Seeing summer bills jump in San Tan Valley can feel frustrating, especially when your home is already working hard to stay cool. The good news is you can often lower costs without sacrificing comfort by using a time-of-use plan the smart way. In this guide, you’ll learn how TOU pricing works here, which hours cost more, and the simple changes that make the biggest difference. You’ll also see how solar and batteries fit in, so you can pick a plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
TOU basics you can use
Time-of-use pricing charges different rates by the hour. Utilities set higher “on-peak” prices during busy hours and lower prices during off-peak periods. That means you save when you run big appliances in cheaper windows. Some TOU plans also include a “demand charge,” which bills for your single highest on-peak power draw in a month. You can review plan types and definitions on the APS residential rates page to see how this works in practice.
- TOU plans vary by utility. APS widely promotes weekday on-peak hours of 4 to 7 p.m. and encourages shifting use outside that window. SRP approved new residential TOU options that add an 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. super off-peak period and later evening on-peak hours, scheduled to start with November 2025 bills. If you are new to TOU, start by confirming your utility and plan options.
Who powers San Tan Valley
APS customers
If your home is on APS, the common TOU choice is weekdays 4 to 7 p.m. on-peak. APS also offers a TOU plan that adds a monthly demand charge. The company highlights simple tactics like pre-cooling before 4 p.m. and delaying laundry or dishwashers until after 7 p.m. You can see APS’s overview of plan choices and savings tips in their energy efficiency guidance.
SRP customers
SRP approved new price plans that include an 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. super off-peak window and later evening on-peak windows, such as 6 to 9 p.m. or 5 to 10 p.m. These changes take effect with the November 2025 billing cycle. SRP’s FAQ page explains which plans include a demand component and how the new hours work.
Confirm your provider
San Tan Valley addresses can be served by either APS or SRP depending on the neighborhood. Check a recent bill or the utility information for your address to confirm your provider before you switch plans.
Quick wins to cut bills
- Know your utility and plan. Find the exact plan name and on-peak hours on your bill. Many savings attempts fail because the hours are off.
- Shift the big loads. Run laundry, dishwashers, pool pumps, and EV charging during off-peak. On APS, aim for before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. With SRP’s upcoming super off-peak, daytime hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. can be ideal.
- Pre-cool smart. A smart thermostat can lower your setpoint before the on-peak window, then ease up during peak. APS calls pre-cooling a top savings tactic for summer.
- Schedule EV charging. Program your charger to start in off-peak or super off-peak hours.
- Tame pool and spa use. Set long, steady runs in off-peak blocks instead of short bursts during peak.
- Be careful with demand charges. If your plan has a demand component, avoid starting multiple high-power appliances at once during on-peak. Stagger use to prevent a costly demand spike.
- Do a simple usage audit. Small improvements to HVAC maintenance, insulation, and shading reduce the load you need to shift. APS’s energy tips page is a good place to start.
Solar, batteries, and TOU
If you have solar
Solar and TOU often work well together, but plan details matter. APS directs solar customers to specific TOU choices and explains net-billing and export compensation. Check how your solar production lines up with your utility’s off-peak hours to maximize self-consumption.
Thinking about a battery
Batteries can shift usage and provide backup, but the math should pencil out. The Arizona Corporation Commission approved APS’s Bring-Your-Own-Device battery pilot in March 2025. The pilot can call events between 4 and 10 p.m. from May 1 to Oct 31, and the ACC release describes compensation as an annual payment of $110 per kW of enrolled capacity, with participation capped at 5,000 customers. Review the pilot details and your expected bill savings before investing.
Plan changes happen
SRP’s new TOU structures begin in November 2025, and utilities update pricing over time. Revisit your rate choice each year to keep savings on track.
Is TOU right for your home
- Confirm your provider and eligible plans for your service address.
- Download 12 months of hourly usage from your utility account.
- Use the utility’s plan comparison tool or ask for a monthly plan comparison using your actual data.
- Map your big loads to off-peak windows and add simple automation like thermostat schedules and appliance timers.
- If your plan includes a demand charge, look for short on-peak spikes and stagger appliance start times to avoid them.
- If you have solar or plan to add storage, factor in export rates and any utility programs when you model payback.
- Recheck each year, especially with SRP’s November 2025 updates and any new APS filings.
Buying or selling A utility tip that pays
Lower, predictable energy costs help your monthly budget and make a home more attractive to today’s value-focused buyers. When you compare homes in San Tan Valley, look at the utility provider, rate plan options, and simple upgrades like smart thermostats that align with TOU. A little homework now can produce real savings once you move in.
If you want a quick gut check on how a home’s utility setup could affect your costs, reach out. We’re here to help you weigh the details and move with confidence. Connect with Joseph Fear for friendly, local guidance.
FAQs
What are APS peak hours in San Tan Valley and why do they matter
- APS’s common residential TOU plan is on-peak 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, so shifting big loads outside that window and pre-cooling beforehand can reduce your bill.
When do SRP’s new TOU plans start and what is super off-peak
- SRP’s new residential plans start with November 2025 bills and introduce a super off-peak period from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. that favors daytime usage and solar self-consumption.
What is a demand charge on a TOU plan
- It is a monthly fee based on your single highest on-peak power draw, so one short spike can add cost and you can avoid it by staggering appliance use.
How should EV owners charge to save on TOU
- Set your charger to start in off-peak or super off-peak hours and avoid plugging in during the evening on-peak window.
Do assistance programs change anything for TOU customers
- Utilities adjust assistance and seasonal protections over time, so check current program dates and eligibility before you switch plans.
How do solar customers choose an APS plan
- Review APS’s solar plan guidance, note net-billing and export rules, and pick the TOU option that best matches your home’s production and usage patterns.
