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MEMBERS PORTAL FEATURE

Time-of-Use Optimizer

Free Nights sounds great. The 22c daytime rate? Not so much.

Time-of-use plans promise free electricity at night. What they don't advertise: the daytime rate is often 2-3x higher than a flat-rate plan. We track when you actually use electricity, remind you when free hours start, and tell you if your TOU plan is costing you more than it saves.

  • Know exactly when free/cheap hours start and end
  • Reminders: "Free electricity starts in 30 minutes"
  • See how much you're using during peak vs off-peak
  • Calculate if TOU is actually saving you money
  • Shift suggestions for laundry, dishwasher, EV charging
18-22c
Typical Peak Rate
FREE
Off-Peak Rate
68%
Miss Peak Savings
$47
Avg Wasted/Month

See Where Your Money Goes

This is what a typical day looks like on a Free Nights plan. Red = you're paying 22c. Green = it's free. Notice how much red there is?

0
6
12
18
Peak (22c/kWh)
Free (0c/kWh)
$6.82

Spent during peak (31 kWh x 22c)

$0.00

Spent during free hours (5.7 kWh)

$4.04

If you were on 11c flat rate

This "Free Nights" plan cost $2.78 MORE than a simple flat rate.

The free hours only covered 15% of daily usage.

The Truth About "Free" Electricity

It's not free. It's a trade-off. Here's what providers don't explain.

CLAIM

Free Nights and Weekends!

TRUTH

Nights are "free" but the daytime rate is 18-22c/kWh. A flat-rate plan at 11c would cost less for most people. The math only works if you use 60%+ of your electricity during free hours--and most people don't.

CLAIM

Perfect for families with flexible schedules

TRUTH

Do you really want to run your dishwasher at 10pm every night? Do laundry only on weekends? The "flexibility" required is often impractical. Most families end up using significant electricity during peak hours without realizing the cost.

CLAIM

You'll save money automatically

TRUTH

TOU plans require active management. If you forget to shift your heavy usage, you pay MORE than a flat rate. There's no automatic savings--only potential savings if you change your behavior consistently.

CLAIM

Free hours: 9pm to 6am

TRUTH

True--but 9pm is when most people are winding down. The window for actually using "free" electricity is narrow. And if you run your dryer at 8pm instead of 9pm, you're paying 22c/kWh for that mistake.

How We Help You Actually Save

TOU plans can work--if you manage them actively. We make that easy.

Free Hour Countdown

Always know exactly when free hours start and end. A live countdown in your dashboard so you never miss the window.

Shift Reminders

"Free electricity starts in 30 minutes. Delay your dishwasher to save $2.40." Practical, actionable nudges.

Peak vs Off-Peak Analysis

See exactly how much electricity you're using during expensive hours vs free hours. Spot the leaks.

Cost Comparison

What you paid on your TOU plan vs what you'd pay on a flat rate. Know if your plan is actually working.

Shift Impact Calculator

If you moved your dryer to 9pm instead of 7pm, here's how much you'd save per month.

Peak Usage Warnings

Running the dryer during peak hours? We'll alert you: "This load is costing $1.80. Delay 2 hours to make it free."

The Break-Even Math

Your TOU Plan vs Flat Rate

Peak Rate (6am-9pm) 22.0c/kWh
Off-Peak Rate (9pm-6am) FREE
Comparable Flat Rate 11.0c/kWh

Typical User (35% off-peak)

Peak usage: 650 kWh x 22c = $143.00
Off-peak usage: 350 kWh x 0c = $0.00
TOU Total: $143.00
Flat Rate Total: $110.00
You're losing: $33/month

Optimized User (65% off-peak)

Peak usage: 350 kWh x 22c = $77.00
Off-peak usage: 650 kWh x 0c = $0.00
TOU Total: $77.00
Flat Rate Total: $110.00
You're saving: $33/month

Break-even point: ~60% off-peak usage.

We'll tell you exactly where you stand--and whether to switch.

Easy Shifts That Add Up

Small changes in timing = big savings over a year.

🍽️

Dishwasher

Move from 7:00 PM 9:00 PM

$6.60/mo

$0.33 × 20uses

🧺

Clothes Dryer

Move from 6:00 PM 9:00 PM

$5.28/mo

$0.66 × 8uses

🚗

EV Charging

Move from 6:00 PM 9:00 PM

$33.00/mo

$2.20 × 15uses

🏊

Pool Pump

Move from Afternoon After 9 PM

$33.00/mo

$1.10 × 30uses

Estimated Total Savings

$47/month potential savings

Just by shifting these four appliances to after 9pm.

From TOU Skeptics to Savers

"I thought I was saving money on Free Nights. The optimizer showed I was using 70% of my electricity during peak hours. Switched to a flat rate and now I actually save $40/month."

S

Sarah M.

Dallas, TX

"The 30-minute reminder changed everything. I now run my dishwasher every night at 9pm instead of 7pm. Small change, big savings."

M

Marcus T.

Houston, TX

"Finally understand why my "free nights" bill was still $200. I was using the AC all afternoon at 22c/kWh. Nobody told me until Compare Power showed me the breakdown."

J

Jennifer L.

Austin, TX

Frequently asked questions

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Is Your TOU Plan Actually Saving You Money?

Most people on Free Nights plans are paying MORE than they would on a flat rate. We'll analyze your usage, show you the math, and tell you the truth. If TOU is working for you, great. If not, we'll find something better.