How to Apply for a TOU Meter (PEA/MEA) 2026: Steps, Cost & Is It Worth It
A TOU meter charges by time of day (nights/holidays are cheap, weekday daytime is expensive). This page covers who's eligible, the step-by-step PEA/MEA application, what it costs, and — most importantly — which homes actually come out ahead by switching.
You apply for a TOU meter by requesting a 'change of tariff type to TOU' from the electricity authority for your area — the PEA (other provinces, call 1129) or the MEA (Bangkok–Nonthaburi–Samut Prakan, call 1130). There is normally a one-time meter-change cost. A TOU meter suits homes that can genuinely shift most usage to Off-Peak (nights 22:00–09:00 and weekends/holidays) — for example overnight EV charging, or heavy late-night/holiday use. Before switching, check the TOU schedule and compare against the normal per-unit rates to confirm you'd actually pay less.
What Is a TOU Meter, and How Does It Differ?
A normal meter (flat/tiered rate) bills you by the number of units you use, regardless of the time of day. A TOU (Time-of-Use) meter instead records separately how many units you use during On-Peak (expensive) and Off-Peak (cheap), and charges each at a different rate. The schedule is identical for the MEA and PEA: On-Peak is 09:00–22:00 Monday–Friday, while Off-Peak is 22:00–09:00 plus all of Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. See the full schedule and per-unit rates at the TOU on/off-peak schedule.
Who Can Apply for a TOU Meter? (Eligibility)
Most electricity users can request a switch to the TOU tariff, both residential and business. The common main conditions are:
Be the account holder named on the bill (or authorized) — you must own the meter/account, or be a tenant with the owner's consent to make the change.
Be in the PEA or MEA service area — the PEA covers the provinces; the MEA covers Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. Apply to whichever authority serves your area.
Your supply can take a TOU meter — in some cases the metering equipment must be changed/added (e.g. a digital TOU-capable meter). The utility tells you the technical conditions and cost when you apply.
Exact conditions and rates follow the PEA/MEA announcements and may vary by customer type. Confirm with your local authority before you apply.
Steps to Apply for a TOU Meter (PEA & MEA)
The core steps are the same for the PEA and the MEA — only the channel and contact number differ:
1. Check it pays off first
Review 3–6 months of past bills to see when you use the most power. If it's mostly nights/holidays (Off-Peak), proceed; use the TOU schedule to compare. If you're heavy during weekday daytime, a normal meter is usually cheaper.
2. Prepare documents
Typically: the account holder's ID card, a copy of a recent bill (showing the meter/premises number), and a consent/authorization letter if you're not the owner. Ask the utility for the exact document list.
3. Submit the request to the utility
Submit at your local utility office, or via its online channel/app — PEA: call 1129 or the PEA Smart Plus app | MEA: call 1130 or the MEA Smart Life app. State that you want to 'change the tariff type to TOU'.
4. Pay the meter-change cost
The utility quotes the cost to change/install the TOU meter (depending on 1-phase/3-phase meter type and any added equipment) as a one-time charge — we don't state a fixed figure because it follows announcements and each home's case. Ask the utility for the exact amount before deciding.
5. Install and start on the TOU rate
Staff schedule a visit to change the meter; after installation, your next billing cycle starts on the TOU rate split into On-Peak/Off-Peak. Remember to actually shift heavy loads to nights/holidays so it pays off.
What It Costs to Switch to a TOU Meter
Switching to a TOU meter usually carries a one-time cost to change/install a TOU-capable meter. The amount depends on the meter type (1-phase/3-phase) and any added equipment, so it varies case by case. We deliberately don't quote a fixed figure here, because the rate follows the PEA/MEA announcements and can change. The right move is to ask the utility directly for the exact amount for your home (PEA 1129 / MEA 1130). Good questions to ask: how much is the meter change, are there any other fees/equipment costs, and how long does it take.
Should You Switch to TOU? (Decision Guide)
A TOU meter doesn't pay off for every home, because the On-Peak rate is pricier than a normal meter. To win, you must genuinely move most usage to Off-Peak. Run this self-check:
Charge an EV at home overnight — EVs use a lot of power; charging after 22:00 every night makes a TOU meter often clearly worth it.
Heavy use late at night or on weekends — AC running all night, or being home and power-heavy on Saturday–Sunday (which are Off-Peak all day).
Can timer your appliances — washer, dryer, water pump and heaters can be timed to run after 22:00 or on holidays.
Do NOT switch if your home is power-heavy during weekday daytime (work-from-home, AC on all day, elderly/young children home in the day), because that's the On-Peak window where TOU is pricier than a normal meter. For such homes, rooftop solar often beats switching to TOU — it self-generates exactly at midday when you need it. See net metering / selling back.
About this page
Compiled by the CapSolar team, led by Frank Lee (Founder). The steps and channels are checked against the PEA/MEA. This page is general information, not personal advice — exact costs and conditions follow the utilities' announcements; confirm with your local authority (PEA 1129 / MEA 1130) before deciding.
FAQ
Heavy daytime use? Solar may beat switching to TOU
Midday sun lines up with On-Peak. CapSolar will assess for free whether solar pays off for your home or building.