The first dynamic electricity tariffs that allow consumers to directly benefit from low or even zero electricity prices in the wholesale market during periods of surplus renewable energy generation, typically at midday, are now appearing in the market. These products initially target customers with ‘night’ or ‘smart’ meters and are expected to multiply as smart meter deployment progresses and the regulatory framework governing so-called ‘dynamic’ pricing is completed — that is, tariffs varying by time zone or hour of the day.
Recently, DEH announced its myHome EnterTwo plan, aimed at customers with dual-zone meters (the older ‘night’ type). The price is set at €0.145 per kWh for the standard zone and €0.095 for the reduced zone over a two-year period. The peak and off-peak hours are defined by ministerial decision: from April to October, peak hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while off-peak runs from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. During winter months (November to March), peak hours are from noon to 3 p.m., and off-peak from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Last week, Hellenic Energy Market Operator (HERON) launched its Happy Hour product for users with smart meters, offering zero-cost electricity for three daily hours. The three-hour window varies depending on wholesale market conditions (e.g., it could be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.). For the remaining hours, prices fluctuate hourly based on wholesale market trends. For example, last Tuesday, the price per kWh ranged from €0.16 to €0.273.
The advantage for consumers choosing these plans lies in the ability to reduce their electricity bills by shifting consumption (e.g., cooking, laundry, ironing, electric water heaters, or charging an EV) to times when power is cheapest or free.
According to the plan set by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDHE), the installation of smart meters across all consumers is expected to be completed by 2030.