Xcel Energy Peak Hours in 2026: Time-of-Use Windows and Rates in Every Xcel State

EcoFlow- 2026/10/19

Table of contents

Xcel Energy peak hours differ by state, utility company, and electricity plan. Customers in Colorado, Minnesota and Wisconsin are on separate time-of-use schedules with different peak windows, variable seasonal rates and varied per-kilowatt-hour costs. This guide contrasts peak hours for residential customers in Xcel's service areas, and shows the current tariff-based costs for electricity. It also discusses how to reduce your bill by shifting your energy use to off-peak periods. It also investigates when home battery storage might make sense considering recent rate-case changes in Colorado and Minnesota in 2026. Always check your current tariff and its effective date before making decisions.

Xcel Energy Peak Hours by State: The Quick Answer

Xcel Energy operates through separate utility companies, each with its own approved residential rates. Your peak hours depend on your operating company, rate plan, and applicable tariff, not simply the Xcel Energy name on your bill.

State	Residential plan	On-peak hours	Seasonal details
Colorado	RE-TOU	5–9 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays	Summer: June–September; winter: October–May
Minnesota	TOU A72/A74	6–9 p.m., Monday–Friday	Summer: June–September; different prices in other months
Minnesota	Time of Day A02/A04	9 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Friday	Seasonal pricing
North Dakota	Time of Day D02/D04	Confirm with Xcel	Seasonal pricing
South Dakota	Time of Day E02/E04	9 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Friday	Seasonal pricing
Wisconsin	Time-of-Day Rg-2	Customer-selected 12-hour weekday block	Summer and winter prices differ
Michigan	Time-of-Day MR-2	Customer-selected 12-hour weekday block	One on-peak supply price year-round
Texas	Standard residential service	No residential TOU schedule listed	Confirm your specific rate
New Mexico	Standard residential service	No residential TOU schedule listed	Confirm your specific rate

Wisconsin and Michigan customers can choose from five 12-hour weekday blocks, while Minnesota TOU customers have mid-peak rates on weekends from 6 a.m. to midnight. Understanding peak electricity hours helps explain how these schedules affect electricity costs. Holiday rules and seasonal prices also vary by state, so check your tariff before shifting energy use or comparing plans.

Xcel Energy Time-of-Use Rates: Per-kWh Prices Straight From the Tariffs

Peak hours tell you when electricity costs more, but the applicable rate determines how much you pay. The table below compares the base energy charges listed for selected Xcel Energy time-of-use plans. Rates can vary by state, season, rate schedule, and effective date. The figures exclude applicable riders, taxes, and other fees unless otherwise stated. For verification, consult Xcel Energy's official rate books and tariffs and the relevant state-specific rate schedule. Confirm each plan's eligibility requirements, peak and off-peak periods, holidays, effective dates, and applicable surcharges before relying on the figures.

Plan and season	On-peak rate	Off-peak rate	Official source
Colorado RE-TOU, summer	21.277¢/kWh	7.884¢/kWh	Colorado TOU rates and tariff materials
Colorado RE-TOU, winter	18.331¢/kWh	6.792¢/kWh	Colorado TOU rates and tariff materials
Minnesota TOU summer	21.329¢/kWh	7.479¢/kWh	Official Xcel Energy rate books
Minnesota TOU other months	17.314¢/kWh	7.479¢/kWh	Official Xcel Energy rate books
Minnesota Time of Day, summer	25.879¢/kWh	5.171¢/kWh	Official Xcel Energy rate books
North Dakota Time of Day, summer	18.180¢/kWh	4.365¢/kWh	Official Xcel Energy rate books
South Dakota Time of Day, summer	24.724¢/kWh	6.210¢/kWh	Official Xcel Energy rate books
Wisconsin Rg-2, summer	18.550¢/kWh	3.750¢/kWh	Official Xcel Energy rate books
Michigan MR-2	16.07¢/kWh supply	4.02¢/kWh supply	Official Xcel Energy rate books

Electricity rates vary by state and plan, and the base energy charge is only one part of what you pay. Understanding how much electricity costs per kWh can help you compare on-peak and off-peak prices alongside delivery charges, fuel adjustments, transmission fees, and other applicable costs. Minnesota customers should also check the applicable tariff and rate adjustments for any interim rates or surcharges that affect their bills. For example, Xcel Energy publishes quarterly Electric Commodity Adjustment information, which can affect the total cost of electricity. Compare your complete bill with the applicable tariff to estimate your actual electricity cost.

Storing Off-Peak Power for Xcel's Peak Window: When EcoFlow TITAN Plus Makes Sense

When peak electricity costs substantially more than off-peak power, a home battery may help reduce the amount of expensive electricity you purchase from the grid. The principle is straightforward: charge the battery when electricity is cheaper, then use stored energy when peak rates begin. However, the potential benefit depends on your plan, household consumption, battery efficiency, and installation costs.

