ARCHIVED - The cost of using the washing machine in Spain falls by over half at night

New tariffs mean a cost of 22 cents at night but 47 cents in peak daytime hours

There has been much discussion of late regarding the new electricity tariffs which came into force in Spain on 1^st June, the results of which are made graphically clear by data compiled by consultancy firm Selectra.

The figures show that under the new scheme the cost of running an average washing machine will now be 47 cents during peak tariff times – 40 per cent more than last week! - but that can be cut to under half (22 cents) by using low-rate times. During the medium tariff hours the equivalent figure is 28 cents, according to the study.

In a household where the washing machine is used four times a week, the possible savings amount to around 5 euros a month just on this one item of household equipment, and similar conclusions are drawn from research into the cost of using other power-hungry equipment such as the oven, the dishwasher and air conditioning.

Even ironing at night could make a significant difference to your monthly bills!

Certainly it might to be wise to consider programming your white goods, or investing in timer switches!

Figures such as this make it abundantly clear how important it is to be aware of the times of day when the different rates apply, which are as follows:

Weekdays

Low rate: midnight to 8.00

Medium rate: 8.00 to 10.00, 14.00 to 18.00 and 22.00 until midnight

High rate: 10.00 to 14.00 and 118.00 to 22.00

Weekends and national holidays

Low rate all day