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Neither plan is always cheaper. A time-of-use (TOU) tariff can lower your bill when you can move substantial electricity use into the utility’s low-price periods and avoid peak hours. A single-rate plan is often cheaper—or easier to budget—when your biggest loads occur during peaks, cannot be shifted, or the TOU discount is outweighed by higher peak prices and fixed charges. The answer depends on your local tariff, meter, contract and actual hourly or interval usage.
Start with the right comparison: single-rate versus TOU
People use “fixed-rate” to mean two different things. A supplier may lock a unit price for a contract term, or it may charge one usage price at every hour of the day. For comparing usage pricing with TOU, the second meaning—single-rate—is the useful one. A single-rate tariff has no peak or off-peak periods, according to Energy Made Easy. A contract can have a fixed unit price and still use a single-rate structure, while another contract could lock a TOU schedule for a term.
TOU changes the energy price according to the time electricity is consumed. The Ontario Energy Board summarizes the distinction plainly: with TOU, the price depends on when you use electricity. California’s utility regulator likewise says electricity consumed at peak times costs more than electricity used off-peak. Your bill may still contain a daily supply charge, standing charge, taxes, rebates, demand charges or other items that do not vary with the hour.
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You can move large, flexible loads
TOU works best when a meaningful share of your consumption can be scheduled in low-price periods without reducing comfort or safety. Common candidates include:
#1 Best Overall
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD Display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
- Electric-vehicle charging, especially with a timer or vehicle schedule.
- Dishwashers and washing machines that can run overnight or on weekends.
- Electric water heating when the tank or controller supports timed operation.
- Pool pumps, dehumidifiers and other equipment that can run outside peak windows.
- Pre-cooling or pre-heating, where local weather, equipment and comfort allow it.
The saving comes from changing when those kilowatt-hours are used, not from using more electricity. Automatic controls make the change easier and reduce the chance that a high-power appliance runs during an expensive period.
Your peak demand is small or avoidable
A home whose unavoidable use is concentrated in the evening—such as electric cooking, heating, cooling or medical equipment—may have little opportunity to benefit. A TOU plan can charge a premium for precisely those hours. Before switching, identify the loads that cannot be moved and estimate their kWh in each peak window.
You can accept a less predictable bill
TOU rewards active management. Weather, visitors, work schedules and a missed timer can move consumption into a costly period. If predictable monthly budgeting matters more than optimizing usage, a single-rate plan may be worth a modest expected premium.
When a single-rate plan is likely to be cheaper or safer
- Peak loads are unavoidable: electric resistance heating, air-conditioning, cooking or hot-water use dominates the hours your utility prices highest.
- Your schedule is inflexible: occupants need appliances during peak windows, or you cannot safely automate them.
- The TOU spread is narrow: a small off-peak discount may not offset the peak premium and any higher supply charge.
- You lack the required meter: many TOU programs need a meter that records consumption by time interval.
- The contract is restrictive: an exit fee, minimum term or loss of a protected default rate can erase projected savings.
Do not treat “fixed” as automatically stable. A fixed-price contract can still have a standing charge, taxes and non-energy adjustments, and its price may change when the term ends. Read the complete offer rather than relying on the plan name.
Peak and off-peak hours are local, seasonal rules
There is no universal definition of “night” or “peak.” Utilities set periods by jurisdiction, season, weekday and sometimes holiday. Ontario describes summer midday peaks and two winter weekday peak windows. The Electricity Authority of New Zealand gives typical weekday peaks of 7–10 a.m. and 5–9 p.m., but those are examples, not a schedule for every New Zealand customer. California programs also differ by utility.
Obtain the current tariff sheet or rate-plan page for your address. Check the exact start and end time, whether weekends and public holidays use a different period, and whether the utility changes the schedule between summer and winter. A timer set to “after 9 p.m.” is not reliable unless your tariff actually defines 9 p.m. as the beginning of a low-price period.
