Rob Mason - October 26, 2026 

 

Santee Cooper’s winter peak hours change on November 1, 2026, shifting from the afternoon to 6–9 a.m. daily through March. For Myrtle Beach homeowners served by Santee Cooper, this seasonal change makes mornings an important time to watch electricity use, especially when heating systems, water heaters and appliances run together.

At Plantation Realty Group, we want Grand Strand homeowners to stay informed about changes that can affect household costs. Understanding Santee Cooper’s winter peak hours—and shifting flexible tasks like laundry and dishwashing outside that window—can help you manage peak-related electricity charges as cooler weather arrives.

Beginning November 1, 2026, Santee Cooper’s residential peak hours shift to 6–9 a.m. daily through March. From April through October, peak hours run from 3–6 p.m. These periods apply on weekends and holidays, too.

During the winter morning rush, heating, hot water and household appliances can all contribute to electricity demand. Moving flexible chores outside that three-hour window may help you manage peak-related costs.

For seasonal reminders and practical guidance, visit Santee Cooper’s Defeat the Peak resource page.

Understand Your Residential Rate Plan

Two Santee Cooper residential options are General Service (RG) and Time of Use (RT). Both use the same seasonal peak hours, but they calculate charges differently.

Rate plan

How peak usage affects your bill

General Service (RG)

Includes a demand charge based on your highest one-hour demand during peak hours in the billing cycle.

Time of Use (RT)

Charges a higher price per kilowatt-hour for electricity used during peak hours than during off-peak hours.

With RG, reducing overlapping electricity use during peak hours can help manage demand. With RT, shifting electricity use outside peak hours can reduce the energy charged at the higher on-peak price. Santee Cooper offers a comparison tool to help customers evaluate these options using their own usage history. Explore the residential rates and comparison tool.

Read Beyond the Total Amount Due

When reviewing your electric bill, start with the billing dates, rate designation and electricity usage. Then look at how the charges relate to your household’s routine.

A few useful questions include:

  • Did this billing period include colder weather or additional guests?
  • Were several large appliances running during peak hours?
  • Has your daily schedule changed?
  • Are you comparing billing periods of similar lengths?

Remember that energy and demand are different measurements. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) describe the amount of electricity used over time. Kilowatts (kW) measure demand—the rate at which electricity is being used.

Your total bill can also include customer charges and applicable adjustments. Check the current Santee Cooper rate information when reviewing individual charges.

Simple Ways to Manage Peak-Hour Electricity Use

You do not have to rearrange your entire day to begin making changes. Start with flexible tasks that fit your household’s schedule:

  • Delay the dishwasher until after the morning peak ends.
  • Move clothes drying outside the 6–9 a.m. winter window.
  • Stagger large appliances when using them during peak hours is necessary.
  • Review thermostat scheduling to see whether preheating before peak hours suits your home.
  • Explore a water heater timer, with installation by a licensed electrician.

Santee Cooper recommends these approaches to help customers manage peak usage. Results depend on your rate plan, equipment and household habits. Find more home energy-saving tips.

Why Your Refrigerator Still Matters

Your home continues using electricity even when you postpone laundry or dishes. As the flyer points out, your refrigerator still cycles on to keep food cold.

The goal is to reduce flexible electricity use during peak hours while keeping essential equipment operating normally. On the RG plan, lowering your highest peak-hour demand can help reduce the demand portion of your bill; shifting a chore does not automatically eliminate that charge.

Include Utilities in Your Myrtle Beach Home Search

If you are planning to buy a home in Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest or another Grand Strand community, include utility questions in your research. Confirm the electric provider for the specific property, ask about available usage history and consider how the home’s systems fit your lifestyle.

Find your next home in Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, or the Grand Strand with Rob Mason and the experienced real estate agents at Plantation Realty Group.

Our team can guide you through the homebuying process, help you coordinate utility setup, and navigate each step toward a smooth closing.

 

Call Rob Mason and his team today to learn more!

(843) 796-2111