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Time-of-Use Optimizer

Free Nights sounds great. The 22c daytime rate? Not so much.

18-22c

Typical Peak Rate

FREE

Off-Peak Rate

68%

Miss Peak Savings

$47

Avg Wasted/Month

See Where Your Money Goes

This is what a typical day looks like on a Free Nights plan. Red = you're paying 22c. Green = it's free. Notice how much red there is?

See Where Your Money Goes

Peak: 6:00–21:00
0
4
8
12
16
20
Daily total:
38.8 kWh

This "Free Nights" plan cost $2.78 MORE than a simple flat rate.

$6.82

Spent during peak (31 kWh x 22c)

$0.00

Spent during free hours (5.7 kWh)

$4.04

If you were on 11c flat rate

The free hours only covered 15% of daily usage.

It's not free. It's a trade-off. Here's what providers don't explain.

The Truth About "Free" Electricity

  • Claim

    Free Nights and Weekends!

    Truth

    Nights are "free" but the daytime rate is 18-22c/kWh. A flat-rate plan at 11c would cost less for most people. The math only works if you use 60%+ of your electricity during free hours--and most people don't.

  • Claim

    Perfect for families with flexible schedules

    Truth

    Do you really want to run your dishwasher at 10pm every night? Do laundry only on weekends? The "flexibility" required is often impractical. Most families end up using significant electricity during peak hours without realizing the cost.

  • Claim

    You'll save money automatically

    Truth

    TOU plans require active management. If you forget to shift your heavy usage, you pay MORE than a flat rate. There's no automatic savings--only potential savings if you change your behavior consistently.

  • Claim

    Free hours: 9pm to 6am

    Truth

    True--but 9pm is when most people are winding down. The window for actually using "free" electricity is narrow. And if you run your dryer at 8pm instead of 9pm, you're paying 22c/kWh for that mistake.

TOU plans can work--if you manage them actively. We make that easy.

How We Help You Actually Save

Free Hour Countdown

Always know exactly when free hours start and end. A live countdown in your dashboard so you never miss the window.

Shift Reminders

"Free electricity starts in 30 minutes. Delay your dishwasher to save $2.40." Practical, actionable nudges.

Peak vs Off-Peak Analysis

See exactly how much electricity you're using during expensive hours vs free hours. Spot the leaks.

Cost Comparison

What you paid on your TOU plan vs what you'd pay on a flat rate. Know if your plan is actually working.

Shift Impact Calculator

If you moved your dryer to 9pm instead of 7pm, here's how much you'd save per month.

Peak Usage Warnings

Running the dryer during peak hours? We'll alert you: "This load is costing $1.80. Delay 2 hours to make it free."

The Break-Even Math

The Break-Even Math

  • Typical User (35% off-peak)
    TOU total vs $110.00 flat rate -- losing $33/month
    $143.00
  • Optimized User (65% off-peak) Cheapest
    TOU total vs $110.00 flat rate -- saving $33/month
    $77.00
  • Comparable Flat Rate (11c/kWh)
    No shifting required -- the baseline to beat
    $110.00

Break-even point: ~60% off-peak usage.

We'll tell you exactly where you stand--and whether to switch.

Small changes in timing = big savings over a year.

Easy Shifts That Add Up

Suggested shifts

Monthly savings: $78
  • Dishwasher
    7PM 9PM
    +$7
    / month
  • Clothes Dryer
    6PM 9PM
    +$5
    / month
  • EV Charging
    6PM 9PM
    +$33
    / month
  • Pool Pump
    12AM 9PM
    +$33
    / month

From TOU Skeptics to Savers

  • "I thought I was saving money on Free Nights. The optimizer showed I was using 70% of my electricity during peak hours. Switched to a flat rate and now I actually save $40/month."
    SM
    Sarah M.
    Dallas, TX
  • "The 30-minute reminder changed everything. I now run my dishwasher every night at 9pm instead of 7pm. Small change, big savings."
    MT
    Marcus T.
    Houston, TX
  • "Finally understand why my "free nights" bill was still $200. I was using the AC all afternoon at 22c/kWh. Nobody told me until Compare Power showed me the breakdown."
    JL
    Jennifer L.
    Austin, TX

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know my plan's TOU schedule?
What if my TOU plan has weekends free too?
Are TOU plans always bad?
Can you help me shift my usage?
What's the "break-even" for a TOU plan?

Is Your TOU Plan Actually Saving You Money?

Most people on Free Nights plans are paying MORE than they would on a flat rate. We'll analyze your usage, show you the math, and tell you the truth. If TOU is working for you, great. If not, we'll find something better.