Note: For more from Alexandra, visit the "Ask Alexandra" tab on the Chevrolet Volt Facebook page.

With two electric cars charging at the same time, this brings up the question of how to configure my meters so that I pay as little as possible for electricity. Utilities around the country differ in their policies and their offerings, but where I live, the LA Department of Water and Power offers me Time of Use (TOU) charging. TOU means I pay a very cheap rate when I charge at low usage times (off-peak, such as 8 p.m.-10 a.m.).  If I need to charge during the day (on-peak times), however, I get dinged and pay even more than normal for those hours.  Since the new electric cars allow you to set a timer which starts and ends charging when you want, my RAV EV charges while I sleep.  Convenient!  And cheap: it costs me the equivalent of 82 cents a gallon to power my car.

There is, however, a caveat. With two plug-in cars in my garage, my energy usage will inevitably go up.  My utility uses a tier system, where it punishes me for being an energy hog.  If I am conservative and don’t use a lot of energy, my household remains in Tier 1 and all my kWh are cheap.  If I go over the Tier 1 allotment into Tier 2, each kWh in the new tier is more expensive.  If I go over the Tier 2 allotment, each kWh in Tier 3 costs me a heck of a lot!  I actually approve of this system, as I feel it forces consumers to be aware of their energy usage and makes those who use more grid energy pay for it.

I don’t know if the Volt will push me into a higher tier, but it might push you into one.  To avoid this, you might opt for a second meter specifically for your EV.  Ask your utility about TOU rates to see if a separate Time of Use meter is right for you.  If you will be charging a lot during on-peak times, you might not want a TOU plan.  Everyone’s situation is different, so talk to someone at your utility about rate plans for EV charging before the electrician comes to your home to install the meter.

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For more info on charging the Volt, you can contact a Volt customer advisor at 1-888-VOLT4YOU (1-888-865-8496), or check out our charging section in Voltage U.

Alexandra Paul is a longtime electric vehicle advocate, actress and former EV1 driver. She is working with Chevrolet to educate consumers about EVs and the Volt. Full disclosure, Chevrolet is paying her for her time, but her opinions will always be hers.

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