The electricity price again shows strong differences throughout the day, which can have a direct impact on household bills. Today (March 10), the highest price reaches 0.39 euros per kWh, while the lowest stands at 0.12 euros per kWh. This variation implies that using appliances at the wrong time can mean paying up to three times more for the same electricity consumption.
An analysis carried out by Selectra on the use of the main household appliances shows how these hourly variations affect the final cost. In the case of the washing machine, for example, the cost for one hour of use can go from 0.24 euros in the cheapest hour to 0.75 euros in the most expensive one. Something similar happens with the oven or the ceramic hob, whose use can vary from 0.27 euros to 0.83 euros depending on the time of day.
The differences especially affect appliances with higher electricity consumption, such as the washing machine, the oven, the ceramic hob or the dishwasher. Using them in the cheapest slot means a cost close to 20 cents per hour, while turning them on around 8:00 PM, considered the most expensive hour of the day, can exceed 80 cents for the same usage time.
The lower consumption appliances
In the case of lower consumption appliances, such as a television or a laptop, the difference is smaller, although also relevant. Watching television can cost 0.02 euros in the cheapest hour compared to 0.06 euros in the most expensive, while using a laptop can go from 0.02 euros to 0.05 euros.
Overall, using several household appliances throughout the day can amount to 1.99 euros if they are concentrated in the cheapest hours, compared to 6.12 euros if they are used in the most expensive ones.
According to the analysis, when the price of electricity presents such wide differences within the same day, adapting consumption to the cheapest hours can generate significant savings for households.
If this situation continues for prolonged periods, a electricity bill monthly could go from 60 euros to 180 euros depending on when the appliances are used. Programmable devices such as washing machines, dishwashers or dryers allow better use of the most economical time slots, especially on days with high volatility in the electricity market.