Electric bill terms: D

Daylight saving time Time of use

Time-of-use periods follow the local clock time. When the clock changes, the hours of the periods stay the same on the clock.

Also called: DST.

See also: Time-of-use rate (TOU).

Declining block rate Rate structures

A tiered rate where each block costs less than the block before. Some utilities use it in winter for homes with electric heat.

Also called: decreasing block rate.

See also: Tiered rate.

Default rate Rate structures

The rate plan that a utility puts a customer on when the customer does not choose one. For example, many California utilities put homes on a time-of-use plan.

Also called: standard plan.

See also: Rate plan.

Default service Suppliers and the electricity market

The supply that the utility gives to customers who do not choose a supplier. Other names are standard offer service, basic service and standard service.

On this site: AES Ohio RS, BGE R, Central Maine Power A, Delmarva Power R, Duquesne Light RS, Eversource (Connecticut) Rate 1 and 11 more.

See also: Price to compare (PTC).

Default service support charge Riders and adjustments

A charge that pays the costs of the utility to supply default service. Pennsylvania and other states use it.

On this site: Met-Ed RS, Penelec RS, Penn Power RS, West Penn Power RS.

See also: Default service.

Deferral Riders and adjustments

Costs that a commission lets a utility record now and collect later.

Also called: deferred costs.

On this site: Consumers Energy RPM, Consumers Energy RSP, Dominion Energy Virginia 1, NorthWestern Energy REDS-1, Rocky Mountain Power 1.

See also: Reconciliation.

Delivery charge Charges on the bill

The charge for moving electricity on the lines of the utility to your home. You pay it to the utility even if you buy electricity from a supplier.

Also called: delivery service charge, delivery energy charge.

On this site: BGE R, Central Hudson Gas & Electric SC 1, Central Maine Power A, Con Edison SC 1 Rate I, PSEG Long Island (LIPA) SC 1, Rate 194, National Grid (Upstate NY) SC-1 and 12 more.

See also: Distribution charge, Supply charge.

Demand charge Time of use

A charge based on your highest power use (kW) in the billing period, not on your kWh. Most residential rates do not have it, but some optional plans do.

Also called: demand rate.

On this site: Tampa Electric RS.

See also: Kilowatt (kW).

Demand response Time of use

Programs that pay or reward customers to use less electricity at times of high demand, for example with a smart thermostat or an air conditioner switch.

Also called: demand response program.

On this site: Alliant Energy (Interstate Power and Light) 400, Appalachian Power (Virginia) R.S., Consumers Energy RPM, Consumers Energy RSP, MidAmerican Energy RS, Portland General Electric 7.

See also: Peak time rebate, Air conditioner cycling.

Demand side management (DSM) Riders and adjustments

Utility programs that help customers use less energy or use it at different times. A DSM charge on the bill often pays for them. Some utilities include the cost in base rates.

Also called: DSM.

On this site: APS (Arizona Public Service) R-1, APS (Arizona Public Service) R-3, APS (Arizona Public Service) R-EV, APS (Arizona Public Service) TOU-E, Avista Utilities 1, Black Hills Energy (Cheyenne Light) R and 9 more.

See also: Energy efficiency charge.

Deregulated electricity Suppliers and the electricity market

A market where generation is competitive and customers can choose a supplier. The delivery utility stays regulated.

Also called: deregulation, deregulated state.

See also: Retail choice.

Disconnection Your bill and account

When the utility stops your service, usually after a long unpaid balance. State rules protect some customers, for example in very hot or very cold weather.

Also called: shutoff.

See also: Reconnection charge, Medical certificate.

Distributed generation Solar and net metering

Small power sources at or near homes and businesses, for example rooftop solar.

Also called: distributed energy resources, DER.

On this site: Dominion Energy South Carolina 8, Eversource (Massachusetts) R-1, PSEG Long Island (LIPA) SC 1, Rate 194, National Grid (Massachusetts) R-1.

See also: Net metering.

Distribution charge Charges on the bill

The charge for the local lines, poles and transformers that bring electricity to homes. It is part of the delivery charges.

Also called: distribution delivery charge.

On this site: Atlantic City Electric RS, AEP Ohio (Ohio Power) RS, AES Ohio RS, Ameren Illinois DS-1, Appalachian Power (Virginia) R.S., CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric Residential and 29 more.

See also: Delivery charge, Transmission charge.

Distribution cost recovery factor (DCRF) Riders and adjustments

A Texas charge that recovers new distribution investment between rate cases.

Also called: DCRF.

On this site: CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric Residential, El Paso Electric 01, Oncor Residential.

See also: Distribution charge.

Distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) Riders and adjustments

In Pennsylvania, a charge that recovers the cost of repairs and replacement of distribution equipment between rate cases. It can change each quarter.

Also called: DSIC.

On this site: Duquesne Light RS, Met-Ed RS, PECO R, Penelec RS, Penn Power RS, West Penn Power RS.

See also: Distribution charge.

Docket Regulators and the industry

The case number of a proceeding at the commission. You can use it to find the documents of a rate case.

Also called: case number.

See also: Rate case.

Due date Your bill and account

The last day to pay without a late fee. Your bill shows the date.

See also: Late payment charge.

Duty cycle Meters and usage

The share of time that an appliance runs. A refrigerator or an air conditioner turns on and off, so it uses less than its full power all the time.

See also: Watt (W).

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