hass.tibber_prices/docs/user/versioned_docs/version-v0.23.0/automation-examples.md

# Automation Examples

> **Note:** This guide is under construction.

> **Tip:** For dashboard examples with dynamic icons and colors, see the **[Dynamic Icons Guide](dynamic-icons.md)** and **[Dynamic Icon Colors Guide](icon-colors.md)**.

## Table of Contents

-   [Price-Based Automations](#price-based-automations)
-   [Volatility-Aware Automations](#volatility-aware-automations)
-   [Best Hour Detection](#best-hour-detection)
-   [ApexCharts Cards](#apexcharts-cards)

---

## Price-Based Automations

Coming soon...

---

## Volatility-Aware Automations

These examples show how to handle low-volatility days where period classifications may flip at midnight despite minimal absolute price changes.

### Use Case: Only Act on Meaningful Price Variations

On days with low price variation (coefficient of variation < 15%), the difference between "cheap" and "expensive" periods is minimal. This automation only runs appliances when volatility is moderate or higher, ensuring meaningful savings:

```yaml
automation:
  - alias: "Dishwasher - Best Price (Moderate+ Volatility)"
    description: "Start dishwasher during Best Price period, but only on days with meaningful price differences"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.tibber_home_best_price_period
        to: "on"
    condition:
      # Only act if volatility >= 15% (moderate or higher volatility = meaningful savings)
      - condition: template
        value_template: >
          {{ state_attr('sensor.tibber_home_volatility_today', 'coefficient_of_variation') | float(0) >= 15 }}          
      # Optional: Ensure dishwasher is idle and door closed
      - condition: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.dishwasher_door
        state: "off"
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: switch.dishwasher_smart_plug
      - service: notify.mobile_app
        data:
          message: "Dishwasher started during Best Price period ({{ states('sensor.tibber_home_current_interval_price_ct') }} ct/kWh, volatility {{ state_attr('sensor.tibber_home_volatility_today', 'coefficient_of_variation') }}%)"
```

**Why this works:**
- On moderate+ volatility days (CV >= 15%), Best Price periods offer worthwhile savings
- On low-volatility days (CV < 15%), price differences are minimal (typically < 3 ct/kWh span)
- User can manually start dishwasher on low-volatility days without automation interference

**Volatility threshold guide:**
- CV < 15%: Low volatility - minimal price variation
- CV 15-30%: Moderate volatility - worthwhile to optimize timing
- CV 30-50%: High volatility - significant savings potential
- CV > 50%: Very high volatility - extreme price swings

### Use Case: Absolute Price Threshold

Instead of relying on relative classification, check if the absolute price is cheap enough:

```yaml
automation:
  - alias: "Water Heater - Cheap Enough"
    description: "Heat water when price is below absolute threshold, regardless of period classification"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.tibber_home_best_price_period
        to: "on"
    condition:
      # Absolute threshold: Only run if < 20 ct/kWh
      - condition: numeric_state
        entity_id: sensor.tibber_home_current_interval_price_ct
        below: 20
      # Optional: Check water temperature
      - condition: numeric_state
        entity_id: sensor.water_heater_temperature
        below: 55  # Only heat if below 55°C
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: switch.water_heater
      - delay:
          hours: 2  # Heat for 2 hours
      - service: switch.turn_off
        target:
          entity_id: switch.water_heater
```

**Why this works:**
- Period classification can flip at midnight on low-volatility days
- Absolute threshold (20 ct/kWh) is stable across midnight boundary
- User sets their own "cheap enough" price based on local rates

### Use Case: Combined Volatility and Price Check

Most robust approach: Check both volatility and absolute price for smart charging decisions:

```yaml
automation:
  - alias: "EV Charging - Smart Strategy"
    description: "Charge EV using volatility-aware logic"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.tibber_home_best_price_period
        to: "on"
    condition:
      # Check battery level
      - condition: numeric_state
        entity_id: sensor.ev_battery_level
        below: 80
      # Strategy: Moderate+ volatility OR cheap enough
      - condition: or
        conditions:
          # Path 1: Moderate+ volatility day (CV >= 15%) - trust period classification
          - condition: template
            value_template: >
              {{ state_attr('sensor.tibber_home_volatility_today', 'coefficient_of_variation') | float(0) >= 15 }}              
          # Path 2: Low volatility but price is genuinely cheap
          - condition: numeric_state
            entity_id: sensor.tibber_home_current_interval_price_ct
            below: 18
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: switch.ev_charger
      - service: notify.mobile_app
        data:
          message: >
            EV charging started: {{ states('sensor.tibber_home_current_interval_price_ct') }} ct/kWh
            (Volatility: {{ state_attr('sensor.tibber_home_volatility_today', 'coefficient_of_variation') }}%)            
```

**Why this works:**
- On moderate+ volatility days (CV >= 15%): Trust the Best Price classification
- On low-volatility days (< 15%): Only charge if price is actually cheap (< 18 ct/kWh)
- Adjust the 18 ct/kWh threshold based on your typical local prices
- Handles midnight flips gracefully: Continues charging if price stays cheap

