Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing in popularity due to their ability to combat high gasoline prices and reduce damage to the environment. Although charging an EV is usually cheaper than buying gasoline, the cost of electricity must be taken into account.
However, signing up for a program from your utility provider that includes free overnight electricity can help you get the most out of your EV for less money. It is important to know the details of these plans.
What are Free Night Light Plans? (Free Electricity at Night Plans)
The plans of free nights electricity are programs offered by some electric utility companies that allow customers to use electricity during specific hours at no cost. Utilities originally provided these options to encourage customers to concentrate their electricity use on non-peak hours, reducing strain on the grid.
During the period of time indicated by the provider in the plan, any electricity consumption within that window does not cost the customer a cent for the energy itself. While there may be some fees or charges associated with broader service during those time periods, the total cost is notably less than what electricity extraction activities would cost during the day. Still, it’s essential to review the details of the plan to see what charges may or may not apply.
Why free evening electricity plans can work for households with electric vehicles
When you have an electric vehicle, you typically charge the vehicle while you are at home. Since most people go to work or run errands during the day, it’s normal for your EV to be in the garage overnight. As a result, depending on when you plug in to charge, you may be able to fully charge the battery during the free electricity window. In turn, you’re basically paying nothing to make sure your EV is ready to hit the road the next day, other than the cost of routine maintenance you’d have to pay anyway.
How to make the most of free electricity on night plans
Whether a free nightly electricity plan is ultimately worth it depends on whether you make the most of the free power time windows. These plans typically come with higher daytime rates, so you want to focus your energy use on the time periods when it’s free.
For example, running washers, dryers, and dishwashers during free hours is a simple option. In addition to reducing the amount of electricity you have to pay for, they also reduce heat generation during the day, which could reduce the strain on your air conditioning when temperatures are higher.
Likewise, charging devices overnight, such as smartphones or laptops, can also make a difference. Additionally, unplugging electronics you don’t use during the day to avoid using phantom electricity when their prices are higher can make a difference.
Ultimately, you want to do what you can to focus your energy use on the hours when you are not paying for energy. That way, higher prices during the day have less impact and give you more value.
What companies in the United States offer Free Electricity at Night Plans?
Some utilities and energy providers in the United States offer free evening electricity plans. These plans are designed to encourage the use of electricity during off-peak hours, which are usually at night. Here are some companies that offer these plans:
- Reliant Energy: Offers the “Truly Free Nights” plan, which provides free electricity from 8 pm to 6 am
- TXU Energy: Offers the “Free Nights & Solar Days” plan, which provides free electricity at night and solar energy during the day.
- Direct Energy: Offers the “Free Power Weekends” plan, which provides free electricity on weekends.
- First Choice Power: Offers the “Free Weekends” plan, which provides free electricity on weekends.
Do you know of any other ways people can take advantage of free electricity at night? Do you have a plan that comes with free electricity at night and want others to know about your experience?