Cheapest Hours guide
Should You Switch from a Flat Rate to TOU?
A TOU plan is more likely to help when a large share of electricity use can move away from peak hours without disrupting the household.
Start with interval data
Download at least several months of hourly or 15-minute usage from the utility. Mark how much energy already falls in each TOU period. A plan comparison based only on monthly totals cannot capture timing.
List flexible loads
EV charging, water heating, batteries, laundry, and dishwashing are often flexible. Heating and cooling may be partly flexible. Cooking and evening household activity may be difficult to move.
Estimate what can move reliably, not what could move on a perfect day. Automation makes the estimate more believable.
Check the entire tariff
Include fixed charges, minimum bills, baseline allowances, seasonal prices, demand charges, and export compensation. Solar and battery households should compare import and export timing together.
Use a trial or bill protection
Some utilities provide a comparison tool, trial period, or bill protection. Use it where available. Recheck the choice after a major change such as buying an EV, installing solar, replacing HVAC equipment, or working from home.
Rate rules and prices change. Confirm your plan with the utility before making a financial decision.
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