Rank #2
- Multi-function power monitor: Our electric usage monitor can monitor the power (W), electricity(kWh), voltage(V), frequency(Hz), current(A), power factor(PF), unit price($/kWh), total cost($) of your appliances. By switching 8 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The “electricity” mode can calculate and display how much power your appliance uses. And the “total cost” mode will show how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Overload protection: When the loading power of the appliance is over the default overload threshold 1800W, the whole display with backlight and the word “OVERLOAD” will keep flashing to warn the users. Please turn off the appliance for safety concern
- Premium Material: The whole body of our energy meter is made of high-quality ABS material. It makes our home electricity usage monitor more long lasting, fireproof and anti-drop. The standard US socket and plug is suitable for all US standard appliances
- Backlight Display: With white backlight and black words, the LCD display of our home power monitor can display the data clearer and help you to read the data easier no matter day or night. The backlight will only lights up when the device is connected to AC power. If no button is pressed, the backlight turns off automatically after 10 minutes. You can also press the "UP" button to turn off the backlight manually, and press any button to turn on backlight again
- Easy to reset: No reset tool needed, our appliance power usage meter is easy to reset. You can press the “M” button for 5 seconds directly to reset the device. After reset, all cumulative data (electricity quantity, cost) will be cleared, and all settings will be restored to factory settings
Check eligibility and meter capability before comparing prices
TOU billing generally requires a meter capable of measuring usage at different times. Energy Made Easy notes this requirement, and Ontario limits its TOU and ultra-low-overnight (ULO) choices to eligible smart-meter customers billed under the Regulated Price Plan (RPP). Other jurisdictions may use different eligibility rules, interval lengths or enrollment procedures.
Ask the utility or retailer:
- Which meter type is installed and whether it records interval data.
- Whether a technician visit or meter upgrade is required and who pays.
- Whether you remain eligible for the local default or consumer-protection program after switching.
- How the first and last billing periods are handled when a plan changes.
- Whether a smart-meter portal can export hourly or half-hourly kWh.
A plug-in electricity usage monitor can reveal how much a particular appliance consumes and whether its operating time is shiftable. It cannot replace the utility’s billing data: use the bill or smart-meter portal for the official kWh totals and period assignments.
Compare the whole bill, not just the advertised kWh rate
Ofgem distinguishes the unit rate from the standing charge and notes that location, payment method and meter affect costs. The same principle applies elsewhere. Build a comparison that includes every recurring and usage-based component.
| Cost or rule | What to record | Why it changes the decision |
|---|---|---|
| Energy rates | Single-rate price, or each TOU period’s price in cents or pence per kWh | The period rates determine the value of shifting usage. |
| Supply or standing charge | Daily or monthly amount, including whether it differs by plan | A lower energy price can be offset by a higher fixed charge. |
| Seasonal schedule | Summer and winter periods, dates of change, weekends and holidays | The same appliance may be cheap in one season and expensive in another. |
| Taxes, rebates and credits | Each item and whether it applies before or after the rate calculation | Government or utility adjustments can alter the effective total. |
| Demand or capacity charges | Any charge based on the highest interval demand | Moving a load may reduce energy cost but create a new demand peak. |
| Contract terms | Term, renewal rule, exit fee, deposit and payment-condition discounts | A theoretical annual saving is not real if leaving costs more than it saves. |
| Meter and enrollment | Eligibility, installation cost, data interval and switching date | You may not be able to enroll, or may face a one-time cost. |
Use 12 months of usage to calculate your own break-even point
1. Gather interval or time-bucketed kWh
Download a full year from the utility portal if possible. At minimum, obtain monthly kWh and estimate how much falls into each TOU period. Twelve months captures heating, cooling and seasonal schedule changes. Separate summer and winter data when the tariff does.
2. Map each kWh to the correct period
For every interval, label it peak, mid-peak, off-peak, overnight or the local equivalent. Do not classify by a generic clock. Apply the tariff’s weekday, weekend, holiday and seasonal rules to the date as well as the time.
3. Calculate the energy component
For a TOU plan, calculate each period separately:
TOU energy cost = (peak kWh × peak rate) + (mid-peak kWh × mid-peak rate) + (off-peak kWh × off-peak rate)
Rank #3
- SAFETY YOU CAN TRUST WITH UL CERTIFICATION: With Emporia Energy, your home energy monitoring is safe, reliable, and certified. The Emporia Vue is UL Listed, meaning it has met rigorous safety standards for electrical products in the U.S. and Canada. This certification ensures that every component has been thoroughly tested to prevent hazards, such as overheating, short-circuiting, or fire, offering you peace of mind as you manage your home’s energy consumption.
