“Free” describes a time window
The Electricity Facts Label should state the days and hours covered by the free or discounted period. The retail energy charge may be zero during that window while other charges may still apply. The exact treatment must come from the plan documents.
Why the daytime rate matters
Time-of-use plans often recover part of the discount through a higher rate outside the free window. Air conditioning, cooking, laundry, pool equipment, EV charging, and occupancy schedules affect the result. Moving flexible usage can help, but the comparison should not assume behavior the household will not maintain.
Monthly totals are not enough
A bill showing 1,000 kWh does not reveal whether those kWh occurred at noon or midnight. Fifteen-minute interval data allows the plan’s stated windows to be applied to the actual timestamps.
Questions to answer before enrolling
- What exact hours and days receive the discount?
- What is the energy price outside those hours?
- Do CenterPoint delivery charges apply to all usage?
- Are there base charges or other recurring fees?
- How much of my historical usage occurred inside the discounted window?
- Would changing my routine be realistic?
Plan rules vary. The words “free nights” alone are not enough to calculate a bill; use the current EFL for the exact offer.
Common questions
Does a free-nights plan make the entire nighttime bill free?
Not necessarily. The plan defines which retail energy charge is free. Delivery charges, base charges, or other stated amounts may still apply.
Can a monthly bill show whether free nights are worthwhile?
No. Monthly kWh does not show when electricity was used; interval data is needed for the exact plan window.
How much nighttime usage makes free nights worthwhile?
There is no universal percentage. The daytime rate, free window, delivery charges, fees, and your interval usage all matter.
Do CenterPoint delivery charges apply during free hours?
The current plan documents control. Many offers still include regulated delivery charges during the free retail-energy window.