> Somebody working two jobs doesn't have much spare energy for optimizing utility use.

Most of us don't. But smart meters are free in the UK, and if there was a way for my washing machine to have a 3h window overnight to run in to be done for 7:30 I'd do it in a heartbeat. Same for my dishwasher. Heating is a bigger issue.

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leni536 3 hours ago | parent | next [-]

> and if there was a way for my washing machine to have a 3h window overnight to run in to be done for 7:30 I'd do it in a heartbeat.

I think most of these appliances sold today have at least some sort of "delay start" function. We use that to do exactly what you describe. Not even for nght tariff, it's just convenient to time it like that.

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Jtsummers 3 hours ago | parent [-]

Every washer, even basic ones, I've owned that were made post-2000 had a delay start function. Even my most basic one that just had dials to select options, it had a 2/4/6/8-hour delay dial. I figured it was a common feature by now.

	▲	leni536 an hour ago \| parent [-]
		A 2-hour granularity delay start would drive me insane. Better than nothing though. And maybe the dial one works with a timer on the outlet too, as the program is mechanically selected.

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dmurray 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

You probably want your washing machine to finish when you'll be ready to take the clothes out, rather than leave them sitting damp in the machine.

There should be plenty of opportunity to load shift with other things though, a dishwasher as you mentioned, or a fridge or a storage heater or a charger for your electric car. All can be done with minimal inconvenience to the user.

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walthamstow 4 hours ago | parent [-]

> leave them sitting damp in the machine.

Rinse hold solves this. Even the cheapest machines have it.

	▲	coryrc an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Sadly not in the USA.