Can I move to a cheaper single rate tariff in the UK?
Yes—if a single rate tariff suits your usage and you’re not tied into exit fees. Compare whole-of-market deals with EnergyPlus.co.uk and see if switching could cut your home energy bills.
- Check if single rate is cheaper than Economy 7/10 for your actual day/night usage
- Compare fixed & variable tariffs from across the market in minutes
- Switch online with support—no paperwork headaches
Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. Estimates depend on tariff availability, your meter type and usage. Switching times vary by supplier.
Compare cheaper single rate tariffs (UK homes)
A single rate (also called a flat rate) electricity tariff charges the same unit price no matter the time of day. For many households—especially those not using storage heaters or not able to shift usage overnight—moving from Economy 7/Economy 10 to a single rate can reduce total costs.
EnergyPlus.co.uk lets you compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs, including fixed and variable options. If you already have a single rate meter, switching is usually straightforward. If you currently have a two-rate meter, you may still be able to move—depending on your meter type, supplier rules and whether a meter change is needed.
Quick check: If less than ~25–35% of your electricity is used in the cheap night window, a single rate tariff can often work out cheaper. (Your break-even point depends on the day/night unit rates on offer.)
What you’ll need
- Your postcode (tariffs vary by region and network)
- Your current supplier and (if possible) tariff name
- Estimated annual usage in kWh (or a recent bill/statement)
- Your meter type: single rate, Economy 7/10, or smart meter
Get my best single rate quotes
Complete the form and we’ll show available deals you can switch to.
Already on Economy 7? Don’t assume single rate is cheaper—compare using your actual day/night split. We’ll help you check the numbers.
When moving to a single rate tariff can be cheaper
A cheaper single rate tariff is most likely if you use most electricity during the day/evening, have changed how you heat your home, or your current two-rate prices have become uncompetitive. Use the checks below to decide whether it’s worth switching.
You don’t use storage heaters
Economy 7/10 often suits storage heaters and heavy overnight charging. If you’ve moved to gas central heating, a heat pump, or use panel heaters, your night usage may be too low.
You can’t shift usage overnight
If laundry, dishwasher and EV charging mainly happen in the day/evening, a higher Economy 7 day rate can outweigh any cheap-night benefit.
Your day rate is too high
Two-rate tariffs often have a premium day unit rate. A competitive single rate can reduce costs even if the standing charge is similar.
You’re in a small household/flat
Lower total usage can mean the “sweet spot” for Economy 7 is harder to hit, particularly if night usage is minimal.
You have a smart meter
Smart meters can make switching between tariff types simpler, and your half-hourly data can help estimate whether single rate will be cheaper.
Your lifestyle has changed
Working from home, kids at home, or different routines often increase daytime consumption—making a flat rate more attractive.
Single rate vs Economy 7/10: what’s the difference?
The best choice depends on when you use electricity. Economy 7 and Economy 10 split the unit price into day and off-peak rates. Single rate keeps one unit price all day. Standing charges still apply in all cases.
Tip: Check your bill for separate day/night kWh lines. If you only see one kWh figure, you’re likely already on a single rate meter/tariff.
How to move to a cheaper single rate tariff
Switching is usually simple. The main extra consideration is whether your meter setup supports single-rate billing without changes.
- Confirm your current meter & tariff: Single rate, Economy 7, Economy 10 or smart meter.
- Estimate your day/night split (if applicable): Use your bill readings or annual statement (kWh day vs kWh night).
- Compare whole-of-market options: Look at unit rates, standing charge, contract length and exit fees.
- Choose a single rate tariff: Fixed for price certainty or variable for flexibility (availability varies).
- Check meter compatibility: If you have a two-rate meter, your new supplier may keep it and bill single-rate, or may need a meter reconfiguration/change.
- Switch: Your new supplier arranges the switch. You’ll provide meter readings and your old supplier issues a final bill.
Will I need a new meter?
Not always. Some two-rate meters can still be used while you’re billed on a single rate. In other cases, a meter exchange or reconfiguration may be needed—your supplier will advise.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your electricity and gas keep flowing as normal. The change is administrative—who bills you and at what rates.
