Time-of-Use Optimizer
Free Nights sounds great. The 22c daytime rate? Not so much.
Time-of-use plans promise free electricity at night. What they don't advertise: the daytime rate is often 2-3x higher than a flat-rate plan. We track when you actually use electricity, remind you when free hours start, and tell you if your TOU plan is costing you more than it saves.
- Know exactly when free/cheap hours start and end
- Reminders: "Free electricity starts in 30 minutes"
- See how much you're using during peak vs off-peak
- Calculate if TOU is actually saving you money
- Shift suggestions for laundry, dishwasher, EV charging
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?
Spent during peak (31 kWh x 22c)
Spent during free hours (5.7 kWh)
If you were on 11c flat rate
This "Free Nights" plan cost $2.78 MORE than a simple flat rate.
The free hours only covered 15% of daily usage.
The Truth About "Free" Electricity
It's not free. It's a trade-off. Here's what providers don't explain.
"Free Nights and Weekends!"
Source: TXU, Reliant, others
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.
"Perfect for families with flexible schedules"
Source: Provider marketing
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.
"You'll save money automatically"
Source: Plan assumptions
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.
"Free hours: 9pm to 6am"
Source: TXU Free Nights plan
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.
How We Help You Actually Save
TOU plans can work--if you manage them actively. We make that easy.
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
Your TOU Plan vs Flat Rate
Peak Rate (6am-9pm)
Off-Peak Rate (9pm-6am)
Comparable Flat Rate
Typical User (35% off-peak)
Optimized User (65% off-peak)
Break-even point: ~60% off-peak usage.
We'll tell you exactly where you stand--and whether to switch.
Easy Shifts That Add Up
Small changes in timing = big savings over a year.
Dishwasher
Move from7:00 PM → 9:00 PM
$0.33 x 20uses
Clothes Dryer
Move from6:00 PM → 9:00 PM
$0.66 x 8uses
EV Charging
Move from6:00 PM → 9:00 PM
$2.20 x 15uses
Pool Pump
Move fromAfternoon → After 9 PM
$1.10 x 30uses
Just by shifting these four appliances to after 9pm.
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."
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."
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."
Jennifer L.
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know my plan's TOU schedule?
When you enroll through Compare Power, we capture your exact plan terms--including free hour windows, peak rates, and any weekend rules. We read the EFL so you don't have to decode the fine print.
What if my TOU plan has weekends free too?
We track all your plan's rules. Free nights AND free weekends? We'll show you separate analyses for weekdays vs weekends, and help you maximize both windows. Some plans have different rates for different seasons too--we track that.
Are TOU plans always bad?
No--they're great for the right household. If you work nights, have an EV you charge at night, or genuinely use most electricity after 9pm, TOU can save you real money. But for average families with 9-5 schedules? Usually not. We'll tell you which category you're in.
Can you help me shift my usage?
That's the whole point. We send reminders before free hours start. We show you which appliances to delay. We calculate the exact savings for each shift. We can't run your dishwasher for you, but we can make sure you remember to wait until 9pm.
What's the "break-even" for a TOU plan?
Typically, you need 55-65% of your usage during free hours to beat a flat-rate plan. We calculate your exact break-even based on your specific plan rates and show you where you currently stand. Most people are surprised--they're usually at 30-40%.
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.
Analyze My Usage