3tariefmeters
3tariefmeters, also known as three-rate meters or triple-tariff meters, are electricity meters designed to record electricity consumption at different rates throughout a 24-hour period. These meters are typically used in conjunction with variable electricity pricing schemes where the cost of electricity changes based on the time of day, day of the week, or even seasonal demand. The three distinct rates usually correspond to peak, off-peak, and sometimes shoulder or mid-peak periods. Peak hours are when electricity demand is highest, often during weekdays in the late afternoon and early evening, and consequently, the price per kilowatt-hour is the most expensive. Off-peak hours, conversely, are when demand is lowest, typically overnight and on weekends, and electricity is charged at the cheapest rate. The third rate, if present, falls in between these two extremes. By dividing the day into these differentiated periods, 3tariefmeters allow consumers to potentially reduce their electricity bills by shifting their energy usage to times when electricity is cheaper. This encourages a more balanced load on the electricity grid, reducing the need for expensive, high-demand power generation during peak times.