Frequently asked questions about EZ-3
Choose any link to get answers to your questions about EZ-3.
What will I pay on this plan?
Below are the current energy prices per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for EZ-3 compared to the Basic Plan.
May-June and September-October
July-August
November-April
The price you pay rises and falls seasonally with the demand for electricity.
I'm already shifting usage to off-peak hours. Why do I need to sign up for EZ-3?
Thanks for doing your part to help reduce costs for SRP customers. However, you need to enroll in EZ-3 to be rewarded with a lower price for using energy during off-peak hours. Use our online price plan sign-up form or call (602) 236-8888 to enroll today and start saving money on energy costs.
How will I know if I'm saving money?
Check the "Notes" section of your electric bill to see your monthly and year-to-date savings on EZ-3. You may also view your bill and savings on My Account by clicking on Bill History or Right Price Plan Tools.
What if I'm not saving money on this plan?
Be sure you are shifting energy use to off-peak hours.
- Log into My Account to see your daily on- and off-peak energy use.
• Click on the Right Price Plan Tools to see how much you could save on this plan by shifting energy use to off-peak hours.
- Check out actions you can take to save money on this plan.
- See if another price plan would better fit your household and lifestyle.
If you want to switch to a different plan, call (602) 236-8888.
How should I pre-cool if I'm home weekday afternoons?
You can save money by pre-cooling during lower-cost, off-peak hours. Pre-cool long enough to cool things in your home, not just the air. The temperature settings and time required for pre-cooling will vary based on building materials, age of the home and your preferred comfort.
- Around noon or 1 p.m., set your thermostat 4 to 6 degrees below your usual temperature setting.
- From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., set your thermostat 4 to 5 degrees above your usual temperature so the A/C unit doesn't run much, if at all.
- After 6 p.m., return to your normal setting.
If your programmable thermostat has advanced features, you will need to set it differently to prevent the A/C from running during on-peak hours.
What if my programmable thermostat has advanced features?
Some thermostats have advanced features that will achieve your set temperature by the time programmed instead of starting at the time programmed.
- Check the manufacturer's manual or online information to verify if your thermostat has advanced features.
- If so, choose settings that limit the time your system runs during higher-cost, on-peak hours.
How does a smart meter help me?
A smart meter is required for the EZ-3 Price Plan. It provides more details about when you use energy each day. Available online, any time, this information can help you control costs and manage your energy budget wisely.
Smart meters provide detailed information that allows you to:
- View daily energy usage online. Monitor your daily usage to better understand how and when you use energy.
- Receive alerts to help manage costs. Set a maximum dollar amount for the month and we'll send an e-notification if it appears your bill could exceed that. You also can sign up to receive weekly bill estimates.
Log into My Account any time to view energy usage, account information or sign up for e-alerts.
Why are energy prices higher in the summer?
The kilowatt-hour (kWh) or unit cost of energy is different in winter and summer regardless of your price plan. The price you pay rises and falls with the demand for electricity.
During the coolest months, customer usage, generation costs and the price you pay are lowest. During the hottest months, customer usage skyrockets and generation costs to meet peak demand are highest.
What are the on- and off-peak hours on weekends and holidays?
Lower-cost, off-peak hours take place 75% of all hours each week
Off-peak hours:
- All weekday hours other than on-peak
- Weekends
- New Year's Day, Jan. 1
- Memorial Day (observed Monday holiday)
- Independence Day, July 4 (actual date, regardless of observed holiday)
- Labor Day (observed Monday holiday)
- Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day, Dec. 25