A new charge is coming to power bills for customers with the Orlando Utilities Commission, though usage rates are also expected to go down.

In a release, OUC officials said that the plan — dubbed “DemandLevel” — takes into account how and when customers use the most energy.

“DemandLevel helps manage ‘high-demand moments,’ or periods when lots of electricity is being used at the same time,” the release reads. “The new pricing structure is intended to educate and help customers stagger their energy use, when possible, to reduce these peaks — and also support delaying future generation needs.”

Officials also outlined what customers can expect to change under the new plan, with monthly bills now reflecting the two ways that customers use electricity:

• Consumption (Total Monthly Energy Use) — OUC is reducing customers’ consumption rates by 12.5% per kilowatt-hour, which is expected to make the energy used each month more affordable.
• Peak Demand (Highest 15-Minute Usage in the Previous Month) — A new charge will be added that reflects a customer’s peak demand.
• • This will appear on customers’ bills as a “DemandLevel” charge, with a tier of 1, 2, or 3. Tiers are determined by the highest level of energy used in any 15-minute window during the previous bill cycle.

OUC officials added that the lower electric rate is expected to offest most of the new DemandLevel charge, depending on each individual customer’s usage patterns.

“Because your tier level resets each month, we encourage you to use OUC’s new tools to help track, stagger and lower your energy peak — and reach the lowest possible tier for your home or business,” the release concludes.

According to the firm, most customers will see these changes starting with the November 2026 bill, which will be based on peak demand during the prior month: October.

Meanwhile, OUC also provided a list of tips to help customers save money:

• Stagger Appliance Use: For example, wait to start the clothes dryer until the oven or pool pump is off.
• Program Your Thermostat: Minimize cooling costs when you’re away and ensure maximum comfort on your return.
• Get Energy-Efficient Upgrades: OUC has several rebates available to help offset the costs of upgrades.
• Schedule an Audit: An OUC conservation specialist will help you identify ways to reduce your consumption.