The proliferation of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and all kinds of connected devices, as well as the growing presence of electric cars and smart home gadgets, are causing homes to require more and more electricity. Added to this is the trend toward teleworking, home entertainment, and home automation (home automation), which increases the need to better manage consumption and seek affordable electricity rates to avoid unpleasant surprises on the bill.
Why is it essential to choose affordable electricity rates for charging devices?
The increase in the number of connected electronic devices, and especially electric vehicles, has transformed the energy consumption profile of homes and offices. It's no longer just a matter of reducing the use of large appliances, but also of managing the charging of mobile phones, tablets, laptops, robot vacuum cleaners, smart assistants, and even cars. Choosing the best electricity rate Not only does it help save money, but it is key to optimizing recharging based on the cheapest hours, reducing the impact on the environment by opting for green energy.
Energy market liberalization: What's changed and how does it benefit you?
Previously, electricity was supplied by a single national company, but since the liberalization of the energy market, there are many suppliers, each with its own pricing and service policies. This new scenario is a great opportunity for find offers tailored to your consumption profileThere are large, well-known companies and smaller ones, even those specializing in electric car charging rates, which can be much more advantageous for those who charge devices at night or during special times.
However, the wide variety of options can create doubts and uncertainty when comparing the specific terms of each contract. Therefore, it's essential to be well-informed and analyze the different options in detail, reading the fine print of each offer. Not all affordable rates are the same or suitable for all homes, and it's important to understand the specifics of each one.
Types of electricity rates: Which is best for charging devices?
There are currently three main types of electricity rates, geared toward both households with a large number of electronic devices and electric vehicle users. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in your monthly bill:
- 24-hour fixed rate: It allows you to always pay the same price for the electricity you use, regardless of the time of day or night. It's the easiest to understand and makes it easier to control your spending. It's very useful if you use and charge your devices at any time of day, although it may not be the cheapest option for nighttime charging.
- Time-of-use rate: It offers different prices depending on the time of day, dividing the day into peak, off-peak, and off-peak periods. This is usually the most economical option for those who can concentrate their usage or charging of mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and electric cars during the night and on weekends, or during off-peak hours.
- Indexed rate: The price of a kilowatt-hour (kWh) varies daily and hourly, depending on the wholesale market. It can be very economical if you can adapt your charging habits to the cheapest times, although it requires monitoring the market and maintaining some control over consumption.
The choice will depend on the type of devices you have, your consumption habits, and whether you're an electric vehicle user. It's also a good idea to review any potential power surcharges.
Optimize your bill: How to analyze and understand your actual energy consumption
Before choosing an affordable rate to charge your devices, it's essential to carefully analyze your usage profile. Ask yourself:
- How many devices do you charge daily? Consider mobile phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, robot vacuum cleaners, smart speakers, etc.
- Do you use an electric car at home? Its recharge can represent the largest % of monthly energy expenditure.
- When do you do most of your refills? During the day, at night, or in multiple time slots?
- Are there any major appliances running in parallel? It is important to identify consumption peaks and possible overlaps with the most expensive periods of the day.
The impact of charging electric devices and vehicles on your bill
One of the keys to saving is knowing how much each device actually consumes:
- A single latest generation mobile phone It consumes very little, but if there are several charging each night (plus tablets and laptops), the accumulated expense is greater than you imagine throughout the month.
- electric cars They typically require between 15 and 20 kWh per 100 km traveled. If you travel 50 km daily, you'll consume between 7,5 and 10 kWh per day, which is between 225 and 300 kWh per month, similar to or greater than the consumption of an efficient refrigerator for the entire month.
- Charge multiple small devices (smartwatch, headphones, tablets) also adds up, although to a lesser extent.
Practical examples: comparison of economical rates for efficient charging
Currently, some of the most recognized companies offering specific rates, with very competitive prices for households and individuals looking to save money by charging devices or their electric cars are:
- Iberdrola (Electric Vehicle Plan): Promotional hours from 1:00 to 7:00 with a very reduced price for nighttime charging.
- Endesa (Tempo Zero Rate): It offers the first 200 kWh/month at zero cost during nighttime hours, ideal for small and medium-sized accumulated consumption from charging electric devices and cars.
- Repsol (My 10h Rate with EV Discount): It allows you to choose up to 10 hours per day to get a 50% discount on the price per kWh, which allows for great flexibility if you charge your devices or car at different times.
- TotalEnergies (Electric Vehicle Plan): Special prices during off-peak periods, from midnight to 0am on weekdays and 8 hours a day on weekends and holidays. 24% renewable energy and no lock-in period.
- Octopus Energy (Octopus Go): Indexed rate with promotional hours to maximize savings if you can adapt your device charging to the lowest-priced hours.
- MASMOVIL ENERGY: It offers fixed and variable rates, allowing you to enjoy a fixed price for six months or take advantage of three-tiered time-of-use, perfect for charging devices and electric cars during off-peak hours. It also offers solar self-consumption rates and purchases surplus energy produced.
Remember: Indexed rates can be more advantageous in the short term, but they require active market monitoring. Rates with fixed time slots and prices provide greater stability.
