Night and double electricity tariff: validity period and calculation technique

With the introduction of multi-tariff meters, citizens quickly tried to switch to them. Indeed, such a system significantly saves the budget, because the cost per kilowatt is lower in the night zone. However, the benefits are not for everyone. It is necessary to understand who should install such a meter, as well as the features of the night electricity tariff, its validity period, the advantages and disadvantages of differentiated metering.

The essence of multi-tariff accounting

It's no secret that electricity consumption differs at different times of the day. Some people use it during the day, while others use it at night. In this regard, meters have been developed that will relieve the power supply during the evening rush hour and thereby increase the reliability of the power supply as a whole.

Who installs

The installation of devices is carried out by representatives of regional operators. For example, in Moscow the regional operator is Mosenergo. Replacement of the meter is carried out on a paid basis. To do this, you need to submit an application to the regional operator, pay the cost of the device and the work of the specialist. After which the specialist goes to the installation site and makes all the necessary settings.

Regulatory acts

The obligation to install an electric meter is regulated by Federal Law on Energy Saving No. 261-FZ dated November 23, 2009, Federal Law No. 102-FZ dated June 26, 2008, as well as Government Decree No. 442 of the Russian Federation dated May 4, 2012.

Who should change meters and at whose expense?

The service life of the meters, as stated by the manufacturer, is usually 30 years. But this does not mean that you can do nothing with meters for 30 years. They need to be checked periodically, that is, a procedure must be carried out that will confirm the accuracy of the readings. Verification is usually required every 10 years for three-phase meters and every 16 years for single-phase meters. But there are meters with a calibration interval of 8 years. The frequency of verification is indicated in the device passport.

It is the responsibility of the apartment owner to comply with verification deadlines. If this is not done, electricity consumption will be calculated according to the standard, that is, as if there is no meter at all.

clause 4 section 1 Appendix No. 2 to Government Decree No. 354 dated May 6, 2011

Verification is not cheap: for a single-phase single-tariff meter - from 2500 RUR, for a three-phase single-tariff meter - from 3500 RUR.

When you buy a new meter, pay attention to the calibration interval. The larger it is, the less often you will need to spend money on verification. For example, this meter has a calibration interval of 16 years

If the meter breaks down, is removed, or the service life or verification period has expired, this is equivalent to the absence of a meter. For such apartments, electricity tariffs are set one and a half times higher. To pay normal rates again, residents need to replace the meter or have it checked.

Residents change the meter at their own expense. By law, the owner is obliged to maintain his property himself. The meter also belongs to this property, even if it is installed not in the apartment, but on the stairs. It’s just that in this case it’s easier to service it and take readings.

Two-tariff and three-tariff systems

Today, there are three types of electricity metering devices in use, designed for a specific system. There are different types of accounting systems:

• single-phase - the price for electricity consumption is the same at any time of the day,
• two-phase - time days are divided into two zones, and the price for electricity consumption depends on the time of use,
• three-phase - the day is divided into three zones, and the price for electricity consumption depends on the time of use.

It is easier to pay for electricity using a single-phase meter, but using two- and three-phase devices can significantly reduce costs. Let's look at them in more detail.

Two-tariff system

If a double electricity tariff is applied, then the time in the day is divided into two zones, for which different payments are provided. Day zones with a two-tariff system:

• day,
• night.

Payment for night time use is lower than for daytime use. Readings on this meter are transmitted according to two indicators, usually T1, T2. However, the designations may be different, since they depend on the software installation of the meter itself.

Three-tariff system

When using a three-phase system, the temporary day is divided into three zones, for which different payments are also provided. Day zones with a three-tariff system:

• peak,
• half-peak (daytime),
• night

Electricity tariffs for the day, night and half-peak are meant to be different, and if you use powerful household appliances in the “cheapest” zone, you also get good money savings.

How to get data from the device

Two-tariff metering devices record the amount of electricity consumed and other network parameters.

To obtain data on the amount of electricity consumed over a certain period of time, you will need to switch to identification mode : this will require a few simple manipulations on the meter buttons.