- INSTALLS IN CIRCUIT PANEL of most homes with clamp-on sensors. Supports Single phase, Single-split phase, and 2-wire systems. 3-wire systems; 3-phase, 4-wire Wye systems with earthed (TN or TT) neutral (no-Delta) are supported with an additional 200A sensor (sold separately).
- 24/7 ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING: Automate, manage and control your home's real power anywhere, anytime to prevent costly repairs, conserve energy, and save costs. Monitor solar / net metering. PROTECTED BY A 1-YEAR WARRANTY.
- LOWER YOUR ELECTRIC BILL: Configure settings in the Emporia Energy App to automate energy management for time of use, peak demand, excess solar, and rewards programs. You can even see live reporting and invaluable savings opportunities instantly. Gauge real-time spending and get actionable notifications and automated energy management to help you reduce costs.
- REAL-TIME ENERGY DATA: REQUIRES 2.4 GHz WIFI WITH AN INTERNET CONNECTION to monitor energy use with iPhone / Android / Web app. Vue sensors collect energy data and are accurate from ±2%. The Vue is UL and CE Listed for your safety. 1 second data is only available in the app (when actively open) and retained 3 hours. Minute and hour data are retained in the cloud. 1 minute data is retained 7 days, 1 hour data is retained indefinitely. Export cloud data whenever you want in the app.
For a single-rate plan:
Single-rate energy cost = total kWh × single-rate price
Then add supply or standing charges, taxes, rebates, demand charges and contract fees. Apply any rates that change by season rather than averaging them first; averaging can hide an expensive winter or summer period.
4. Compare annual totals and test realistic changes
Calculate the bill with your current behavior first. Then model only changes you could actually sustain—for example, moving an EV’s charging from 6–9 p.m. to 11 p.m.–6 a.m. Do not move a load on paper if the appliance, household routine or safety rules prevent it. The difference between the two complete annual totals is your estimated saving or cost.
An Ontario ULO example shows why the spread matters
The Ontario Energy Board’s historical table lists ULO rates effective November 1, 2025, as 3.9¢/kWh ultra-low overnight, 9.8¢ weekend off-peak, 15.7¢ mid-peak and 39.1¢ on-peak. These are Ontario figures for that effective date, not a universal or permanently current price. A customer must also account for the rest of the bill and eligibility under the RPP.
| Ontario ULO period (effective Nov. 1, 2025) | Listed energy rate | Illustrative 100 kWh cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-low overnight | 3.9¢/kWh | $3.90 |
| Weekend off-peak | 9.8¢/kWh | $9.80 |
| Mid-peak | 15.7¢/kWh | $15.70 |
| On-peak | 39.1¢/kWh | $39.10 |
The final column is simple multiplication to show the price spread; it is not a forecast of a household bill. A home that can move 100 kWh from on-peak to ultra-low overnight would change its energy cost by $35.20 before other charges, while a home that moves usage the other way would pay more. Whether that shift is feasible, and whether enough kWh can be shifted, determines the real result.
The Ontario Energy Board says a historical typical residential customer on TOU used nearly two-thirds of electricity during off-peak periods. That describes past typical usage presented on its consumer guidance page, not a guarantee that a new customer will achieve the same share or savings.
Rank #4
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
How to decide if your appliances can be shifted
List the largest loads
Start with annual kWh, not the number of devices. Heating and cooling, water heating, refrigeration, laundry, cooking, pool equipment and EV charging can dominate a home’s profile. Use appliance labels, utility estimates or a plug-in monitor for individual circuits and devices where appropriate.
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Classify each load by flexibility
| Category | Examples | TOU approach |
|---|---|---|
| Highly shiftable | EV charging, dishwasher, laundry, pool pump | Use timers or automation to target the lowest-priced period. |
| Partly shiftable | Water heating, pre-cooling, battery charging | Move some operation while preserving comfort and equipment limits. |
| Hard to shift | Medical equipment, refrigeration, cooking at required times | Count the load in the period when it must run; do not assume savings. |
| Weather-driven | Space heating and air-conditioning | Model summer and winter separately because both usage and periods can change. |
Check automation and safety
Use manufacturer-approved timers and controls. Do not disable ventilation, freeze protection, medical equipment or required water-heater safeguards to chase a lower rate. A schedule that regularly fails is not a saving strategy; include the effort and inconvenience in your risk assessment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Understand availability by jurisdiction
TOU is not offered to every customer everywhere. In an October 2024 consultation report, New Zealand’s Electricity Authority said it surveyed the six largest power companies and none offered TOU to all customers. That does not mean TOU is unavailable to every New Zealand household, only that universal availability was not offered by those companies at the time.
