[Alphagem]

We've just gone onto Next Smart Saver Fixed 12m V3 (requires smart meter with half-hour electricity readings). It has a reduced rate between 2 and 5 am.

The washing machine is no problem as that has a delay setting. But the cold fill dishwasher does not. So, following a tip I saw online, I bought a TP-Link Tapo P105 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug from John Lewis. (£9)

This works on your wi-fi and your smart phone. You don't need a hub, but you do need it to be within reach of a 2.5g wi-fi source.

To make it work, you have to use a little trick. You start the dishwasher, then almost immediately turn off the plug using the app. Then you set the delay on the app so that the plug comes back on just after 2am. When the power is restored, the dishwasher resumes its cycle, which it completes within the cheaper period.

Using the separate Bright app on my phone, which shows the power consumption in 30-minute time slots, I can see when the machine is drawing power to heat water and dry the dishes. So, I know it works.

[geoffers]

@Alphagem - Great tip : I have the same problem with the dishwasher and hadn't thought of that 👍

Similar with the washing machine which does have a delay timer, but I'd need a robot to move the washing to the tumble dryer 🤣

FYI: I'm using the Tapo P110, which are a little more expensive but also record your actual energy usage at that socket as well 👍 (Bright will only show the total household usage)

[Poppy_EONNext]

Hey @Alphagem 😁

I have always been intrigued about these smart plugs. It is a very clever solution to taking advantage of the off peak rate!
Thanks for sharing this great tip! I'm sure it will be very helpful for others in a similar situation looking to optimise their energy usage and save money! 🙌

[Alphagem]

Originally Posted by geoffers

@Alphagem - Great tip : I have the same problem with the dishwasher and hadn't thought of that 👍

Similar with the washing machine which does have a delay timer, but I'd need a robot to move the washing to the tumble dryer 🤣

FYI: I'm using the Tapo P110, which are a little more expensive but also record your actual energy usage at that socket as well 👍 (Bright will only show the total household usage)

If it works with your domestic routine, you could always split over two nights.

[rwh202]

Originally Posted by Alphagem

If it works with your domestic routine, you could always split over two nights.

Not sure having a soggy pile of washing waiting all day for its turn in the dryer is worth it!

(un)Fortunately our family day starts well before the end of off-peak, so the towels can get their spin in the dryer on cheap rate.

An added benefit of running overnight is that there is no rush - you can use the long 'eco' cycles that use less energy too.

Oh, and related to one of my peeves - the washer has a delayed end time, set in one hour increments with an acceleration at 10 hours - so aiming for 06:00 when setting in the evening invariably leads to an overshoot.
The dishwasher, same manufacturer, has delayed start time instead, set in one minute increments, with acceleration after 20 minutes - now who needs their dishwasher to start in exactly 17 minutes?