This mode provides information on current consumption in the dark and during daylight hours. So you will get the number of kilowatts spent separately at night and during the day. The recorded difference is multiplied by the coefficients established in the region.

Peak zone time

The peak zone is a time period when electricity consumption increases sharply. For example, in the morning people get ready for work and use household appliances, or in the evening, when everyone is already at home, again there is an increased use of electricity.

According to statistics, the main peak of use occurs in the morning - from 6 to 9 o'clock - and in the evening - from 18 to 22 o'clock.

At night, most people sleep and the need to use electricity drops significantly. For a two-tariff meter, the daily indicator covers morning and evening and is assessed at one tariff. A three-phase meter implies another additional zone, in which prices are also different. Electricity tariffs during the day and night differ significantly, but depend on the region. There are cities where paying with a single-phase meter is cheaper than paying with a three-tariff meter, taking into account the peak zone.

How do you pay?

To make a payment you will need a receipt with the accrued amount for the light, a calculator and a pen.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

• We take readings from a two-tariff meter for the day and night shifts.
• We take the old receipt, according to which payment was made for the last month, and subtract the previous parameters in the section “On the day of payment” from the figure of the new readings. We multiply the resulting number by the tariff that is valid in the city (region) of residence.
• We subtract from the number of “night” readings the data that is recorded in the old receipt in the column “On the day of payment”. We multiply the resulting number by the tariff that applies to the night zone.
• Sum up the received figures for the day and night, after which we make a payment taking into account the result obtained at the nearest bank branch or in another way (for example, at a Russian Post office).

When paying through a banking institution, the money arrives within one to three days, and the transfer by mail takes place within 1 to 2 weeks.

If a three-tariff meter is installed on an apartment or house, calculations are made for three zones separately - for daytime, peak and night tariffs. Next, the resulting figures are multiplied by the current tariff and added up according to the principle discussed above.

If benefits are provided, the calculation is done as follows. First, we calculate the amount of the discount from the total amount payable and subtract the result from the total amount. After this, the payment is made.

In a situation where the check arrives from a clearing center, it is recommended to make payment according to the indicators from the receipt. As a rule, it indicates the average parameters for the previous year.

At the end of the calendar year, a recalculation occurs, and the overpayment will go to the next year. If any amount is missing, you will have to pay extra.

Time of action

Time frames vary on different systems. Time intervals of electricity metering systems:

• single-rate - no division, payment is charged at one rate around the clock,
• two-tariff - day from 7 to 23 am, night from 23 to 7 am,
• three-tariff - morning from 7 to 10 o'clock, evening from 20 to 23 o'clock, half-peak zone from 10 to 17 o'clock and from 21 to 23 o'clock.

In half-peak zones, the cost of electricity decreases slightly.

Advantages

Those who have single-tariff meters pay for electricity consumption at one tariff, regardless of whether they used it in the morning or at night.

For consumers who use electrical appliances at night, it will be more profitable to install a multi-tariff meter, since the differentiated tariffs for paying for the night phase are significantly lower than for the day phase.

In addition, in the three-tariff system there are so-called half-peak zones, during which payment is also reduced.

Flaws

An important disadvantage of a multi-tariff meter is its cost and payback period in the future.

By comparison, a three-phase device costs 3-4 times more than a single-phase one.

In addition, multi-tariff devices are complex devices. To install such a meter, you need to connect it to the power system and correctly configure the metering program - for each dial, a time range is entered in which the device records energy consumption.

What is an electric meter day and night?

As you know, in the domestic sphere, electricity consumption is very uneven.

At night, when the vast majority of people are resting, its analysis is minimal, in the morning and evening hours - maximum, in the daytime - moderate.

It turns out that at some times of the day, supply companies face the risk of network overload, and at other times, even shut down the power plants.

To even out demand, in addition to the regular tariff with a fixed cost per kilowatt-hour, they offer differentiated ones, which provide for the sale of energy during hours of minimum consumption at a greatly reduced price. That is, the population is offered a good deal: you use electrical appliances at night, but at a very low price.

