Are half-hourly (time-of-use) electricity tariffs cheaper in the UK?

They can be cheaper, but only if you can shift a meaningful amount of electricity use into the lowest-price half-hours. If most of your usage happens during peak times, a standard tariff may work out cheaper. The best way to know is to compare your actual half-hourly usage (or a recent bill) against the tariff’s peak/off-peak unit rates and standing charge.

What is a half-hourly electricity tariff?

A half-hourly electricity tariff is a time-of-use plan where your electricity price changes across the day in 30-minute blocks. With a smart meter, your supplier records consumption every half hour and bills you based on the rates that apply at those times.

Do I need a smart meter for half-hourly pricing?

In most cases, yes. Half-hourly tariffs typically require a smart meter that can record and send half-hourly consumption data, so your supplier can apply the correct prices for each time period.

Who is half-hourly pricing best for?

Half-hourly tariffs are often best for households that can move usage to cheaper periods—for example, EV drivers charging overnight, homes that can run appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer) off-peak, or people who are out during peak evening hours.

What are the main risks of half-hourly tariffs?

Costs can increase if you use most electricity during peak half-hours or if prices spike during high-demand periods. Some tariffs also have higher peak unit rates or a higher standing charge, so it’s important to compare the full cost—not just the cheapest off-peak rate.

How can I tell if I’ll save money on a half-hourly tariff?

Start by reviewing when you use electricity (especially 4pm–9pm on weekdays, which is commonly pricier). If you have smart meter data, estimate what share of your kWh could move to cheaper half-hours. Then compare tariffs using the same annual kWh and standing charge assumptions. If you’d like, Energy Plus can help you compare options based on your usage and lifestyle.

Which appliances make the biggest difference when shifting to off-peak times?

The biggest savings usually come from flexible high-usage loads like EV charging, electric heating (where controllable), immersion heaters/hot water, tumble dryers, dishwashers and washing machines—especially when run during the lowest-price half-hours.

Will a half-hourly tariff affect my direct debit?

Possibly. If your costs become more variable across seasons (for example, higher winter peak usage), your supplier may adjust your direct debit to match expected annual spend. Monitoring your usage and shifting load off-peak can help keep bills more predictable.

How do I switch to a time-of-use or half-hourly tariff with Energy Plus?

You can explore your options at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ or contact Energy Plus for a personalised comparison. Have your postcode, current tariff details, and (if available) smart meter usage info to get the most accurate recommendation.

Are half-hourly electricity tariffs cheaper in the UK?

Q: Are half-hourly tariffs the same as Economy 7?

Not always. Economy 7 usually has a fixed split of day and night rates, while half-hourly tariffs can have multiple prices that change across the day in 30-minute blocks (and sometimes change day-to-day). Check the exact rate schedule and peak windows before switching.

Half-hourly tariffs (also called time-of-use or smart tariffs) can be cheaper for some UK households—especially if you can shift usage away from peak times. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and see what fits your home.

See whether a half-hourly tariff could reduce your bill based on your usage
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Compare half-hourly tariffs How half-hourly pricing works

Home energy only. Savings depend on your usage pattern, meter type and local network costs.

Compare half-hourly electricity tariffs for your home

Half-hourly pricing can be a strong option if your household can run energy-hungry appliances when electricity is cheaper (for example, overnight or mid-day). But if most of your use lands in the evening peak, a standard tariff may work out better.

Use the form to see whole-of-market options available at your postcode. We’ll show suitable tariffs (including smart/time-of-use where available) so you can compare unit rates, standing charges and key features side-by-side.

Tip: If you have (or plan to get) an EV, heat pump, home battery or solar, half-hourly tariffs can be especially relevant—because flexible demand often unlocks cheaper periods.

What you’ll need (takes ~2 minutes)

Your postcode and property details
Who supplies you now (if known)
Approximate usage or current monthly spend (estimates are fine)

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Postcode Current supplier (optional) Payment method Email Phone (optional)

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So… are half-hourly electricity tariffs cheaper in the UK?

