Smart Meter Best Times to Use Electricity
Your smart meter is a powerful tool for reducing energy bills. It shows real-time usage and costs, helping you identify the best times to use electricity.
This guide explains how to use your smart meter data to maximise savings.
Using your smart meter for savings
- Check your In-Home Display (IHD) throughout the day
- Look for patterns in your half-hourly usage data
- On variable tariffs, the IHD shows current prices
- Use your supplier app for detailed analytics
Check your region's energy mix before deciding when to use power
View live UK carbon intensity data
What your smart meter shows
Real-time usage
See exactly how much electricity you are using right now in kW.
Cost tracking
Monitor your daily, weekly, and monthly spending on energy.
Usage history
Half-hourly data shows when you use the most electricity.
Rate display
On Agile tariffs, see current and upcoming prices.
Finding the cheapest times
Your smart meter data reveals your personal usage patterns. Compare this with when electricity is cheapest to identify savings opportunities.
Step 1: Review your usage data
Check your supplier app or IHD for half-hourly usage. Identify spikes during peak hours (4pm–9pm).
Step 2: Identify shiftable appliances
Turn on appliances one at a time and watch your IHD. Note which ones use the most power.
Step 3: Shift to cheaper times
Move high-power activities to overnight or mid-day. See when to run appliances.
Variable tariffs and smart meters
Smart meters are essential for variable tariffs like Octopus Agile. They enable half-hourly billing and show you exactly what you are paying at any moment.
Many supplier apps show tomorrow's prices at 4pm, so you can plan your usage accordingly.
Smart meter tips
- Place your IHD somewhere visible to build awareness
- Check usage before and after making changes
- Download your supplier app for detailed analytics
- Set up alerts for high usage or cheap prices
- Compare your usage week-on-week to track progress
You could be overpaying for energy
Based on your usage and location, you may be able to save £100–£400/year
Start Saving on Your Energy Bills Today
- Find the cheapest times to use electricity
- Get alerts when energy is cheapest
- Save £200–£400 per year