Variable electricity tariffs are pricing models in which the electricity price fluctuates over a specified period based on various factors such as the time of day or seasonal conditions. In contrast to dynamic electricity tariffs, variable tariffs are often based on predetermined, regularly changing price periods and are not directly linked to the electricity price on the spot market. As a result, the electricity price for variable tariffs does not change in real time but rather at set intervals, allowing consumers a degree of predictability.
In contrast, dynamic electricity tariffs respond immediately to supply and demand and are directly linked to the spot market. This offers consumers the opportunity to save costs through demand side management and flexible adjustments to their consumption, but it also requires an intelligent metering system (smart meter) for accurate measurement and billing.
Both tariff models can be optimally used in combination with intelligent building control systems and a cloud platform to efficiently manage energy consumption and reduce costs.