A survey of current real-time pricing programs

Journal Article · · Electricity Journal; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/1040-6190(93)90324-E· OSTI ID:5199966

Mak, J C; Chapman, B R

This survey of real-time pricing programs carried out by a number of US electric utilities demonstrates that the programs are successful in almost all respects: in inducing or reducing large customer use in response to price signals from the utility and in achieving a high degree of customer satisfaction. Real-time pricing programs are tariff structures which offer electricity prices that reflect current electric system costs. In the past decade, U.S. utilities have experimented with RTP programs for a variety of reasons. Some view RTP as a means of improving system load factors and utilization and deferring the need for new capital investment; information gained from RTP programs is also useful in integrated resource planning. Others see it as a service option that permits customers to reduce their bills, keeping electric service more competitive. This article reviews and documents the current status of RTP and RTP-like programs for commercial and industrial customers throughout the U.S. and examines attitudes and responses of customers, based on a literature search and telephone survey of utilities offering such rates.

• OSTI ID: 5199966
• Journal Information: Electricity Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Electricity Journal; (United States) Vol. 6:7; ISSN ELEJE4; ISSN 1040-6190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290201* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics-- (1992-)
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
PRICES
PUBLIC UTILITIES
RATE STRUCTURE