Time-of-use (TOU) rate plans charge different prices for electricity depending on when you use it. Shifting usage to off-peak hours can cut your bill by 20–40%—without using less energy. Here's how to make it work for you.
Understanding Peak vs Off-Peak
Utilities charge more during peak hours—typically weekday afternoons and early evenings when demand is highest. Off-peak hours (nights, early mornings, weekends) have lower demand, so rates are cheaper. Some plans also include "super off-peak" or "mid-peak" tiers.
Common Peak Hour Windows
Exact times vary by utility and season. Summer peaks often occur 2pm–8pm when air conditioning demand spikes. Winter peaks may shift to morning and evening. Check your utility's rate schedule—many publish it online or on your bill.
- Summer peak: Often 2pm–8pm weekdays
- Winter peak: Often 6am–9am and 5pm–8pm
- Off-peak: Usually 10pm–6am and weekends
- Super off-peak: Some utilities offer midday or overnight super-low rates
Appliances to Shift to Off-Peak
Not all usage can be shifted, but these are prime candidates:
- Clothes dryer: Run after 8pm or on weekends
- Dishwasher: Use delay start to run overnight
- Electric vehicle charging: Charge during off-peak (often overnight)
- Water heater: If your tank has a timer, set it to heat during off-peak
- Pool pump: Run during off-peak hours
- Space heating: Pre-heat before peak if you have storage or thermal mass
Pre-Cooling and Pre-Heating
For homes with HVAC, you can "pre-cool" or "pre-heat" during off-peak hours. Set the thermostat lower (cooling) or higher (heating) before peak so the house stays comfortable during peak without running the system. This works best in well-insulated homes.
"Households on TOU rates who shift 20–30% of their usage to off-peak hours typically see 15–25% bill reductions. The key is automating what you can—delay-start dishwashers, programmable thermostats, EV charging timers."
Is TOU Right for You?
TOU plans benefit those who can shift usage. If you're away during the day and home in the evening, peak rates may hurt. Compare your current plan with TOU options using your utility's rate comparison tool or ElectriBill's calculator with time-of-use inputs.
Tools to Automate Off-Peak Usage
Smart appliances with delay start, programmable thermostats, and EV charging schedulers make shifting effortless. Some smart home systems can automatically defer high-load devices to off-peak based on your utility's schedule.
Check with your utility to see if TOU plans are available and what the exact rate structure is. A small change in when you use electricity can yield significant savings.