Rate Simulator

The Rate Simulator prompts customers to answer a few short questions about how they might change their energy use. Based on the customer's responses, their energy use data is updated, reducing or shifting a certain percentage of their applicable energy use. As a result, customers can be shown whether other rate plans might provide reduced costs if they make changes to their energy habits.

Rate Simulator Questions

The standard questions are related to shifting energy use to avoid peak times, reducing energy use during peak events, and reducing overall energy use. Answering the first question is required. Most of the other questions can be skipped if necessary. The image below is an example of one of the standard questions.

Depending on the utility's setup and configuration, the rate simulator may also include a question about whether the customer plans to purchase an electric vehicle (EV). This allows the energy usage for charging the EV to be simulated. The customer can enter a number of miles per week which they anticipate driving. Data validation is used to prevent customers from entering zero or an unrealistic number exceeding a maximum threshold.

Impact of Customer Responses

Customer responses are used to inform the results of the Rate Comparison widget. The lowest cost rate plan is highlighted at the top of the summary, and includes a reference to the customer's responses to the rate simulator survey. All the rate plans for which a customer is eligible are also displayed. Each rate plan includes the new estimated cost, along with the cost prior to completing the survey. Furthermore, the order of rate plans in the Compare all rate plans section is updated to list the least expensive rate plan at the top and the most expensive rate plan at the bottom.

Customers who select Learn More and navigate to the Rate Details widget are presented with the new estimated cost for the rate plan, along with the cost prior to completing the survey. This includes updating the insight message that compares the customer's current rate plan to reflect the new difference between a customer's current rate plan and the selected rate plan.

Updating Survey Responses

Customers can modify their responses at any time by using the links to update their answers or completely reset the simulator.