What is load shifting: a guide to smart energy habits for sustainable homes 

As Australia transitions to renewable energy, how and when we use electricity is becoming just as important as how much we use.  

Load shifting, the practice of moving energy use to times when electricity is cheaper and greener on the wholesale market, is a simple yet powerful way to support renewables, reduce your costs, and ease demand pressure on the grid. 

In this helpful article, we’ll explore how load shifting works, why it matters, and how it can make a big difference for both your wallet and the planet. 

What is load shifting? 

Load shifting involves timing your energy use to align with low-cost periods in the wholesale electricity market. This is typically when renewable energy generation is at its peak. It also means avoiding or reducing use during peak high-price periods, which often coincide with times when fossil fuel generators power up to meet demand.  

For example: 

• Running your dishwasher or washing machine during the day when solar energy is abundant. 

• Charging your electric vehicle (EV) on your lunch break instead of plugging in when you return home from work.  

• Avoiding or reducing energy use during peak demand periods, generally between 5-8pm, when prices spike and fossil fuel generators take over. 

By shifting energy use to cheaper, more renewable times of day, you can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, lower your electricity costs with the right retail plan (more about this below), and help integrate more renewable energy into the grid.

Why load shifting matters 

1. Supporting renewables 

Renewable energy levels in the grid vary throughout the day. Solar energy peaks in the middle of the day, while wind energy is more consistent but often higher at night. On average: 

• Solar energy contributes the most between 10 am and 3 pm, typically making this the greenest time to use electricity. 

• Fossil fuel generation is often at its highest level during the evening peak (5pm–9 pm), when renewable generation drops, and energy use spikes. (Although promisingly, more grid-scale and household batteries are helping reduce the need for coal and gas generation at these times.) 

By shifting your energy use to align with these patterns, you can maximise your use of clean energy and help reduce the demand for fossil fuel-powered generators. 

2. Reducing costs 

Electricity prices on the wholesale market are  typically lower during the day when solar energy floods the grid, and higher in the evening when demand is high and electricity is generated by costly fuel sources, like coal. With an energy plan linked to the wholesale market you can take advantage of this to reduce your costs.

For example: 

• Charging an EV during the day can cost up to 30% less than charging at night, depending on your energy plan. 

• Running appliances like dishwashers or pool pumps during solar hours can significantly reduce your electricity bill. 

3. Easing grid pressure 

Load shifting helps balance supply and demand, reducing strain on the grid during peak periods. This makes the grid more stable and lowers the risk of blackouts, which benefits all electricity users across our shared system. 

How to start load shifting 

Load shifting doesn’t require major changes, just a few tweaks to your daily habits. Here’s how to get started: 

• Identify flexible energy use 

Look at appliances or activities that can be shifted to different times, like laundry, dishwashing, or EV charging.  

• Use energy during solar hours 

Aim to use energy between 10am and 3pm, when solar energy is at its highest.  

• Avoid peak demand periods 

Try to minimise energy use between 5pm and 9pm,or switch to a backup source of power like a battery, when demand is high and fossil fuels are often required to meet the shortfall.  

• Monitor energy prices 

Use tools like the Flow Power app to track when energy is cheapest and greenest to maximise benefits from your load shifting. 

How Flow Power makes load shifting simple 

At Flow Power, we make it easy for customers to adopt load shifting and support renewables. Here’s how: 

• Real-time price signals: Our app shows you when energy is cheapest and greenest, helping you plan your energy use. 

• Variable pricing: Save money by using energy during low-cost periods, typically when solar or wind generation is high. 

• Renewable energy integration: Support real renewable projects in your state with your electricity plan and help us build Australia’s clean energy future. 

Visit the link below to learn more about our pricing and how you can influence your monthly costs with  load shifting, thanks to Flow Power’s unique Price Efficiency Adjustment. 

Ready to make the switch?