Best time-of-use electricity tariffs in the UK for households
Compare whole-of-market time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs—like Economy 7, smart peak/off-peak plans and EV-style tariffs—so you can shift usage to cheaper hours and cut bills at home.
- See whether TOU pricing suits your home, meter and daily routine
- Compare off-peak windows and peak rates across multiple suppliers
- Find tariffs that work for EV charging, heat pumps and battery storage
For UK households only. We compare whole-of-market options available for your meter and postcode. Savings depend on your usage and when you use electricity.
Compare the best time-of-use electricity tariffs for your home
Time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs charge different unit rates depending on the time of day. If you can shift part of your electricity use to cheaper hours (typically overnight), you may reduce your overall cost—especially if you have an EV, heat pump, immersion heater, electric heating, or a home battery.
EnergyPlus is a UK comparison service that helps households review whole-of-market options, including off-peak windows and peak rates. Fill in the form to see which TOU structures are likely to suit your usage pattern.
Tip: The “best” TOU tariff isn’t always the lowest off-peak rate. A very cheap night rate can be offset by a high day rate if most of your use is during peak hours.
What we’ll check
- Your meter type (standard, Economy 7, smart meter)
- Whether TOU tariffs are available in your area and for your MPAN
- Your likely peak vs off-peak usage split
- Any EV/heat pump/battery usage that could be scheduled
- Exit fees, contract length and price certainty
Already on a TOU plan? We can still check if your current off-peak window and peak rate are competitive for your usage.
Who are time-of-use tariffs best for?
TOU tariffs can be great value—but only when your household can reliably move a meaningful chunk of electricity use into cheaper periods. These are the most common “good fit” scenarios.
EV drivers
If you can charge overnight, TOU plans can reduce the cost per mile. Some tariffs have dedicated ultra-low overnight rates, but check the daytime unit rate too.
Heat pumps & electric heating
Smart scheduling (pre-heating, hot water, thermal storage) may let you shift load away from peak times—especially in shoulder seasons.
Home batteries & solar owners
A battery can charge off-peak and discharge during peak times. With the right setup, TOU can improve self-consumption and lower imported electricity costs.
Night-shift households
If your main usage naturally falls later in the evening or overnight (laundry, cooking, heating), you may benefit without major lifestyle changes.
High electricity users
The more electricity you use, the more impact a cheaper off-peak rate can have—provided you can shift enough consumption to those hours.
Smart-home schedulers
Timers and automation (appliances, immersion heaters, EV chargers) make it easier to avoid peak pricing and build habits that stick.
When TOU may not suit: if most electricity use is during peak hours (e.g., cooking + heating in the early evening) and you can’t shift it, you may pay more than on a standard single-rate tariff.
How time-of-use electricity tariffs work in the UK
A time-of-use tariff sets different electricity unit prices (p/kWh) for different periods. The aim is to encourage households to use more electricity when demand is lower (often overnight). Your bill typically includes:
Unit rates by time
- Off-peak (cheaper): commonly overnight
- Peak (higher): often late afternoon/evening
- Shoulder (mid): some tariffs have an extra band
Standing charge
A daily fixed charge for being connected to the network. The standing charge can vary by region and tariff and can materially affect your total annual cost.
Quick guide: what you need for TOU
- Suitable meter: Many modern TOU tariffs require a smart meter. Economy 7 relies on a multi-rate meter setup.
- Known off-peak window: Confirm the exact hours (they can vary by supplier/region and may shift with daylight saving time).
- Ability to shift load: Set timers for appliances, schedule EV charging, and move discretionary usage where practical.
- Review after a few weeks: Compare actual consumption split (peak vs off-peak) to ensure the tariff still makes sense.
Good to know: Some TOU tariffs have dynamic or variable time bands. Always check the tariff information and how/when prices are communicated before switching.
Types of time-of-use tariffs to compare
Different TOU tariffs suit different households. Here’s what most UK households will come across when comparing time-based electricity pricing.
| Tariff type | Typical structure | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | Two rates: day + 7 hours off-peak (often overnight) | Homes using a lot of electricity overnight (storage heaters, immersion heater) | Day rate can be higher than standard tariffs; off-peak hours vary by region/meter setup |
| Economy 10 | Typically ~10 hours off-peak split across day/evening/night | Some electric-heated homes needing flexibility beyond overnight | Less widely available; timing varies and needs careful checking |
| Smart off-peak / EV-style | Low overnight window (often 4–6 hours) + higher peak/day rate | EV charging and schedulable loads | Some require smart meter and compatible charger/app; peak rates can be steep |
| Multi-band (peak/shoulder/off-peak) | 3+ price bands across the day | Homes that can avoid peak and shift to shoulder/off-peak | More complex; you’ll need to understand when your biggest loads run |
| Dynamic TOU | Prices vary by half-hour (or similar), published ahead of time | Highly flexible households, smart automation, battery optimisation | More price volatility; not ideal if you prefer predictable bills |
If you’re unsure what meter you have, start with the form above—your meter and region can determine which TOU tariffs you can actually switch to.