Sometimes—but not automatically. A half-hourly electricity tariff charges different unit rates across the day (in 30-minute blocks). If you can move a meaningful share of your use into cheaper periods, the average you pay per kWh can drop. If you can’t, you may end up paying more during expensive peaks.

When it’s likely to be cheaper

You can run washing/dishwasher/tumble dryer outside 4pm–9pm
You have an EV and can charge off-peak
You use a home battery to store cheap electricity and use it later
Your household is out during the evening peak
You’re comfortable using smart controls or timers

When it may cost more

Most of your usage is 4pm–9pm (cooking, heating, lighting)
You can’t shift demand (family routines, caring responsibilities)
You’re on a strong fixed deal already
You’re not on a compatible smart meter setup
You prefer predictable bills over variable pricing

The most accurate way to know is to compare real tariffs available at your postcode and consider your typical usage pattern. If you have half-hourly readings (smart meter), some suppliers can price more precisely—good for flexible users, but not always cheaper.

Who benefits most from half-hourly tariffs?

Half-hourly tariffs are about timing rather than just “using less”. These are common UK household scenarios where they can work well:

EV drivers

If you can charge overnight or during low-price windows, you may reduce the cost per mile—especially compared with charging in the early evening.

Homes with solar or a battery

Store energy when it’s cheap (or when solar is generating) and use it when grid prices rise. Some households also time exports.

Flexible routines

If you can shift laundry, cooking prep, immersion heaters or dehumidifiers away from peak times, you can lower your average unit cost.

Electric heating users

For some heat pump or electric-heating households, smart scheduling can reduce costs—provided comfort and heat demand match cheaper periods.

High usage homes

When you use more electricity overall, small differences in unit rate (at the right time) can add up—good or bad—more quickly.

Data-driven switchers

If you’re happy to review usage and tweak habits, half-hourly pricing can reward you. If not, a fixed tariff may suit better.

Not sure? You don’t need perfect data to start. Compare available tariffs first, then decide if you can realistically shift 10–30% of your electricity into cheaper slots.

How half-hourly tariffs work (simple explanation)

With a standard tariff you typically pay one unit rate (or day/night on Economy 7). With a half-hourly tariff, your electricity price can change throughout the day in 30-minute blocks. Your smart meter records half-hourly readings, and the supplier bills you based on your consumption in each time slot.

Step 1: Check you can get half-hourly readings

Most half-hourly tariffs require a smart meter capable of sending half-hourly data (and that data being enabled). If you don’t have one, some suppliers will install it as part of switching.

Step 2: Your price varies by time

Prices often rise in peak periods (commonly early evening) and fall overnight or when demand is lower. The exact pattern and cheapest windows depend on the tariff.

Step 3: You can shift usage to save

Timers, smart plugs, EV scheduling, and battery charging routines can move consumption into cheaper slots, reducing your overall average unit cost.

Step 4: Compare total cost, not just the cheapest hour

A tariff can advertise a very cheap overnight rate but have a higher standing charge or expensive peak prices. Focus on the likely total bill for your routine.

Half-hourly vs fixed vs Economy 7 (at a glance)

Tariff type	How prices change	Best for	Watch-outs
Half-hourly / time-of-use	Different price every 30 minutes (or set peak/off-peak windows)	EV, batteries, flexible households	Peak rates can be higher; requires compatible smart metering
Fixed	Unit rate is fixed for the contract term	Predictable budgeting	Exit fees may apply; may miss cheaper dips
Economy 7	Two rates: day and night (set hours)	Night storage heating, overnight appliance use	Day rate can be higher; needs suitable meter setup

Note: Tariff availability, time windows and rates vary by supplier and region. Always check the tariff’s unit rates and standing charge for your address.

