Time-of-Use & Dynamic Electricity Pricing Acceptance Survey

Thank you for participating in this study about electricity pricing options. Your responses are completely confidential and will be analyzed only in aggregate to inform energy program design. There are no right or wrong answers—we are interested in your honest opinions. This survey takes approximately 8–10 minutes to complete. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you may skip any question or stop at any time.

Do you pay or share responsibility for your household's electricity bill?

• Yes, I pay it myself
• Yes, I share responsibility
• No, someone else pays

How familiar are you with time-of-use (TOU) or dynamic electricity rates?

TOU rates charge different prices at different times of day (e.g., higher during peak hours, lower off-peak). Dynamic rates change more frequently (e.g., daily or hourly) based on electricity grid conditions. Both are designed to reward shifting usage to lower-cost, less congested times.

In the past 12 months, did your electricity bill increase noticeably in any month compared to what you expected?

• Yes
• No
• Not sure

Which best describes your current electricity pricing plan?

• Flat, fixed per-kWh rate
• Time-of-use (TOU) pricing
• Dynamic or real-time pricing
• Prepay plan
• Not sure

How long have you been on your current TOU or dynamic pricing plan?

• Less than 3 months
• 3–6 months
• 6–12 months
• 1–2 years
• More than 2 years

Overall, how satisfied are you with your TOU or dynamic pricing plan?

Since enrolling in your current plan, how has the predictability of your electricity bill changed?

How likely are you to opt out of your current TOU or dynamic pricing plan in the next 12 months?

If a TOU or dynamic pricing plan were available to you, how likely would you be to enroll in the next 6 months?

Please rank the following barriers to enrolling in a TOU or dynamic pricing plan from most important to least important.

1. Unclear or uncertain cost savings
2. Difficulty shifting usage due to work or family schedule
3. Worry about bill spikes or financial risk
4. Lack of smart home technology (e.g., smart thermostat, smart plugs)
5. Distrust of utility, provider, or program

Which of the following program features would make you more comfortable trying a TOU or dynamic pricing plan? Select all that apply.

• Bill protection for the first 3 months
• Personalized savings estimate before enrolling
• Alerts before high-price hours
• Rebates or discounts on smart devices
• Easy opt-out at any time with no penalty
• Live support to help plan usage
• None of the above
• Other (please specify)

To what extent do you agree or disagree: TOU or dynamic pricing is a fair way to charge for electricity.

To what extent do you agree or disagree: People who use electricity at off-peak times should pay less than those who use it at peak times.

To what extent do you agree or disagree: Variable electricity pricing could create hardship for people on fixed incomes or with inflexible schedules.

To what extent do you agree or disagree: I trust my electricity provider to implement time-based pricing in a way that benefits customers.

How acceptable would it be to have up to 10 'critical peak' days per year when electricity prices are approximately double from 4–6 PM, with notice given one day ahead?

Please rank the following pricing design goals from most important to least important to you.

1. Lower average electricity cost
2. Predictable monthly bills
3. Simple and transparent pricing structure
4. Environmental benefits (e.g., less grid strain)
5. Rewards for shifting usage to off-peak times
6. Bill protections during extreme weather events

Based on your responses throughout this survey, please share any additional thoughts or feelings about electricity pricing, fairness, or what would make time-based pricing work better for you.

What is your age?

• 18–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65 or older
• Prefer not to say

How do you describe your gender?

• Woman
• Man
• Non-binary
• Prefer not to say

Which country do you currently live in?

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• Other

What is your current housing situation?

• Own
• Rent
• Live with parents or relatives
• Other

Including yourself, how many people currently live in your household?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6 or more

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than high school
• High school or equivalent
• Some college / Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Postgraduate degree
• Prefer not to say

What is your current employment status?

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Self-employed
• Student
• Not employed
• Retired
• Prefer not to say

Which best describes the area where you live?

• Urban
• Suburban
• Rural

Thank you for your time—your feedback is very valuable and will help shape fairer electricity pricing options. You may now close this window.