switch hour

• 

  landing page

• 

  main part

• 

  explonation

Inspiration

I noticed that some things, like charging a car or running the dishwasher, need to finish by a certain time but don’t need to start right away. I wanted to see if choosing a better hour could make those everyday tasks a little cleaner.

What it does

Switch Hour asks you to choose a task, a deadline, and a grid region. It uses the current electricity forecast to suggest a start time that still meets your deadline. It also shows how long you have until then and lets you add the time to your calendar. If starting soon is already the best option, it says so.

How we built it

I built the site with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It uses forecast data from the California Energy Commission and Great Britain’s NESO. The app checks possible start times across the full length of the task, then picks the best complete window before the deadline.

Challenges we ran into

The two data sources work differently, and getting the time zones right took care. I also had to make sure the app never recommends a time that has already passed. The results are estimates, so I wanted the app to be clear about what they mean.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Switch Hour is live and anyone can try it without an account or extra hardware. It works with current forecasts, supports California and Great Britain, and gives a simple answer someone could actually use.

What we learned

I learned that a useful sustainability tool has to be honest as well as easy to use. Sometimes the best answer is to start soon, with no estimated improvement from waiting. Forecast data also needs context before it becomes a helpful decision.

What's next for Switch Hour

I’d like to support more grid regions, improve the energy estimates for different appliances, and add an optional reminder when the suggested start time arrives.

I used OpenAI Codex to help build parts and learn to make the website, including the scheduling math. I chose the concept and gave feedback throughout the build.and i understand fully how it works

Built With

• css3
• html5
• javascript