Understanding Peak (P1), Standard (P2), and Off-Peak (P3) Electricity Rates in Spain
Time-of-use electricity tariffs in Spain vary depending on the time of day you consume electricity. There are three main periods: peak (P1), standard (P2), and off-peak (P3).
- Peak Hours (P1): Occur during times of highest electricity demand. Prices per kWh are the highest.
- Standard Hours (P2): Apply during regular consumption hours, with a mid-range price.
- Off-Peak Hours (P3): Represent the periods of lowest demand, offering the cheapest electricity rates.
By aligning your energy use with P1, P2, and P3 periods, you can save on your electricity bill.
Electricity Price Variations in 2026
It is worth noting that the variations in the price of electricity that we have been experiencing so far in 2026 mean that, on some occasions, there is not much variation in the price of electricity for the different hours. You can check the day ahead market price of electricity in Spain with OMIE on this link.
Off-Peak (P3) Hours in Spain
The P3 off-peak period covers:
- 00:00 – 08:00, Monday to Friday
- All day on Saturdays and Sundays
- All national public holidays
Note: While Spain has many holidays, only fixed-date national holidays count for full-day P3 pricing.
So, which holidays follow the P3 off-peak hours?
National holidays in 2026
In 2026, the national public holidays in Spain that fall under the off-peak period (P3) for electricity pricing (when the lowest rates apply all day) are:
National Public Holidays in Spain – 2026 (P3 Period)
- January 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day
- January 6 (Tuesday): Epiphany of the Lord
- April 3 (Friday): Good Friday
- May 1 (Friday): Labor Day
- August 15 (Saturday): Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- October 12 (Monday): National Day of Spain
- November 1 (Sunday): All Saints’ Day
- December 7 (Monday): Spanish Constitution Day
- December 8 (Tuesday): Immaculate Conception Day
- December 25 (Friday): Christmas Day
On these days, electricity is charged at the lowest rate (P3) for the entire 24 hours, just as it is on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year
Regional and local holidays
Reduced pricing of the P3 window, are not applied to regional and local holidays in Spain, only the above national holidays with fixed dates. So, even if it is a holiday in your autonomous community, it would not correspond to those off-peak / more economical P3 hours all day. But, in the case of January 6, this day is always considered within the off-peak period as it is a fixed annual national holiday.
According to the BOE: “All hours on Saturdays, Sundays, January 6 and national holidays, defined as such in the official calendar of the corresponding year, are considered as hours of the off-peak (P3) period, excluding both holidays replaceable as those that do not have a fixed date.”
Frequently ask questions
What is the P3 period in electricity?
P3 is the off-peak period in Spanish electricity tariffs, when electricity is cheaper due to lower demand.
What are the P3 hours?
P3 usually occurs at night and early morning, for example 00:00 PM to 8:00 AM, although exact times can vary depending on the season and electricity provider.
Why is electricity cheaper during P3?
During P3, demand is low, so providers offer a reduced price to encourage consumption during these hours.
What is recommended to use during P3?
It’s recommended to shift high-consumption electricity use to P3, such as:
- Running washing machines or dishwashers
- Charging electric vehicles
- Using programmable appliances
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