When Are Off Peak Hours for Electricity?
Off-peak hours for using electricity vary by location, but are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then again from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the winter months. During the summer, the hours are usually anytime before 4 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
Peak hours differ from place to place and change with the season, but are always priced at a premium rate. Peak and off-peak hours are determined by the energy demand of the area, and they are heavily dependent on culture, average work day, climate and even the source of power.
The website of a local electric company routinely provides a time table for peak and off-peak hours, if there is a price difference between them. There are generally two peaks during winter, since people turn up their heaters to warm their houses in the morning and in the evening. During the summer, there tends to be only one peak period because the home is still cool in the morning, but air conditioning is required in the afternoon.
Off-peak hours are those times in the day when electric companies expect most people will not be using much electricity, and thus the demand for energy is reduced. In most places, peak hours are in the morning as people wake up and in the evening as they return home.
