With the arrival of British Summer Time (BST) this weekend, households across the UK are reminded to change their clocks forward by one hour at 1am on Sunday, March 30. This shift, marking the start of the spring season, not only brings longer daylight hours but also has an impact on energy consumption and electricity bills. According to Express.co.uk, while the clock change provides extra sunlight, it also offers an opportunity for those on time-of-use tariffs to save money by adjusting their energy usage to off-peak hours.
The History Behind the Clock Change
The practice of changing the clocks dates back to 1916, when it was formalised under the Summer Time Act as part of an effort to maximise daylight during the summer months. The idea, first proposed by British builder William Willett in 1907, was designed to save energy by encouraging people to make better use of natural daylight. Originally, the clock change helped farmers by providing them with an extra hour of sunlight during the growing season. The policy also aimed to benefit the general public by reducing the need for artificial lighting, which was particularly important during a time when energy efficiency was a growing concern.
While the clock change has roots in energy-saving measures, today it also comes with challenges for households trying to adjust their energy consumption habits in line with rising energy costs.
Impact of the Time Change on Energy Use
The transition to British Summer Time can affect energy prices for those on dual-rate tariffs or time-of-use meters. Energy companies typically charge higher rates for electricity during peak hours, typically late afternoons and early evenings, when demand is highest. After the clocks go forward, the evening hours will shift, meaning that the peak hours will now fall later in the evening, impacting how much energy costs.
For households on ‘agile tariffs’, this presents a unique opportunity. These tariffs fluctuate based on energy demand, so using energy-hungry appliances during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night, can result in significant savings. Energy providers use these tariffs to encourage users to reduce their energy consumption during periods of high demand, which helps to lower pressure on the energy grid and keep overall costs down.
Good Energy explains that smart meters do not automatically adjust to British Summer Time. As these meters operate according to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the off-peak hours will be affected when the clocks change. Specifically, for some EV (electric vehicle) tariffs, the off-peak hours will shift from 12am-5am UTC to 1am-6am BST, meaning that customers will need to ensure they are using electricity at the correct times to take advantage of cheaper rates.
Adjusting Your Energy Use for Maximum Savings
To make the most of lower-cost electricity, energy users must carefully plan their appliance usage around off-peak hours. This requires checking with your energy provider to confirm when these hours take place. By switching to off-peak periods for energy-intensive tasks—such as running dishwashers, washing machines, or charging electric vehicles—households can take advantage of cheaper rates.
Many energy suppliers offer Time-of-Use (TOU) tariffs, which feature lower rates at specific times of the day. By shifting your usage to these off-peak times, you can save a considerable amount on your electricity bill over the course of the year. Proactive energy management is especially important as the price of electricity continues to rise, and households look for ways to cut costs while maintaining their energy needs.
