What is Economy 7 and who is it best for?

Economy 7 is a UK electricity tariff with two rates: a cheaper off-peak unit rate for around 7 hours overnight and a higher day rate. It’s usually best if you can shift a significant share of your electricity use (often 30–40% or more) into off-peak hours—e.g., storage heaters, immersion heaters, or charging an EV overnight. If most of your usage is daytime, a single-rate tariff may be cheaper overall.

What are the off-peak hours for Economy 7?

Off-peak hours vary by supplier, meter type, and region, but typically fall overnight for a total of about 7 hours. Some meters split the 7 hours into blocks. Check your bill, your online account, your meter display (Rate 1/Rate 2), or ask your supplier for the exact times for your meter.

How do I find the cheapest Economy 7 tariff this month?

To find the cheapest Economy 7 tariff, compare the full annual cost based on your expected day and night usage—not just the off-peak rate. You’ll need your postcode/region, your current unit rates and standing charge, and an estimate of what % of electricity you use at night. You can compare Economy 7 deals and switch at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ to see options available for your area.

Is Economy 7 cheaper than a standard single-rate tariff?

It can be, but only if enough of your consumption happens during the off-peak window. Economy 7 day rates and standing charges can be higher than single-rate tariffs, so if your night usage is low, total costs may increase. A quick check is to calculate your yearly cost using your day kWh, night kWh, unit rates and standing charge, then compare with a single-rate quote.

What’s the difference between the day rate and night rate on Economy 7?

The night (off-peak) rate is lower during the Economy 7 off-peak period, while the day (peak) rate is higher for the rest of the day. Your total bill depends on how many kWh you use at each rate plus the daily standing charge.

How do I know if I have an Economy 7 meter?

Most Economy 7 setups have a two-rate meter showing two readings (often labelled Rate 1/Rate 2, Day/Night, or Low/Normal). Your bill will also show two electricity unit rates and two consumption figures. If you’re unsure, your supplier can confirm your meter type.

Does Economy 7 work with a smart meter?

Yes. Smart meters can support multi-rate tariffs like Economy 7. In some cases suppliers can change the tariff configuration remotely, but availability depends on your meter model and supplier systems.

What information do I need to compare and switch Economy 7 tariffs?

Have your postcode, current supplier, and (ideally) your day and night kWh usage from recent bills. Also note your current unit rates and standing charge. If you don’t know your split, estimate what proportion of electricity you use overnight (for example, storage heating, immersion, or EV charging). You can then compare available Economy 7 options at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Is it worth switching Economy 7 tariffs mid-contract?

It depends on exit fees and how much you could save. If a cheaper tariff reduces your annual cost enough to outweigh any early exit charges, switching can still be worthwhile. Check your current contract end date, any termination fees, and compare the projected yearly cost on the new tariff.

Cheapest Economy 7 tariff rates in the UK this month

Q: Can I switch from Economy 7 to a single-rate tariff?

Often yes, but it can require a meter configuration change (or replacement) depending on your meter type. Some smart meters can be reconfigured remotely; older meters may need an engineer visit. Check any fees, your heating setup (e.g., storage heaters), and whether you’d lose cheaper overnight heating before switching.

Compare whole-of-market Economy 7 deals in minutes and see whether switching could cut your off-peak electricity costs. Get a personalised shortlist based on your usage, meter type and postcode.

Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (not business)
Tailored estimates for day/night rates, standing charge and your region
Works for storage heaters, EV charging and overnight appliance use
Fast quote form with a clear next step

Check my cheapest Economy 7 deals How Economy 7 works

Rates change frequently and vary by region and meter settings. We’ll show options available for your home based on the details you provide.

Find the cheapest Economy 7 tariff for your home

“Cheapest Economy 7 tariff rates UK this month” depends on your region, meter configuration and how much electricity you use overnight. EnergyPlus compares available Economy 7 options across the market and highlights plans that suit your day/night split.

Complete the form to get a tailored shortlist. If you don’t know your off-peak share, we can still estimate using typical Economy 7 patterns (you can refine this later).

Good to know Economy 7 is usually best when you can shift a meaningful share of electricity to off-peak (for example storage heaters, immersion heaters, or EV charging). If most of your usage is during the day, a single-rate tariff can often be cheaper overall.

Why Economy 7 comparisons can save real money

Cheapest isn’t just the lowest night rate

Economy 7 has two unit rates plus a standing charge. The best value depends on your day/night usage split, not a headline rate.

Rates vary by region (often a lot)

The UK is split into electricity distribution regions. Your postcode influences typical Economy 7 rates and which tariffs are available.

Meter setup matters

Economy 7 needs a compatible meter (traditional or smart). Off-peak times can be fixed or controlled by a time switch—so accuracy matters when comparing.

What is an Economy 7 tariff?

Economy 7 is a type of electricity tariff with two unit rates:

Day rate (higher): applies for around 17 hours per day
Night / off-peak rate (lower): applies for around 7 hours per day

It’s commonly used in homes with storage heaters and immersion heaters, and is increasingly popular for EV charging overnight. The goal is to shift flexible consumption into the cheaper off-peak window.

Economy 7 rates explained (what to compare)

When people search “cheapest Economy 7 tariff rates UK this month”, they usually mean:

low off-peak (night) unit rate
reasonable day unit rate
competitive standing charge
availability in their region and for their meter

Cost component	What it is	Why it affects “cheapest”
Day unit rate (p/kWh)	Price per kWh for electricity used outside the off-peak window.	If most of your electricity is daytime, this can outweigh a cheap night rate.
Night unit rate (p/kWh)	Price per kWh during your off-peak hours.	Where savings can be made if you shift usage (heating, hot water, EV).
Standing charge (p/day)	Fixed daily cost for being connected to the network.	A higher standing charge can cancel out unit-rate savings, especially in low-use homes.
Tariff type	Fixed or variable pricing (and length of fixed term).	Fixed can protect you from changes, variable can track the market—your preference matters.

