The best time depends on your plan
| Your situation | Best time |
|---|---|
| Flat rate, no solar | Any time. The price per kWh is the same all day. |
| Flat rate with solar | The middle of a sunny day, to use your own power. |
| Time of use | Off-peak or the midday solar soak window. Never the evening peak. |
| Free midday plan | The free window, such as 11am to 2pm. |
| Controlled load | Hot water and other wired loads run automatically at set times. |
The exact hours differ by network and plan. Our peak and off-peak times page shows the windows for each state.
How much timing saves
| Load | Peak | Off-peak | Solar soak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher1 kWh | 48c | 23c | 18c |
| Washing machine, warm wash0.65 kWh | 31c | 15c | 11c |
| Vented dryer, 6 kg3.3 kWh | 157c | 75c | 58c |
| Pool pump, 6 hours6.6 kWh | 314c | 149c | 116c |
| EV, 40 km of driving6.8 kWh | 324c | 154c | 120c |
If you have solar panels
With rooftop solar, the cheapest time is whenever your panels are producing more than the house is using, usually late morning to mid afternoon on a sunny day. Every kWh you use then is one you do not buy at the full usage rate and would otherwise export for a few cents. Stagger big loads rather than running them all at once, so each one stays within what the panels produce. Our bills with solar guide explains why.
Making it automatic
Use delay start
Most dishwashers, washing machines and dryers can start hours later.
Set timers on pumps
Move pool pump hours into the cheap window. See our pool pump running costs.
Schedule EV charging
Set the car or wall charger to start in cheap hours. See our EV charging calculator.
Use smart plugs carefully
Fine for simple loads, but appliances with their own programs should use their built-in timers.
Safety with overnight running
Avoid running dryers and other heat-producing appliances while everyone is asleep or out. Clean the dryer lint filter every load, and keep smoke alarms working.
Questions about timing appliances
On time of use, off-peak or the midday window. On a free midday plan, the free hours. On a flat rate without solar, it makes no difference.
On time-of-use plans, overnight is usually cheaper than the evening peak, but the middle of the day is often cheaper still. In the AusNet Services area, the regulated solar soak rate is 17.59c against 22.6c off-peak.
Most networks put the peak between about 3pm and 9pm. Victoria's regulated peak is 4pm to 9pm every day. Check your plan for exact hours.
On a time-of-use plan, overnight off-peak is cheaper than the evening peak, and the middle of the day can be cheaper again. On a flat rate the time makes no difference.
With solar, a time-of-use plan with a cheap midday rate, or a free midday plan, yes. Avoid running it in the evening peak.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.