Costs, exit fees and how to estimate savings
To know if you can move to a cheaper single rate tariff, compare your annual cost—not just the unit rate. Standing charges, day/night rates (if applicable), and exit fees can change the result.
A simple savings check
If you’re on Economy 7/10, calculate your current cost:
- Day cost = day kWh × day unit rate
- Night cost = night kWh × night unit rate
- Standing charge = daily standing charge × 365
Then compare against a single rate estimate:
- Total cost = total kWh × single unit rate + standing charge
Potential extra costs to check
- Exit fees: Some fixed tariffs charge if you leave before the end date.
- Meter change fees: Often free, but not guaranteed—depends on supplier and meter setup.
- Debt or repayment plans: You may need to clear a balance or agree a plan to switch.
- Warm Home Discount / Priority Services: Ensure your new supplier supports the help you rely on.
Good to know: The cheapest-looking unit rate isn’t always the cheapest overall—standing charges can make a big difference, especially for low-usage homes.
Common mistakes when moving to single rate
Comparing rates, not annual cost
Single rate might have a lower unit rate but a higher standing charge (or vice versa). Always compare estimated yearly cost for your usage.
Ignoring day/night usage split
If you use a lot overnight (EV, storage heating, immersion heater), a flat rate can increase bills. Use your bill readings to check.
Not checking meter compatibility
Some tariff/meter combinations aren’t supported by every supplier. If a meter exchange is needed, ask about timing and any costs upfront.
Missing contract end dates
Switching near your fixed end date can avoid exit fees. If you’re unsure, check your online account or latest statement.
Using estimates that are too low
Underestimating kWh makes quotes look cheaper than they’ll be. If possible, use your last 12 months’ kWh from bills.
Forgetting about payment method
Direct Debit tariffs can be cheaper than pay-on-receipt. Make sure you compare like-for-like where possible.
FAQs: moving to a cheaper single rate tariff
Can I switch from Economy 7 to single rate?
In many cases, yes. Some suppliers can bill a two-rate meter on a single rate; others may require a meter reconfiguration or exchange. The key is to compare costs using your day/night usage and confirm what your chosen supplier supports.
Will my electricity go off when I change tariff?
No—switching supplier or tariff doesn’t interrupt your supply. If a meter exchange is arranged, power may be briefly interrupted during the appointment, but your supplier will tell you in advance.
Is a single rate tariff always cheaper?
No. If you use a significant share of electricity overnight (for example storage heating or regular EV charging), Economy 7/10 can be better value. The cheapest option depends on your usage profile and the rates available in your region.
How do I know my day/night split?
Check your bill or online account for two electricity readings (day/normal and night/off-peak). If you have a smart meter, your supplier may show this in your usage charts. If you’re unsure, choose “Not sure” in the form and we’ll guide you.
Does my region affect whether I can find a cheaper single rate tariff?
Yes. Electricity prices can vary by regional distribution network area, and availability differs by supplier. That’s why your postcode is essential for accurate comparisons.
Can I move to a single rate tariff if I have a smart meter?
Often yes. Smart meters generally support single-rate billing, but the tariff you can choose still depends on supplier offerings and your meter configuration. Comparing whole-of-market options helps you see what’s actually available.
Need help deciding? Use the comparison form and select your meter type. We’ll show suitable single rate options and explain any meter implications before you switch.
Trusted switching support for UK households
“I wasn’t sure if leaving Economy 7 would cost more. The comparison made it clear, and switching to a single rate fixed deal was straightforward.”
“The quotes matched what I needed and the guidance on meter type helped. No pushy sales—just clear options.”
“We work from home now and our day usage jumped. Moving to single rate reduced the bill compared with our old two-rate plan.”
Whole-of-market comparisons
See a broad range of available UK home energy tariffs, not just a limited panel.
Clear tariff explanations
We help you understand unit rates, standing charges, and whether a meter change may be required.
Ready to see if a single rate tariff is cheaper for you?
Compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs using your postcode and meter type. If single rate stacks up for your day/night usage, you can switch with confidence.
For UK domestic customers only. Tariffs and savings vary by region, meter type and usage.
Make sure you choose the right tariff type
- Check your day/night kWh before leaving Economy 7/10
- Compare standing charges as well as unit rates
- Confirm any meter change requirements upfront
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