While standard delivery service rates always apply, there are different price periods or times of the day that influence your monthly bill while on this charging program:
Preferred Charging Period (PCP): 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. A credit for your electric delivery service is given for every kWh of usage during this period.
Non-Preferred Charging Period (NPCP): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the highest one hour of total household usage from the billing period that occurs within this timeframe, there will be an additional charge for each kWh used.
Standard Charging Period: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. There are no additional credits or charges for electric usage during this time period.
First-year Bill Credit: We understand that it takes time to adjust. To offset potentially higher charges for usage during the NPCP, we offer a monthly bill credit for your first 12 consecutive months enrolled in the ChargeSmart program. This will give you time to see how household usage impacts your bill and to make adjustments for maximum savings.
Note: The ChargeSmart program only impacts Energy Delivery Charges. The Energy Supply section of your bill will not change.
*You will receive a bill credit for every kWh during this time frame.
**The highest hour of usage (per billing period) during this time frame will be billed at a higher rate.
On ChargeSmart, your goal should be to charge your EV overnight to receive credits, and limit usage during the Non-Preferred Charing Period (NPCP) to reduce your peak hour charge.
Residential customers will need to provide the following information to sign up for ChargeSmart:
- Year, make, model, and VIN of EV
- Information on charging equipment (Charger manufacturer, model, voltage, and amp rating)
- Certified installer information if applicable, including company information and ICC Docket number
Preferred Charging Period (PCP): A credit for your electric delivery service is given for every kWh of usage during this period.
Non-Preferred Charging Period (NPCP): During the highest one hour of household usage from the billing period that occurs within this timeframe, there will be an additional charge for each kWh used.
EXAMPLE: EV Peak NPCP Usage Calculation
Assuming Peak hourly usage: 6 kWh
Assuming NPCP charge/kWh = $0.65
$.65/kwh x 6 kWh = $3.90 Total Peak Hourly Delivery charge on bill
EXAMPLE: EV PCP Credit Calculation (summer)
Assuming total PCP usage for the billing period: 230kWh
230 kWh x $0.02 summer EV credit = $4.60 total Credit on bill
EV peak NPCP usage charge and PCP credit comparison:
-$ 3.90 Peak Delivery Charge
+$ 4.60 PCP Credit
+$ 0.70 credit
In this example, the difference between the charge and the credit for this scenario would be $.70, meaning there is a small difference in billing before adding the extra usage for charging. Remember: Charging your vehicle overnight can help keep electricity costs used for fueling an EV low.
You can learn more about your energy usage by logging in to your Ameren Illinois online account.