An attractive option under certain conditions!
If your home has an operational dual hourly rate meter, you are strongly advised to adapt your electricity consumption accordingly: daytime hours and the night and during the weekend.
dual hourly rateIn fact, while the rate charged for electricity used at night and during the weekend is particularly advantageous, the rate for daytime consumption is slightly higher than that charged with the single-rate system. For the dual hourly rate to be really advantageous, it is essential to plan to use electricity at night and during the weekend and legal holidays as much as possible (for example dishwasher, washing machine). When buying a household electrical appliance such as a dishwasher, a tumble dryer or a dishwasher, be sure to choose a model with a timer!
Moreover, the cost of installing a special dual hourly rate meter and the fixed fee liked to the supply contract are higher than the amounts you pay with a single-rate contract. It is therefore important to plan your electricity consumption properly in order to ensure that your investment pays.
When is this advantageous?
To find out if you should switch to or stay with a dual hourly rate, apply one simple rule: make a note of the index of your electricity meter every day at 7.00 am and at 10.00 pm for a fortnight. Then calculate the quantity of power used during the day and the quantity used at night and during the weekend. As a pointer, remember that:
- if you use more than 50 % of your electricity at night and during the weekend, it is to your advantage to switch to the dual hourly rate;
- if you use more than 30 % of your electricity at night and during the weekend, but you have already had a dual hourly rate meter fitted, it is to your advantage to stay with the dual hourly rate
- otherwise, it is best to stay with or return to the single rate.