Use electricity when it's cheapest — automatically.
Savings calculator

See how much you save with NORDplug

NORDplug automatically runs your device during the cheapest hours of the day, based on the Nord Pool spot price. Enter four details to see your savings per month and per year.

1Your details

7.0 kW
3.0 h
30 days

2Your savings

per month €0
per year €0
0 ct/kWh → 0 ct/kWh −0%
Average spot price → cheapest-hours price with NORDplug.

The day's prices and the hours NORDplug picks

The cheapest 3 hours of the day light up in lime — that's when NORDplug runs your device. Purple bars are the Nord Pool price (taller = pricier). Dashed line — the daily average.
NORDplug hours Nord Pool price
How it's calculated & data sources

NORDplug changes when you use electricity, not how much. Your consumption (kWh) stays the same — it is shifted to the cheapest hours of the day, lowering your average price per kWh. The baseline is the yearly average spot price (what you'd pay using power at random times).

Savings apply only to the electricity (energy) price. Grid fees and taxes are charged per kWh regardless of the time of use, so shifting the time doesn't change them and they are not included here.

Prices are last year's (2025) Nord Pool / day-ahead (spot) averages per price zone (some values are estimates). In countries where Nord Pool competes with another exchange (Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, the UK), the day-ahead price for a zone is the same on both exchanges (shared SDAC clearing).

Exchange rates (2025, approximate): €1 ≈ 11.5 NOK · 7.46 DKK · 11.0 SEK · 0.85 GBP · 4.25 PLN. Calculations are made in euros; local currency is shown for reference.

NORDplug Usage

List of possible devices, savings potential and all control options

NORDplug allows flexible control of electrical devices not only according to the “Nord Pool” electricity exchange price, but also based on weather (sun / rain / cloudy conditions), time and outdoor temperature,
as well as charging when the price is negative. These documents cover all
suitable use scenarios and the greatest savings potential.

The main principle: the biggest benefit is achieved with devices that
consume a lot of electricity and are flexible — their operation can be moved in time
or temporarily paused without inconvenience. Heating and hot water have “thermal mass”,
which works like a free battery: cheap energy is converted into heat that can be used later.

Control Methods

Code Control method Description
K Exchange price The device is switched on during the cheapest hours of the day according to the “Nord Pool” day-ahead price, or switched off during the most expensive hours.
P Price limit / peak shaving The socket automatically switches off when the price exceeds your defined limit (ct/kWh), cutting off short-term price peaks.
N Negative price When the exchange price becomes negative: consumption can be switched ON, while generation, such as solar power, can be switched OFF to avoid unprofitable export.
O Weather conditions
(sun / rain / cloudy)		 Based on real-time weather data, the device is stopped or started, for example: no watering during rain, terrace heater does not turn on during rain.
L Time / schedule The device operates according to selected hours, days or weekly schedule, for example: night mode, only during working hours, or before arrival.
T Outdoor temperature The device is regulated according to outdoor temperature, for example: engine pre-heater only during cold weather, frost protection only below 0 °C.

Most Useful Devices — Where the Effect Is Greatest

  • Electric vehicle charging

    Control: K, P, N, L

    The largest single flexible consumption load — 7–11 kW for several hours. Charging can be moved to any night-time hours without inconvenience, making the effect the greatest.

  • Home battery systems (ESS)

    Control: K, P, N

    Charges when electricity is cheap and discharges when it is expensive, supporting price arbitrage and peak shaving. Together with EV charging, this is the strongest combination, especially with power-based tariffs.

  • Electric water heating with storage tank

    Control: K, P, N, L

    Water remains hot for hours, so heating can be shifted to the cheapest hours while hot water stays available without additional technology.

  • Heat pumps and electric heating

    Control: K, T, L

    Large annual electricity consumption. Even a small percentage reduction in price can save a significant amount per year; the thermal mass of the building or floor allows heat to be stored.

  • Underfloor / night storage heating

    Control: K, L, T

    Designed for heat storage — concrete or stone mass retains heat for hours. Perfectly suited for exchange price-based control.

