WE ALL DEPEND on electricity, but did you know that you are in control of your electricity usage?

You decide on when and how you want to use your electricity and this may save carbon, save on your electricity bills and may also support security of electricity supply across Ireland this winter. Understanding the time of day we use electricity matters and also taking into account what the weather is like is also a factor in how we take control! 

Evening peak time is 5-7pm – try to avoid heavily using electricity appliances at this time. If the sun is shining during the day or it’s windy outside, then it is a good time to use electricity so put on the wash or do that load of ironing. 

ESB Networks is encouraging all customers to think about the times they use their electricity and before they use electrical appliances to ask themselves the question, “Is This a Good Time?”.

Here are 5 simple ways that you can take control of your electricity usage.

 Take action

“When there are lots of people using electricity at the same time and there isn’t enough generation available it can trigger a peak event. If you are a registered participant of ‘Is This a Good Time?‘ pilot you will receive an email or SMS giving you information on how you can reduce your electricity usage. Some participants of this pilot may be offered rewards to participate in peak events. If you have not yet signed up, you can at www.esbnetworks.ie/pilot.”

Know your appliances

The 5 most energy intensive appliances (use per hour) in descending order are – electric shower, tumble dryer, cooking (induction), kettle and iron. The SEAI have an incredible amount of information available, from installing a time on your immersion heater to ensure you only heat your water when needed, to the ranking of appliances when it comes to electricity use. Check out further information here.

Beat The Peak – Don’t use heavy electricity appliances between 5-7pm

Evening peak time in Ireland is 5-7pm and this is typically when we’re all turning on the lights, the kettle, the oven, the dishwasher while putting on our favourite tv shows all at the same time! Peak time tends to mean electricity is more expensive, more carbon intensive and less secure. So if you can, only if you can, try to avoid using heavy electricity appliances, such as your tumble dryer, during this time.

Signing up to the ‘Is This a Good Time?’ pilot will give you helpful hints and tips of how to shift your electricity consumption away from peak times. 

Reap the benefits 

By signing up to ESB Networks ‘Is This a Good Time?‘ pilot, you’re not only taking the initiative to think differently, you also could be randomly selected and given the option to opt in to support with further activities, should these customers chose to do so they will be provided with a reward. You’ll be benefiting from customised and relevant information to do with your energy use while potentially being provided with a reward, that’s a win in our books! 

Sign up to ESB Networks’ ‘Is This a Good Time?’ pilot today at esbnetworks.ie/pilot