Do you want to lower your electricity bills? Check how the night tariff works and why it can be the key to savings. Find out how to plan your energy consumption to pay less. These simple tricks can help you save.

How to lower your electricity bill? Switch to a night tariff and start planning your energy consumption

Electricity bills can keep you up at night – especially when they get higher and higher from month to month. Many people wonder how they can save money without having to give up the convenience we are used to. It turns out that the answer may be simpler than it seems: you just need to plan your energy consumption better and – if possible – switch to night tariff.

What is a night tariff?

The night tariff, i.e. an offer divided into peak and off-peak hours, is a method of billing for electricity that rewards electricity consumption outside the most expensive hours of the day. Put simply, you pay less if you use energy when others are sleeping or at work.

The most common night tariff is the so-called G12which divides the day into two time zones:

  • Day (peak hours) – most often from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Night (off-peak hours) – from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and often a short block during the day, e.g. between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

During these “night” hours, electricity may be even cheaper 20-30% compared to standard single-zone tariffs. Sounds good? Now let’s see how to switch to the night tariff and make the most of it.

How to switch to a night tariff?

Contrary to appearances, changing the tariff is not black magic. Just contact your electricity supplier and submit the appropriate application. This can be done online, by phone or in person at a customer service point.

However, it is worth knowing that using the night tariff requires having one two-zone counter. If you still have an old meter, your electricity supplier will have to replace it.

Is the night tariff worth it?

It depends on your lifestyle. If you run a house where the washing machine, dishwasher and other household appliances operate mainly in the evenings or in the morning, changing the tariff will probably bring results quickly.

On the other hand, if you use electricity mainly during the day and the house is empty in the evening or at night, then the night tariff may turn out to be a failure.

Therefore, before you make a decision, it is worth counting how much energy you use in each hour. You don’t have to do it manually – just look at your electricity supplier’s invoices or applications, which often show a detailed breakdown of energy consumption. If you don’t have the opportunity to use these solutions, all you can do is watch the meter and take notes.

Planning electricity consumption – the key to success

Switching to a night tariff is one thing, but real savings only begin when you plan your use of electrical appliances well.

Washing machine and dishwasher overnight

Modern devices have a delayed start function. So you can load the washing machine in the evening, set the timer and let it run when electricity is cheaper. Similarly with the dishwasher – instead of turning it on immediately after dinner, schedule the cycle for the night hours.

Water heating and electric heating

If you have an electric boiler or electricity heating, the night tariff is a real salvation for you. Boilers can heat water at cheaper times, and you use it all day long. Similarly with heating – programmed radiators can heat the apartment at night and gradually release heat during the day.

Charging electronic devices

A laptop, smartphone or electric scooter – all these devices can be charged at night. Just connect them to the charger before bed, and in the morning they are ready to go.

Cooking and baking

If you have an electric oven, try to schedule larger baking or meal prep times during off-peak hours. Many people do it, for example, in the evening, when baking bread for the next day.

Is the night tariff the only way to save?

Not everyone can switch their lives to night mode, so in addition to changing the tariff, it is worth thinking about other tricks to save electricity:

  • LED instead of traditional light bulbs – use up to 80% less energy.
  • Strips with a switch – they allow you to avoid “silent” power consumption by devices in standby mode.
  • Energy-saving household appliances – maybe it’s worth replacing your old fridge or washing machine with a more efficient model?
  • Using natural light – sometimes it’s enough to just open the curtains.

Is it worth changing to a night tariff?

If your home uses a lot of electricity in the evenings and at night, the G12 tariff may be a hit. Appropriate planning of energy consumption – from washing, through cooking, to charging devices – can bring real savings.

However, remember that the night tariff is not a magical solution that suits everyone. It is worth thinking carefully about your daily routine, analyzing your bills and only then making a decision. And when you decide to change, try to organize your household chores so that you actually pay less for electricity. This may be the beginning of new habits that will quickly start working to your wallet’s advantage.