  • Pool and SPA systems — pumps and heating

    Control: K, L, O

    Long daily operation and high power demand — filtration and heating can be easily shifted to cheap and sunny periods.

  • Electric sauna

    Control: K, L

    Powerful but convenient to schedule — heat it up during the cheapest time window before use.

  • Solar power control during negative prices

    Control: N

    When the price is negative, stopping the power plant protects against unprofitable export; flexible consumers can “consume and earn” during that time.

Full Device Catalogue

Control codes: K – exchange price · P – price limit / peak shaving · N – negative price · O – weather · L – time · T – outdoor temperature. Potential: High Medium Low

Electric Vehicles and Transport

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
EV charger, single-phase (~3.7 kW) 3.7 kW Very flexible K P N L High Large consumption and charging can be fully delayed overnight. One of the most beneficial devices.
EV charger, three-phase (~11 kW) 11 kW Very flexible K P N L High The greatest single flexible household consumption — the highest savings effect.
EV charger, 22 kW 22 kW Very flexible K P N L High Same as 11 kW; for powerful chargers it is especially important to avoid peaks and optimize tariffs.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) charger 3.7 kW Very flexible K P N L High The same logic as for EVs; smaller battery, but charging can be easily shifted.
Electric scooter / bicycle charger 0.3–1 kW Very flexible K L Low Small consumption, but charging during the cheapest hours costs almost nothing.
Car engine block heater 0.5–1 kW Flexible T L K Medium Switch on only when it is cold and only before departure — significant savings throughout winter.
Car cabin / window heater 1.5–2 kW Flexible T L Medium Short but powerful use — plan only before the trip and only in cold weather.

Water Heating

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
Electric boiler with tank 1.5–3 kW Very flexible K P N L High The water tank acts as a free thermal accumulator. Heat during the cheapest hours — classic high-value savings.
Heat pump water heater 0.5–1.2 kW Very flexible K L High Already efficient, but shifting operation to cheap hours saves even more.
Immersion heater 3 kW Very flexible K N O High Ideal for negative prices and surplus solar energy — instead of exporting cheaply, energy can be stored as hot water.
Instantaneous water heater 3–27 kW Not flexible P Low Heats only on demand, so shifting use is not realistic. Useful only for extreme peak control.
Electric towel dryer 0.3–0.8 kW Flexible L T Low Can be switched on according to schedule or during the colder season.

Space Heating — Electric

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
Electric boiler / central electric heating 6–12 kW Flexible K P T High High power — shifting to cheaper hours and peak shaving delivers a strong effect.
Air-to-air heat pump 0.8–3 kW Flexible K T L High Heat rooms during cheaper hours and adjust mode according to outdoor temperature.
Air-to-water heat pump 1–4 kW Flexible K T High With a buffer tank it becomes very flexible — store heat when electricity is cheap.
Ground-source heat pump 1.5–5 kW Flexible K T High Large annual consumption — even a small reduction in average price delivers noticeable savings.
Electric underfloor heating 1–4 kW Very flexible K T L High The concrete thermal mass stores heat for hours — ideal for cheap price periods.
Night storage heaters 2–3.5 kW Very flexible K L High Designed specifically for heat storage — perfectly suited for exchange price control.
Electric convectors / panels 0.5–2 kW Medium K T L Medium Lower thermal mass — best combined with room temperature control and schedule.
Infrared heating panels 0.3–1 kW Medium K L T Medium Zonal heating according to schedule and electricity price.
Electric sauna 4.5–9 kW Flexible K L High Powerful and easy to schedule — heat it during the cheapest window before use.
Terrace / outdoor heater 2–3 kW Flexible O T L Medium No point heating when it rains — control based on weather and temperature.

