This app will help you to reduce your electricity bill in Spain

You are not alone if you live in Spain and your electricity bill has risen higher than expected. Understanding when to use appliances is important because of variable pricing, time-ofuse tariffs and changing energy prices across the EU. RedOS is a useful tool that’s free. Red Eléctrica de EspañaThe electricity grid operator in Spain.

RedOS can help you find the right timing for your tasks, such as running air conditioning during a hot summer’s day, charging devices, and doing laundry.

What is the RedOS app?

RedOS, the official mobile app of Red EléctricaThe app is intended to assist users in tracking electricity demand, electricity supply, and, most importantly the price per hour of electricity in Spain. It is available both in English and Spanish.

You may find that your electricity prices can fluctuate every hour of the day if you are on a PVPC tariff. The app helps you keep track of and plan around these price fluctuations.

Why prices change hourly

Spanish electricity prices are based on a system that is influenced by demand, renewable energy and wholesale costs. The prices can be lower in the morning or at night, and then peak around midday.

This is especially important if you’re on a PVPC (Precio Voluntario para el Pequeño Consumidor) tariff, which most consumers are by default unless they’ve opted into a fixed-rate contract. In this system, the cost per kilowatt is calculated hourly.

How to use the app to save Money

1. Download and Set Preferences
   You can choose English as your preferred Language after you have downloaded RedOS. There is no need to sign in or create an online account. You can open the app and be taken directly to a screen that shows a graph showing current electricity prices.
2. See Hourly Prices
   The app shows the electricity prices for today in a graph with colour codes. Green bars denote lower prices and red bars peak periods. You can tap on each bar to see the exact price for that hour in €/kWh.
3. Plan ahead with tomorrow’s prices
   RedOS publishes the prices of electricity for the next day around 8:15pm every night. This is an excellent opportunity to plan energy usage. You can schedule your washing machine or dishwasher to run at the lowest prices, and even charge your electric car.
4. The “Best Time” feature is a great way to find the best time for you.
   App also displays the most and least expensive timeslots, so you can check for yourself when you should avoid heavy appliances or when it is most cost-effective to use them.

How to Reduce your Electricity Bill

As you become accustomed to checking RedOS every day or even weekly, the program becomes an important ally for reducing your electric bill. To make the most of this information, here are some easy adjustments:

• Run your appliances off-peak. Use the delay-start feature on your washing machine and dishwasher to run cycles early in the morning or late at night when prices are lower.
  
• Avoid energy-intensive tasks during peak hours. Spending money on ironing or cooking with an oven during the most expensive time slots can quickly add-up.
  
• Charge electric vehicles and devices strategically. For maximum savings, set them up to charge overnight or very early in the morning.
  
• Heat smart and cool. Air conditioning is a major energy user in the summer. Close shutters and cool your house before the peak price.
  

What if you’re on a fixed-rate tariff?

You may not be able to change your rate every hour if you have a contract with an independent supplier. RedOS can give you insights into grid demand, and even overall trends. This may help you better understand how your provider sets rates, or encourage you to switch plans.

Extra Features

RedOS isn’t just about prices, it provides:

• Energy mix tracking View the amount of electricity generated by renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydro.
  
• Real-time demand: See how much electricity Spain consumes at any moment.
  
• Carbon emissions data: Learn about the impact on the environment of the current energy mix.
  

Knowing when to buy electricity at the lowest price in Spain does not have to be a guessing-game. RedOS can help you reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint with just a few taps.

RedOS for your smartphone is essential if you are a Brit who lives in Spain. You may still be adjusting to the way energy works here. It is reliable, free and will give you a better idea of the impact your household habits have on your wallet.

Energy prices are fluctuating across Europe. Knowledge is the key to saving money.