Is it cheaper to use electricity in the middle of the night?

Question

my parents always set the timer on the washing machine and dishwasher to come on at about 2am because they say it's cheaper to use electricity then, rather than during the day. is this true or are they losing it?

Answer 1

depends on the electricity tariff you are on

In the UK there is Economy Seven for Midnight till 7.00 AM

so yes it can be cheaper sometimes

Answer 2

I always turn all my lights on during the day, but as soon as it get dark I turn them off immediately. Thank god my TV is run on gas.

Hope this helps.  

Answer 3

In most cases it isn't cheaper but is the right thing to due because it puts less stress on the power grid and makes brown outs less likely.

PG&E has been trying to go to meters that would let them charge different price for different times but currently in practice with the equipment they use doesn't work fairly.

Answer 4

Some localities do have meters that have timers in them that do charge a lower rate for "off-peak" hours. If your parents do have one of those meters then yes they are saving money.

Answer 5

Come on.. Its all the same. You use it ,you pay for it. Make no Difference in the day or night.Please tell your parents about that.

Answer 6

for home owners the electric rate is the same 24 hours a day.

There are certain industries and companies that do get a nite time discount because they are high volume users. This encourages them to access thier need at nite when the electric company is really making unused electricity and it also takes the daytime strain off the electric company. But that is another subject.