Winter Rates Are Here: Horry Electric Cooperative Billing Changes for Myrtle Beach Residents
As the leaves start to change and the temperature begins to dip, Myrtle Beach residents are gearing up for winter in more ways than one. And if you haven’t already heard, it’s that time again when Horry Electric Cooperative (HEC) switches up its billing cycle to reflect the colder months ahead. Buckle up because there are some important updates that every HEC member should know!
When Does It Happen?
Mark your calendars! Starting November 1, the billing for residential customers will change to align with the winter season. This is the moment when the long, hot days of summer give way to cozy sweaters and holiday lights. While you get the hot cocoa brewing, let’s dive into the details of the new rates.
Peak Hours: What’s Changing?
During the warmer months, from April to October, the peak hours for electricity consumption were from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. But as the clocks fall back and the days get shorter, the peak time shifts to the morning hours of 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM from November through March. That means for the mornings where you may be rushing to get the kids ready for school or trying to get yourself out the door to work, keeping an eye on your energy usage is more crucial than ever!
Understanding the Rates
Now, let’s talk about the dollar signs. HEC recently made some updates to the residential rate structure in September. The cooperative introduced a peak hour charge during which the electricity use goes for $12 per kilowatt for that one power-hungry hour during the morning peak. That’s a sharp contrast to the rest of the month, where your rate drops to around $0.069 per kilowatt hour! With a little perk, though, most customers will also receive a $0.01 per kilowatt hour credit—making the net rate roughly $0.06 per kilowatt hour for most of the month. Prior to these changes, the average flat rate was around $0.124 per kilowatt hour, which means there’s some potential for savings!
How to Save on Your Bill
Concerned about that potential spike in your monthly bills? You might want to re-think when you use those high-energy appliances. Tasks like running the electric water heater, clothes dryer, or HVAC system right in the thick of those peak hours can really drive your bill up. So, if you’re eager to save some cash, consider waiting to use those appliances until before or after the peak window.
What About Santee Cooper Customers?
If you’re one of the customers on Santee Cooper’s residential time-of-use rate schedule, things are a bit different for you too. Their winter period from October to May features on-peak hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM for the months of December, January, and February (with some holiday exceptions). During this time, you’ll see rates at around $0.3094 per kilowatt hour. Just like HEC, off-peak hours will be cheaper at about $0.0613 per kilowatt hour, so keep that in mind!
Wrapping It Up!
In a nutshell, as we prepare for the brisk winter ahead, it’s all about timing and efficiency when it comes to using electricity. With HEC’s new billing changes — and similar adjustments from Santee Cooper — being mindful of those peak hours can make a real difference in your monthly bill. No one wants a surprise when it comes to paying for electricity, especially during the holiday season when wallets may feel a little lighter!
Stay warm and financially savvy, Myrtle Beach!
