Texas weather can shift quickly, from long stretches of heat to sudden winter storms. That kind of extreme weather pushes up electricity demand, which can raise costs for households. If you are on Rhythm’s PowerShift plan, you can save by adjusting when you use electricity, not just how much you use. This article offers practical tips to help you manage energy use through every season while keeping your home comfortable.
How PowerShift Works in Extreme Conditions
PowerShift is a time-of-use electricity plan. It gives you lower rates during off-peak hours and higher rates during times of high demand. When temperatures reach extremes, more people use energy during the same peak hours, which makes those times more expensive.
With PowerShift, using electricity outside of peak times becomes even more valuable during these periods. A few changes to your routine can keep you comfortable and lower your monthly bill.
Summer Strategies to Stay Cool and Spend Less
Air conditioning drives most home electricity use during Texas summers. These tips help you use your system more efficiently without losing comfort.
Cool Your Home Before Peak Hours Begin
Lower the thermostat in the morning or around midday. Then raise it slightly in the late afternoon when peak rates are in effect. This allows your system to use cheaper electricity and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Use Ceiling Fans and Keep Curtains Closed
Fans help circulate cool air without using much electricity. Curtains and blinds block out heat from the sun and reduce the load on your air conditioner.
Delay Appliances That Add Heat
Wait to run the dryer, dishwasher, or oven until after 8 p.m. or use them in the early morning. This reduces indoor heat and avoids higher electricity rates.
Use Thermostat Schedules
Set your thermostat in advance to follow off-peak hours. Smart thermostats work well here, but even manual settings can help when used consistently.
Winter Strategies to Stay Warm and Use Less
Cold snaps can create sudden spikes in electricity use, especially if your home uses electric heating. These strategies keep usage efficient.
Warm Up Early
Heat your home in the early morning or overnight. Then let the temperature drift slightly during peak hours. Blankets and layered clothing can help maintain comfort without added cost.
Time Your Cooking and Laundry
Use high-demand appliances like ovens and dryers outside of peak windows. This is one of the easiest ways to shift usage without inconvenience.
Seal Your Home
Use weatherstripping or draft blockers to keep warm air inside. A sealed home reduces how often your heating system runs.
Avoid Overcorrecting the Thermostat
Do not set the temperature much higher than needed after a peak period. That sudden load can spike your usage and make your system work harder than necessary.
Spring and Fall Tips for Extra Savings
These mild seasons offer the best chance to cut back without changing habits drastically.
Use Outdoor Air
Open windows when temperatures allow. This free airflow reduces your need for air conditioning or heating.
Test Your Shifting Habits
With HVAC systems used less often, spring and fall are good times to practice appliance timing. Adjust your routine and track the results through your Rhythm dashboard.
Prepare for the Next Season
Change your air filters, schedule maintenance, and inspect your thermostat settings. A little prep now can lead to better results in summer or winter.
During Storms or Grid Stress
Extreme weather sometimes leads to outages or high grid demand. When that happens, safety comes first, but smart usage still helps.
Charge devices during off-peak windows
Avoid high-load appliance use during alerts or peak hours
Unplug devices when outages are expected
Use portable units like heaters or coolers only when needed
Watch for conservation notices from ERCOT or your provider
By keeping usage off peak during storms, you support both your household and the larger grid.
Building Year-Round Habits
The best way to benefit from PowerShift is to build habits that align with its pricing structure. Focus on:
Air conditioning and heating timing
Appliance usage windows
Charging routines
Planning ahead when storms or seasonal changes are expected
Start with one or two changes. Over time, those adjustments lead to lower bills and a more efficient home without major sacrifice.
FAQs
Do PowerShift rate periods change by season?
Some plans adjust time periods slightly in summer or winter. You can find your specific rate windows in your Rhythm account or on your plan documents.
What are peak hours in summer?
Most peak hours fall between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., when demand for air conditioning is highest. Off-peak hours are early in the morning or late at night.
Can I use PowerShift to save during a heat wave?
Yes. Shifting air conditioning and appliance use to off-peak hours helps reduce your cost and lowers pressure on the grid.
Do I need smart devices to follow these strategies?
No. Many changes can be made manually. Smart devices make things easier, but basic planning still works.
Will this really make a difference in my bill?
Yes. Even small shifts in usage during high-demand seasons can lead to meaningful savings over time.
