Expert explains when an overnight tariff may cut electricity costs

Households should assess when they use electricity before choosing a tariff, housing and utilities expert Dmitry Bondar told Prime. He said time-of-use billing can reduce costs only when consumption patterns suit the rates.

Bondar considers a single-rate tariff suitable for typical morning and evening demand, a two-rate tariff for substantial overnight use, and a three-rate tariff when peak-time consumption is low. He estimates that two-rate billing is worthwhile when at least 30–35% of consumption occurs overnight. This is his guideline rather than a universal threshold for every tariff.

He cited storage water heaters, air conditioners and appliances set to run on a timer after 23:00 as examples. If only a refrigerator and router operate overnight, switching tariffs could increase the bill, he said.

To compare options, the expert recommended measuring monthly consumption by time of day. Under time-of-use billing, households should submit readings for each zone on time to avoid calculations based on average consumption or standard allowances.

Bondar also noted that people with disabilities may receive reimbursement of 50% of electricity costs within established consumption limits. Eligibility conditions and application procedures should be checked with social protection authorities.