It is clear that a conventional meter is not suitable for a differentiated metering system. We need one that can count consumed kilowatt-hours separately for different times of the day. These devices are called “day and night meters”.

There are two types:

• two-tariff;
• multi-tariff.

Each variety corresponds to its own accounting system:

1. The two-tariff system involves dividing the day into two periods (they are also called zones): night (from 23-00 to 7-00) and day.
2. Multi-tariff.

The latter already has three zones: night (from 23-00 to 7-00), peak (from seven to nine in the morning and from five to eight in the evening) and half-peak (from 9-00 to 17-00 and from 20-00 until 23-00).

The accuracy of the calculation of consumed electricity directly depends on the accuracy of the meter. Electric meter accuracy class - which one to choose and how to determine?

How long can an electricity meter be used and what is meter verification, you will learn by reading this article.

After installing the electric meter, it must be sealed. Who should do this and how much it costs, this will be discussed in detail in the next article.

Operation

All multi-tariff meters (in this case, two-tariff meters are also meant) are electronic and contain a microcircuit inside. Classic counters, called mechanical or induction, cannot keep separate records.

Before use, a multi-tariff meter must be programmed, that is, its internal clock must be set and time intervals must be set. This operation must be performed by an Energosbyt employee. After its completion, the device is sealed.

Two-tariff metering device

If reprogramming is carried out not because of innovations on the part of the supplier company, but, for example, in order to switch to a different accounting scheme (at the user’s request), then you will have to pay from 500 to 700 rubles for this service. When switching from winter to summer time and vice versa (cancelled in Russia), such meters also need to be reprogrammed.

Three-phase or single-phase design

When purchasing, it is important to clarify for which network this electric meter model is intended.
The signs are as follows:

1. A 1-phase device has two terminals on each side, that is, four in total.
2. 3-phase has at least four terminals on each side, that is, at least eight in total (there may be additional ones).

Those who live in city apartments need to purchase a 1-phase meter. But owners of private houses, if they do not know the number of phases, should first calculate the number of wires in the line connected to the house. If there are two of them, the network is 1-phase, if there are four, it is 3-phase.

A 3-phase model can be connected to a single-phase network without any problems, so those who currently have one phase, but plan to switch to a 3-phase power supply in the future, can safely purchase a three-phase meter. But, of course, it is impossible to connect a 1-phase meter to a 3-phase network.

The electric meter cannot be returned or replaced if it does not fit. The fact is that when selling a device, a special mark is placed in the passport - because of this, the product, as they say, cannot be returned, unless, of course, a manufacturing defect has been identified.

Therefore, when purchasing, all parameters and characteristics of the meter must be checked with all possible detail. In addition to phasing, pay attention to:

• rated current: must exceed the maximum of the input circuit breaker by one step;
• accuracy class.

An important characteristic is the noise level (some models buzz).

Benefits of installation

It is impossible to say unequivocally that the transition to a multi-tariff electricity payment scheme will be profitable.
Yes, suppliers reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour during the period of minimum consumption by 30% - 60%, but during peak loads they increase it - sometimes up to 30%.

Moreover, there is no single system - each region has its own tariffs.

Let's give an example. In Yekaterinburg and the region in 2014–2015, the following price ratio took place:

• regular undifferentiated tariff: RUB 3.07/kWh;
• two-tariff scheme: day - 3.09 rubles/kWh, night - 1.46 rubles/kWh.

Under such conditions, the transition to differentiated metering for a homeowner with a standard set of electrical appliances will certainly bring benefits: the daily cost in a multi-tariff scheme is almost no different from the usual one (with a single-tariff scheme), so even if residents use electrical appliances only during the day, they will save due to the operation of the refrigerator .

A slightly different picture is observed in Moscow:

• regular undifferentiated tariff: 4.68 rubles/kWh;
• two-tariff scheme, day-night tariff: day - 4.91 rub./kWh, night - 1.26 rub./kWh.

Please note that the daily cost has increased relative to the base single tariff rate. If in Yekaterinburg it is 2 kopecks, that is, less than 1%, then in Moscow it is 23 kopecks, that is, almost 5%.

