https://utilityexplained.com/tags/utility-rate/Recent content in Utility Rate on Utility ExplainedHugoen-usSat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/49-demand-charges-electricity-bill-explained/Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/49-demand-charges-electricity-bill-explained/<h2 id="quick-answer">Quick Answer</h2> <p><strong>A demand charge must be read from the account&rsquo;s tariff and statement; it is not interchangeable with total kWh use.</strong> DOE bill guidance distinguishes actual demand observed over the billing cycle from billed demand, which can be adjusted under the utility&rsquo;s rate structure.[1]</p> <p>Do not assume every residential or commercial account has a demand charge, that one interval length applies, or that changing appliance schedules will produce a stated saving without an account-specific calculation.</p>https://utilityexplained.com/blog/10-fixed-vs-variable-utility-rate/Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/10-fixed-vs-variable-utility-rate/<h2 id="quick-answer">Quick Answer</h2> <p><strong>A fixed rate locks the supply price for the term; a variable rate follows the market and can change — sometimes monthly.</strong> Fixed buys predictability (often at a small premium); variable is usually cheaper in flat markets but exposes you to spikes. Neither wins universally — the answer depends on the plans available at your address, their complete terms, and your own usage history.[1][2]</p> <p>In deregulated states you shop competing offers on your state&rsquo;s official portal (linked below); everywhere else, your utility&rsquo;s own rate designs — tiered, time-of-use, or flat — are the menu, and the question becomes which of them fits your usage.</p>