Did you know the cost of electricity can vary at different times of day?
The cheapest time to run appliances is different for everyone as it depends on whether you have solar panels and what sort of electricity tariff you’re on.
Find the best time for you to run appliances in the table below. Not sure what type of electricity tariff you’re on? Read on to learn more.
When to run your appliances
Solar homes | Homes on time-of-use electricity rates | Homes on flat electricity rates | |
When to run appliances | During solar production hours - during the day. | During off peak hours - usually overnight. | Anytime! |
Why? | Solar panels generate most energy in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. Take advantage of it and run your appliances on free solar power. | If you’re on time-of-use energy rates, the electricity you buy is cheapest during off-peak times. This is usually overnight but not always, so be sure to check your bill. | Households on flat/anytime rates will pay one, flat price for electricity at all times. So you can use appliances at any time and you’ll be paying the same price for the electricity you use. |
How? | If you’re out during the day, use timers to set appliances to run during peak solar production hours. | If your off-peak rates are overnight, you can start appliances when you go to bed or use timers. | Start or schedule your appliances to run whenever it suits you. |
What else can you do to reduce your energy bills? | Get a battery to store solar power for use after the sun goes down. Review and improve the energy efficiency of your home. | If possible, non-solar homes should consider installing solar panels so you can use free solar power. Review and improve the energy efficiency of your home. | If possible, non-solar homes should consider installing solar panels so you can use free solar power. Review and improve the energy efficiency of your home. |
Which appliances should you be thinking about? |
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Understanding your electricity rates
What are electricity tariffs?
Electricity rates, or tariffs, can be structured differently for different households. Most households are on one of the following tariff structures:
- Flat rate tariff: You pay one flat rate for electricity regardless of the time of day.
- Time-of-use tariff: Electricity prices vary depending on the time of day. Usually there are peak, off-peak and, sometimes, shoulder rates. Peak rates are more expensive and occur during periods when electricity demand is higher, while off-peak rates are cheaper and occur when electricity demand is lower.
- Controlled load tariff: A lower rate for specific appliances like hot water systems and pool pumps, which are metered separately and only run during off-peak times.
Solar households also receive a solar feed-in tariff, with is a rate they’re paid when they feed excess solar power back into the grid.
What time of day do peak and off-peak tariffs apply?
Peak and off-peak times vary between energy plans – check your energy bill so you know what you’re paying, when.
Generally, peak tends to be during the afternoon/evening (e.g. 3pm-9pm) and off-peak is often overnight and in the morning. Sometimes shoulder rates apply, which are between off-peak and peak.
How to find out what type of electricity tariff you’re on
If you’re not sure what type of tariff you’re on, check your electricity bill. If you see peak and off-peak rates, you’re on time-of use. If you see a single rate – usually called anytime or just peak – you're on a flat rate.
Save on your energy bills with solar
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