### Use Case: Ignore Period Flips During Active Period

Prevent automations from stopping mid-cycle when a period flips at midnight:

```yaml
automation:
  - alias: "Washing Machine - Complete Cycle"
    description: "Start washing machine during Best Price, ignore midnight flips"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.tibber_home_best_price_period
        to: "on"
    condition:
      # Only start if washing machine is idle
      - condition: state
        entity_id: sensor.washing_machine_state
        state: "idle"
      # And volatility is meaningful (moderate or higher)
      - condition: template
        value_template: >
          {{ state_attr('sensor.tibber_home_volatility_today', 'coefficient_of_variation') | float(0) >= 15 }}          
    action:
      - service: button.press
        target:
          entity_id: button.washing_machine_eco_program
      # Create input_boolean to track active cycle
      - service: input_boolean.turn_on
        target:
          entity_id: input_boolean.washing_machine_auto_started

  # Separate automation: Clear flag when cycle completes
  - alias: "Washing Machine - Cycle Complete"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: sensor.washing_machine_state
        to: "finished"
    condition:
      # Only clear flag if we auto-started it
      - condition: state
        entity_id: input_boolean.washing_machine_auto_started
        state: "on"
    action:
      - service: input_boolean.turn_off
        target:
          entity_id: input_boolean.washing_machine_auto_started
      - service: notify.mobile_app
        data:
          message: "Washing cycle complete"
```

**Why this works:**
- Uses `input_boolean` to track auto-started cycles
- Won't trigger multiple times if period flips during the 2-3 hour wash cycle
- Only triggers on "off" → "on" transitions, not during "on" → "on" continuity

### Use Case: Per-Period Day Volatility

The simplest approach: Use the period's day volatility attribute directly:

```yaml
automation:
  - alias: "Heat Pump - Smart Heating"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.tibber_home_best_price_period
        to: "on"
    condition:
      # Check if the PERIOD'S DAY has meaningful volatility
      - condition: template
        value_template: >
          {{ state_attr('binary_sensor.tibber_home_best_price_period', 'day_volatility_%') | float(0) >= 15 }}          
    action:
      - service: climate.set_temperature
        target:
          entity_id: climate.heat_pump
        data:
          temperature: 22  # Boost temperature during cheap period
```

**Available per-period attributes:**
- `day_volatility_%`: Percentage volatility of the period's day (e.g., 8.2 for 8.2%)
- `day_price_min`: Minimum price of the day in minor currency (ct/øre)
- `day_price_max`: Maximum price of the day in minor currency (ct/øre)
- `day_price_span`: Absolute difference (max - min) in minor currency (ct/øre)

These attributes are available on both `binary_sensor.tibber_home_best_price_period` and `binary_sensor.tibber_home_peak_price_period`.

**Why this works:**
- Each period knows its day's volatility
- No need to query separate sensors
- Template checks if saving is meaningful (> 15% volatility)

---

## Best Hour Detection

Coming soon...

---

## ApexCharts Cards

> ⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** The `tibber_prices.get_apexcharts_yaml` service generates a **basic example configuration** as a starting point. It is NOT a complete solution for all ApexCharts features.
>
> This integration is primarily a **data provider**. Due to technical limitations (segmented time periods, service API usage), many advanced ApexCharts features require manual customization or may not be compatible.
>
> **For advanced customization:** Use the `get_chartdata` service directly to build charts tailored to your specific needs. Community contributions with improved configurations are welcome!

The `tibber_prices.get_apexcharts_yaml` service generates basic ApexCharts card configuration examples for visualizing electricity prices.

### Prerequisites

**Required:**
- [ApexCharts Card](https://github.com/RomRider/apexcharts-card) - Install via HACS

**Optional (for rolling window mode):**
- [Config Template Card](https://github.com/iantrich/config-template-card) - Install via HACS

### Installation

1. Open HACS → Frontend
2. Search for "ApexCharts Card" and install
3. (Optional) Search for "Config Template Card" and install if you want rolling window mode

### Example: Fixed Day View

```yaml
# Generate configuration via automation/script
service: tibber_prices.get_apexcharts_yaml
data:
    entry_id: YOUR_ENTRY_ID
    day: today  # or "yesterday", "tomorrow"
    level_type: rating_level  # or "level" for 5-level view
response_variable: apexcharts_config
```

Then copy the generated YAML into your Lovelace dashboard.

### Example: Rolling 48h Window

For a dynamic chart that automatically adapts to data availability:

```yaml
service: tibber_prices.get_apexcharts_yaml
data:
    entry_id: YOUR_ENTRY_ID
    day: rolling_window  # Or omit for same behavior (default)
    level_type: rating_level
response_variable: apexcharts_config
```

**Behavior:**
- **When tomorrow data available** (typically after ~13:00): Shows today + tomorrow
- **When tomorrow data not available**: Shows yesterday + today
- **Fixed 48h span:** Always shows full 48 hours

**Auto-Zoom Variant:**

For progressive zoom-in throughout the day:

```yaml
service: tibber_prices.get_apexcharts_yaml
data:
    entry_id: YOUR_ENTRY_ID
    day: rolling_window_autozoom
    level_type: rating_level
response_variable: apexcharts_config
```

- Same data loading as rolling window
- **Progressive zoom:** Graph span starts at ~26h in the morning and decreases to ~14h by midnight
- **Updates every 15 minutes:** Always shows 2h lookback + remaining time until midnight

**Note:** Rolling window modes require Config Template Card to dynamically adjust the time range.

### Features

- Color-coded price levels/ratings (green = cheap, yellow = normal, red = expensive)
- Best price period highlighting (semi-transparent green overlay)
- Automatic NULL insertion for clean gaps
- Translated labels based on your Home Assistant language
- Interactive zoom and pan
- Live marker showing current time