With a dual hourly rate, the electricity used in a home is billed on the basis of two different rates: the daytime rate and the rate charged at night and during the weekend.

The advantage of this dual hourly rate is that the electricity used at night and during the weekend and legal holidays is billed at a lower rate. This system therefore encourages consumers to use certain household appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer or storage heater) at times when electricity costs less.

Before opting for the dual hourly rate, it is a good idea to examine your electricity consumption: in fact, the installation of a double meter and the fixed fee payable to the supplier are more expensive than with a single-rate contract. These costs will only be offset if the best possible use is made of the dual hourly rate system.

The dual hourly rate is an attractive option under certain conditions!

If your home has an operational dual hourly rate meter, you are strongly advised to adapt your electricity consumption accordingly: daytime hours and the night and during the weekend.

dual hourly rateIn fact, while the rate charged for electricity used at night and during the weekend is particularly advantageous, the rate for daytime consumption is slightly higher than that charged with the single-rate system. For the dual hourly rate to be really advantageous, it is essential to plan to use electricity at night and during the weekend and legal holidays as much as possible (for example dishwasher, washing machine). When buying a household electrical appliance such as a dishwasher, a tumble dryer or a dishwasher, be sure to choose a model with a timer!

Moreover, the cost of installing a special dual hourly rate meter and the fixed fee liked to the supply contract are higher than the amounts you pay with a single-rate contract. It is therefore important to plan your electricity consumption properly in order to ensure that your investment pays.

When is this advantageous?

To find out if you should switch to or stay with a dual hourly rate, apply one simple rule: make a note of the index of your electricity meter every day at 7.00 am and at 10.00 pm for a fortnight. Then calculate the quantity of power used during the day and the quantity used at night and during the weekend. As a pointer, remember that:

• if you use more than 50 % of your electricity at night and during the weekend, it is to your advantage to switch to the dual hourly rate;
• if you use more than 30 % of your electricity at night and during the weekend, but you have already had a dual hourly rate meter fitted, it is to your advantage to stay with the dual hourly rate
• otherwise, it is best to stay with or return to the single rate.