Smart home devices are more than just convenient. For customers on Rhythm’s PowerShift plan, they can also help reduce electricity costs. PowerShift rewards you for using electricity during off-peak hours. With the right automation in place, you can time your usage without needing to constantly watch the clock. This article explores how smart appliance automation fits naturally with time-based electricity pricing and how you can get started without overcomplicating your life.
Why PowerShift Rewards Timing
PowerShift is a time-of-use electricity plan. It offers lower rates when electricity demand is lower, usually during overnight and midday hours. Peak hours, typically in the late afternoon and early evening, come with higher rates.
Instead of focusing on how much electricity you use, PowerShift helps you save based on when you use it. That means even small timing adjustments can have a noticeable impact on your bill.
This is where automation becomes valuable.
What Is Smart Appliance Automation?
Smart appliance automation allows your home to manage certain tasks on its own, based on the schedule you set or the conditions you define. That could mean:
Running your dishwasher at midnight instead of 6 p.m.
Charging devices after 10 p.m. when rates drop
Adjusting your thermostat before peak hours begin
Powering down unused appliances during expensive hours
These actions happen automatically, so you do not have to remember to make changes every day.
Common Devices That Support Automation
Many homes already have devices that can be scheduled or controlled remotely. These include:
Thermostats that adjust temperature by time of day
Plugs or power strips with timers or smart controls
Appliances that allow delayed starts, like dishwashers and washing machines
Home energy systems with usage tracking and control panels
Even basic timers can be enough to shift loads away from peak periods.
You do not need a fully connected smart home. You just need a few tools that can help you align your usage with PowerShift’s lower-priced hours. Or, you can adjust your settings on your existing devices.
How Automation Works with Time-of-Use Plans
When electricity prices change throughout the day, smart automation gives you more control without more effort. Here are a few examples of how it plays out:
Example 1: Laundry
You load the washer and dryer in the evening, but instead of starting the cycle right away, you use the “delay start” feature. The machines begin overnight, when rates are lower. Clothes are ready in the morning, and you avoided peak pricing entirely.
Example 2: Thermostat Control
You set your thermostat to cool your home more aggressively in the morning and early afternoon. Just before peak hours begin, it eases back slightly, letting the system coast without needing to run as often. Comfort is maintained, and usage is timed more effectively. Or, we can help you save, you can help the grid, and you don't have to lift a finger with our Peak Payback Demand Response Program.
Example 3: Device Charging
Using a smart plug or built-in scheduling, you set your laptop, vacuum, or tablet to charge between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. No power flows to the outlet during peak hours, and your devices are fully charged when you need them.
Benefits Beyond Lower Bills
Smart automation can help you save, but it also creates other advantages:
Less effort: Once schedules are set, your devices work behind the scenes.
More consistency: Automation removes the guesswork and keeps you on track.
Greater insight: Many smart devices show how much energy you use and when. That helps you understand your habits and make smarter decisions.
Better comfort: Pre-heating or pre-cooling your home can keep things comfortable while using less energy during peak periods.
Over time, these benefits compound, making your PowerShift plan work even harder for your household.
Tips for Getting Started with Automation
You do not need to overhaul your home to take advantage of automation. Start with one or two areas and build from there.
Start Small
Pick one routine to automate, such as the dishwasher or thermostat. Once that habit is established, look for another opportunity.
Use Built-In Features
Many appliances already support delayed starts or scheduling. You do not need new devices, just the instructions or app that came with them.
Set It and Review It
Once your schedule is working, check in every so often to confirm it still matches your routine. Small life changes may require updates to your settings.
Focus on Peak Hours
Make sure the devices you automate are moving usage away from peak windows. That is when the savings are greatest.
Making PowerShift Work for You
The PowerShift plan is designed to reward flexibility. Smart appliance automation supports that flexibility by making it easy to use electricity when rates are lowest, without needing to watch the clock or change your lifestyle.
If your household has consistent routines, automation helps you lock in better timing. If your schedule changes frequently, smart devices still give you options to stay efficient without constant management.
Smart automation is not about fancy tech. It’s about giving your home a rhythm that works with your electricity plan and not against it. With a few simple tools or settings, you can shift your usage, lower your costs, and get more out of PowerShift with less daily effort.
Think of it as setting your energy to autopilot, timed for smarter savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What appliances benefit the most from smart automation on PowerShift?
High-usage appliances like dryers, dishwashers, and HVAC systems are ideal for automation. Devices that draw steady power over long periods also benefit from scheduled usage.
Do I need a full smart home setup to save on PowerShift?
No. Even basic timers, delayed start features, or one or two smart plugs can make a difference. You can start small and still shift your usage effectively.
How do I know which hours are off-peak on my PowerShift plan?
Your plan documents or Rhythm account dashboard will show current peak and off-peak windows. These can vary slightly by season or region, so it helps to review them regularly.
What happens if I forget to schedule my devices?
You will still have power, but your usage during peak hours will cost more. Automation is helpful because it reduces the chance of missing your ideal window.
Can smart devices really help lower my electricity bill?
Yes. By shifting your electricity use to lower-cost hours consistently, smart automation supports long-term savings, especially on time-of-use plans like PowerShift.