Cooling & Climate Control

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
Air conditioner 0.8–3.5 kW Flexible K T Medium Cool rooms when electricity is cheap or before peak prices; operation can also be adjusted according to outdoor temperature.
Pool heat pump 3–8 kW Flexible K L O High High power and long operating time — ideal for running during the cheapest and sunniest hours.
Pool filtration pump 0.5–1.5 kW Very flexible K L High Operates for many hours each day and can be fully shifted to the cheapest tariff periods.
SPA / Hot tub (heating & circulation) 2–6 kW Flexible K L T Medium Maintain water temperature during low-price periods and preheat before use.
Ventilation with heat recovery (HRV / ERV) 0.1–0.5 kW Medium K O T L Medium Increase ventilation when electricity is cheap or depending on weather and outdoor temperature.
Air dehumidifier 0.3–0.8 kW Flexible K L Medium Basements and utility rooms allow flexible operation during cheaper hours.
Fans / Air circulators 0.05–0.3 kW Medium L Low Low power consumption, but operation can still be scheduled.

Water, Pumps & Outdoor Systems

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
Well / Borehole pump 0.5–2 kW Flexible K L Medium If a storage tank is available, water can be pumped during low-price hours.
Irrigation pump 0.5–2 kW Flexible O L K Medium Avoid watering when it rains. Saves both electricity and water.
Circulation pump 0.05–0.3 kW Medium K L Low Low power, but daily schedule can still reduce unnecessary operation.
Pond pump / Aerator 0.05–0.5 kW Medium L T Low Reduce operating intensity at night or depending on temperature.
Drainage / Sewage pump 0.4–1.5 kW Not flexible — Low Safety-critical equipment — should never be delayed or controlled by electricity price.

Household Appliances (Delayable)

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
Dishwasher 1.5–2.2 kW Flexible K L Medium Use the delayed start function to run the washing cycle during cheaper hours.
Washing machine 0.5–2.2 kW Flexible K L Medium Delay the washing cycle to nighttime or other low-price periods.
Condenser tumble dryer 2–3 kW Flexible K L Medium Powerful appliance — noticeable savings when the cycle is shifted.
Heat pump dryer 0.8–1 kW Flexible K L Medium Even more efficient when operated during cheaper electricity periods.
Refrigerator / Freezer 0.1–0.3 kW Limited — Low Not recommended for AI control because of food safety. Only very short interruptions are acceptable.

Energy Generation & Storage

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
Home Battery System (ESS) 2–10 kW Very flexible K P N High Charge when electricity is cheap, discharge when expensive (price arbitrage), and reduce peak demand. One of the most effective applications.
Solar inverter (shutdown control) 3–15 kW Flexible N High Automatically switch off during negative electricity prices to avoid paying for exported energy.
Small wind turbine 1–10 kW Flexible N Medium Stop generation during negative-price periods.
Micro CHP system 1–5 kW Flexible K N Medium Generate electricity when prices are high; stop generation when prices are low or negative.
Backup generator 2–20 kW Flexible P Low Can be started only during exceptionally high electricity prices (where economically justified).

Outdoor / Seasonal / Protection Systems

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
Roof / Gutter de-icing cable 0.3–2 kW Flexible T O Medium Operate only during freezing temperatures and precipitation—significant savings throughout the winter.
Driveway / Path snow melting system ~0.3 kW/m² Flexible T O Medium Control according to temperature and snowfall only—continuous operation is very expensive.
Pipe freeze protection 0.01–0.03 kW/m Flexible T Medium Heat only when outdoor temperature approaches 0°C.
Greenhouse heating 1–3 kW Flexible T O K Medium Protect plants from frost based on temperature while storing heat during low-price periods.
Greenhouse grow lights 0.2–1 kW Flexible K L Medium Long operating hours—schedule lighting during cheaper electricity periods whenever possible.
Animal / Poultry heating lamps 0.1–0.25 kW Flexible T Medium Control according to the required ambient temperature.
Outdoor lighting / Decorative lights 0.05–0.3 kW Flexible L Low Operate according to a schedule or timer.

Workshops / Business / Light Industry

Device Power Flexibility Methods Potential Comment
Ceramic firing kiln 3–10 kW Flexible K L High High power consumption and flexible scheduling—run firing cycles during the cheapest hours.
Air compressor (with storage tank) 0.75–5 kW Flexible K L Medium Fill the air tank when electricity prices are low.
Commercial ice maker 0.5–2 kW Flexible K L High Ice acts as thermal storage—produce ice during low-price hours and use it throughout the day.
Commercial refrigeration / Cold rooms 1–10 kW Medium K P Medium A small allowable temperature range enables pre-cooling during cheaper electricity periods and peak shaving.
Server room / Computer mining 0.5–5+ kW Medium K P N High Operate according to electricity price, reduce load during expensive peak hours, or increase operation during negative prices.
Commercial laundry equipment 2–10 kW Flexible K L Medium Schedule washing and drying cycles during lower-cost electricity periods.
3D printer farm 0.1–0.5 kW Medium K L Low Long print jobs can be started during cheaper electricity hours.