Four checks before a battery makes sense

Confirm your rate difference. Minnesota TOU summer rates, for example, list a base on-peak price of 21.329¢/kWh and an off-peak price of 7.479¢/kWh.
Review your peak-hour usage. A battery may offer limited bill savings if your household consumes very little electricity during expensive hours.
Check the charging window. Colorado's weekday off-peak period runs from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. the following day, while Minnesota TOU's lowest-priced period is midnight to 6 a.m.
Account for losses and installation. Battery charging and discharging are not perfectly efficient. Installation, equipment, and backup reserves also affect economics.

Example: Estimated Minnesota summer savings

A Minnesota household that shifts 3 kWh of weekday electricity use from the 6–9 p.m. peak period to off-peak hours could save an estimated $0.38 per weekday based on summer base energy rates and an assumed 85% battery efficiency. Over 86 eligible weekdays, that amounts to approximately $32 before additional riders, equipment costs, and installation expenses. Understanding the benefits of residential energy storage can help you assess whether shifting electricity use makes financial sense for your home.

Where EcoFlow TITAN Plus Fits

If your Xcel Energy plan has a short, expensive peak window and your household regularly uses several kilowatt-hours during those hours, a home battery may be worth evaluating. The EcoFlow TITAN Plus supports time-of-use scheduling through the EcoFlow app, allowing users to manage charging and battery use around electricity prices. However, the system's scheduling capability does not automatically establish eligibility for a particular utility rate or permission to export electricity to the grid.

For Minnesota households considering Xcel Energy's A72/A74 rate codes, verify the current tariff and enrollment terms before estimating savings. The official Minnesota electric rate book contains the A72/A74 Residential Time of Use Pilot Program schedule, including its stated eligibility restrictions. Because the schedule describes a pilot program, confirm with Xcel Energy whether it applies to the household being analyzed in 2026 and whether a home battery or interconnected rooftop solar system affects eligibility.

The utility's rate rules and the battery's technical capabilities are separate considerations. Even if the TITAN Plus can be programmed to charge during lower-priced hours and discharge during peak periods, the household must still qualify for its selected rate, comply with the applicable interconnection rules, and have a compatible installation.

Feature	EcoFlow TITAN Plus
Solar input	Up to 8 kW with dual MPPT inputs
Output	Up to 7.2 kW from the battery; up to 10 kW with compatible solar and battery power
Base capacity	5 kWh
Expandable capacity	Up to 30 kWh with additional compatible batteries
TOU scheduling	Supports scheduled charging and battery use through the EcoFlow app

EcoFlow TITAN 5000 Plus

•100% Whole-Home Backup. 7.2–10kW output and 5kW single-circuit capacity power your 3-ton AC, refrigerator, and the rest of your home simultaneously, with no soft starter required. • 100% Whole-Home Savings. Save up to $4,000 per year, with ROI in as little as 3 years. • Only 30% of Traditional System Cost. Industry-first 200V architecture, custom high-rate LFP cells, and a pre-wired SHP10 help lower costs across the entire lifecycle, from upfront purchase and installation to long-term use. •OASIS 3.0 — Your AI Home Energy Manager. Charges off-peak, powers your home during peak hours, and helps lower your electricity bill every day. •Built to North America’s Highest Safety Standards. UL 9540A tested and UL 9540 certified, with EV-grade LFP cells and 24/7 BMS monitoring.

The EcoFlow TITAN Plus may help households reduce peak-hour electricity costs by storing energy during lower-rate periods and using it when prices rise. Learn more about how whole-house battery backup supports peak shaving to evaluate whether shifting electricity use makes sense for your home. Actual savings depend on utility rates, daily consumption, solar production, and system configuration. Installation involving Smart Home Panel 10 requires a qualified electrician and must follow applicable utility interconnection rules.

Why Xcel Peak Hours Differ by State, and the Mix-Ups to Avoid

Each state commission approves its utility's rate structure based on local grid conditions, electricity demand, and regulatory decisions. Understanding what drives peak electricity demand helps explain why Colorado has a four-hour evening peak window while Wisconsin uses a 12-hour block. When households run heating, cooling, cooking appliances, and other high-energy devices simultaneously, demand can rise and make electricity more expensive to supply.

Peak Electricity Demand and State-Specific Energy Rates.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming every state follows Colorado's schedule: Always check your own utility tariff instead of relying on a general Xcel FAQ.
Assuming winter electricity is always off-peak: Several Xcel plans maintain on-peak pricing throughout the year, although the price may change seasonally.
Treating every Minnesota weekend hour as off-peak: Minnesota TOU classifies 6 a.m. to midnight on weekends at mid-peak.
Confusing Minnesota's two time-based plans: The TOU plan uses three price periods and a 6–9 p.m. peak window. The Time of Day plan uses 9 a.m.–9 p.m. peak window.
Ignoring rate changes: Colorado's newer TOU structure has one on-peak period rather than the older multi-period arrangement. Minnesota's final rates may also differ as updated compliance tariffs are published.