Three-phase meter Mercury 231 AT 01 i with remote control, two-tariff

Under such conditions, the transition to differentiated accounting should be carefully considered. It is possible that when using devices during normal times, especially if there are many of them or they are quite powerful, the user will have to pay more.

It’s another matter if he is ready to complicate his life a little:

• reschedule washing;
• turn on the boiler only at night, etc.

Two-tariff meters are beneficial for those who are away from home all day. Not everyone knows how to take readings from a two-tariff electric meter.

The principle on which an induction electricity meter works is described in detail at the link.

With such a reorganization, the transition to differentiated tariffs will be justified. In general, you need to think and calculate everything.

People who use autonomous heating with an electric boiler can save a significant amount. The heating system must be equipped with a heat storage device in the form of a large reservoir filled with coolant. This will make it possible to turn on the electric boiler only at night, while during the day the house will be heated using the heat stored in the heat storage tank.

Prices

Each region has its own tariff rates for paying for electricity, so you should pay attention to their sizes in your region.

Cost depending on time of day

In a multi-tariff system, different tariffs apply. For example, the peak zone cost is usually the highest and can be up to 70% higher than the daily price. But the night phase is paid much cheaper - 50-70% lower than the day phase. Do not forget that each region has its own tariffs, and the difference between phases can be either insignificant or significant.

Tariff comparison

As a rule, tariffs in large cities and rural areas differ significantly. In cities with a small number of residents, the cost of the tariff is 30% lower than in large cities. Let's consider the tariff cost for electricity in large cities. Table 1. Electricity tariffs in Russian cities as of July 1, 2022.

As for dacha communities, if they do not have the status of a rural area, they must pay at the citywide rate.

What time does the night electricity tariff start from?

When the question arises: what can you save on, few people think that everything needs to start with the basics and, first of all, with electricity. For this purpose, people are presented with established tariffs for electricity. Many people are interested in what hour the nightly electricity tariff is valid, but everything largely depends on the city and the prices fixed there. Fees are usually set by local executive authorities, who also regulate all aspects and nuances of the state regulation of tariffs.

Payment of the electricity bill will directly depend on the tariff rate of the meter, and the time frame of the tariffs will also vary depending on this.

At night, many consumers practically do not use electrical appliances with the exception of stationary ones, such as a refrigerator, Wi-Fi router and others. In connection with this incomplete use, the question arises: how can you get around overpaying for electricity? This is exactly why the authorities came up with tariffs.

Tariffs for electricity meters:

1. Electricity meter in two-tariff format. In this format, the time frame for the night tariff is from 11 pm to 7 am, and the day tariff from 7 am to 11 pm.
2. Three-tariff electricity meter. This type of billing is a separate format, as it combines: night billing zone, peak and half-peak. The time frame of the night zone will range from 23 at night to 7 am, the timing of the peak zone will be from 7 am to 10, then from 17 pm to 21.

All remaining time will be counted as a half-peak zone.

Valid time: night electricity tariff

Fixing a certain cost of electricity at night tariff and its duration solves a number of specific problems, such as: reduces excessive load on power grid systems, significantly reduces energy consumption, promotes healthy development of the ecological background of urban or rural areas.

The night tariff is especially important for consumers in rural areas, as it solves the problem directly by reducing the payment for the heating system.

People directly do not know what time the night zone starts and how much the light charge is charged, but this would save a decent annual amount.

Time frame for the night tariff:

1. From 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. At a fixed rate day-night. The fee for such an electricity supply service is about 70% for ordinary users, and about 40% for institutions, subtracting the cost of the daily tariff from this amount.
2. From 11:00 pm to 6:00 am. With a fixed differentiation tariff, in other words, a three-zone tariff. The fee for using such a tariff will be 35% for regular users and still 40% for institutions after deducting the amount for the half-peak period.

When deciding to switch to a certain type of tariff, you should consider its benefits and disadvantages and start directly from the needs and time of use of light.

