What time of day is electricity the least expensive?

When Is Electricity Cheapest?

Ever wonder when the best time to run your dishwasher or charge your electric vehicle might be? It’s not just about convenience—it can actually save you money. Electricity rates fluctuate throughout the day based on demand, and understanding these patterns can help you trim your energy bill.

Generally, electricity is least expensive during off-peak and super off-peak hours. These times typically fall overnight, from about 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and on weekends. During these periods, fewer people are using power, so utilities don’t need to pull from more expensive energy sources to keep up with demand.

In contrast, weekday afternoons and evenings—especially between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.—are peak hours. That’s when people return home, turn on lights, fire up stoves, and run heating or cooling systems. Higher demand means higher prices.

Many utility providers offer time-of-use (TOU) plans that reflect these fluctuations, charging less during off-peak hours and more during peak times. If your plan includes such a rate structure, shifting energy-heavy tasks—like laundry or charging devices—to the early morning or weekends can make a noticeable difference on your monthly bill.

For example, setting your washing machine to run at 2 a.m. instead of 6 p.m. might seem like a small change, but it adds up over time. Even heating your water heater or running your dishwasher overnight can help you take full advantage of lower rates.

The bottom line? Electricity is usually cheapest late at night, early in the morning, and on weekends. With a little planning, you can align your habits with these low-cost windows—and keep more money in your pocket.