KUB's Time of Use Rate for EV Charging: How It Works
KUB no longer offers a rebate for EV chargers, but its Time of Use rate can save you more over the life of your charger. Charge overnight during off-peak hours and you'll pay less per kWh than KUB's standard residential rate, on top of Knoxville's electricity already running about 38% below the national average. Here's how the rate works and how to sign up.
KUB used to offer a cash rebate for installing a Level 2 EV charger. That program has ended. What's still on the table, and honestly what matters more over time, is KUB's Time of Use (TOU) rate for EV owners. Instead of a one-time check, you get a lower per-kWh rate every time you charge overnight. Over a few years of ownership, that adds up to more than the old rebate ever did.
How the TOU Rate Works
KUB's Time of Use rate splits the day into peak and off-peak windows. Off-peak hours, generally overnight, cost less per kilowatt-hour than KUB's standard residential rate. Peak hours, when demand on the grid is highest, cost more. The idea is simple: shift your EV charging into the cheap window and you pay less for the same amount of electricity.
KUB sets the exact peak and off-peak hours, and those can shift depending on season or program updates, so call and confirm the current schedule for your account rather than assuming. It's a five-minute phone call that's easy to put off and worth doing anyway.
Do You Qualify?
You qualify if both of these apply:
- You are a KUB residential electric customer, check your electricity bill
- You charge an EV or plug-in hybrid at home, the TOU rate is worth it if you're regularly plugging in overnight
Are you a KUB customer?
KUB serves Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. Check your electricity bill, it will say "Knoxville Utilities Board" or "KUB" if you're in their territory. If your bill says "Lenoir City Utilities Board (LCUB)," you're served by a different utility. LCUB may have its own programs, contact them directly. Farragut residents in Knox County are generally served by KUB.
Chargers That Make the Most of a TOU Rate
You don't need a special charger to use the TOU rate, but a smart (WiFi) charger makes it effortless. Set the schedule once in the app and it charges during off-peak hours automatically, no matter when you plug in.
| Charger | Price | Scheduling? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzl-E Classic | $199–$229 | No | Simple and reliable, but you have to remember to plug in during off-peak hours |
| ChargePoint Home Flex | $299–$349 | Yes | App-based scheduling, good fit for a TOU rate |
| Enel X JuiceBox 48 | $329–$399 | Yes | Smart scheduling and usage tracking |
| Tesla Wall Connector | $390–$430 | Yes | Scheduling built into the Tesla app for Tesla owners |
| Emporia EV Charger | $169–$199 | Yes | Budget smart charger with scheduling |
Prices change. Confirm current pricing and features before you buy.
Step-by-Step: How to Enroll in the TOU Rate
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1
Confirm you are a KUB residential electric customer
Check your electricity bill or log into your KUB account at kub.org. Have your account number ready for the call.
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2
Contact KUB to ask about the EV Time of Use rate
Call (865) 524-2911 or visit kub.org/ev and ask to enroll in the Time of Use rate for EV owners. There's no form to mail in, this is a rate change on your account.
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3
Confirm your off-peak hours
Ask KUB exactly which hours count as off-peak for your account. This is the piece people skip, and it's the whole point of the rate.
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4
Set your charger to charge overnight
If you have a smart charger, set the schedule in the app once and forget about it. With a basic charger, just make plugging in at night a habit. Not installed yet? Here's what Level 2 installation involves →
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5
Check your first bill
Confirm the TOU rate actually applied and that your overnight charging is showing up at the lower rate. Mistakes happen, catch it early.
KUB Compared to Other Utility EV Programs
| Utility | Rebate? | Rate Program |
|---|---|---|
| KUB (Knoxville) | No, discontinued | Time of Use rate for EV owners |
| PSO (Tulsa, OK) | $200 | N/A |
| EPB (Chattanooga) | $50 | Night Shift TOU plan |
It stings that the rebate is gone. But a TOU rate that lasts as long as you own the car is arguably worth more than a one-time rebate check ever was, especially if you're driving a lot of miles and charging at home every night.
Federal Tax Credit (Section 30C), expired June 30, 2026
The federal EV charger tax credit expired for installs placed in service after June 30, 2026. If your installation occurred before that date and your address was in a qualifying census tract, you may still be able to claim it on your 2026 federal return using IRS Form 8911. That's separate from anything KUB offers. See what's still available →
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Never calling to ask about the TOU rate. It's not automatic, you have to enroll.
- ❌ Assuming your charger schedules itself. Smart chargers need the schedule set in the app first.
- ❌ Not confirming your off-peak hours. Charge during peak hours by mistake and you lose the whole benefit.
- ❌ Not checking your first bill. Confirm the rate change actually took effect.