The importance of additional conditions: contracted power and associated services
In addition to the price per kWh, you should consider the cost of the fixed term for the contracted power, additional services (such as home assistance, appliance insurance, or sustainable consumption bonuses), and the possibility of contracting plans with no lock-in. Some companies, such as Pepeenergy or MASMOVIL ENERGÍA, offer 100% green energy, while others allow contracting without a penalty for switching, making it easier to adapt to new offers at any time.
The importance of reviewing your rate conditions and following energy market trends
In addition to the price per kWh, you should consider the cost of the fixed term for the contracted power, additional services (such as home assistance, appliance insurance, or sustainable consumption bonuses), and the possibility of contracting plans with no lock-in. Some companies, such as Pepeenergy or MASMOVIL ENERGÍA, offer 100% green energy, while others allow contracting without a penalty for switching, making it easier to adapt to new offers at any time.
Additional tips to save energy when charging your devices
- Schedule nightly charging: Take advantage of off-peak charging times to charge your phones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles. Some smart plugs and many apps allow you to automatically schedule charging times for times with lower energy costs.
- Use power saving and sleep modes: Activate power-saving mode on your devices while charging to reduce power consumption and heat generation (which extends battery life).
- Unplug chargers and power strips when not in use: This will prevent the so-called “phantom power” of permanently connected chargers.
- Periodically check the contracted power: Excessive power represents an unnecessary fixed cost, but insufficient power can cause outages or problems when charging multiple devices simultaneously.
- Take advantage of solar energy if you have panels: Self-consumption rates allow you to take advantage of your own production and further reduce your bill, even selling the surplus.
Apps and digital tools to calculate, compare and save
Using mobile apps and web platforms specialized in energy management allows you to maintain control over the charging of all your devices. Some highlights of the best apps include:
- Real-time consumption monitoring: To know when and how the greatest expenditure occurs.
- Best Charging Time Alerts: Receive notifications during the lowest price hours.
- Rate change recommendations: Based on your usage history and detected habits, many apps recommend switching to the cheapest rate available.
- Remote control of smart plugs: Optimize the charging time for mobile phones, laptops, robot vacuum cleaners, and other connected devices.
Specific rates for households with electric vehicle and large device charging
If your home has an electric car charging station, it is essential to choose a suitable tariff to avoid skyrocketing your monthly bill. Tariffs with hourly discrimination, especially those that concentrate the reduced price during the night (from midnight to 0am or from 8am to 1am), are currently the most affordable option. Additionally, some rates allow you to choose your own daily promotional hours or accumulate credit to use on other partner platforms.
- Difference between private and community garage: Installing a charging point in a private garage is simpler, and the electricity contract is managed exclusively by the owner. However, in the case of residential communities, it may require authorizations and the creation of a new CUPS (Universal Supply Point Code) to track and bill charging consumption.
- Moves Plan and other aid: There are state incentives for installing private charging stations, which can offset the initial investment and reduce the cost of charging compared to more expensive public charging stations.
- Solutions for those who cannot install a charger at home: Public charging stations are more expensive per kWh, but allow for faster charging. This is an option for those living in buildings without their own garage, although it's a good idea to prioritize home charging if possible.
Don't forget to check that the rate you choose doesn't limit your monthly usage or impose additional costs if you exceed a certain threshold, especially if charging your vehicle will account for the bulk of your electricity bill.
Market changes and tips to avoid surprises on your electricity bill
The electricity market is dynamic, and the best rates can change every few months. Therefore, it's a good idea to:
- Review and compare the rate at least once a year using official comparators and consumer association platforms.
- Avoid penalties for staying choosing rates that allow you to switch operators free of charge when better offers arise.
- Request information on price review clauses, as many low-cost rates may increase quarterly or after the end of an initial promotion.
- Read the fine print: Make sure the price offered is not subject to the purchase of additional services or conditions that don't fit your needs.
Some companies, such as Enérgya VM, Plenitude, Imagina Energía, and Visalia, have stood out for offering very competitive rates, with the option to choose between a 24-hour fixed price or three time slots, and special promotions for households with low annual consumption. However, they can always change prices with advance notice, so regular monitoring is essential.
Case study: How to calculate the real savings when recharging devices with a low rate
Let's assume you have the following monthly consumption profile:
- 3 mobile phones, 2 tablets, 2 laptops, 1 robot vacuum cleaner, 1 smart speaker and 1 electric car (daily charging of 7,5 kWh).
Thanks to a time-of-use rate, you can schedule nighttime charging and take advantage of off-peak prices. Instead of paying €0,20 per kWh during the day, you pay €0,10 at night. Just charging your car would save you more than €20 per month. If you add the rest of your devices, the savings increase considerably compared to a traditional non-time-of-use rate. Always charging during the promotional period is key.
The ability to save on your electricity bill when charging devices isn't just about choosing the lowest price per kWh, but also about understanding your consumption patterns, adapting your charging habits to the cheapest times, and regularly checking the market for personalized offers. Choosing flexible, non-binding rates with renewable energy maximizes your savings and contributes to greater sustainability. A detailed analysis of current and future needs and the use of all the digital tools at your disposal will make the difference between an unaffordable bill and efficient control of household and mobility energy expenditure.