You can’t really “avoid” a demand charge / capacity tariff if your distribution grid operator (DSO) has introduced it — but with Tibber you can avoid high power peaks and keep the demand charge as low as possible.
Step-by-step (practical setup)
1) Find out exactly how your demand tariff is calculated
Different DSOs calculate it differently, for example:
- average of the 3 highest peaks (often one per day), or
- the 2 highest hours, or
- the 5 highest peaks, etc.
Also check if it’s time-differentiated (more expensive at certain hours).
Goal: know which peaks you need to “dodge”.
2) Get real-time visibility (otherwise it’s guessing)
If you have Tibber Pulse (HAN/P1) you get real-time consumption and can actively manage peaks. Pulse can also provide power alerts and features to help you stay below a chosen limit.
3) Identify your peaks in the Tibber app
Start by reviewing your max hourly usage:
Analysis → Consumption → Per day
Goal: see when and why peaks happen (morning/evening, cooking, shower/hot water, EV charging, etc.).
4) Set a “power budget” (a kW limit) to stay under
Pick a level that matches your DSO’s tariff model and your household.
Most peaks come from multiple big loads running at the same time (EV + stove + hot water + dryer, etc.).
5) If you charge an EV: enable Power control in Tibber (very important)
This is often the biggest win.
How it works (typical Tibber flow):
- Make sure both Tibber Pulse and your charger/wallbox are connected in the Tibber app.
- Check your historical max usage: Analysis → Consumption → Per day
- Decide a reasonable max kW per hour based on your demand tariff.
- Set it in the app: Pulse circle → gear icon → Power control and enable it.
Then charging is adjusted to keep your home’s total consumption under your chosen limit.
6) Prevent “collisions” between large consumers (most savings = avoiding simultaneity)
A simple priority plan:
- EV charging: charge when the house is “quiet”; use lower amps for longer rather than max power for a short time.
- Hot water / water heater & heat pump: avoid having them ramp up while EV + cooking is happening.
- Dishwasher / washer / dryer: don’t run them at the same time as cooking + showering + EV charging.
- Stove/oven: pause or limit EV charging during cooking hours if needed.
7) Follow up monthly against your DSO’s peak logic
At the end of the month, review your peaks (in the DSO portal or bill details) and compare with Tibber data. Adjust your kW limit and your schedules.
8) If you have solar panels
Depending on your DSO’s model, demand charges can sometimes also be affected by export/import behavior. Often, improving self-consumption helps; in some cases technical export limiting may be relevant.
Quick “get started” checklist (small effort, big impact)
- Enable Pulse and monitor real-time usage.
- Review peaks: Analysis → Consumption → Per day
- Turn on Power control for EV charging: Pulse → gear icon → Power control
- Reduce EV charging power a bit and avoid charging during cooking/shower peak hours.
—————————————————————————————————————————
Do you want EV news in your mailbox every week – SUBSCRIBE
Do you miss anything regarding EV’s on this site – send an email to info@ev-erything.com