Xcel Energy Rate Cases in 2025 and 2026: Where Each One Stands

Utility rate cases can affect the electricity charges Xcel Energy customers pay, even when peak-hour schedules remain unchanged. As of October 2026, several state proceedings have reached decisions or introduced updated rates, making it important to check your latest tariff and bill.

State	Case	Status
Colorado	25AL-0494E	Approved in August 2026. The average residential electric bill increased by approximately 4.77%, or $5 per month, starting August 29, 2026. Individual bills vary.
Minnesota	E002/GR-24-320	The Minnesota PUC approved increases of approximately $82.9 million for 2025 and $127.3 million for 2026 on June 24, 2026. Subsequent written orders and reconsideration proceedings require review to establish the latest final status and refund details.
North Dakota	PU-24-376	The reported May 1, 2026 tariff effective date requires confirmation against the applicable official tariff sheets.
South Dakota	EL25-024	The docket includes revised tariff filings and an interim-rate refund filing. Consult the official South Dakota PUC docket for the applicable tariff documents and dates.
Wisconsin	4220-UR-127	The reported January 1, 2026 effective date requires confirmation against the applicable official tariff or commission order.

Colorado's approved rate change followed a settlement that reduced Xcel Energy's original request. The company reports an average residential bill increase of approximately $5 per month, but the actual impact depends on each customer's usage and applicable rates. See Xcel Energy's official 2025 Colorado Electric Rate Review for the final decision and related filings.

Minnesota's approved increases were approximately $82.9 million for 2025 and $127.3 million for 2026. These are utility revenue figures, not estimates of the increase for an individual household. The Minnesota PUC's official case information includes subsequent reconsideration materials. Review the latest order and applicable compliance filings before stating the final refund amount or status. Understanding how much electricity prices are expected to increase in 2026 can help put rate changes into context. For the most accurate estimate of your own costs, check the latest state tariff, applicable rate adjustments, and your electricity bill.

How to Check Your Xcel Plan and Decide Whether to Switch

Before switching electricity plans or investing in a home battery, review your current Xcel Energy rate and when your household uses the most electricity. These steps can help you identify savings opportunities and avoid unexpected charges.

Check your bill: Identify your operating company, rate-plan name, and rate code to confirm which pricing rules apply to your account.
Read the correct tariff: Check the peak hours, seasonal dates, holiday rules, and other charges that affect your electricity costs.
Review hourly usage: Sign in to Xcel My Account to view available hourly usage data, if your meter and account support it.
Compare plans: Use Xcel's Rate Comparison Tool, where available, to compare time-of-use and flat-rate options based on your actual consumption.
Shift flexible loads first: Run dishwashers, dryers, and other flexible appliances outside peak hours. Colorado customers may also save money by pre-cooling their homes between 4 and 5 p.m. during summer.
Check switching rules: Review any minimum enrollment periods or re-enrollment restrictions before moving to another TOU or Time-of-Day plan.

Solar owners in Colorado should compare TOU and flat-rate plans carefully because each rate structure can affect the value of their solar credits. To estimate potential savings, calculate your electricity costs using your appliance consumption and applicable rates before deciding whether to switch.

Conclusion

Xcel Energy peak hours vary by state and rate plan, so check your tariff before making changes. Colorado's default TOU peak is 5–9 p.m., while Minnesota plans have different peak windows depending on the rate. Compare hourly usage, plan prices, and switching rules to identify potential savings. If peak and off-peak prices differ substantially, the EcoFlow TITAN Plus may help manage energy costs, provided its capacity, installation costs, and expected savings suit your household.

FAQs

What are Xcel Energy's peak hours?

They depend on your plan. Colorado RE-TOU uses 5–9 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays, while Minnesota TOU uses 6–9 p.m. Wisconsin and Michigan customers select a 12-hour weekday block.

Does Xcel charge peak rates on weekends?

Colorado RE-TOU bills weekends off-peak. Minnesota TOU has no on-peak weekend hours, although most daytime and evening hours are mid-peak rather than off-peak. Check the rules for your specific tariff.

Is Xcel's time-of-use rate mandatory?

The enrollment rules depend on the state and rate plan. Colorado's RE-TOU plan is the default, with an option to opt out to a flat-rate plan. Minnesota's time-of-use rate is optional. Confirm the current enrollment rules directly with Xcel Energy.

When is electricity cheapest on Xcel's plans?

In Minnesota, the base off-peak rate applies from midnight to 6 a.m. every day. In Colorado, off-peak pricing applies outside the 5–9 p.m. weekday peak window, subject to the applicable holiday schedule. Check your specific tariff for the current time periods.

Can a home battery lower my Xcel bill?

Potentially. Savings depend on the difference between peak and off-peak rates, your peak-hour consumption, battery efficiency, available capacity, and installation costs. A battery does not automatically reduce electricity use or guarantee a financial return.