Benefits:

• Saving money on paying for the use of a centralized heating system; this method is, first of all, beneficial for residents;
• For those involved in construction, such a tariff will become economically beneficial, as the payment for electricity will be reduced;
• Increasing the use of electricity services, the use of special equipment for generating electricity, and reducing the release of harmful substances into the environment will be a godsend for energy companies;
• Production savings benefit institutions.

The disadvantages are as follows. Electricity consumption still continues actively at night and violates the permissible noise level. Entrepreneurs successfully save on electricity bills at night, thereby covering the amount of wages for employees. Meters with phase functionality are quite expensive and can certainly break down quickly.

Electricity and time: day-night tariff

The amount of payment for electricity increases significantly over time and this process is immediate. It is in connection with this problem that saving on electricity becomes one of the most pressing topics for discussion. The most effective way to save additional money while saving on electricity is to purchase a meter with phase functionality.

The time frame for the day-night tariff is from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. inclusive, and from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

In order to switch to this method of calculating the tariff, it is necessary to purchase a two-tariff meter that will comply with the regime of this tariff, and also know the conditions that allow the user to switch to another tariff.

Conditions:

• No outstanding bills for the use of electricity supply services;
• Fee for the provision of tariff identification services for electricity supply;
• Drawing up a special agreement between both parties for the provision of electricity supply and consumption services.

In explaining the concepts of tariffs and their modifications, you can often see that the fees of the population and institutions are different and fluctuate in different percentages.

Who is included in the preferential group of the population:

• Residents of rural areas, villages in particular, various buildings of local residents, civilian areas at military facilities and prisons;
• Communities of housing owners, cooperatives of construction and housing scale, private entrepreneurs managing high-rise residential buildings;
• Summer cottages;
• Garage buildings.

Churches that rely on civic contributions also enjoy benefits.

Peak Electricity Zone: Time

The peak zone is a special time of day when there is a colossal load on the electricity supply network. This zone is considered double, as it gives the maximum load on electricity. The time interval of load on the network confirms that this zone is daytime, since when getting ready for work, people spend a lot of electricity, actively using household appliances such as a kettle, hairdryer, irons, toasters, TVs, etc.

There are several types of zones:

1. Night zone. During the influence of the area of ​​influence of this phase, the night time from 23-00 to 7-00 in the morning is the minimum when wasting electricity, since it is at night that all devices intensively producing electricity stop working and the load on the network becomes uniform.
2. Morning peak. The format of this zone is distributed within the time frame from 7-00 to 10-00 in the morning, mainly during mass gatherings of people at their destinations and their intensive use of electricity.
3. Half-peak. The area affected by electricity is from 10-00 am to 17-00 pm due to the selective return of residents home and a significant load on electricity.
4. Evening peak. The zone extends over a time frame ranging from 17:00 to 21:00 in the evening and is determined by the massive return of people to housing complexes and the enormous use of electricity costs.
5. Half-peak 2. Evening phase timing starts from 21-00 and 23-00 of active work with household appliances that consume huge amounts of electrical charge.

Example of economic efficiency calculation

Let us make approximate calculations of the efficiency of multi-tariff meters compared to single-tariff ones.

Single tariff meter

Payment for electricity using a single-rate meter is calculated using the following formula: P = V * T, where V is the amount of electricity consumed, and T is the tariff in rubles. Let's assume that a gas stove is installed in the apartment, and 239 kW was consumed in a month. The cost of the tariff in this region is 5.38 rubles. Thus, the payment for the month will be: 239 x 5.38 = 1285.82 rubles.

Two-tariff meter

The calculation for a two-phase meter is somewhat more complicated and is determined by the formula: P = (Vday x Tday) + (Vnight x Tnight), where Vday and Vnight are the amount of energy consumption during the day and night, respectively, and Tday and Tnight are the day and night tariff rates. Let’s assume that a two-tariff meter is installed in the same apartment, according to which the readings were also 239 kW, but broken down by phase: day - 167 kW, and night - 72 kW. The rate for the day is 4.19 rubles, and for the night - 2.92 rubles. Thus, we obtain the following calculation of the total cost of electricity for the month: (167 x 4.19) + (72 x 2.92) = 909.97 rubles.