Additional Features & Insights

Negative Electricity Prices: Consume & Benefit

When Nord Pool electricity prices become negative (an increasingly common occurrence due to excess wind and solar generation), you are actually paid for consuming electricity. During these periods, NORDplug can automatically activate flexible loads such as water heating, electric vehicle charging, or home battery charging. This allows inexpensive energy to be stored and used later.

Negative Prices: Automatically Stop Generation

If your solar power system cannot export electricity profitably, negative prices mean you would actually pay for the energy sent to the grid. NORDplug can automatically stop the inverter or redirect surplus energy to loads such as water heaters or battery systems, preventing unnecessary losses.

Peak Shaving Reduces Demand Charges

In many countries, electricity network fees are increasingly based on the highest power demand (kW) rather than total energy consumption. By avoiding short power peaks—for example when an EV charger and water heater operate simultaneously—you reduce not only energy costs but also demand charges, creating additional long-term savings.

Use Solar Energy More Efficiently

When your solar panels are producing electricity, NORDplug can automatically start selected appliances such as a boiler, pool equipment, or EV charging. This maximizes self-consumption instead of exporting electricity to the grid at a lower value.

Freeze Protection Only When Needed

Pipe heating cables, roof de-icing systems, and similar protection devices are often left running throughout the winter. Using outdoor temperature and weather data, NORDplug activates them only when freezing conditions actually exist, maintaining protection while significantly reducing electricity consumption.

Combined Conditions = Smart Automation

The greatest savings come from combining several automation rules. For example, underfloor heating can operate during the cheapest electricity hours while also considering outdoor temperature. Irrigation can run only at scheduled times when it is not raining, and the sauna can be preheated before your planned arrival.

Legionella Prevention During Low-Cost Hours

Periodic high-temperature heating cycles required for Legionella prevention can be automatically scheduled during the cheapest electricity periods, ensuring both safety and lower operating costs.

Comfort Planning

Preheat your sauna before arriving home, schedule EV charging overnight, or cool your home before a heatwave. NORDplug improves comfort while taking advantage of lower electricity prices.

Thermal Energy Storage Without Batteries

Hot water tanks, buildings, concrete floors, swimming pools, and even ice makers can serve as free thermal batteries. Cheap electricity is converted into stored heat or cooling that can be used later, eliminating the need for expensive battery storage.

Greener Energy Consumption

The lowest electricity prices usually coincide with periods of high renewable energy production from wind, solar, and hydro. Consuming electricity during these times reduces both your electricity costs and your carbon footprint.

The Future: Flexibility Markets

As electricity markets evolve, flexible devices will increasingly participate in balancing and demand-response markets. This opens new opportunities to earn additional income by automatically adjusting electricity consumption when requested by the grid.

What Should NOT Be Automated (Safety)

  • Never control safety-critical equipment such as drainage pumps, medical devices, fire protection systems, or servers powered through UPS systems based solely on electricity prices.
  • Refrigerators and freezers are generally not recommended for automated switching, except for very short interruptions during defrost cycles.
  • Instant water heaters should always operate on demand and should not have their operation delayed.
  • Equipment requiring uninterrupted operation (for example, certain manufacturing processes or medical equipment) should only be automated using dedicated fail-safe strategies.
  • Always maintain minimum acceptable limits for indoor temperature, water temperature, and other critical operating conditions to ensure that savings never compromise safety or comfort.

Methodology: Savings are calculated from the electricity price component only. Network charges and taxes generally remain unchanged, except where peak demand (kW) tariffs apply. The power ratings shown are typical reference values. Actual savings depend on energy consumption, electricity tariffs, and the flexibility of individual devices.