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Load shifting: Optimise your energy usage.

 

Optimising your energy usage to get the most affordable rates has never been more important in a time of rising energy costs. Investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels or Battery storage is a smart choice, but maximising what we can get from this investment is key.

 

What is load shifting?

Load shifting is all about adjusting when you use electricity. Instead of consuming power during peak times, when demand is high, you move your energy usage to off-peak hours, when it’s lower. This not only helps keep the grid stable, but it can also save you money and make the whole energy system more efficient. It’s not about sacrificing your daily electrical needs; it’s about being smart with how and when you use energy.

There are some great Time Of Use Tariffs available to help you save on your electricity bills too.

For businesses, Octopus Energy offers the Shape Shifters Tariff, which encourages shifting electricity use away from the peak hours (usually 4–7 pm). The day is split into three pricing periods: off-peak, mid-peak, and peak. Off-peak and mid-peak hours have much lower rates, so by using power during those times, businesses can significantly lower their energy bills.

For households, Agile Octopus is even more flexible. This dynamic tariff lets you save by charging things like batteries or electric vehicles when electricity is the cheapest. And when there’s too much renewable energy being generated, prices can even go negative, meaning you can get paid to use electricity during those times!

Other providers also offer time-of-use tariffs, but as trusted partners with Octopus Energy, we proudly promote these tariffs.

 

Load shifting with a Battery system:

Charging your battery such as a Tesla or GivEnergy for example, when rates are lowest will cut your energy costs by enabling you to use that stored energy during peak times when rates are highest.

GivEnergy batteries will charge and discharge intelligently by default, taking advantage of cheaper energy rates. However, you can also take a more hands-on approach by setting schedules and timers around your energy usage and lifestyle.

Tesla Powerwall when Time-Based Control mode is enabled, Powerwall uses a technique called energy arbitrage. Energy arbitrage allows Powerwall to store energy when energy prices are low and to sell that low-cost energy back to the grid when energy prices are higher. Powerwall optimises your charging and discharging behaviour for this arbitrage with an energy forecast tailored to your home.

 

Benefits of load shifting:

Load shifting comes with a bunch of benefits, both for your wallet and the environment. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

  1. Save Money: By using energy during off-peak hours, when it’s cheaper, you can lower your electricity bills. If you’re on a Time Of Use tariff, this means you’re paying less for the same amount of energy. It’s all about getting the most value for your usage.
  2. Help the Grid: Shifting your usage away from peak times means there’s less strain on the grid. This helps prevent overloads and blackouts, making the energy system more stable for everyone.
  3. Environmentally Friendly: When you shift your energy use, you can also tap into times when renewable energy generation is higher (like wind or solar power). This means your electricity might come from cleaner sources, reducing your carbon footprint.
  4. More Control: With flexible tariffs like Agile Octopus, you have more control over when you use power. You can take advantage of the best rates, making it easier to manage your energy needs and costs.
  5. Encourage Smart Consumption: It’s not about cutting back—it’s about shifting habits to more efficient times. You’re still using the same amount of energy, but you’re doing it in a way that benefits your pocket, the planet, and the grid.

In short, load shifting gives you more flexibility, reduces costs, and helps make the entire energy system work better.

 

Interested in battery storage to optimise your usage? Call us on 0800 093 3299 or email us at [email protected], Where one of our experts will guide you through every step of your renewable journey!

 

 

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