What is time-of-day (ToD) tariff?
A ToD tariff charges a different rate per unit at different hours: more at peak, less in solar hours. Also called ToD, TOD, time-of-use tariff, ToU, peak hour tariff.
- Plain English
- Official sources
- Bill terms A–Z
Time-of-day (ToD) tariff on your bill
Under a ToD tariff, the price of a unit depends on the time you use it.
Central rules require ToD for most consumers with smart meters. The peak rate for homes must be at least 1.10 times the normal rate.
The solar-hours rate must be at least 20% lower. ToD applies to the energy charge only.
Example (Kerala, homes above 250 units a month): peak 125%, normal 90%. At Rs 6 a unit, 100 peak units cost Rs 750.
Move heavy loads such as pumps and washing machines into solar hours.
Related terms
Official sources
- CSERC Tariff Schedule for FY 2026-27 (CSPDCL tariff order, 24-06-2026), s.1.1.9
“Under the Time of Day (TOD) Tariff, electricity consumption in respect of LV consumers” - KSERC Schedule of Tariff and Terms and Conditions for Retail Supply, Order No. 427/D(T)/2023/KSERC, 05-12-2024 (effective to 31-03-2027), Annexure E, p.40
“ToD based billing will be done whenever the monthly consumption exceeds 250 Units.” - APSERC Order TP-10 of 2025, para 6.5, quoting rule 8A of the Rights of Consumers (Amendment) Rules, 2023 (from project p_national.json), rule 8A provisos
“tariff for solar hours of the day, specified by the State Commission shall be atleast twenty percent less than the normal tariff”
Read on 17 October 2026. Your State regulator’s rules and your discom’s bill have the final word.