How to make the most out of Economy 7 - What are your tips?

Money_saving_Martyn

Hi all!

I've just moved into a flat with an economy 7 meter installed.

Do any of you have some tips on squeezing the most out of the cheap electricity (other than sleeping all day!)?

So far we're using the electric shower and water heater in the mornings just before it switches over.....

Graham1

Some people run their washing machine on a timer, so it starts early enough to finish before the rate change time in the morning. Similarly any other devices with a timer built in (breadmakers etc.).

Any electrical device that generates heat is a good candidate for try to run at night instead of day, if possible, as those are the ones that consume the most electricity. Other devices, like mobile phone rechargers, use much less - but over the course of a year can save a few pence if used only at night (ideally with a timer to avoid overcharging the device).

Remember most switch-over times are GMT, so you have to be an early riser in winter to use the cheap rate for morning showers/breakfast cooking at that time of the year.

Cardew

Bear in mind that some appliances - particularly washing machines - are noisy and in a flat can disturb neighours. In fact their use is banned at night in some blocks.

Ken68

Doesn't really pay Martyn, unless you on storage heaters.In which case you can recover the extra daytime rate charge.
I gave up after putting the washing machine on for night-time use and blockage caused a back up overflow.
Never ever again will I leave owt on at night.

Gavioli_UK

Money_saving_Martyn wrote: »

Hi all!

I've just moved into a flat with an economy 7 meter installed.

Do any of you have some tips on squeezing the most out of the cheap electricity (other than sleeping all day!)?

So far we're using the electric shower and water heater in the mornings just before it switches over.....

I think the most important tip is to know when the cheap rate actually is for your supply. Confirm the actual times for the cheaper rate. If it is a mechanical time switch you should be able to see the settings. If it is a radio teleswich find out from your distribution company (not supplier) the actual times for their area and check they have given you the correct information by obersing the meter at change over time. My cheaper rate is 01:00 - 08:00 all year round. I am usually up by 06:00, so breakfasts are at the cheaper rate most days. I also know I have until 08:00 to save a little using equipment by then if appropriate. My gas central heating comes on at 05.30, so the pump is running at the cheaper rate for 2.5hrs - another small saving.

Use washing machine and dishwasher on timer using a suitable time switch if it does not allow a delayed start. Some electronic timers are not suitable for an inductive load. When you can't dry clothes outside use dryer on timer. As Cardew says may not be appropriate in a flat, but you may be lucky and have a late "finish" like me.

I think a major factor for getting the best out of E7 without heating is how many are in the household. There are only 2 of us and we get between 30%(winter) and 40%(summer) of our consumption at the cheaper rate.

Jonesya

Tumble dryer?

Cardew

Another point is that the difference(premium) on daytime electricity over night rates varies hugely by company, tariff, area and consumption; and consequently the 'break even' point varies a great deal.

Somebody posted their rates on here a couple of weeks ago showing that their break even point was under 10%.

One factor that persuaded me to stop E7 was that we found we were putting on dishwasher(particularly) washing machine and dryer on overnight when they were not full, to take advantage of cheap electricity, - a false economy!