Getting your energy use right is a clever way to lower your bill and to use energy more efficiently. One important part of that is the difference between peak and off-peak hours. This article explains what they are and how to benefit from them with smart solutions such as a charging station, a home battery and our energy management system.
Peak hours are the times of day when demand for electricity is highest, and the price is usually higher because of it. Off-peak hours are the times when demand is lower, which makes electricity cheaper.
Whether peak and off-peak hours apply to you depends on your energy contract. On a fixed or variable contract you can choose a single or a double rate. With a double rate you do have peak and off-peak hours, which means an off-peak rate and a normal rate. That is only possible with a double or a smart meter. With a single rate you always pay one price, whatever the time.
The off-peak rate, also called the low or night rate, applies during off-peak hours. In most of the Netherlands those run from 23:00 to 07:00. At weekends and on public holidays the off-peak rate often applies all day. The exact hours vary by region and by grid operator, and your grid operator can tell you which apply in your province.
Shifting your energy use to off-peak hours saves a good deal on your bill. We would also suggest considering a dynamic energy contract, which lets you save more still.
On a dynamic energy contract you pay the current market price, which can differ every hour. That means you can save more by using power when it is cheapest. A dynamic contract is ideal for households that can be flexible, for instance by running appliances during the cheapest hours.
Read more about a dynamic energy contract
Charge your electric car during off-peak hours, or at low hourly rates on a dynamic contract. A smart charging station lets you set a schedule, so your car charges automatically when rates are lowest. Want to know more? Discover our smart charging stations and how they help you save.
It is worth considering other smart equipment as well, such as a home battery, a smart water heater and air conditioning. They let you store energy or use it during off-peak hours or at low rates. Connect them to our energy management system and your energy use follows the cheapest moments of the day.
Our energy management system lets you follow and improve your energy use without difficulty. It helps you shift what you use to the cheapest hours. Want to know how that works? Take a look at our smart energy management system.
Using peak and off-peak hours cleverly lowers your energy costs and helps the environment at the same time. At Dijkman Zonne-energie we offer various solutions that help you get your energy use right. Whether you are interested in a charging station, a home battery or a complete energy management system, we are ready to help.
“De installalatie keurig volgens offerte en tijdsplanning snel en vakkundig aangebracht.”
Ruben is an adviser at Dijkman Zonne-energie and knows all about peak and off-peak hours and how to use your power to best effect.
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