Three-tariff meter

Calculation using this system becomes more complicated, since additional indicators of the peak zone are added here. Formula for calculation: P = (Vpeak x Tpeak) + (Vpolypeak x Tpolypeak) + (Vnight x Tnight). Let's carry out the calculation using the same data, but differentiated by daily zones. The total amount of consumption for the month is 239 kW, of which: peak zone - 120 kW, half-peak - 47 kW, night - 72 kW. The cost in the region for 1 kW is: peak zone - 6.46 rubles, half-peak - 5.38 rubles, night - 1.79 rubles. The total amount of electricity payment for the month will be: (120 x 6.46) + (47 x 5.38) + (72 x 1.79) = 1156.94 rubles.

Tariff for three zones (peak, half-peak, night) for electricity in the Moscow region

from 01/01/2020 to 06/30/2020from 07/01/2020 to 12/31/2020Indicator (consumer groups broken down by rates and differentiated by day zones)Price (tariff) in rub./kWhPrice (tariff) in rub./kWh

* — Division by zones of the day is carried out according to the following scheme:

With a two-rate tariff: peak zone – from 7:00 to 23:00; night zone – from 23:00 to 7:00.

With a three-rate tariff: peak zone - from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 20:00 to 22:00; half-peak zone - from 7:00 to 8:00, from 11:00 to 20:00 and from 22:00 to 23:00; night zone – from 23:00 to 7:00.

Gas tariffs in the Moscow region from July 1, 2022

Tariffs for water and sanitation in the Moscow region from July 1, 2020

Who benefits from it?

According to these calculations, we can conclude that the three-tariff system turned out to be the most profitable, since here the consumer can determine for himself in what period to turn on high-power devices and thereby save his budget. A two-tariff meter is also beneficial for those who do not intend to use electricity during certain phases. As for the single-phase meter, it is beneficial only to those consumers whose regional rates are significantly lower than on other systems. However, it is worth remembering that the payback period for a two- and three-tariff meter can take up to 5-6 years.

Preferential tariff

A preferential tariff provides an opportunity to reduce the cost of electricity.

In order to take advantage of the benefit, you must send documents to Mosenergosbyt in one of two ways:

• through your personal account on the company’s website – on the appropriate tab;
• by directly contacting the nearest Mosenergosbyt branch.

It is allowed to provide both originals and photocopies of documents certified by a notary. The personal presence of the beneficiary is not required - a relative or social worker can apply instead.

Rules for choosing an electric meter

There are a huge number of electric meters on the modern market, varying in characteristics and technical properties. Basic parameters for choosing metering devices:

• type of device - induction or electronic (an electronic meter is famous for its high accuracy of readings, while an induction meter wins in price and durability),
• number of tariffs - single-phase, two-phase or three-phase,
• connection method - direct or through current transformers,
• phase type - single-phase or three-phase,
• accuracy class - affects the level of measurement error of the device (for residential premises a class of at least 2.0 is recommended),
• voltage class - 220 V (380 V) or 100 V.

There are other characteristics for choosing metering devices, but these are the main ones that should be taken into account first when choosing a model.

Rules for taking meter readings

Regardless of what accounting device a citizen uses, the process of recording indicators is no different. On a special two-phase type item, the readings are reflected alternately, that is, the electricity consumed during the day is initially recorded, then during the night. To view information, you need to press the “Enter” button on the item.

The designation is written as T1 and T2.

You need to follow this sequence of actions:

1. press the enter key, copy the readings of the T1 zone into a notepad;
2. Press this key again and rewrite the T2 readings.

To calculate the energy consumed, you need to subtract from the information received those that were installed last month. To clarify the payment amount, you need to multiply the indicators by the developed values.

How to change the accounting system

To switch to another metering system, you will need to change the meter itself. The first step is to contact your electricity supplier to inform him of your intention to change the meter. The specialist will ask you to write a statement. When handling, you must have the following documents:

• passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation,
• documents confirming ownership of the premises.

