If you are on a residential electric rate where the cost of electricity varies with the time of day, sometimes called a “Time of Use” rate, it may be cheaper to run the pump at night.

Under Time of Use rates, the cost of electricity is highest when the demand for electricity is highest – often on hot summer afternoons. Avoiding these peak periods saves money.

Some pool pump controls are fitted with time clocks to make it easy to control when the pump runs.

If you are on a standard residential electric rate where the cost of electricity is the same regardless of the time then there is little savings opportunity. Many commercial customers pay for amount of electricity they use and their demand for electricity (the peak amount they use over a certain period). By avoiding running electrical devices at the same time, their demand for electricity is lower so the cost of electricity can be lower.

Contact your local Touchstone Energy Electric Cooperative for more information on electric rates and how you can save money.