Residential Energy Flex Plan

As a consumer, you’re accustomed to making money-saving choices and paying lower prices for goods and services used during off-peak times. A number of industries — such as telecommunications and commercial airlines — offer attractive off-peak rates to even out customer demand and prevent system overload. Ozarks Electric Cooperative Energy Flex Plan for Arkansas residential members has 95% of all yearly hours as off-peak.

Ozarks Electric’s Energy Flex Plan is based on the same idea. By reducing your electric use during peak times, you have the opportunity to save money on your monthly energy costs.

What is the Energy Flex Plan?

Ozarks Electric’s Energy Flex Plan is based on the time of day you use electricity and our cost of supplying electricity to you during that time. If you use electricity when the total used by all Ozarks Electric members is low (off-peak) your rate will be lower than the standard rate. On-peak hours or electricity used during periods of high demand will cost more than the standard rate.

Why is Ozarks Electric offering Energy Flex Plan?

An Energy Flex Plan provide you with a choice to lower your electricity costs without reducing the total amount of electricity used. In addition, off-peak use will allow current facilities to operate more efficiently, reducing your electricity costs even more.

Who is eligible for the Energy Flex Plan?

Arkansas residential members are eligible for these rate plans. Some restrictions apply. Limited to the first 1,000 members.

How does the Energy Flex Plan lower my bill?

When you shift your electric use to time periods of lower demand (off-peak), you can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year. Shifting your electric use to off-peak hours helps Ozarks Electric avoid peak demand charges, and we can pass those savings on to you and our members.

What are the on-peak and off-peak hours for residential accounts?

Peak hours for Energy Flex Plan members are 3-7 pm. each day from June-September. All other times are considered off-peak.

What kind of savings might I expect from the Energy Flex Plan?

The dollar amount saved varies among members. The more electricity that you shift to off-peak, the more money you might save.

What behaviors can I change that will help me make a difference in lowering my electric bill?

• Wash and dry clothes during off-peak times.
• Run your dishwasher during off-peak times.
• Move cooking to off-peak hours.
• Turn up air conditioner 7-10 degrees.
• Charge electric vehicles or modes of transportation at scheduled off-peak times.
• Use LED bulbs instead of traditional bulbs
• Utilize automatic timers to run appliances such as water heaters, pool pumps, hot tubs, etc. during off-peak hours. Timers should be synchronized with peak and off-peak times and should always be installed by licensed professionals.
• Install programmable thermostats to shift AC/heating to off-peak times.
• Plug computers, printers and televisions into power strips and turn off at the switch when not in use.

For a complete listing of energy efficiency tips and resources, please visit www.ozarksecc.com/energy-tips.

Could I end up paying more money on the Energy Flex Plan?

By signing up for the Energy Flex Plan, you will most likely be required to make minor adjustments in your daily routine. If you don’t change your energy use patterns, you could pay more. However, with Ozarks Electric’s one year best bill guarantee, you don’t have to risk paying more.

Best Bill Provision:

At the conclusion of one year of service, the member’s billing will be compared to billing for the same period under the General Service 1-phase rate. If the amount actually paid by the member is higher than what would have been paid under the General Service 1-phase rate, the member will receive a credit for the full amount of the difference. This provision will only be applied at the end of the initial year of service and will not be available in ensuing years.

If I choose to try the Energy Flex Plan, how long is my commitment?

Ozarks Electric members who sign up for the Energy Flex Plan are entering into an agreement with the cooperative for a minimum of one year. The agreement will continue until terminated by either party with at least 30 days of written notice Once terminated, the Energy Flex Plan will not be available for members at that location for a period of 12 months.

How do I sign up for the Energy Flex Plan?

Sign up at any Ozarks Electric office or call 479-521-2900.

Are there any sign-up fees associated with Energy Flex Plan?

No, there are no initial sign-up fees or charges associated with the Energy Flex Plan.

How does my meter know which hours are peak hours and which hours are off-peak hours?

Ozarks Electric’s automated meter infrastructure system reads peak and off-peak hours. Your meter is also programmed to recognize daylight saving time.

How do I know what my electric usage is?

View and manage your usage on the MyOzarks app. Be able to analyze and understand your usage trends and find ways to cut back.