How to Shift Your Energy Usage

At Octopus Energy, we're empowering customers to take control of their electricity bills by shifting energy use away from peak demand hours (typically 6–8 PM). By making simple adjustments, you can lower your costs, earn rewards, and reduce strain on the grid—all while keeping your home comfortable.

Here’s a breakdown of how much energy common appliances use and practical ways to shift consumption for maximum savings.

Why shift energy use?

Electricity prices spike during peak demand times (especially hot Texas evenings when ACs are running full blast). By reducing usage during these hours, you:

Save money on time-of-use (TOU) or demand-response rate plans.
Earn bill credits or cash rewards through our compensation program.
Help prevent grid stress—fewer blackouts and more stable energy prices for everyone.

Where your energy Goes (and how to shift it)

1. HVAC: The biggest opportunity

Power draw: 2,000–4,500 watts (up to 50% of home energy use!)

How to shift:

• Pre-cool your home before 6 PM by setting the thermostat 2–3°F lower, then easing back to 78°F during peak times. (If you have Intelligent Octopus for thermostats you don't need to do this!)
• Use fans (only 75W) to stay comfortable without overworking your AC.
• Invest in a smart thermostat to automate temperature adjustments. (If you're in the Oncor area, you can get up to $100 on us for a new thermostat via the Octopus X Oncor Thermostat Rebate Program)

2. Laundry and dishwashing

Power draw: 500–3,000 watts per cycle

How to shift:

• Run washers, dryers, and dishwashers after 8 PM—or early in the morning.
• Use cold water washes and air-dry dishes when possible.
• Avoid doing laundry on peak days (like extreme heat advisories).

3. Electric water heaters (if you have one)

Power draw: ~4,500 watts (~20% of energy use)

How to shift:

• Set the temperature to 120°F (saves energy without sacrificing hot water).
• Install a timer to heat water only during off-peak hours.
• Take shorter showers or shift them to mornings/nights.

4. Cooking and kitchen appliances

Power draw:

• Oven: 2,500–3,000W
• Microwave: 1,000–1,500W
• Slow cooker: 150–250W

How to shift:

• Use a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker instead of the stove.
• Grill outside on hot evenings to avoid heating up the house.
• Batch-cook meals early in the day and reheat later.

5. Standby power (vampire loads)

Power draw: 5–20 watts per device (but it adds up!)

How to shift:

• Unplug chargers, TVs, and gaming consoles when not in use.
• Use smart power strips to cut phantom energy waste.

Bonus: Quick wins for even more savings

• Close blinds during the day to block heat.
• Switch to LED bulbs (they use 75% less energy).
• Charge phones, laptops, and EVs overnight instead of peak times.

How much can you save?

Shifting just 3 kWh per day from peak hours could save $10–$15/month on average—and even more if you qualify for demand-response rewards or sign up for time-of-use programs or plans.

The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice comfort. Small tweaks in timing and habits make a big difference.

Ready to start?

We have two different ways you can "give a shift" to a better energy bill. You can sign up for the Octopus Fan Club or enroll in Saving Sessions! (Or both if you're a maximalist.