With energy costs skyrocketing, many are looking for ways to reduce their monthly bills. A lesser-known electricity pricing option, called Tempo, could be a game-changer—if you’re willing to be strategic about when you use your power. Introduced in 1998, this plan has recently gained attention as an effective way to cut electricity costs during certain periods of the year. But is it right for you? Here’s what you need to know about this option.
How Does the Tempo Option Work?
The Tempo plan, offered by EDF (Électricité de France), works on a price structure that varies based on the day and time of year. Unlike standard pricing plans that offer fixed rates, Tempo has three different pricing periods that shift based on demand:
- Blue days (300 days a year): These days offer the most savings, with electricity priced 42% cheaper during off-peak hours and 44% cheaper during peak hours.
- White days (43 days a year, excluding Sundays): These are still cheaper than peak days but not as favorable as the blue days, with a 32% savings during off-peak hours and 33% savings during peak hours.
- Red days (22 days a year, typically from November 1st to March 31st): These are the most expensive days. During red days, electricity prices can be three times higher during peak hours. However, you still get a 27% discount during off-peak hours.
This setup allows you to save money for the majority of the year, but the trade-off is the need for flexibility. Red days are when the energy demand is at its peak, and EDF encourages users to reduce consumption to avoid higher prices.
Who Should Consider Tempo?
Tempo isn’t for everyone—it’s best suited for households willing to alter their energy consumption patterns, especially during the 22 red days of the year. To make the most of this option, you’ll need to shift your high-energy devices—like heating systems, washing machines, and dishwashers—to off-peak hours, which are typically late at night or early in the afternoon.
Since the program only requires a 6 kVA connection to qualify (down from the previous 9 kVA), it’s now more accessible for many households. However, the key to saving money on Tempo is discipline. If you can’t cut back on energy usage during the high-cost periods, you might end up with hefty bills instead of savings. For example, running high-energy appliances during red peak hours could result in monthly bills as high as €1,000 in the winter months.
How to Optimize Tempo for Maximum Savings
If you’re considering the Tempo option, here are some tips to ensure you’re making the most of it:
- Alternative Heating: If you rely on electric heating, consider supplementing it with a wood stove or a gas boiler to avoid running up your bill during red days. This is crucial since red days often coincide with the coldest months of the year, making heating more essential than ever.
- Shift Energy-Heavy Activities: On red days, try to avoid using high-consumption appliances like electric water heaters, dryers, and dishwashers during peak hours. If you have a smart thermostat or an electric car, take advantage of the off-peak periods to charge or heat your home.
- Use Energy Wisely: During red peak hours, limit the use of non-LED lighting and high-energy devices like gaming computers. A simple tweak to your habits can have a big impact on your bill.
Example: How Much Can You Save?
Let’s consider a household that consumes 10,000 kWh per year. With a standard peak/off-peak tariff, their yearly bill might look like this:
- 5,000 kWh during peak hours x €0.246/kWh = €1,230
- 5,000 kWh during off-peak hours x €0.1828/kWh = €914
- Total: €2,144/year
Switching to the Tempo option could drastically cut costs. For instance, if the household adopts the following strategy:
- 22 red days: Focus on low energy use, costing around €193 during peak hours and €53 during off-peak hours.
- 43 white days: Use energy efficiently, totaling about €128 during peak hours and €122 during off-peak hours.
- 300 blue days: The total cost would be €514 for peak hours and €412 for off-peak hours.
With this plan, the total annual cost drops to €1,422, which is a 33% savings compared to the standard pricing model.
How to Sign Up for Tempo
To sign up for Tempo, you’ll need to be with EDF, as the plan is tied to the regulated price of electricity. If you’re with another supplier, you’ll have to switch to EDF to access this option. Keep in mind that the Linky smart meter is required to manage the plan efficiently. If you don’t have a Linky meter, you might need to pay for its installation, along with potential additional costs for electrical work to set up automatic switching for high-consumption appliances.
In summary, if you’re able to adjust your habits and manage energy consumption effectively, Tempo could be an excellent way to lower your electricity bills. By leveraging cheaper periods and minimizing usage during the most expensive days, you can make significant savings. However, the key is planning ahead and being disciplined—especially during those 22 red days.
