hass.tibber_prices/docs/user/versioned_docs/version-v0.21.0/faq.md

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Tibber Prices integration.

General Questions

Why don't I see tomorrow's prices yet?

Tomorrow's prices are published by Tibber around 13:00 CET (12:00 UTC in winter, 11:00 UTC in summer).

• Before publication: Sensors show unavailable or use today's data
• After publication: Integration automatically fetches new data within 15 minutes
• No manual refresh needed - polling happens automatically

How often does the integration update data?

• API Polling: Every 15 minutes
• Sensor Updates: On quarter-hour boundaries (00, 15, 30, 45 minutes)
• Cache: Price data cached until midnight (reduces API load)

Can I use multiple Tibber homes?

Yes! Use the "Add another home" option:

1. Settings → Devices & Services → Tibber Prices
2. Click "Configure" → "Add another home"
3. Select additional home from dropdown
4. Each home gets separate sensors with unique entity IDs

Does this work without a Tibber subscription?

No, you need:

• Active Tibber electricity contract
• API token from developer.tibber.com

The integration is free, but requires Tibber as your electricity provider.

Configuration Questions

What are good values for price thresholds?

Default values work for most users:

• High Price Threshold: 30% above average
• Low Price Threshold: 15% below average

Adjust if:

• You're in a market with high volatility → increase thresholds
• You want more sensitive ratings → decrease thresholds
• Seasonal changes → review every few months

How do I optimize Best Price Period detection?

Key parameters:

• Flex: 15-20% is optimal (default 15%)
• Min Distance: 5-10% recommended (default 5%)
• Rating Levels: Start with "CHEAP + VERY_CHEAP" (default)
• Relaxation: Keep enabled (helps find periods on expensive days)

See Period Calculation for detailed tuning guide.

Why do I sometimes only get 1 period instead of 2?

This happens on high-price days when:

• Few intervals meet your criteria
• Relaxation is disabled
• Flex is too low
• Min Distance is too strict

Solutions:

1. Enable relaxation (recommended)
2. Increase flex to 20-25%
3. Reduce min_distance to 3-5%
4. Add more rating levels (include "NORMAL")

Troubleshooting

Sensors show "unavailable"

Common causes:

1. API Token invalid → Check token at developer.tibber.com
2. No internet connection → Check HA network
3. Tibber API down → Check status.tibber.com
4. Integration not loaded → Restart Home Assistant

Best Price Period is ON all day

This means all intervals meet your criteria (very cheap day!):

• Not an error - enjoy the low prices!
• Consider tightening filters (lower flex, higher min_distance)
• Or add automation to only run during first detected period

Prices are in wrong currency

Integration uses currency from your Tibber subscription:

• EUR → displays in ct/kWh
• NOK/SEK → displays in øre/kWh

Cannot be changed (tied to your electricity contract).

Tomorrow data not appearing at all

Check:

1. Your Tibber home has hourly price contract (not fixed price)
2. API token has correct permissions
3. Integration logs for API errors (/config/home-assistant.log)
4. Tibber actually published data (check Tibber app)

Automation Questions

How do I run dishwasher during cheap period?

automation:
  - alias: "Dishwasher during Best Price"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.tibber_home_best_price_period
        to: "on"
    condition:
      - condition: time
        after: "20:00:00"  # Only start after 8 PM
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: switch.dishwasher

See Automation Examples for more recipes.

Can I avoid peak prices automatically?

Yes! Use Peak Price Period binary sensor:

automation:
  - alias: "Disable charging during peak prices"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.tibber_home_peak_price_period
        to: "on"
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_off
        target:
          entity_id: switch.ev_charger

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💡 Still need help?

• Troubleshooting Guide
• GitHub Issues