Free nights and weekends plans in Texas charge dramatically higher daytime rates (typically 18 to 26 cents per kWh) to offset the free off-peak hours. Only households using 38 percent or more of their monthly kWh during the free window actually save. Most stay-at-home households use most of their kWh during paid hours and lose on free-hours plans. Run your 12-month usage history through the EFL math before signing.
How free-hours plans actually work
Free nights plans charge zero cents per kWh during a defined window (typically 9 pm to 6 am or 8 pm to 5 am). Outside that window, the rate is dramatically higher than a flat-rate plan — typically 18 to 26 cents per kWh.
Free weekends plans charge zero cents per kWh on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday rates are typically 16 to 22 cents per kWh. The EFL discloses the exact paid-hour rate, the free window, and the average price at 500/1000/2000 kWh.
Who actually saves on free-hours plans
EV owners who charge overnight. EV charging uses 20 to 40 kWh per session and runs during the free window. Annual savings on the charge portion alone can exceed $500 to $1,200.
Remote workers with flexible schedules who can shift load to evenings. Snowbird households who travel half the year. Households with battery storage that can shift major loads to off-peak hours.
Who loses on free-hours plans
Stay-at-home families with kids and AC. Households with electric resistance water heaters running during dinner prep. Daytime-occupied homes where AC runs through the paid-hour window.
If your 12-month average shows less than 38 percent of monthly kWh during the plan's free window, you almost certainly lose on the free-hours plan vs a clean flat-rate plan.
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