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Save Money by Using Energy Smarter

TimeWise is a voluntary pilot program that provides you with an opportunity to save money during the summer, when electric bills are highest, for reducing electricity use during peak demand times. Shift your energy use to off-peak hours while helping maintain a reliable energy grid for everyone.

Benefits

$75 Bill Credit
Get paid for participation in critical peak events! Receive your incentive after participation in at least one event.

Lower Off-Peak Rates
Pay significantly less for electricity in the summer during most hours in the mornings, evenings between 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. and any time on weekends.

Stay Informed
Receive advance notifications before any critical peak events so you can plan ahead.

No Long-Term Commitment
This pilot program may last up to two years. Customers may leave the program at anytime but must participate in at least one critical peak event before receiving the bill credit.

Join TimeWise Today

Ready to Start Saving?

Enrollment is limited to 500 customers, and participants will be randomly selected from all eligible applications. Don't miss this opportunity to take control of your energy costs while earning a $75 bill credit for participation after the first critical peak pricing event! You will be notified in March if you have been accepted.

Complete the TimeWise interest form

How It Works

Step 1: Show your interest
Submit your application. We'll select 500 participants from all eligible applicants.

Step 2: Sign a contract
An electronic contract will be sent to you so that we may switch you to the new rate.

Step 3: Shift Your Usage
Run major appliances during off-peak times when rates are lowest.

Step 4: Get Notified
Receive text or email alerts the evening before any critical peak pricing events.

Step 5: Save Money
Actively participate in the program for the opportunity to watch your electric bill decrease as you take advantage of lower off-peak rates.

Understanding TimeWise Pricing

TimeWise is another new tool that provides participating households with a new way to manage their energy costs by making informed decisions. This pricing option is designed to help customers save money by using energy during lower-cost hours.

The pricing structure varies by season, with summer months featuring time-of-use rates that distinguish between off-peak hours (evenings, mornings, and weekends), peak hours (weekday afternoons), and occasional critical peak periods when customers are notified. During non-summer months, a standard flat rate applies to all hours, with the same critical peak provision available for limited events. A monthly service charge also applies to all customers. Final rates will be given to participates in final contract in March.

What Are Critical Peak Events?

Critical peak events happen during times of critical need like the hot summer months or in any season when the grid is strained. During these times, rates increase significantly to encourage conservation.

Event Details:

Maximum 16 events per year (5 summer, 5 winter, 3 spring, 3 fall)
Maximum 4 consecutive hours per event
Notification sent by 7 PM the evening before
Events can be cancelled with 2 hours’ notice if conditions change
Rare emergency events may occur with only 2 hours’ notice (don't count toward the 16-event limit). CenterPoint Energy does not plan to or anticipate an emergency event during the pilot.

If you have questions please reach out the TimeWise@CenterPointEnergy.com

Savings Tips

Maximize Your TimeWise Savings

The key to saving with TimeWise is shifting your summer energy use to off-peak hours. Here are practical ways to reduce your bill:

Smart Scheduling Tips

Laundry and Dishes

Run your dishwasher after 7 PM or on weekends
Do laundry loads in the evening or on Saturday/Sunday
Use delay-start features on appliances

Cooling

Pre-cool your home before 1 PM on hot summer days
Raise your thermostat a few degrees during 1-7 PM peak hours
Use fans to supplement cooling during peak times

Electric Vehicle Charging

Charge overnight when rates are lowest
Set charging timers for after 7 PM
Take advantage of all-day weekend low rates

Pool Pumps and Water Heaters

Run pool pumps during off-peak evening hours
Consider a timer for your water heater

General Usage

Avoid using major appliances between 1-7 PM on summer weekdays
Cook meals before or after peak hours, or use outdoor grills
Reduce overall electricity use during critical peak events

*TimeWise is a pilot Time of Use program approved by IURC and rebranded by CenterPoint Energy

Frequently asked questions

Why is CenterPoint Energy starting this pilot?

The program, approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as the Critical Peak Pilot program. This program is offered under Rate Schedule RS-CPP. Full tariff details are available here.

Who is eligible?

All residential electric customers who have lived at their current address for at least one year. You cannot participate if you're already enrolled in summer cycler, thermostat load control, net metering, or other time-of-use programs.

How many customers can join?

We're accepting 500 participants for this pilot program.

How long does the program last?

The pilot is expected to run for up to 2 years.

How many critical peak events will there be?

The number of events will be minimized as much as possible, but limited to no more than 16 per year, with the following seasonal limits: 5 in summer, 5 in winter, 3 in spring, and 3 in fall. Each event lasts a maximum of 4 consecutive hours.

How will I know when a critical peak event is happening?

You'll receive a notification by text message and/or e-mail by 7 PM the evening before an event. You must provide at least one contact method when enrolling. We recommend adding a mobile number and email so you don’t miss any notifications. Failure to shift your energy usage during an event will result in a higher bill.

Can events be canceled?

Yes. We may cancel a scheduled event with at least 2 hours’ notice if conditions change. You will be notified through our preferred communications channel (text, e-mail, or both) should an event be canceled.

What if there's an emergency?

In emergencies, we may call a critical peak event with just 2 hours’ notice. These emergency events don't count toward the 16-event annual limit. However, CenterPoint Energy does not plan to or foresee the use of emergency events during the pilot.

How can I save the most money?

Shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak times:

Run dishwashers and laundry after before 1 PM or after 7 PM or on weekends
Charge electric vehicles overnight
Pre-cool your home before 1 PM in the summer
Avoid running major appliances between 1-7 PM on summer weekdays

Am I guaranteed to save money?

No. To save money in TimeWise, you must actively shift energy usage away from peak hours in the summer.

What if I want to leave the program?

You can leave anytime, but you won't be eligible to re-enroll for one year after leaving. Customers are required to participate in one event to receive the $75 incentive.

Will my usage data be analyzed?

Yes. By participating, you consent to CenterPoint Energy and our contractors analyzing your usage data to evaluate the program's effectiveness and impact on your bill. We may also contact you for feedback about your experience.

Do I need any special equipment?

No. However, you must have an advanced meter (already installed for eligible customers).

Should budget bill customers participate?

No. Customers enrolled in budget bill are not recommended to join the pilot, as these customers may not recognize how well they perform in the program without timely price signals. Over time, this could result in higher bills.

Will I be asked to lower usage in the spring, fall and winter?

During a critical peak pricing event that may occur in any season, customers will be advised to lower their energy usage for a four-hour event. To the extent that customers are heating their homes during any of these seasons, failure to lower the thermostat setting during an event could result in a higher bill.

Will there be education on how to be successful in the pilot?

Yes. CenterPoint Energy will actively communicate with customers to provide them with tips on how to save energy and shift usage to off peak times. All members of the household should be encouraged to actively participate in these strategies to help maximize potential bill savings and lower usage to support the grid during times of system strain.

Welcome to TimeWise

Save Money by Using Energy Smarter​​