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‘My time-of-use tariff is driving me up the wall’: our experts respond
Time-of-use tariffs split electricity prices into different periods throughout the day, with the promise of lower bills if you concentrate your consumption during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheapest. It’s a simple way to optimise energy costs.
However, many households simply find it impossible to adapt. They feel the frustration of organising their time around a schedule they can't stick to, often resulting in less savings than expected. At that point, the smartest move is to look for alternatives, but what are the options?
The question we hear most, both in summer and winter
During periods of extreme heat or cold, concerns about electricity bills tend to soar. In summer, customers on time-of-use tariffs often wonder whether it’s really worth putting up with the heat during the day, when electricity prices are usually at their highest. In winter, with electric heating running for long hours, users wonder whether there’s any way to stay comfortable without overpaying.
The reality is that during periods of heavy heating or cooling demand, a strict time-of-use tariff may offer fewer advantages. If you feel like your bill is spiralling out of control because you can’t adapt your consumption to fit peak, shoulder, and off-peak time slots, switching to a fixed-rate tariff is often the most sensible solution. To make the right decision, the best approach is to compare fixed-rate and time-of-use tariffs based on your habits and see which model truly fits your real energy consumption.
Why time-of-use tariffs don’t work for every household
Time-of-use pricing offers advantages for those who can adapt their schedule to peak, shoulder, and off-peak periods. Among other reasons, these time slots are designed to encourage electricity use when the electricity grid is less congested. However, concentrating consumption during off-peak hours is impossible for many families. For example, households with young children who need baths, dinner, and heating during the central hours of the day have needs that directly clash with off-peak schedules.
If your peak demand inevitably falls during peak hours (from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), you are consistently paying the highest price for energy. In these cases, switching to a fixed-rate tariff is a logical step toward optimisation.
Because not every routine can be flexible, it’s essential to understand what time-of-use pricing is and how it works to see whether your tariff is actually working for you.
How to tell whether your time-of-use tariff suits you
To determine when it makes sense to switch tariffs, the most powerful tool is your own electricity bill or your Customer Area:
- First, review your consumption breakdown by time period.
- Second, consider whether it is realistically possible to shift at least 30% of your total monthly consumption to off-peak hours. Ask yourself: Can I schedule my laundry cycles? Does my electric water heater allow for timer control?
By analysing your habits, you’ll be able to identify the real limitations of your day-to-day schedule. If you find you can't adapt, it’s best to take action as soon as possible. Explore the tariffs currently available in our new catalogue to find one that doesn’t force you to watch the clock.
If you stick with a time-of-use tariff: the 3 habits that really make a difference
If, after reviewing our tariffs, you decide to stay with this pricing model but still want to reduce your total spending, there are three simple habits that can help you make the most of electricity time slots and lower your bill:
- Schedule your washing machine and dishwasher during off-peak hours: you don’t need to wake up in the middle of the night. Use the built-in timers on your appliances to run them during the cheapest time period. Check the best time to run your washing machine and automatically avoid the most expensive time slots.
- Charge devices overnight: from mobile phones to robot vacuums and electric scooters. Plug them in overnight to take advantage of cheaper electricity.
- Make the most of weekends and public holidays: remember that Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays offer off-peak pricing 24 hours a day. It’s the ideal time to carry out energy-intensive tasks, such as using the oven.
You can also try to save without drastically changing your habits by using ECO programmes or lowering washing temperatures, which reduces costs regardless of the time of day.
If you want to stop watching the clock: what are the alternatives?
If, on the other hand, you’d rather stop worrying about electricity schedules altogether, fixed-rate tariffs ensure the price per kWh stays the same at any time of day, giving you extra peace of mind.
At Endesa, we offer the Conecta Tariff, designed to keep things simple:
- The same price for consumption 24 hours a day.
- No long-term commitment.
- Savings from day one: stable pricing for 2 years + a 20% discount during the first year for new customers.
By choosing a fixed-rate tariff, you avoid surprises on your bill and regain the freedom to use your home whenever you want.
The expert’s direct answer: what I would do in your shoes
‘My logic is simple: energy should serve you, not the other way around. If you’re checking the clock every time you switch on the lights, a time-of-use tariff will cost you not only money, but also mental well-being. In this case, I would prioritise peace of mind if daytime consumption is unavoidable due to work or family commitments.’
Switching to a fixed-rate tariff frees you from constantly watching time slots. In addition, changing your tariff is a very simple process, and in most cases there is no long-term commitment.
FAQ
Can I switch back to a non-time-based tariff if I change my mind?
Yes, of course. Switching tariffs is your right. In the deregulated market, it is generally free of charge and does not involve cancellation penalties provided you don’t have any additional services linked to your plan. The administrative process usually takes between 15 and 20 working days, and it does not require any changes to your installation or interruptions to your power supply.
How much do I need to consume during off-peak hours for it to be worthwhile?
As a rule of thumb, you need to concentrate at least 30% of your monthly consumption during off-peak periods (nights and weekends) for a time-of-use tariff to be more affordable than a fixed-rate tariff.
Is a time-of-use tariff always cheaper than a fixed-rate tariff?
No. It depends entirely on your usage patterns and on market conditions. During periods of stable or low prices, a fixed-rate tariff can be just as advantageous or even cheaper than time-of-use pricing, with the added security that your bill won’t fluctuate due to external events.
Are there any tariffs that save money without me having to change my habits?
Yes. There are adaptive tariffs that automatically analyse your consumption patterns through a smart meter and apply discounts during your highest-usage periods, without the need to reschedule anything.
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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