Understanding when electricity is cheapest is no longer just a matter of curiosity; it is a very useful tool for cutting costs, particularly in households that are adopting solutions such as electric vehicles.
The difference in price between different times of day can be significant. And the best part is that, with just a few small changes to your habits, you can minimise your energy use without sacrificing comfort.
In this article from Activacar, we explain it in simple terms.
When is electricity cheapest in Spain?
The current electricity system is based on time bands that determine the price of electricity according to demand.
This means that the cost varies depending on the time of day.
Time-of-use electricity tariffs
- Off-peak hours (cheaper): from 00:00 am to 08:00 am and at weekends
- Flat rate hours: from 8 am to 10 am, from 2 pm to 6 pm and from 10 pm to midnight
- Rush hour (most expensive): from 10 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 10 pm
In practical terms, electricity is cheapest in the early hours of the morning and at weekends.
This is particularly important if you are considering an installation of recharging points, as the time of day you use it directly affects the total cost of charging.
Why is electricity cheaper at certain times?
Price movements are primarily driven by demand.
During the day, economic and domestic activity leads to increased energy consumption. By contrast, demand drops significantly at night.
This allows the electricity system to operate under less strain, which translates into lower prices for consumers.
How can I make the most of the cheaper times?
Knowing when electricity is cheapest is just the first step. The key lies in adjusting certain consumption habits.
Practical uses at home
- Scheduling household appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers
- Charging electronic devices overnight
- Avoid high energy consumption during peak hours
These are simple changes, but they add up. In the medium term, they have a clear impact on your bill.
Electric vehicles: where the savings are most obvious
In the context of electric mobility, the time of consumption is even more important.
Charging an electric vehicle at home is a simple process, much like plugging in any other device. However, the cost of charging can vary significantly depending on the time of day.
Actual differences depending on the timetable
- Charging during peak hours means a higher cost per kWh
- Charging during off-peak hours means significant savings on every charge
Over time, this difference translates into a much more competitive cost per kilometre.
Charging solutions tailored to every environment
To make the most of these benefits, having your own charging point is essential.
En entornos residenciales, una opción habitual es install a charging point in a communal garage, which allows users to charge their vehicle efficiently without relying on external infrastructure.
Furthermore, modern systems allow you to schedule charging automatically, optimising energy consumption without the need for constant intervention.
What about hybrid vehicles?
Plug-in hybrid vehicles also benefit from these time slots.
Although its battery capacity is lower, charging during off-peak hours allows you to make the most of electric mode and reduce fuel consumption on daily journeys.
Strategies for optimising energy consumption
Beyond electric vehicles, there are ways to help reduce energy costs:
1. Consumption scheduling
By making use of the devices’ scheduling features, you can automate your energy savings.
2. Review of electricity tariffs
Having a tariff that reflects actual consumption is key to avoiding unnecessary extra costs.
3. Analysis of habits
Identifying peak consumption periods makes it possible to shift consumption to cheaper time slots.
A more efficient and sustainable approach
Using electricity during off-peak hours does not just have financial benefits. It also helps to ensure a more balanced use of the electricity grid.
This facilitates the integration of renewable energy and reduces the strain at times of peak demand.
Is the price the same within each price band?
Although the time bands are fixed, the price may vary from day to day depending on the electricity market.
Even so, the early hours of the morning are still the time when electricity is cheapest.
Conclusion: optimising consumption is a strategic decision
Knowing when electricity is cheapest enables you to make more efficient decisions in terms of both cost and energy consumption.
If this is also combined with solutions such as installing an electric car charger at home, the result is a much more streamlined, convenient and practical approach to energy management.
At Activacar, we support businesses and individuals throughout this process, offering charging solutions tailored to each situation.
Frequently asked questions about when electricity is cheapest
When is electricity cheapest in Spain?
During the early hours of the morning (midnight to 8 am) and at weekends, during off-peak hours.
When is it cheapest to charge an electric car?
Mainly at night, when the price per kWh is lower.
Is the price the same every day?
No. It can vary from day to day, although the time slots remain the same.
Is it worth changing your spending habits?
Yes. Shifting your energy use to off-peak hours can significantly reduce your bill.
Is it better to charge an electric car at home?
In most cases, yes. Especially if it’s done during off-peak hours using your own charging system.
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