Create Alexa Routines That Cut Energy Use During Peak Hours

Learn how to set up Alexa routines to save energy during peak hours and lower your electricity bill effectively.

Posted by Jared Stone on October 02, 2025 · 5 mins read

Create Alexa Routines That Cut Energy Use During Peak Hours

In today’s world, where energy prices are constantly fluctuating and the need for sustainable practices is more crucial than ever, finding ways to minimize our energy consumption is a hot topic. Have you noticed how your electricity bill spikes during peak hours? You’re not alone! Many smart home enthusiasts are turning to Alexa routines as a way to combat high energy costs while still enjoying the conveniences that technology offers.

Imagine coming home after a long day at work, and with just a simple voice command, you could ensure that your home is not only cozy but also saving energy. This blog post will guide you through setting up Alexa routines that help you cut down on energy usage during those peak hours, ultimately leading to savings on your electricity bill.

Step-by-step setup guide

Creating an energy-saving routine with Alexa is easier than you might think! Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Define Your Peak Hours

Before you dive into setting up the routine, determine what your peak hours are. Typically, peak energy hours are in the late afternoon to early evening when everyone is home and using energy-consuming devices.

Step 2: Access the Alexa App

  1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
  2. Tap on the More icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner.
  3. Select Routines from the menu.

Step 3: Create a New Routine

  1. Tap on the ‘+’ icon to create a new routine.
  2. Give your routine a name, like “Energy Saver Evening Routine.”

Step 4: Set the Trigger

  1. Tap on When this happens.
  2. Choose Schedule and select the days and times that correspond to your peak hours.
  3. Set the time for the peak hours or when you want the routine to activate.

Step 5: Add Actions

  1. Tap on Add action.

  2. Choose Smart Home to control devices. You can use this to turn off lights, power down appliances, or adjust your thermostat.

    For example, if you have smart bulbs: { "device": "Living Room Lights", "action": "Turn off" }

  3. You may also want to include announcements, such as a reminder to “Unplug chargers” before bedtime or to “Turn off all the devices.”

Step 6: Review and Save

  1. After adding the desired actions, review your routine.
  2. Tap Save when you’re happy with it.

Step 7: Test Your Routine

  1. Try out your routine by either waiting for it to kick in at the scheduled time or activating it with a voice command, like “Alexa, start my Energy Saver Evening Routine.”

Helpful tips

  • Use Smart Devices Effectively: Invest in smart plugs or smart bulbs where you can create schedules for individual devices. This allows you to automate devices that usually consume more energy, such as fans or chargers.
  • Group Actions: Instead of creating multiple routines, combine similar actions into one routine whenever possible. This keeps things streamlined and reduces complexity.
  • Educate Your Family: Make sure your family members know about the routines. The more who participate, the more successful the energy savings will be!

Common issues & troubleshooting

While setting up Alexa routines is generally straightforward, you might run into a few common issues:

  1. Routine Not Working: Ensure that your Alexa app is updated to the latest version. Double-check your trigger and actions for any errors.
  2. Smart Device Doesn’t Respond: Make sure your smart device is online and properly connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Alexa device. If you’re utilizing Node-RED, verify that your flows are properly configured.
  3. Confusing Routines: As you create more routines, it’s easy to get confused about their functions. Consider naming each routine distinctively and documenting them for reference.

Final thoughts / conclusion

Setting up Alexa routines to cut energy use during peak hours is not only a smart way to save on your electricity bill, but it’s also a great step toward a more eco-conscious lifestyle. With a little effort and a few easy steps, you can make your home smarter and more efficient.

Feel free to explore advanced automations using platforms like Node-RED, which can integrate with Alexa and open up endless possibilities for home automation.

So, why not take a few moments today to set up your first routine? Your energy bill (and the environment) will thank you!

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