As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, MTE always explores ways to save its members money and offers options to suit their lifestyles and energy needs. MTE's nighttime rate is an optional rate for residential members. It provides a lower energy rate during off-peak hours which allows participating members to save money by shifting energy use to off-peak times.
How does it work?
Members who shift their energy to the off-peak hours 10:00 pm to 4 am can save 3 cents per kWh compared to our base residential rate. During the on-peak hours of 4 am to 10 pm, members will pay an additional 1 cent per kWh over our base residential rate.
Because MTE purchases power from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), our costs are determined by demand when the energy is used. Shifting energy consumption to off-peak, or overnight hours, generates wholesale rate savings for the entire cooperative, benefiting all members, and allows us to pass additional savings to members participating in the nighttime rate.
Energy Rate Structure
Energy Rates:
- On-Peak: $0.01 increase in MTE Residential rate
- Off-Peak: $0.03 decrease in MTE Residential rate
Time Periods
- On-Peak rate: 4:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (18 hours)
- Off-peak rate: 10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. (6 hours)
- 365 days per year
How to Sign Up
Members who want to participate can give us a call at 877-777-9020 or stop by their local office. We will also offer an online sign-up option in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Niteflex's on-peak and off-peak hours remain the same every day, 365 days per year.
NiteFlex offers savings during off-peak hours to MTE members who can shift energy usage – it’s especially good for EV owners who can utilize Level 2 charging during the off-peak hours.
Most electric vehicles and chargers can be programmed to charge at specific times of the day. Because there are differences in the programming process between vehicle and charger brands, please consult your owner’s manual, contact the dealer or give one of our energy service coordinators a call to assist you.
When selected, NiteFlex will apply to the entire house. So be sure to set your smart appliances to run during off-peak hours as well.
Yes, any member can take advantage of NiteFlex. Many household appliances can be run after 10 p.m. to save money. However, we suggest you talk with one of our energy specialists to walk through how you can shift your energy usage to save on your bill.
It depends because each member’s savings will depend on the amount of energy use they can shift from on-peak hours to off-peak hours. Each member is unique, with unique behaviors and lifestyles that impact the amount of savings they could realize.
MTE members who select NiteFlex agree to stay on this rate plan for twelve months. However, exceptions may be made within the first few months.
Members who select this rate must also have an AMI meter.
Members are unable to pick a due date while participating in NiteFlex.
The new NiteFlex plan incentivizes members who can shift their energy usage to off-peak hours. In order to give members the opportunity to shift their usage, NiteFlex plan will not be effective until the next full billing period, after they’ve requested to enroll in the nighttime rate plan. This will allow members to maximize their night savings opportunity.
For example, if you elect to enroll in NiteFlex on April 5th and your account bills on April 15th, MTE will still bill you under your existing plan in April. After your account bills on April 15th, we will update your account so that all future invoices will reflect your change to NiteFlex.
You can contact member support by phone, email, or at a local office. MTE's detailed rate schedule is available at mte.com/Rates.