Managing consumption around peak and off-peak hours

How can you manage your consumption according to peak and off-peak hours? To manage consumption according to peak and off-peak hours, you can take out a specific contract with dual pricing for electricity consumption. During off-peak hours, when overall electricity demand is at its lowest, the price per kWh is reduced. Conversely, during peak hours, when energy demand is high, it is higher. The reason is simple: the higher the electricity consumption, the more expensive electricity is to produce. To limit electricity consumption during demand peaks, some countries such as France therefore offer a system that divides the day in two: peak hours and off-peak hours. To benefit from this dual pricing, you need to take out a contract with the peak / off-peak (HPHC) option from your supplier. This means a slightly higher subscription cost than a contract with the base option, but ensures a lower price per kWh during off-peak hours. Then, to monitor consumption, in particular during peak and off-peak hours, you can check the statement on your bill or read it directly on the meter: • Electromechanical meter: with a suitable contract, it has two dials, peak hours (HP) and off-peak hours (HC). • Electronic meter (Linky type): simply press the “scroll” button to display the consumption readings. How do you know the peak and off-peak hours? Peak hours correspond to the hours of the day when human activity is at its highest and therefore when electricity needs are greatest: generally from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Off-peak hours, on the other hand, correspond to the hours when consumption is lower: from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. These times are set by Enedis, the electricity network operator, and cannot be changed by either the supplier or the customer. A day consists of 16 peak hours and 8 off-peak hours. What are the benefits of an off-peak / peak hours contract? For the consumer, the peak and off-peak hours system makes it possible to save money. By shifting the use of energy-intensive appliances to off-peak hours, consumption is reduced while helping to secure the country’s electricity supply. To make the most of this type of contract, you can also program the hot water tank to switch on during off-peak hours, schedule the cycles of electrical appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, etc.), charge electric vehicles and machines at night, etc.

Sector:

France