When it comes to saving on your electricity bill, we often wonder which time slots are best for using the washing machine, dishwasher or any other household appliances. If we understand how off-peak hours electricity, peak hours electricity and standard hours work, we can save money at the end of the month.
In this guide, we explain in detail what off-peak, peak and standard electricity hours are, how they affect your bill and how you can use Holaluz's 3-price tariff to optimise your energy consumption and save money :)
What are off-peak, peak and standard hours?
To start, let’s define what these terms mean and how they apply to electricity tariffs:
- Peak hours: these are the times of day when electricity demand is highest. During these hours, the cost of electricity is higher due to the increase in demand. Generally, peak hours electricity is concentrated at times of the day when more people are at home and using household appliances, such as early in the morning and in the evening.
- Off-peak hours: these are the hours when electricity demand is lower. As a result, the cost of electricity is also lower during these hours. Off-peak hours electricity usually falls during the night and the early hours of the morning, when most people are sleeping and energy use is lower.
- Standard hours: these hours represent an intermediate point between peak hours and off-peak hours. During standard hours, electricity demand is moderate and, as a result, the electricity price is also intermediate. They are usually found in the transition periods between peak and off-peak hours.
Timetables for off-peak, peak and standard hours
Once we understand what they are, let’s get to the important part: what is the timetable for each time slot? In Spain, and specifically with Holaluz’s 3-price tariff, the schedules are as follows:
- Peak hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 22:00.
- Off-peak hours: Monday to Friday from 00:00 to 08:00 and all day at weekends.
- Standard hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 10:00, from 14:00 to 18:00 and from 22:00 to 00:00.
Holaluz’s 3-price tariff
The 3-price tariff is designed for people who want to plan their savings. If you are someone who wants to organise your consumption and take advantage of the cheapest electricity time slots, this is the ideal electricity tariff for you.
It is divided into three time periods: peak, standard and off-peak, with a fixed price for each period.
- It is the ideal tariff if you spend few active hours at home on working days and can shift your consumption to night-time or the weekend. Ideally, 60% of your consumption should take place during off-peak hours.
- And of course, it is the perfect choice for those who have an electric car, as it allows you to charge your electric car comfortably from home with an electric vehicle charger during the night, coinciding with off-peak hours.
Tips to make the most of off-peak and standard hours
Making the most of off-peak and standard hours may require some changes to your daily habits, but if you are willing to make them, it can mean significant savings on your electricity bill. Here are some practical tips:
- Schedule your household appliances: use the scheduling function on your household appliances so they run during off-peak hours. Most washing machines, dishwashers and dryers allow you to programme the start of their cycle.
- Use timers: you can install timers on your water heater or heating system so they turn on and off during the cheapest hours.
- Charge electronic devices: charge your electronic devices, such as phones, tablets and laptops, during off-peak hours to take advantage of the lower cost of electricity.
- Smart cooking: if you have flexibility in your schedule, try to cook during standard hours. Using the oven or ceramic hob at these times of day can help reduce the final amount of your electricity bill.
- Lighting: although the impact may be lower compared to other household appliances, turning lights on only when necessary and making the most of natural light during peak and standard hours can help reduce your electricity consumption.
How to read your meter if you have a time-of-use tariff
To manage your consumption properly and avoid surprises, it is important to know how to read your electricity meter. If you have a time-of-use tariff, your meter will show different readings for each time slot: peak, standard and off-peak. If you are unsure how to read it, we explain how below:
- Identify your meter: newer meters usually have a digital screen that displays the relevant information. Some may automatically switch between the different readings, while others require you to press a button to view the different time slots.
- Read the time slots: on your meter screen, look for the readings corresponding to peak, standard and off-peak hours. These readings are usually marked with labels such as “P1”, “P2” and “P3” or with more descriptive names.
- Write down the readings: note down the readings for each time slot in a notebook or spreadsheet. You can also take a photo. This will help you monitor your consumption and compare how your energy use varies across the different time slots.
- Compare them with your bill: check that the meter readings match the readings shown on your bill. If there are any differences, contact your electricity company to clarify them.
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