Businesses guide
Demand charges, explained
Two numbers run a business bill: how much you use, and how hard you pull at once.
Short answerDemand is your highest draw of power at one moment, measured in kW. Some business bills charge for it on top of usage.
Usage vs demand
Usage (kWh) is how much power you used all month.
Demand (kW) is your biggest moment: everything running at once.
What raises it
- AC, ovens, compressors and lights all starting together
- Big equipment kicking on at opening
- A heat wave afternoon
Where it shows up
Look for "kW" or "demand" in the delivery charges on your bill.
In Texas, most demand charges come from your utility. They're the same no matter which supplier you choose.
What you control
- Stagger big equipment at opening.
- Know your peak. It's on your bill.
- Tell us about your hours and equipment when we call.
Static's takeOne bad Tuesday can set the tone for the month.
