3 reasons to make the switch to a time-of-use tariff

Households across Ireland are already benefitting from time-of-use tariffs — and you could too. There are often big advantages when you move to these smart meter plans.

Switching to a time-of-use tariff gives you greater flexibility, convenience and control over your electricity usage. This can help you track and monitor your energy use and ultimately cut your energy bills.

In this article, we’ll look at the main reasons why it makes sense to switch and see how this benefits you.

What are time-of-use tariffs?

Time-of-use tariffs are electricity plans that help you save money by encouraging you to use electricity at off-peak times. They are sometimes called day/night/peak tariffs or day-night tariffs because electricity rates change depending on the time of day.

Why switch to a time-of-use tariff?

There are many advantages of making the switch to a time-of-use tariff. Three of the biggest reasons to switch are:

1. Save money with off-peak rates

The top reason for switching to a time-of-use tariff is that it helps you unlock savings on your electricity bills. Day/night/peak plans offer discounted electricity rates at times when there is less demand for electricity. By making simple changes to the way you use electricity, you can easily cut your energy costs.

Some of the top ways of achieving this are:

• Setting appliances for off-peak times: 

Set your dishwasher, washing machine and other appliances to start their programmes when electricity is cheapest. This will usually mean scheduling them to start when your night rate begins or early in the morning.

• Overnight EV charging: 

Using your EV charger app, you can simply set your charge for the most cost-effective times. Our EV tariffs offer discounted EV charging rates between 2am and 6am. You just need to start charging at 2am to instantly save on charging costs.

• Batch cooking when electricity is cheaper: 

Instead of switching on the cooker at peak times when most people are making dinner, batch cook meals when your time-of-use plan offers cheaper electricity prices.

2. Track and manage your usage

Time-of-use tariffs are smart meter plans. This means they give you detailed insights on your electricity use. By tracking your energy usage, you can manage or change how you’re using your electricity.

That means no nasty surprises when your bill arrives. Instead, you get detailed insights and the opportunity to take action during your billing cycle.

All this data is at your fingertips when you sign up for Energia’s Energy Insights app. You’ll be able to see:

• Your usage and costs by hour, day, week or month: 

Check your electricity use over various periods. Easily spot high-usage times and make changes to cut your costs.

• Track your performance: 

Set budgets in € for how much you want to spend on electricity. Get at-a-glance graphics showing how you’re doing against your targets.

• Estimates on energy-guzzling appliances: 

See which appliances are likely to be using the most energy in your home based on your usage. These insights help you identify appliances that are pushing up your energy bills. You can then change how and when you use them.

• Comparisons to other households: 

Track your energy usage against other homes in Ireland. Find out how your electricity use and bills compare to similar households. This can be useful for seeing if you’re doing well or whether there’s room for improvement.

• Tips on reducing your usage: 

You’ll find personalised tips and advice on how to cut your electricity usage. These snippets of useful information will guide you towards ways to save on your bills. 

3. Support renewable energy

Switching to day/night/peak tariffs also has environmental benefits. By shifting your energy use, you're reducing Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels — and supporting a cleaner grid.

Here are a few key ways in which time-of-use tariffs support renewable energy in Ireland:

• Reducing peak electricity demand: 

When you move to a time-of-use tariff, you’re helping to ease electricity demand at peak times. This makes it easier to manage demand across the grid. The result is that more of Ireland’s electricity demand can be met using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. Good for energy bills and good for the environment.

• Maximising solar energy: 

Many time-of-use plans offer a daytime electricity rate that is cheaper than the peak rate. This encourages electricity use at times when the grid is generating lots of solar power. Make the most of green, sustainable energy provided by the sun during daylight hours.

• More affordable EV charging: 

Switching also helps to support your renewable energy choices. For example, our EV tariffs give you discounted electricity rates for overnight charging. This makes it more affordable to run an electric car.

• Supporting battery storage: 

If you have solar panels with battery storage, time-of-use pricing enables you to charge your battery when electricity is less expensive. You can then use your stored battery energy at peak times, when importing from the grid is more expensive.

You’ll earn from selling solar power to the grid under our microgeneration scheme. Enjoy financial benefits whether you or someone else uses the cheap solar power you’ve generated.