DTE – Time of Day Rate Change

Beginning automatically the first billing period after March 1st, 2023, DTE is moving all residential electric customers previously on the D1-Residential Electric Service Rate to the D1.11- Variable Time of Day (3 p.m.-7 p.m.) Rate. On-peak hours: Monday-Friday 3 p.m.-7 p.m. This new variable rate structure will result in a higher electricity bill unless you have the flexibility to shift your energy use to off-peak hours. The previous D1 base rate was the same price per kWh; regardless of the time, day, or month of the billing period. The new D1.11 base rate price per kWh is higher during on-peak hours on weekdays, but lower during off-peak hours on weekends. Additionally, the new D1.11 base rate schedule is seasonal. Although the off-peak price per kWh is consistent year-round, the price per kWh during on-peak hours from June – September is higher than the on-peak hours from October – May; again, related to average grid demand.

Our collective increase in electricity usage through use of electric vehicles and other new electric appliances puts a greater demand on the grid. This continuous increase in electric power demand is especially apparent at specific times on certain days of the week, during specific months of the year. This time based demand on the grid is called Peak Demand. Peak demand creates grid imbalances due to a sustained period of significantly higher than average supply level. To smooth out these peaks in the electric power demand, DTE, upon recommendation from Michigan Public Service Commission, is terminating the previous D1-Standard Residential Rate and replacing it with the new D1.11-Variable Time of Day Rate. 

The new standard base rate, D1.11 Variable Time of Day rate structure will result in a higher electricity bill unless you have the flexibility to shift your energy use to off-peak hours. Meaning, we now have the responsibility of managing our bill by shifting energy use before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m., with special consideration for months June – September.

Things you can do to manage your bill and energy use include:

1. Have a programmable smart thermostat installed to pre-cool your home before 3 p.m. and lower the temperature when you leave
2. Starting loads of laundry on the weekends or after 7 p.m. during weekdays
3. Running your dishwasher at night or as you leave your home in the morning
4. Having an energy management monitoring system installed to keep track of real-time energy usage throughout the day.

Customers utilizing private renewable energy resources and enrolled in the Rider 18 program should be knowledgeable of their Power Supply Outflow Credit. 

Outflow Credit based on time-base pricing period

Customers will be credited for each kWh of Outflow according to the power supply rates shown below, plus the PSCR factor.

June-Sept On-Peak: $0.14101
June-Sept Off-Peak: $0.08574

Oct-May On-Peak:$0.09873
Oct-May Off-Peak: $0.08574