The answer to this is – it depends. If you are on a standard energy contract, your electricity is charged at a flat rate, so you pay the same amount for each unit of energy used, regardless of the time of day or night. However, it will cost your energy provider more per unit to provide your power at peak times and less per unit during off-peak hours. So, the cost of delivering the electricity varies. Some people are on variable pricing contracts, commonly known as time-of-use pricing; often, these are Economy 10 or Economy 7. This means that the price you pay per unit of electricity varies according to the time of day. On these tariffs, the price you pay will be cheaper at night than during the day.
Explanation of Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing
Customers who request time-of-use pricing are generally offered either Economy 7 or Economy 10. The number refers to the number of hours that you can receive your reduced rate overnight. On these tariffs, the energy price during the off-peak hours will be lower than the peak hours during the daytime. Off-peak hours usually apply over weekends as businesses are generally closed during these times, and therefore, the demand on the grid is lessened. Time-of-use tariffs can be a good way to reduce your electricity bill, but only if you are scrupulous about limiting your energy consumption during peak hours, as your electricity rate will be higher than standard during these times.
Factors Affecting Electricity Costs
Energy companies find it more expensive to produce electricity during peak hours. This is because when greater demand is placed on the grid, it operates less efficiently. During these times, it can also be necessary to generate power using less environmentally friendly methods, such as fossil fuels. These factors all contribute to the fluctuating cost of producing electricity at different times.
Benefits of Using Electricity at Night
Night-time electricity is cheaper for energy companies to produce, meaning you can benefit from these savings if you choose a time-of-use tariff. On a standard tariff, you are charged a flat rate for your energy consumption, so you do not enjoy any savings from using electricity overnight. To benefit from this reduced nighttime rate, you must be on a time-of-use tariff, which gives you two different rates. One rate will be a peak rate, whereas the other will be an off-peak rate, which can be significantly cheaper.
Will Using Electricity at Night Reduce My Energy Bills?
If you choose the right sort of tariff, then you will have the potential to save money on your energy bills. However, it is essential to remember that if you change over to a time-of-use tariff, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, the peak rate tariff for energy will be expensive. You may spend more money if you are careful with your timing. More people are investing in a household battery storage system to gain the maximum advantage from the nighttime reduced rates. This allows you to buy electricity conveniently and store it until you wish to use it. This system makes it simple to gain maximum savings without setting your energy needs around the confines of the reduced tariff. Duracell Energy home battery storage systems, enable you to do just that. If you choose to use electricity during the off-peak energy periods simply, then set up your house so that your appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashers, are programmed to come on at the most economical times.
What’s The Cheapest Time of Day to Use Electricity?
If you are on a time-of-use tariff, your electricity will be cheapest during off-peak hours. These hours are during the night and at weekends. The precise hours will vary according to supplier, so be very clear about the parameters of your contract. Standard time-of-use tariffs are Economy 7 and Economy 10. The numbers in these tariffs refer to the amount of off-peak energy your tariff gives you, so choose the best fit for your household. With careful planning and scheduling, capitalising on these reduced rates and saving money on your electricity bill is possible.
Tips for Saving Money on Electricity
Choose the best tariff for your household. The time-of-use tariffs can be a money saver, but only if used correctly. If you mainly use electricity during peak hours, then you may be spending more money than you would on a standard contract. Whichever type of contract you are on, be mindful of how you use electricity. Make sure everything is turned off when not in use. Upgrade your white goods to the latest models, as these are designed to be more energy-efficient than their older counterparts. If you are on a time-of-use contract, power banks can be an excellent way to charge devices in the evening. Power banks can be charged overnight using cheaper electricity and then used to charge electronics such as mobile phones during the evening. Consider investing in solar panels and a battery storage system that allows you to generate your power and save it until needed.
Create A Home That Is Cheaper To Run With Duracell Energy products
With rising energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis, we know the importance of creating more economical homes. Investing in better home solutions can reap benefits in the longer term. Whether you invest in a home battery storage system to buy cheaper nighttime energy to store during peak hours or install solar panels on your home, Duracell Energy products can help. We have developed our smart app so you can effortlessly control the power in your house by combining time-of-use tariffs, solar panels, battery storage and your EV charger to save you money every day. To take your home into the future, simply get your quote today.