Costs, risks and common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

1) Focusing only on the “cheap” rate

A very low off-peak rate can be offset by a higher peak rate or standing charge. Compare the likely total monthly cost based on your routine.

2) Underestimating evening peak usage

Cooking, showers, heating controls, lighting and entertainment often cluster in the evening. If your home is busiest then, half-hourly may not suit without changes.

3) Not checking smart meter readiness

Some homes have smart meters but half-hourly readings aren’t enabled or communicating reliably. That can affect eligibility and billing accuracy.

4) Choosing volatility when you need certainty

If you want predictable bills, a fixed tariff can be better. Some time-of-use tariffs vary day-to-day; others have set bands. Always read the tariff details.

Practical check: If you can reliably move high-load activities (EV charging, washing/drying, immersion heating) into cheaper windows, you’re more likely to see savings. If not, compare a good fixed tariff as a benchmark.

Ready to see what’s actually available where you live? Use the comparison form to review tariffs across the market.

Do half-hourly tariff savings vary by region in the UK?

Yes, they can. Electricity pricing is influenced by regional factors such as network costs and how suppliers structure tariffs in different areas. That’s why a whole-of-market comparison using your postcode matters.

What can change

Standing charges and unit rates by region
Availability of specific smart/time-of-use products
Peak and off-peak price differentials

What doesn’t change

Your ability to shift usage is still the biggest factor
You should compare against a strong fixed benchmark
You still need compatible metering and accurate readings

FAQs: half-hourly electricity tariffs in the UK

Do I need a smart meter for a half-hourly tariff?

In most cases, yes. Half-hourly tariffs typically require a smart meter capable of recording and sending half-hourly readings. If you don’t have one, some suppliers may offer an installation as part of switching, subject to availability.

Are half-hourly tariffs the same as Economy 7?

Not exactly. Economy 7 has two fixed rates (day and night). Half-hourly tariffs can have many price points throughout the day (or multiple bands), which can reward more precise shifting of demand.

Can a half-hourly tariff help if I work from home?

It depends. Working from home may increase daytime usage, which can be good or bad depending on the tariff’s pricing pattern. If your highest usage is still in the evening peak, you may need to shift certain loads (laundry, cooking prep, EV charging) to see savings.

Will my standing charge be lower on a half-hourly tariff?

Not necessarily. Standing charges vary by supplier and region and may be higher, lower, or similar to standard tariffs. Always compare standing charge + unit rates together.

Is switching risky? Will my supply go off?

Switching supplier is designed to be seamless—your electricity supply should stay on. Your old supplier and new supplier coordinate the switch, and you’ll receive final and opening meter reads.

What if I can’t shift much usage?

Consider a good fixed tariff or a simple day/night option if appropriate. You can still compare half-hourly tariffs, but use your current routine as the baseline. If the potential saving is small or uncertain, predictability may be more valuable.

Want a quick answer for your own home? Compare tariffs by postcode and we’ll show what’s available.

Why households use EnergyPlus

Whole-of-market comparison

Compare suitable home energy deals in one place—fixed, variable and smart/time-of-use where available for your postcode.

Clear, practical guidance

We explain when half-hourly tariffs make sense and when they don’t—so you can choose based on your real routine.

Switch support

From quote to switch, we help you understand the steps, what you’ll pay, and what to check before you commit.

“The comparison made it obvious when a smart tariff would help. We realised we could shift laundry and EV charging overnight and the numbers finally made sense.”

— Homeowner, UK

“I thought half-hourly was always cheaper. EnergyPlus helped me compare properly and I stayed on a fixed deal instead.”

— Renter, UK

Find out if a half-hourly tariff would actually save you money

Compare whole-of-market home electricity tariffs by postcode. See unit rates, standing charges and key terms—then switch if it suits your routine.

No impact on your electricity supply during a switch
Best for EVs, batteries and flexible households
Compare against strong fixed deals too

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Updated on 29 Dec 2025