What are off-peak hours?

Off-peak hours are times when the energy grid is not under a lot of stress—generally late at night when most people are fast asleep.

You might be wondering: Why is there more electricity available during off-peak hours? To ensure that there is always enough electricity for everyone on the energy grid (and because electricity usage is not always consistent), generators must operate at all hours of the day.

Buffer electricity is generated to account for unexpected increases in the demand of electricity—think of it like putting money in a savings account, just in case you end up needing it later.

However, this energy is not saved—it’s actually wasted if it’s not used! The result is lower electricity prices during these off-peak hours…and the potential for huge energy savings.

Can you benefit from off-peak electricity?

Depending on how your electricity is charged and what type of meter your home has, you may or may not be able to enjoy savings from off-peak electricity. For example, single rate meters charge electricity at one standing rate, so off-peak electricity doesn’t apply.

However, any other type of meter should do! If you don’t know what type of meter you have in your home, call your energy retailer and provide your address—they should be able to figure out what type of meter you have.

How can off-peak hours help you save energy?

Off-peak hours mean a lower price for electricity. The trick here is to figure out what you can realistically do during these hours without becoming a night owl.

Luckily, smart technology like programmable thermostats, washers and dryers, and dishwashers can be used during this time because they have automation features. Another neat trick is finding out which appliances in your home use the most electricity and then brainstorming a way to use them during off-peak hours to maximize your savings.

Beyond the energy savings you’ll experience, this can also be a more convenient option for many household chores. How many times have you had to stagger your dishes, your laundry, and taking a shower because your plumbing can’t handle all of them happening at the same time? This could become a worry of the past!

Check out our Energy Saving Ideas page for more clever ways to easily save energy around your home.

The post Off-Peak Hours Make Your Savings On-Point appeared first on .