We all enjoy making a saving, especially when it comes to our energy bills. But did you know that you could potentially cut your energy costs just by changing when you run your dishwasher? The key to using this useful hack is all about understanding off-peak hours.
Understanding off-peak electricity hours.
To start, you’ll need to understand when off-peak electricity hours start and finish. Have you ever wondered why your energy bill changes depending on the time of day? Well, it's down to demand. Off-peak electricity is using energy when there's less demand on the national grid, which is usually overnight.
Peak energy hours.
You could think of it like rush hour traffic. Everyone is on the roads during weekday mornings and evenings, so everything’s slow and busy. And it's the same with electricity.
In the mornings and evenings, we're usually cooking our meals, showering, and maybe even watching TV. As a result, demand is higher, equaling more expensive energy.
Off-peak energy hours.
At off-peak times, typically at night, when most of us sleep, demand drops. To encourage people to use electricity during these quieter periods, energy companies, like us, sometimes offer cheaper rates.
Other off-peak hours:
Late at night (usually from around 11pm–6am).
Early mornings.
Some weekend hours.
National holidays (depending on your supplier).
Smart tariffs.
You can access these cheaper, off-peak energy rates through what are called ‘time of use’ tariffs. These smart tariffs reward you for shifting your energy-hungry tasks, like washing clothes, charging your electric vehicle (EV), or putting on the dishwasher, to off-peak times.
How to find out your off-peak dishwasher hours.
The exact times for off-peak hours vary from energy supplier to energy supplier. However, they're usually a set period of seven to 10 hours, often overnight between 10pm and 8am.
For example, our Next Smart Saver tariff gives you the option to use electricity at a lower price during ‘off-peak’ hours of 5am to 4pm and 7pm to 2am, and during ‘super off-peak’ hours of 2am to 5am. However, you’ll be charged a higher price during ‘peak’ hours of 4pm to 7pm. Find out more about our Next Smart Saver tariff.
Graph shows peak, off-peak, and super off-peak hours for the Next Smart Saver tariff.
If you’re not with us, the way to find out your specific off-peak times is by contacting your energy provider or logging into their app.
The smart meter connection.
Using a smart meter can make this even easier. Smart meter in-home displays provide real-time information about your energy use, allowing you to see exactly when you're using the most energy and at what cost.
Pair with a time of use tariff.
Smart meter data is key to making a time of use tariff work for you. Take our Next Smart Saver tariff – you can access cheaper rates by letting us collect half hourly data through your smart meter and applying the correct pricing. This process helps you track your energy use and make smarter choices throughout the day.
Browse our FAQs on time of use tariffs.
What are the benefits of avoiding the dishwasher energy peak?
Using your dishwasher during off-peak hours isn't just about saving money. It could also be beneficial for the environment and the national grid. Let’s explore the benefits of using your dishwasher at off-peak times.
Could reduce your energy bills.
This one grabs everyone’s attention! Along with washing machines and tumble dryers, dishwashers account for 14% of a typical energy bill.1
By using your dishwasher at off-peak hours, naturally, you’ll get the cheaper rate. Over time, this could save you a significant amount.
Helps you make greener choices.
As the UK relies more and more on renewable energy sources like wind and solar, off-peak electricity often has a lower carbon footprint. This is because wind turbines are often running at full capacity overnight, when demand is low. By using power during these times, you're helping to make better use of clean, green energy.
Puts less of a strain on the grid.
By shifting your energy usage to quieter times, you're helping to reduce the pressure on the national grid during peak times. This helps to maintain a stable and reliable energy supply for everyone.
Quick answers:
How do I calculate my electricity use? Multiply the power (watts) displayed on your dishwasher by the time (hours) and divide by 1,000.
How much is 1 unit of electricity? 1 unit = 1 kWh (kilowatt hour). That’s the same as running a 1,000-watt appliance for one hour.
What is the average annual electricity use for the average home? The average 2-3 bedroom house uses 2,700 kWh.
How can I learn more about home energy use? Read our guide to electricity kwh rates and pricing.
Top tips for optimising your dishwasher use.
Moving to a time of use tariff is a great start! However, you could maximise your savings with these money saving tips.
Only run full loads.
This simple solution makes a big difference. A dishwasher uses the same amount of energy to wash a few plates as it does to wash a full load. So, by waiting until it's full, you’ll cut down on the number of cycles, saving both energy and water.
Use eco settings or lower temperature washes.
Most of your dishwasher's energy is used to heat the water. Using a lower temperature or a dedicated eco setting could save a considerable amount of energy. You could save around 30% in annual running costs by switching to the eco setting on your machine.2
Skip the pre-rinse.
Pre-rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher uses up extra water and energy. Modern dishwashers are already designed to handle tough food marks, so a pre-rinse isn't even needed. A quick scrape into the bin will usually do it.
Keep your dishwasher clean.
A clean dishwasher is a more efficient dishwasher. So, make sure you clean the filter regularly to prevent blockages. This step ensures that your dishwasher isn’t working harder than it needs to.
Choose a more energy efficient dishwasher.
Finally, if you want to save even more on your energy bills, it might be time to upgrade your dishwasher. The energy efficiency rating of your dishwasher is important.
Take an A-rated 12 place dishwasher – it costs around £40 a year to run in Great Britain and £45 in Northern Ireland. However, a G-rated model costs around £75 a year in Great Britain and £85 in Northern Ireland, costing you almost double the amount.1
Wash up by hand.
Finally, do you even need to use the dishwasher? If you only have one or two plates and a few pieces of cutlery, maybe it’s quicker and more efficient to wash them by hand? Switch to cold water, and you could save even more pennies.
More energy saving tips for your home.
Making small changes can lead to big savings. By something as simple as changing when you run your dishwasher, you can avoid the energy peak. It’s a smart, easy way to save money, ease demand on the grid, and be a little kinder to the planet.
More energy saving tips for your home.
Saving energy is a team sport where every little helps. Once you've mastered off-peak dishwasher hours, why not explore other ways you could make your home more energy efficient?
Explore our top energy saving guides.
Explore our handy energy saving A-Z.
Read all about the best appliance rating.
Learn about ‘vampire devices’ (the secret energy drainers).
And when you're ready to tackle your laundry, find out the cheapest time to use your washing machine.