Time-of-use tariffs: what they are (and why your kettle cares)
Time-of-use tariffs: what they are (and why your kettle cares)
Let’s be honest: energy bills can feel like a bit of a mystery. Tariffs, units, peak, off-peak… we get it — it’s not exactly thrilling stuff. But what if we told you that understanding Time-of-Use tariffs could actually save you money, reduce your carbon footprint and give you more control over your energy?
Here at Share Energy, we’re all about flipping the switch on boring, outdated energy systems and helping real people get the fair deal they deserve — and Time-of-Use (TOU) tariffs are a big part of that.
So, let’s break it down.
What is a Time-of-Use tariff?
In a nutshell, a Time-of-Use tariff is a pricing plan that charges different rates for electricity depending on when you use it. Simple, right?
There are usually:
-
Peak times (when demand is high, and prices are too)
-
Off-peak times (when fewer people are using energy, and it’s cheaper)
It’s like peak vs. off-peak train tickets — but for your tumble dryer.
Why does this exist?
The grid gets really busy during certain times (hello, 5–7pm when everyone’s home, cooking, and watching TV). During those peak hours, electricity is more expensive to produce and supply.
TOU tariffs encourage people to shift their usage to quieter times, which helps take pressure off the grid — and gives you a chance to save some cash in the process.
Win-win, right?
What does it look like in real life?
Let’s say you’re on a Time-of-Use tariff. You might see something like the table on the right:
So if you run your washing machine at 6am instead of 6pm, you could be paying way less for the same load.
And your kettle? It definitely cares.
But here’s the catch — NI is missing out. Big time.
Time-of-Use tariffs work best with smart meters — and right now, Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK without them. That means we can’t yet provide customers with actionable or meaningful usage insights, and most people here don’t get the chance to benefit from TOU pricing at all.
Across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, smart meter rollouts are almost complete. This gives providers like Share Energy the ability to offer customers tools that promote better control, personalised insights, and a dramatically reduced likelihood of estimated bills.
Here in Northern Ireland, we’re still waiting — and that puts us at a real disadvantage.
Why smart meters matter
Without smart meters, most people don’t:
-
Know when they’re using the most energy
-
See which appliances are draining their bills
-
Get any benefit from shifting usage to cheaper, greener times
With smart meters in place, we could deliver customers:
-
Insights to understand and manage energy use
-
Tips to reduce unnecessary costs
-
Early warnings for potentially faulty appliances
-
More accurate billing and less meter-reading hassle
At Share Energy, we believe every household should have access to that level of control.
This is about empowering people, and at Share Energy, that’s exactly what we stand for.
Our top TOU tip? Automate it.
These days, most modern appliances — from washing machines to EVs — let you schedule them to come on at a certain time.
Set your tumble dryer to run overnight. Charge your EV after midnight. Let your dishwasher kick off just before dawn. In our own homes, we do exactly that — and the savings add up quickly.
Little changes = big impact.
What about the environment?
TOU tariffs also make a big difference to the planet. Shifting your usage off-peak helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and makes the grid more efficient.
So by making smarter choices, you’re not just cutting costs — you’re also helping create a greener energy future.
So what’s the Share Energy take?
We’re not just here to keep the lights on — we’re here to give people real control over their energy. And that starts with technology, transparency, and tariffs that actually work for you.
TOU tariffs are just one piece of the puzzle. But to make them work for everyone, Northern Ireland needs smart meters — and fast. Until we catch up, customers here are missing out on savings and smarter energy choices that the rest of the UK and Ireland already enjoy.
At Share Energy, we’ll keep pushing for the tools and tech our communities need — because being a customer champion isn’t just something we say.
It’s who we are.
Before you fly off...
From the press...
Share Energy Wins Emerging Startup of the Year at 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards
This award marks a significant milestone in our journey as a company with deep expertise, bold ambition, and growing community support.
From the Blog...
Why has Northern Ireland not embraced smart metering?
While the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland have leapt forward, we seem to be stuck in the dark ages of energy management...
In the community...
Share Energy shows up for Foyle Hospice
The Share Energy mascots went down a storm at the recent Foyle Hospice Fundraiser.
