Time-of-Use Energy Plans: How to Match Usage to Lower Rates

Your energy bill isn’t just about how much electricity you use- it’s about when you use it. That’s the secret sauce behind a time-of-use energy plan.

By shifting your habits to match off-peak electricity hours, you can unlock lower rates, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep more cash in your pocket. No sacrifice required- just smart timing.

Here’s how to make it work for you.

What Is a Time-of-use Energy Plan?

A time-of-use (TOU) energy plan charges different rates depending on the time of day. Instead of a flat price per kilowatt-hour, your rate changes based on energy demand.

• Peak hours = higher rates (when demand is high, like evenings)
• Off-peak hours = lower rates (usually overnight or early morning)

With Octopus Energy’s flexible energy plans, like Octopus Flex, you get cheaper electricity from 10 PM to 6 AM, when the grid is calmer and greener.

Why Match Usage to Off-Peak Hours?

Using more electricity when it’s cheaper is a super simple way to lower your electric bill without using less power.

Benefits of matching your usage to off-peak times:

• Save money on your electric bills
• Reduce pressure on the energy grid
• Use cleaner, more renewable energy
• Get rewarded for energy-savvy habits

It’s one of the easiest ways to lower your utility bill without lifting a finger (especially if you use smart tech to help).

How to Shift Your Energy Usage

Here are some practical ways to match your home energy use to off-peak electricity hours and make the most of your time-of-use plan:

1. Laundry After 10 PM

Run your washer and dryer during off-peak hours. Most machines have a delay-start option- set it and forget it.

2. Smart Charging at Night

Charge your EV, laptop, or phone while you sleep. It’s one of the best times to use electricity if you want lower rates and cleaner power.

3. Pre-Cool or Pre-Heat

Cool your home in the early morning before the day heats up. In winter, warm it up before peak pricing kicks in.

4. Shift Kitchen Energy Use

Use ovens, air fryers, and slow cookers during non-peak hours. Bonus: your kitchen won’t get as hot in the middle of the day.

5. Automate Everything You Can

Smart thermostats and plugs can shift your usage without you even thinking about it. Automate high-use appliances to run when rates drop.

Need more ideas? Check out our guide on how to shift your energy usage

Who Benefits Most from a TOU Plan?

A time-of-use electricity plan might be right for you if:

• You’re home during the day but can shift some usage
• You have an EV or smart home devices
• You’re a night owl or early bird
• You want to save money on your electric bill while helping the planet
• You love flexible energy plans that fit your lifestyle, not the other way around

Cleaner Power, Just by Timing It Right

One of the best-kept secrets? Off-peak electricity hours often align with cleaner energy sources like wind and solar.

So when you shift your usage, you’re not just cutting costs- you’re reducing carbon emissions and helping build a more sustainable grid. Pretty great, right?

Ready to Match Your Usage to Lower Rates?

If you’re ready to put your energy habits to work for you, the Octopus Flex time-of-use energy plan could be just the thing.

Switch to Octopus Energy and see how simple changes- like when you run the dishwasher- can help you lower your electric bill, support the planet, and take control of your energy future.