Is Economy 7 worth it?

Often a good fit if you…

use storage heaters and can charge them overnight
heat water with an immersion heater on a timer
charge an EV at home overnight
can run appliances (dishwasher/washer) off-peak

Often not ideal if you…

use most electricity during daytime/evening
have gas central heating and low overnight electric use
work from home with high daytime consumption
can’t shift usage to the off-peak window

What time is Economy 7 cheap rate?

Economy 7 gives you around 7 off-peak hours, but the exact times vary by supplier, region and meter setup. Many households see off-peak hours overnight, sometimes split across two blocks.

Tip: Your meter (or in-home display for smart meters) can show when the register changes from day to night. If you’re unsure, we can still compare—just tell us you have Economy 7 and provide your postcode.

Scenario	What you might see	What to do
Traditional Economy 7 meter	Two registers (day and night) with a time switch.	Note the times the meter flips registers over a day, or check your tariff details.
Smart meter on Economy 7	Registers are recorded automatically; your bill shows day/night consumption.	Use your latest bill to estimate your night usage share for a more accurate comparison.
Split off-peak window	Off-peak hours may be split (e.g. late evening + early morning).	Set timers for storage heating/hot water/EV charging to match the cheapest window.

How to compare Economy 7 tariffs (simple, accurate)

Confirm your meter type: Economy 7 (two-rate) meter or smart meter set up for day/night readings.
Check your night usage share: your bill may show day vs night kWh. If not, estimate based on what you run overnight.
Compare the full cost: day rate + night rate + standing charge, not just the cheapest off-peak unit price.
Review tariff terms: fixed vs variable, any exit fees, and how long the price lasts.
Switch at the right time: many switches complete in a few working days; you’ll get confirmation of your supply start date.

Want the quickest route? Use the Economy 7 comparison form above and we’ll do the heavy lifting—based on your postcode and contact details.

Common mistakes when hunting the “cheapest Economy 7”

1) Comparing only night rates

A very low off-peak rate can be paired with a high day rate. If your daytime use is significant, overall bills can rise.

2) Ignoring the standing charge

Standing charges vary by region and tariff. For low consumption homes, this can be the deciding factor.

3) Not checking off-peak hours

If your timers don’t match your tariff’s off-peak window, you may be paying day rates overnight without realising.

4) Switching tariff without checking meter compatibility

Some homes have complex setups (e.g. multiple registers). A quick check avoids billing issues and ensures accurate comparisons.

Economy 7 and regional pricing in the UK

Two households searching for the cheapest Economy 7 tariff can see different results even with similar usage. That’s because electricity pricing can differ across distribution regions, and standing charges can vary.

Postcode matters

Your region influences unit rates and standing charges. Always compare with your postcode for accuracy.

Electric-only homes differ

All-electric households with storage heating often benefit more, because they can shift a larger share to off-peak.

Tariff availability changes

Some deals are restricted by meter type or region. A whole-of-market check avoids missing suitable options.

Economy 7 tariffs: FAQs

How do I know if I’m on Economy 7?

Check your electricity bill for two unit rates (often labelled “Day” and “Night” or “Peak” and “Off-peak”). Your meter may show two registers. If you’re not sure, submit the form and we’ll help confirm based on your details.

Can I switch from Economy 7 to a single-rate tariff?

Often yes, but it depends on your meter setup. Some switches may require a meter reconfiguration. We’ll flag likely compatibility issues during the comparison.

Is the cheapest Economy 7 tariff always fixed?

Not always. A variable tariff can be cheaper at a point in time, while a fixed tariff can offer price certainty for a set term. “Cheapest” depends on your priorities and how long you plan to stay.

Do Economy 7 off-peak hours change with British Summer Time?

Some meter/time-switch setups can shift by an hour when the clocks change. If you use timers for hot water, storage heating or EV charging, it’s worth checking around the clock change.

Can I get Economy 7 with a smart meter?

Yes—many suppliers support two-rate billing on smart meters. If you’re moving to or from Economy 7, ensure your tariff and meter configuration match.

What details do I need to compare accurately?

Ideally: postcode, whether you have Economy 7, and an estimate of day vs night usage (from your bill). If you don’t have these to hand, you can still start with the form and refine later.

What customers value about EnergyPlus comparisons

“I didn’t realise my standing charge was the issue. The comparison made it obvious which Economy 7 options actually reduced the total cost.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“We use storage heaters and an immersion heater. Seeing day and night rates side-by-side helped us pick a tariff that suits our routine.”

— Flat resident, Scotland

“Quick to submit my postcode and details, and the recommendations were clearly explained for Economy 7.”

— Household, South East

Trust and transparency: We focus on clear comparisons for home energy. The cheapest deal for you is the one that best matches your day/night usage and local pricing.

Ready to check the cheapest Economy 7 rates for your postcode?

Submit your details and we’ll match you with Economy 7 tariffs available for your home this month—based on regional pricing, standing charge, and the day/night split that matters most.

Start my Economy 7 comparison Read FAQs

Home energy only. If you’re unsure whether you’re on Economy 7, submit the form and we’ll help you confirm.

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Updated on 10 Jan 2026