Time-of-use (TOU) rates vary by the time of day power is used. CL&P has two TOU periods: on-peak, which is defined as 12 noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and off-peak for all other hours of the week.

The purpose of VPP pricing is not to encourage day to day rate switching but to encourage shifts in the way people use energy, or to allow people who typically use power during off peak times to realize the economic value of that off peak usage.

The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) authorized Variable Peak Pricing in response to legislation directed at offering voluntary real-time pricing to customers. VPP pricing may provide the opportunity for some customers to save money by shifting their usage to off peak hours. Reduced load during peak hours ultimately saves money for everyone because it can delay the need for new capacity or delivery system enhancements otherwise necessary to meet peak loads.

Variable Peak Pricing (VPP) is a form of a TOU pricing that allows customers to purchase their generation supply from CL&P at prices set on a daily basis. Standard on-peak and off-peak time-of-use rates are in effect throughout the month. Under the VPP program, the on-peak price for each weekday will be available the previous day (typically late afternoon) on CL&P's Web site. You will be billed for actual consumption during the billing cycle at these prices.

Yes. Changes will be made effective based on your meter-reading schedule

VPP may be of benefit to customers who can shift their load between on- and off-peak periods. If you receive service under the VPP program, the daily on-peak pricing will allow you to determine the amount of generation supply you wish to purchase for the following day at those prices. Because prices will fluctuate, you should assess whether you should take advantage of this opportunity and ultimately benefit.

VPP service for an individual customer will begin as of the first meter reading following acceptance into the program. Applications for the VPP program will be accepted beginning July 1, 2008.

The charges on the bill will reflect the total on-peak and off-peak kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed in the month, on-peak and off-peak prices and the total amounts billed. VPP charges apply to the on-peak generation service portion of your bill. Detailed calculations that support your on-peak charge will be provided with each bill.

For details about the VPP program, and to apply for VPP program, call 800.286.2000 (860.947.2000 in Hartford/Meriden). Information may also be obtained from a CL&P account executive.

VPP is available to all customers who purchase generation supply from CL&P. To be eligible, you must receive service under a time-of-use rate and have a meter capable of measuring and recording on-peak usage on a daily basis. CL&P will install the appropriate metering.