How to estimate if you’ll save on a time-of-use tariff
The key question is how much electricity you can use at the cheaper rate. Use this checklist before switching, then confirm using your smart meter data (if you have it) or your usage habits.
Savings checklist
- Off-peak usage: can you move laundry, dishwasher, immersion heating, or EV charging to the off-peak window?
- Peak avoidance: can you reduce heavy loads during the peak band (often early evening)?
- Standing charge: does the TOU tariff have a higher daily charge than standard options?
- Contract terms: fixed vs variable pricing, exit fees, and how long the deal lasts
- Seasonality: winter usage patterns may differ—especially with heating
A simple rule of thumb
TOU is more likely to pay off if you can shift a material portion of your usage into the cheap window, such as:
- Regular overnight EV charging
- Heating hot water off-peak (with an immersion timer)
- Charging a home battery off-peak to cover evening peak use
Not sure? Submit the form and we’ll help you sense-check your likely off-peak split and shortlist tariffs worth considering.
Common mistakes when choosing a TOU tariff
Focusing only on the off-peak rate
A low overnight price can be cancelled out by a high day/peak rate. Compare the full tariff structure based on your likely usage timing.
Not checking the exact off-peak hours
Economy-style hours can differ by region and meter configuration. Always confirm the switching times before relying on timers.
Ignoring standing charges and fees
Standing charges, exit fees and contract length matter—especially for lower-usage households where fixed daily costs are a bigger share.
Assuming you need TOU for an EV
Some EV drivers do well on competitive single-rate tariffs. The right choice depends on how often you charge and your daytime usage.
Switching without looking at real usage
If you have a smart meter, review half-hourly consumption or supplier app data. If not, track when big appliances run for a week.
Underestimating lifestyle friction
TOU savings depend on consistent behaviour. Choose a structure you can stick with—timers and automation help.
FAQs: time-of-use electricity tariffs for UK households
Do I need a smart meter for a time-of-use tariff?
Many modern TOU tariffs require a smart meter because prices can change by time band (and sometimes more frequently). Economy 7 can work with a traditional multi-rate meter. If you’re unsure what you have, use the comparison form and we’ll help you identify likely eligibility.
What is the best time-of-use electricity tariff in the UK?
The best TOU tariff depends on your postcode, meter type, and when your household uses electricity. A tariff with the cheapest off-peak rate isn’t always best if the peak rate is high and you use most power in the evening. The most accurate approach is to compare tariffs using your expected peak/off-peak split.
Are Economy 7 tariffs still worth it?
Economy 7 can be worth it if you use a substantial portion of electricity overnight (for example, storage heating or hot water on a timer). If most of your usage is during the day, a standard single-rate tariff may be cheaper. Always check the day rate and standing charge alongside the night rate.
Can I get a TOU tariff if I rent?
In many cases, yes—if you’re responsible for paying the energy bills and you can change supplier. However, you may need permission for certain hardware changes (like an EV charger). Smart meter availability and property setup can also affect which tariffs you can access.
Do TOU tariffs help if I don’t have an EV?
They can. Dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, immersion heaters and home batteries are common ways to shift usage. If your biggest electricity use is cooking and daytime devices, savings may be limited unless you can change when those loads run.
Will switching to TOU change my direct debit?
Possibly. Your supplier may adjust your monthly payment based on expected annual costs. If you move to a TOU tariff and successfully shift consumption off-peak, your annual cost may reduce over time.
Next step: If you want a personalised shortlist, go back to Compare & get recommendations and submit your details.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
We help you compare TOU tariff types and price structures across the market—so you can find a plan that fits your household routine.
Practical, not theoretical
We focus on when you actually use electricity—peak, shoulder and off-peak—rather than headline rates.
Support for EVs & low-carbon tech
If you have an EV, heat pump or home battery, we’ll help you understand which TOU structures are most likely to work.
“Clear explanation of peak vs off-peak and which tariffs made sense for my EV charging. Saved me time and avoided a bad switch.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“I thought the cheapest night rate was best. EnergyPlus helped me compare properly and pick a tariff that fits our evening cooking and daytime working-from-home.”
— Household customer, Greater Manchester
Ready to find the best time-of-use tariff for your household?
Submit your details to compare whole-of-market TOU options available for your meter and postcode. We’ll help you pick a tariff that matches your routine—so savings are realistic, not wishful.
- Compare peak/off-peak pricing structures
- Check smart meter suitability
- Shortlist tariffs for EVs, heat pumps and battery setups
UK households only. Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier.
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