Understanding how and why these seasonal variations occur, and why electricity consumption changes with the time of year, is key to managing our expenses better and anticipating costs. Choosing the right tariff and implementing energy-saving measures, such as taking advantage of the hours when electricity is cheapest, will help reduce your impact on the environment and on your bill.

Electricity consumption: factors that affect it during the year

Variations in electricity consumption are influenced by various factors (climatic, social, technological, and economic) that change with the seasons:

Climate factors

Extreme temperatures, in summer and winter, increase energy demand due to the frequent use of heating and cooling systems. In the months of intense heat, air conditioning and fans account for the majority of consumption, while in winter, electric heating, radiators, and heat pumps are the appliances that drive up bills at the end of the month. Furthermore, the hours of natural daylight also affect our need for artificial lighting, as there are more hours of sunlight in summer, which reduces the need for electric light.

Changes in habits

Holidays, remote working, and the back-to-school period often change our schedules and the amount of time we spend at home. During the summer, many families spend more hours or days away from home, which can reduce electricity consumption in the main residence but increase it in the second home. In autumn and during the school year, household routines lead to more consistent use of lighting and appliances, thus increasing energy demand.

Influence of energy efficiency and new appliances

Switching to more efficient appliances, LED bulbs, or having smart heating and cooling systems helps reduce and stabilise consumption. But we must also consider the intensive use of certain appliances in specific seasons, as well as the addition of new devices, such as electric vehicle chargers and home automation systems, which can alter traditional patterns.

Differences between homes and small businesses

While households may experience consumption increases from the use of heating and cooling systems during the morning and evening, small businesses and offices show peaks during working hours, so they must adjust their consumption according to work activity, public holidays, and seasonal demand. Economic activity and the holiday season influence the overall demand on the electricity system.

Electricity prices in each season: when is it most expensive?

The price of electricity also varies with the seasons and depends on energy demand, the tariff plan you are on, the cost of generation, and external factors like the price of gas.

PVPC vs. Fixed-rate tariff: Key differences and seasonal behaviour

PVPC (Voluntary Price for the Small Consumer): This regulated tariff varies every hour according to the wholesale market and reflects the real cost of electricity. It is sensitive to seasonal demand peaks, which is why it tends to become more expensive at times of high demand (e.g., in summer and winter).

Fixed-rate tariff: Maintains a stable price throughout the year. It is an ideal tariff for those who prefer predictability, although it can be more expensive if it is not well-matched to actual consumption.

Peak, shoulder, and off-peak periods: how to take advantage of them during the year

Peak: These are the hours with the highest energy demand, meaning they are the most expensive. It is recommended to avoid using high-power electrical appliances during these hours.

Shoulder: These are the intermediate hours, so they have a moderate cost. In summer, you can use the daytime shoulder band to minimise energy consumption costs without sacrificing comfort.

Off-peak: These are concentrated in the night-time or low-demand hours (cheapest), and on weekends. Using the off-peak periods for high-consumption tasks—like running the washing machine, dishwasher, or oven, cooking large meals, or charging devices—is an ideal way to significantly reduce your electricity bill.

Time-of-use tariffs: benefits for each season

These types of tariffs can be very advantageous and help you pay less if you concentrate your consumption, especially the use of appliances, in the off-peak hours. In winter, for example, heating can be scheduled for the cheaper hours, while in summer the same can be done with the air conditioning. It is also recommended to charge storage heaters or electric vehicles at night.

Electricity consumption patterns in summer, autumn, and winter

Each season has specific characteristics that affect electricity consumption in a home, office, or commercial premises, and heating/cooling is the main driver of these changing habits:

• Summer: In this season, the use of air conditioning and fans increases. We recommend keeping the air conditioning at 25°C and alternating it with fans to reduce its run time. This will help minimise spending by up to 30%. Other resources for saving energy are awnings, cross-ventilation, and on/off timers.
• Winter: Consumption usually increases due to the use of electric heating, using lights for longer (as there are fewer hours of sunlight), and more frequent use of equipment like ovens, hobs, and tumble dryers. Good home insulation and using smart or programmable thermostats helps control energy demand.
• Autumn: This is considered the most balanced season and a transitional period with lower demand, as it is the season when routines resume after the summer, which stabilises consumption. In autumn, it is advisable to take advantage of natural light, as the sun is still out for more hours, and to service your equipment to make sure it's ready before winter arrives.

Average household consumption in Spain by season