Rob Mason - October 27 2026


Beginning November 1, 2026, Santee Cooper’s winter peak hours move to 6–9 a.m. every day through March. For Plantation Lakes homeowners served by Santee Cooper, that means the morning routine deserves a closer look—particularly when heating, hot water and large appliances run together.

Rob Mason shares this guide to help local residents understand the seasonal switch, read their electric bills and plan flexible chores around peak hours. A few adjustments may help manage peak-related charges as cooler weather arrives.

Illustrative South Carolina lakefront home at winter sunrise

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Winter Peak Hours Begin November 1

The winter schedule runs from November through March, with peak hours from 6–9 a.m. From April through October, the peak window is 3–6 p.m. The schedule applies daily, including weekends and holidays.

Heating and hot-water needs often overlap with breakfast and getting ready for the day. Postponing laundry or dishwashing until after 9 a.m. can reduce the amount of flexible electricity use within the winter peak window.

Review the seasonal schedule and practical suggestions on Santee Cooper’s Defeat the Peak page.

 

 

Know How Your Rate Plan Works

Check the rate designation on your bill before deciding which changes could help. Two residential options, General Service and Time of Use, share the seasonal peak window but calculate charges differently.

General Service (RG) includes a demand charge based on the highest one-hour demand recorded during peak hours in the billing cycle. Reducing the overlap between major appliances can help lower that peak.

Time of Use (RT) charges a higher energy price for each kilowatt-hour used during peak hours. Moving flexible tasks to off-peak hours reduces the electricity billed at that higher price.

Use Santee Cooper’s residential rate information and comparison tool to review the options using your own usage history. Monthly customer charges and applicable adjustments also affect the total bill.

Homeowner reviewing a generic electric bill at a breakfast table

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Look Beyond the Amount Due

Start with the billing dates, rate plan and usage. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure the electricity used over time; kilowatts (kW) measure demand, or how quickly electricity is being used. These figures explain different parts of your bill.

When comparing bills, consider the number of days in each billing period, colder weather, visiting guests and changes to your daily schedule. Think about whether several large appliances were operating together during peak hours.

Your refrigerator and other essential equipment will continue using electricity. Keep them operating normally; the practical goal is to reduce flexible use during peak hours. Moving one chore does not automatically remove an RG demand charge.

 

 

Adjust Your Morning Routine

Choose changes that fit your household rather than trying to change everything at once. Useful starting points include:

·         Run the dishwasher after the winter peak window ends at 9 a.m.

·         Schedule clothes drying outside the 6–9 a.m. period.

·         Stagger large appliances if they must be used during peak hours.

·         Review thermostat scheduling to see whether preheating before 6 a.m. can maintain comfortable temperatures in your home.

·         Consider a compatible water heater timer, installed by a licensed electrician.

Results depend on your rate plan, equipment and usage patterns. Find additional guidance in Santee Cooper’s energy-use tips.

Sunlit coastal kitchen with a closed dishwasher and folded towels

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Plan for Utilities When Buying in Plantation Lakes

As you explore Plantation Lakes homes for sale or compare properties elsewhere in Carolina Forest, include utilities in your budget. Confirm the provider for each property, request available usage history and consider the home’s heating system, water heater and appliances.

Rob Mason can help you explore homes, prepare questions about utility setup and navigate the buying process toward closing. Learn more about Plantation Lakes amenities as you consider how the neighborhood fits your plans.

Ready to discuss your next move? Visit PlantationLakes.net or call (843) 325-5985 to connect with Rob Mason about buying or selling in Plantation Lakes.