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Fixed price vs. time-of-use tariffs: which is better in the cold?
With winter here, choosing the right tariff is key to saving money. Fixed price tariffs offer stability, while time-of-use tariffs allow you to reduce costs by adapting your routines. We help you analyse your habits and discover which one best suits your consumption.
With the arrival of winter, heating and the use of electrical appliances cause electricity consumption to skyrocket. That is why choosing a tariff suited to your needs can make a difference in your bill. The question is, is a fixed price tariff better or one with time-of-use? We explain how they work, what their advantages are and when each one is more suitable, all explained with real examples of our Endesa tariffs.
What is a fixed price tariff?
Fixed price tariffs are those that maintain the same cost per kWh throughout the day, regardless of the time you consume electricity. This means they provide stability and predictability in the electricity bill, something highly valued in times of cold weather, when consumption skyrockets.
Endesa fixed price tariff: One Luz tariff
At Endesa, we offer the One Luz Tariff, the perfect option for those looking for that security and control in their bills. One Luz has a fixed price per kWh throughout the day, so you won't have to worry about schedules or consumption peaks in winter. Ideal if you spend a lot of time at home or for those who work from home. If you use electric heating, cook and use appliances at varied times, this tariff avoids surprises and allows you to plan your spending without worrying about time slots.
- Price per kWh: €0.1039 (now with a 10% discount, already applied, forever and another 10% extra for a year), which guarantees a stable cost without surprises.
- Contracted power: €2.711/kW per month, in both peak and off-peak periods.
- No commitment: you can change tariff whenever you need to, with no exit fees.
- 100% online management: sign up and control your consumption from the Endesa website or app.
- Current promotion: 20% discount during the first year and €50 in PARA TI points to redeem on products and services.
This tariff is ideal for households with consumption spread throughout the day, especially in winter, when heating and appliances run for longer. With the peace of mind of a stable price, you will be able to plan your energy spending without complications.
What is a time-of-use tariff?
Time-of-use is a type of electricity tariff that divides the day into different slots with different prices, so you can adapt your consumption and save on your bill. Specifically, three periods are established:
- Off-peak (cheapest): from 00:00 to 08:00 and all weekend. It is the perfect time to program appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers or the electric car charger.
- Shoulder (intermediate price): from 08:00 to 10:00, from 14:00 to 18:00 and from 22:00 to 00:00. Ideal for habitual household consumption.
- Peak (most expensive): from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 22:00. These are the hours of highest demand, so it is advisable to reduce the use of electrical appliances in this slot.
This type of tariff is perfect for those who can organise their consumption in the most economical hours, taking advantage of the early morning and weekends. If you have flexible habits or programmable appliances, time-of-use can help you achieve significant savings.
Endesa time-of-use tariff: One Luz 3 Periodos
If your goal is to take advantage of the most economical hours to reduce your bill, the One Luz 3 Periodos Tariff is perfect for you. This option divides the day into three time slots with different prices, so you can organise your consumption and save:
- Off-peak Price: €0.0741/kWh (00:00-08:00 and all weekend).
- Shoulder Price: €0.0993/kWh (08:00-10:00, 14:00-18:00, 22:00-00:00).
- Peak Price: €0.1605/kWh (10:00-14:00 and 18:00-22:00).
- Contracted power: €32.53/kW year.
- No commitment: you can change whenever you need to, with no exit fees.
- 100% online management: sign up and control your consumption from the website or app.
- Current promotion: 20% discount during the first year and €50 in PARA TI points to redeem on products and services.
If you can concentrate consumption in off-peak hours, for example, by programming washing machines, dishwashers or storage heaters at night, the savings can be significant. In addition, on weekends and holidays the off-peak price applies all day, which allows you to make the most of this type of tariff.
Quick comparison: fixed price vs. time-of-use
| empty table cell | Fixed price (One Luz) | Time-of-use (One Luz 3 Periodos) |
|---|---|---|
| Price per kWh | €0.1039/kWh | €0.0741-0.1605/kWh |
| Stability | Very high | Medium (depends on your habits) |
| Potential savings | Limited | High if you take advantage of off-peak hours |
| Complexity | Very simple | Requires adjusting routines |
Which one suits you best in the cold?
In winter, electricity consumption skyrockets: heating, appliances and lighting work more hours, and that shows in the bill. Choosing the right tariff can make a difference, but everything depends on your habits.
If you spend a lot of time at home and use heating all day, the fixed price tariff is your best ally. You won't have to watch the clock or worry about time slots. With a stable price 24 hours a day, you will avoid paying high prices in peak hours and will be able to plan your spending with total peace of mind.
If you can program consumption and concentrate it at night or on weekends, the time-of-use tariff is the most economical option. Programming washing machines, dishwashers or storage heaters in off-peak hours can reduce your bill by up to 30%. In addition, on weekends and holidays the lowest price applies all day, which multiplies savings opportunities.
In summary:
- Fixed price = comfort and stability, ideal for households with consumption spread throughout the day.
- Time-of-use = smart savings for those who can adapt their routines and take advantage of the cheapest hours.
Tips for choosing the best electricity tariff
As we have already seen, choosing the right tariff is not a matter of luck, but of knowing your habits and needs. Here are some practical tips:
Analyse your consumption
Check your bill and identify the times you use the most energy. If your usage is spread throughout the day, a fixed-price tariff can give you peace of mind. If, on the other hand, you can concentrate usage in certain hours, time-of-use can be your ally.
Consider heating
If your heating is electric and runs for many hours, the fixed tariff will help you avoid high costs in peak hours. That way you can keep your home warm without worrying about time slots.
Take advantage of technology
Timers and home automation systems are great allies to save with time-of-use. Likewise, programming washing machines, dishwashers or storage heaters in off-peak hours can also make a difference in your bill.
Compare prices and conditions
At Endesa you will find both plans with no commitment and with online discounts, so you can choose the option that best adapts to you.
In conclusion, there is no single answer, because every home is different:
With the cold weather, the key lies in knowing your habits and choosing the tariff that best adapts to them. If you have doubts, at Endesa we put online tools at your disposal to calculate your savings and sign up for the tariff that best suits you.
Take a minute to find the product that best suits you:
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Take a minute to find the product that best suits you:
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You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
Comparison of Electricity and Gas Tariffs
You don't need to adapt to Endesa's tariffs because they adapt to you. If you go to our catalogue you can compare the different tariffs for yourself. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few questions and we will take care of comparing all the different electricity and gas tariffs and then make a customised recommendation.
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