Do your energy costs jump right when you want the house coolest? If you live in Normal Heights, you feel that squeeze most between late afternoon and evening, when SDG&E’s peak prices kick in. You want comfort without bill shock, whether you own, rent, or plan to sell. In this guide, you’ll learn simple, local Time‑of‑Use tactics that keep your home comfortable and shift high‑cost usage out of SDG&E’s peak window. Let’s dive in.
TOU in Normal Heights: the quick version
SDG&E’s residential Time‑of‑Use plans charge more during an on‑peak period and less the rest of the day. On most plans, the key window to avoid is 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check the exact times for your plan using SDG&E’s TOU comparison page because plan names and prices change over time. You can confirm current windows on SDG&E’s When Matters page for residential plans: see SDG&E’s TOU plan details.
A recent change may show up on your bill as a Base Services Charge. SDG&E began adding a fixed monthly charge in 2025 that moves some delivery costs from per‑kWh rates into a flat line item. TOU strategies still cut your variable charges, but the dollar impact may look a bit smaller because part of the bill is now fixed. Learn more at SDG&E’s billing overview: Base Services Charge details.
Why TOU works well in Normal Heights
Normal Heights sits in central San Diego with a mild, Mediterranean‑style climate. Typical summer highs reach the 70s to 80s, and nights are often cooler. That makes night ventilation and pre‑cooling especially effective for comfort and savings here. See local climate context for San Diego: climate overview.
Many homes in Normal Heights are older bungalows or mid‑century structures, with common features like single‑pane windows and lighter insulation. These details influence how well your home holds a pre‑cool. Focus on low‑cost steps like shading, sealing, and smart scheduling to get the most from your current systems. For neighborhood context, see Normal Heights housing history.
Comfort‑first tactics mapped to 4–9 p.m.
Thermostat and AC
- Pre‑cool at off‑peak times. Lower your thermostat a few degrees in the morning or late afternoon before 4 p.m., then raise it during 4–9 p.m. Pre‑cooling is a proven strategy that leverages your home’s thermal mass to ride through peak hours comfortably. Research supports its effectiveness: pre‑cooling study summary.
- Use a smart thermostat. Program higher setpoints during 4–9 p.m. and lower setpoints off‑peak. Many models use occupancy features so your home is cool when you return without running hard right at peak. ENERGY STAR cites average heating and cooling savings around 8 percent with smart thermostats: smart thermostat FAQ.
- Lean on fans for comfort. Ceiling and portable fans use far less energy than AC and make rooms feel cooler. This lets you raise your setpoint a few degrees during peak hours while staying comfortable.
Appliances and hot water
- Run dishwashers and laundry off‑peak. Schedule loads overnight or early morning, and avoid running multiple large appliances during 4–9 p.m.
- Time electric water heating. If you have an electric or heat pump water heater, use a timer or controller to heat water overnight and avoid reheating during peak hours. You can review local rebate options and product categories here: San Diego area rebates hub.
EV charging
- Schedule charging to finish overnight. Most SDG&E TOU and EV‑specific plans make late night and early morning the least expensive charging windows. If you have solar, daytime charging can make sense when you can use your own production directly. For plan details, check SDG&E’s EV plan page: TOU‑ELEC overview.
Solar, batteries, and TOU
- Understand today’s solar math. Since 2023, California’s Net Billing Tariff (often called NEM 3.0) pays lower credits for exported solar, especially outside expensive evening hours. That pushes more value toward self‑consumption and battery storage that shifts solar into 4–9 p.m. For background on changing economics and battery adoption, see this coverage: NEM 3.0 impacts overview.
Outdoor loads and lighting
- Set pool pumps to run overnight or early morning. You can usually meet water turnover needs while avoiding the 4–9 p.m. window.
- Water landscaping off‑peak. Early morning watering is good for plants and bills.
- Use smart plugs. Low‑cost timers or Wi‑Fi plugs make it easy to shift non‑critical loads like chargers or outdoor lighting.
Flex Alerts and special peak events
Some SDG&E plans include conservation event days tied to system stress. During grid alerts or heat waves, pre‑cool in advance, raise setpoints to around 78 degrees if health allows, and postpone major appliance use during 4–9 p.m. You can review statewide conservation guidance here: Flex Alert tips.
Quick start checklist
- Confirm your SDG&E plan and peak window. Start here: TOU plan details.
- Install an ENERGY STAR smart thermostat and use time‑of‑day schedules. See average savings and setup tips: smart thermostat FAQ.
- Pre‑cool before 4 p.m., then raise setpoints during 4–9 p.m. Use fans to stay comfortable.
- Schedule dishwashers, laundry, and EV charging for overnight or early morning.
- If electric water heating, add a timer to heat overnight. Review local rebates: rebates hub.
- Save more on event days. Pre‑cool early, shift loads, and use fans during alerts.
For owners, buyers, and sellers in Normal Heights
If you own, small changes can lower operating costs and improve comfort right away. Smart thermostats, simple shading, and appliance schedules are low‑cost upgrades that future buyers will notice. If you are buying, review HVAC age, thermostat type, and electrical panel capacity to understand how easily you can use TOU schedules and add an EV charger or heat pump later. If you sell, highlight energy‑smart features and programmable schedules in your listing remarks to showcase everyday comfort and cost control.
Ready to optimize your next move in Normal Heights or another central San Diego neighborhood? For data‑driven guidance on upgrades that support comfort, operating efficiency, and long‑term value, connect with Nick Emerson.
FAQs
What is the most expensive time to run AC in Normal Heights?
- On most SDG&E Time‑of‑Use plans, the highest priced window is typically 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check your exact plan to confirm the times and seasons that apply.
Will a smart thermostat pay for itself on SDG&E TOU?
- ENERGY STAR reports average heating and cooling savings around 8 percent for smart thermostats. Your results depend on your home, climate, and settings, but pairing schedules with TOU windows often shortens payback.
When should I charge my EV at home to save the most?
- Schedule charging to finish overnight in off‑peak hours. If you have solar, daytime charging can help when you can use your own production directly, but compare this with your TOU plan’s off‑peak rates.
Do TOU strategies reduce comfort in older Normal Heights homes?
- Not if you set them up thoughtfully. Pre‑cooling by a few degrees, using fans, and adding shading can keep rooms comfortable while you run less AC during 4–9 p.m.
Does the new Base Services Charge make TOU shifting less useful?
- The fixed charge reduces per‑kWh delivery rates but adds a monthly fee. Shifting still lowers the variable part of your bill and eases grid stress, though the dollar savings may look smaller than before the change.