The specialist will accept the application and require you to pay the cost of the service. Next, a qualified electrician is sent, who in a short time will connect and configure the new device, draw up a report and give the necessary recommendations. Next month, readings must be submitted using the new system.

What documents are required to change the tariff?

No documents are required to change from a single-tariff regime to a multi-tariff regime, except if you switch to a tariff with a reduced coefficient. In this case, please provide:

1. Certificate of registration of rights.
2. Passport and registration address.
3. Attach documents to the application, after consideration of which you will switch to a reduced tariff with a coefficient of 0.7.

Tips for thrifty owners

Consumers who use electricity a lot can be advised to consider switching to two- or three-tariff devices. And also use household appliances at night, for example, run a washing machine or dishwasher at night, charge cell phones and other equipment. It would be more rational for owners of three-tariff meters to learn the tariffs, time phases and avoid peak hours. This approach will help to significantly reduce energy costs.

How much does it cost to change an electricity meter?

Many city apartment owners are switching to two-tariff equipment, which allows them to save money. By using the services of specialists who have the appropriate license, you can not only install the device efficiently and safely, but also reprogram the old meter to account for two tariffs, if it has such a function.

Average service prices:

The law allows you to work at night

Despite the fact that most organizations operate during the day, the specifics of certain types of work require night (and sometimes round-the-clock) operation. Just for such enterprises, there is a shift work schedule, according to which part of the shift or the entire shift falls during hours usually intended for sleep and rest.

The regulations for the organization and payment of such work are prescribed in Art. 96 and 154 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation.

Is payment for night work included in wages in order to correlate it with the minimum wage?

Documentation of work at night

Documentation rules depend on how the employer involves subordinates to work at night. Follow the rules.

Hiring a new employee

If you are hiring a new specialist for night work, then formalize the employment according to general standards:

1. Draw up an employment contract. In it, state the working conditions and how night hours are paid according to the labor code.
2. Issue an order for admission.
3. Familiarize your subordinate with the internal labor regulations, provisions of the collective agreement and other local regulations.

Transfer a subordinate to night shift work

With the employee’s consent, it is possible to transfer to a position that requires night work. In this case, draw up an additional agreement to the current employment contract.

If the subordinate does not agree to the transfer, then the employer has the right to transfer him forcibly, in accordance with Art. 74 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, if there are real grounds. It is necessary to notify the subordinate no later than two months before the transfer.

Part-time registration

Follow the instructions:

1. Conclude an additional employment contract with your subordinate on part-time work at night.
2. Issue an order to hire a subordinate for part-time work.
3. Make an entry in the subordinate's work book if he asks for it and if he is your main employee.

You attract one-time

For a one-time engagement at night, obtain his consent and, if he agrees, issue an order. The order specifies:

• Full name of the employee;
• reason and date of attraction;
• additional payment for night hours according to the labor code;
• other information.

If you hire an employee who has the right to refuse, you will need to draw up additional documents: about familiarizing him with this right, about his consent to such work.

Indicate the hours worked at night in the time sheet with the code “H” or “02”. Unless other codes and designations are provided for in the form of the report card used by the employer.

Who should not be involved in night work?

According to general rules, night time in labor legislation is defined as work in conditions deviating from normal ones. Some workers are prohibited from being involved in work under abnormal conditions. Other workers are allowed to be involved, but only with their written consent.

Who should not be recruited to work at night:

• pregnant women;
• minor employees (except for athletes and creative workers);
• employees who have medical contraindications for night work.

Who has the right to refuse work at night:

• mothers who raise children under 3 years of age;
• employees with disabilities;
• parents and guardians raising children with disabilities;
• employees who care for sick family members for medical reasons;
• fathers/mothers raising children under 5 years of age alone;
• guardians and trustees who raise children under 5 years of age without a mother.

If your organization employs the listed employees, then when you are hired to work on the night shift, inform them of their right to refuse under their signature. If subordinates agree to night work, then formalize the agreement in writing. Additionally, we recommend asking such a specialist for a medical report on your state of health and the absence of contraindications to working at night.