand Response Helpline at (866) 334-7827 or visit us at sce.com/drp.
© 2013 Southern California Edison. All rights
reserved.
NR-2226-V1-0413
C4439
This frequently asked questions sheet is meant to be an aid to understanding SCE’s programs and pricing schedules. It does not replace
information contained in the CPUC-approved tariffs. Please refer to the individual rate schedule or demand response program of interest for a
complete list of terms and conditions of service, which can be viewed at sce.com/tariffbooks.
FOR OVER 100 YEARS...LIFE. POWERED BY EDISON.