Ontario’s RPP choices, California utility programs, Australian tariffs and UK price-cap arrangements have different rules. A rate or protection described by one regulator cannot be transplanted to another country. Confirm the supplier, distribution area, customer class, payment method and current effective date on your own tariff document.
Switching checklist
- Download the current tariff: save the rate sheet, period schedule, standing charge and terms for your address.
- Confirm eligibility: verify meter type, customer class, enrollment restrictions and any installation charge.
- Collect data: export 12 months of interval data; use bills for official totals and an appliance monitor only for diagnosis.
- Build both bills: multiply each period’s kWh by its rate, then add all fixed, tax, rebate, demand and contract items.
- Model feasible shifts: test only appliance schedules you can maintain, including seasonal and holiday behavior.
- Stress-test the result: recalculate for a hotter or colder season, a missed schedule and a change in rates or contract terms.
- Check the exit path: record the notice period, cancellation fee, renewal date and how to return to the prior plan if permitted.
- Recheck after switching: compare the first complete billing cycle with the predicted period allocation and investigate discrepancies promptly.
Common mistakes and how to correct them
Using a generic “off-peak” schedule
Problem: An online chart from another city or year is applied to your bill.
Correction: Use the current utility schedule for your meter, season, weekday and holiday.
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Problem: The calculation multiplies kWh but omits the daily supply or standing charge.
Correction: Add every recurring charge to both plans before comparing annual totals.
Best Value
- ✓ Backlit LCD Display: The watt meter features an upgraded backlit LCD display with a 160° wide viewing angle, providing clear and distinct data readings from any angle, day or night. (Note: To conserve energy, the backlight will automatically turn off after 15 seconds of continuous use.)
- ✓ 9 Types of Data Display: This energy meter plug accurately monitors a wide range of electrical parameters, including power (W), apparent power (VA), energy consumption (kWh), usage time (hours), power frequency (Hz), power factor (PF), voltage (V), current (A), and electricity cost. The user-friendly interface allows you to easily read and navigate through 9 types of data with a single button.
- ✓ Save Money and Energy: By toggling through the 9 display modes, you can gain insights into various operational parameters of your devices. The home energy monitor also calculates and displays the electricity consumption and cost over time, helping you save on your electricity bills by monitoring and managing energy usage.
- ✓ Data Storage: The plug-in electricity meter stores all non-real-time data, ensuring no information is lost in the event of a sudden power outage. If data exceeds the screen’s maximum display range, the screen will flash as a reminder. Pressing and holding the reset button for 3 seconds will reset the cumulative data to zero.
- ✓ Safe to Use: Rated voltage 125VAC, 60Hz, 15A maximum 1875W resistor and tungsten wire, 1/2HP. Clean and tidy interface, very simple to use.
Assuming a smart meter guarantees TOU savings
Problem: Interval measurement is mistaken for a lower bill.
Correction: Use the data to measure your actual timing; savings require a favorable tariff and a sustainable shift in usage.
Promising savings from one appliance
Problem: A low-power device is scheduled overnight while heating or cooling remains on-peak.
Correction: Rank loads by annual kWh and model the whole home.
Ignoring contract and protection differences
Problem: A projected saving is compared with a plan that has an exit fee, deposit, minimum term or different consumer protections.
Correction: Include those terms and value budget certainty separately from expected cost.
A practical decision rule
Choose TOU when your measured profile shows substantial peak-period use that can be moved, the resulting annual calculation remains lower after all charges, and you are comfortable managing schedules and variable bills. Stay with a single-rate plan when most peak use is unavoidable, the modeled advantage is small or uncertain, eligibility and contract terms add risk, or predictable budgeting is your priority.
No published universal percentage of off-peak usage guarantees a lower bill. Your interval profile and the exact local tariff are the break-even test.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
