If you're on a time-of-use electricity plan like Rhythm’s PowerShift, timing matters just as much as total usage. These plans offer lower rates during off-peak hours and higher ones during peak periods. That means small shifts in your daily habits, without using any less electricity overall, can still lead to meaningful savings. This guide explains how time-based plans work, why timing influences cost, and how to adjust your routines without disruption.
What Is a Time-of-Use Electricity Plan?
Time-of-use (TOU) plans reflect how electricity is priced and consumed throughout the day. In Texas, electricity demand rises and falls in predictable patterns, especially during high heat or cold snaps. To help balance the grid and encourage smarter usage, providers like Rhythm offer plans that price electricity based on demand levels during specific hours.
Here’s how it works:
Off-peak hours: Lower demand means lower rates
Peak hours: Higher demand means higher rates
Mid-peak (if applicable): Transitional periods between low and high usage
If you shift energy-intensive tasks away from peak periods, you can benefit from the lowest available rates—without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Why Timing Affects Cost More Than You Might Think
Electricity is produced and delivered in real time. Unlike water or gas, it can’t be easily stored at large scale. That means when millions of people use electricity at once, especially on hot afternoons when air conditioners are working hardest, providers must rely on more expensive power sources to meet the surge.
This added cost is passed along to consumers through higher rates during those peak windows.
On a time-of-use plan, this pricing model becomes visible on your bill. Your costs go up during peak periods and drop during off-peak hours, even if your total usage stays about the same.
What Are the Typical Peak and Off-Peak Hours?
Time windows can vary by plan and provider, but many follow this general pattern:
Time of Day | Rate Level |
6:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Off-Peak |
6:00 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Peak |
10 p.m. - 6 a.m. | Off-Peak |
Your specific hours will be listed in your plan documents, and Rhythm customers can always check their dashboard for rate period information.
Everyday Shifts That Lead to Long-Term Savings
Small adjustments in when you use electricity can lead to noticeable savings. These changes don’t require major lifestyle changes. It’s just a little planning and awareness.
1. Delay High-Load Tasks Until Off-Peak
Appliances like dryers, dishwashers, and ovens consume a lot of energy in a short period. Running them outside of peak hours can result in real savings.
Examples:
Run the dishwasher overnight instead of right after dinner
Dry laundry in the morning before work
Preheat the oven early, or batch cook outside of peak times
2. Pre-Cool or Pre-Heat Your Home
Your HVAC system is often the largest single source of electricity used in the home. Time-of-use plans reward households that manage climate control with a schedule in mind.
Tips:
Lower your thermostat in the summer before peak hours begin, so your system coasts through the afternoon
In winter, warm your home in the morning and let it cool slightly during peak
Use ceiling fans and curtains to maintain comfort without extra cooling or heating
3. Automate Device Use with Timers or Smart Controls
Smart plugs, programmable thermostats, and basic outlet timers can shift power use automatically.
Ideas:
Plug in coffee makers, slow cookers, or humidifiers and set them to run overnight
Use smart plugs for entertainment systems to power them off during inactive hours
Charge laptops, tablets, or gaming consoles outside of peak time
4. Time Your EV Charging Wisely
If you own an electric vehicle, charging at night can make a big difference. Some vehicles and chargers even let you schedule charging directly from your phone.
Charging during off-peak hours:
Helps you save money
Supports grid reliability
Often extends battery health by reducing heat during charging
5. Spread Out Your Usage Instead of Stacking It
Even if your total usage is moderate, stacking multiple appliances at the same time can spike your bill during peak hours.
Instead of:
Running the oven, washing machine, and dryer all at once
Try:
Running one appliance per hour, starting before or after peak pricing kicks in
How These Changes Add Up
Time-based plans like PowerShift are designed to reward behavior, not just consumption. A few extra minutes of planning each day can reduce your bill without requiring you to cut back on what you actually use.
Over time, this can lead to:
Lower overall electricity costs
A smoother, more predictable bill
A positive impact on statewide grid stability
It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about forming smart habits that, once in place, require little effort to maintain.
What Else Helps?
To get the most out of a time-of-use plan, it helps to:
Review your usage patterns using your provider’s dashboard or app
Set reminders or alerts for peak windows
Combine smart devices with conscious habits
Adjust based on the season (summer peak usage patterns often differ from winter)
If you’re enrolled in a time-of-use electricity plan, your habits matter. The good news? You don’t need to use less, you just need to shift when you use the most. Whether it’s adjusting your laundry routine, programming your thermostat, or delaying your dishwasher, the key is staying aware of when energy costs more and building your schedule around that.
Start small. Be consistent. And let your bill reflect the benefits of smarter timing.
