APS Off-Peak Hours & Holidays 2026: The Complete Schedule
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APS off-peak hours are when electricity is cheapest — $0.1235/kWh in summer compared to $0.3439/kWh during peak. Knowing the full schedule, including which holidays count as off-peak, can save you $50-$150/month on your energy bill.
APS Off-Peak Hours: Quick Reference
Off-Peak: 7:00 PM - 10:00 AM (Weekdays)
Plus all day on weekends and APS-recognized holidays.
Super Off-Peak: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Weekdays)
The cheapest rate at $0.0935/kWh — coincides with peak solar production.
These times apply to the Saver Choice Plus plan, which is the most popular APS time-of-use plan and the default for most solar and battery customers.
Complete APS Rate Schedule (Saver Choice Plus, 2026)
| Time Period | Hours | Days | Summer (May-Oct) | Winter (Nov-Apr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Weekdays only | $0.3439/kWh | $0.2145/kWh |
| Super Off-Peak | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Weekdays only | $0.0935/kWh | $0.0935/kWh |
| Off-Peak | 7:00 PM - 10:00 AM | Weekdays | $0.1235/kWh | $0.1035/kWh |
| Off-Peak | All day (24 hrs) | Weekends & Holidays | $0.1235/kWh | $0.1035/kWh |
Note: On weekdays, the 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM hour falls under off-peak rates (the gap between super off-peak ending and peak starting). For a deeper explanation of the full rate structure, see our APS TOU rates guide.
APS Recognized Holidays for 2026
APS treats all recognized holidays the same as weekends — all hours are billed at the off-peak rate. There are no peak or super off-peak periods on holidays. Here is the complete list:
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Day of Week | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Thursday | Winter |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday | Winter |
| Presidents' Day | February 16 | Monday | Winter |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday | Summer |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday | Summer |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday | Summer |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday | Winter |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday | Winter |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | Winter |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Winter |
How Much Do Off-Peak Hours Actually Save?
The difference between peak and off-peak rates is substantial. Here is what you save per kWh by shifting usage to different time periods:
| Shift From Peak To | Summer Savings/kWh | Winter Savings/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Super Off-Peak (10 AM - 3 PM) | $0.2504 | $0.1210 |
| Off-Peak (7 PM - 10 AM / weekends) | $0.2204 | $0.1110 |
For a typical Arizona home using 30 kWh during peak hours daily in summer, shifting just half of that to off-peak saves roughly $100/month. Shifting to super off-peak saves even more.
Super Off-Peak Hours: The Best-Kept Secret
APS super off-peak hours (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM weekdays) offer the lowest rate at $0.0935/kWh year-round. This is 73% cheaper than summer peak rates. The reason? Midday is when Arizona's massive solar farms flood the grid with cheap energy, pushing wholesale prices down.
Smart homeowners take advantage of super off-peak by:
- Pre-cooling their home to 72-74 degrees before peak starts at 4 PM
- Running the pool pump from 10 AM to 2 PM instead of early morning
- Charging home batteries to discharge during peak — a $0.25/kWh spread in summer
- Running the dishwasher and laundry during midday hours
- Charging EVs if they are home during the day (otherwise charge after 10 PM)
Tips for Maximizing Off-Peak Savings
1. Treat Holidays Like Weekends
Most people do not realize APS holidays are all off-peak. On holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, run your dryer, charge your EV, and catch up on energy-intensive tasks without worrying about peak charges. Even though it is a summer weekday, holidays get the off-peak rate of $0.1235/kWh instead of $0.3439/kWh during 4-7 PM.
2. Program Appliances with Timers
Most modern dishwashers, washing machines, and pool pumps have delay-start timers. Program them to run during super off-peak (10 AM - 3 PM) or after 7 PM. Your pool pump alone can account for $20-$40/month in savings just by running at the right time.
3. Add a Home Battery
A battery is the ultimate off-peak strategy. It charges during super off-peak at $0.0935/kWh and discharges during peak at $0.3439/kWh. A 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall 3 saves about $60/month in summer from rate arbitrage alone. Add VPP earnings and the value climbs to $70-$100/month. Use our battery calculator to see your exact numbers.
4. Watch the 3-4 PM Gap
Many homeowners do not realize that 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays is an off-peak hour — it falls in the gap between super off-peak ending and peak starting. This is your last chance to run high-draw appliances before peak rates kick in at 4:00 PM. Finish your laundry, start the dishwasher, or top off your battery by 3:59 PM.
5. Check Your APS Bill for Rate Accuracy
Log into your APS account and review the usage breakdown by time period. Make sure your meter is correctly registering peak, off-peak, and super off-peak usage. Errors do happen, and catching them can save you hundreds. For a full understanding of how APS TOU billing works, read our APS peak hours guide.
The Bottom Line
APS off-peak hours and holidays are your biggest opportunity to lower your electricity bill without spending a dime. Shift your heavy usage to 10 AM - 3 PM weekdays (super off-peak), 7 PM - 10 AM (off-peak), or any time on weekends and the 10 recognized holidays. For the biggest savings, pair smart usage habits with a home battery that automates peak avoidance every day.