Economy 10 tariff: what it is, who it suits, and how to compare

Key takeaways

• 10 cheaper hours split across the day (commonly overnight + afternoon + late evening).
• Best suited to homes with electric heating (storage heaters) and electric hot water.
• Not all suppliers offer Economy 10, and some areas/meter types can be harder to switch.
• Economy 10 can be on a single MPAN (one electricity supply number) or more complex setups—this affects what tariffs you can move to.

Quick decision rule

Often a good fit if:

You can put 35%+ of electricity use into off-peak hours (or you have storage heaters/immersion on timers).

Often a poor fit if:

You’re home all day with high daytime demand, or you mainly use gas for heating/hot water and won’t shift usage.

Checklist: Economy 10 usually suits you if…

• You have storage heaters or electric underfloor heating designed for off-peak.
• You can heat water with an immersion heater during off-peak periods.
• You can schedule laundry/dishwasher/tumble dryer for cheap windows.
• Your home is all-electric (no gas) and you can load-shift.

Checklist: think twice if…

• You use most electricity 9am–5pm and can’t shift it.
• You have gas central heating and only modest electricity use.
• Your meter setup is complex (e.g. multiple MPANs) and you want maximum tariff choice.
• You’re considering a switch without knowing your actual off-peak times.

1) Off-peak times aren’t what you assume

Economy 10 often includes daytime/afternoon hours, but the exact windows can differ by meter and region. If your timers don’t match the cheap periods, you can end up paying peak rates for heating or hot water.

2) Peak unit rates can be noticeably higher

The trade-off for cheaper hours is often a higher peak rate. If you don’t shift enough usage, total annual cost can rise even if the off-peak rate looks attractive.

3) Meter complexity can restrict switching

Some Economy 10 homes have multi-register or multi-MPAN setups for heating. Not every supplier supports these configurations. Switching may require a meter exchange (and not all suppliers will do it).

Realistic scenario A (estimated): all-electric flat with storage heating

Assumptions: 1–2 bed all-electric flat; annual electricity use 6,000 kWh. Economy 10 split: 55% off-peak (3,300 kWh), 45% peak (2,700 kWh). Standing charge ignored for simplicity (it applies on both tariffs).

In this scenario, Economy 10 looks cheaper because a high share of use lands in off-peak windows. Your actual outcome depends on your true split, rates, and standing charge.

Realistic scenario B (estimated): gas-heated home with low load-shifting

Assumptions: Gas central heating; annual electricity use 3,100 kWh. Economy 10 split: 20% off-peak (620 kWh), 80% peak (2,480 kWh). Standing charge ignored for simplicity.

Here, Economy 10 is more expensive because most usage stays at the higher peak rate. This is a common outcome for gas-heated homes.

What times is Economy 10 cheap rate?

There isn’t one universal schedule. Economy 10 is typically split across night, a daytime/afternoon period and sometimes a late evening period, but the exact times depend on your meter setup and local network arrangements. Your supplier should be able to confirm your specific hours.

Is Economy 10 the same as Economy 7?

No. Economy 7 usually provides 7 hours of cheaper electricity, mainly overnight. Economy 10 provides 10 hours and is more likely to include some cheaper daytime hours. Both are multi-rate tariffs with different peak/off-peak prices.

Do I need a special meter for Economy 10?

Yes—Economy 10 requires a meter configuration that can record (and apply) more than one rate. Some households have older setups (including legacy switching systems). In some cases, switching supplier or tariff may require a meter exchange. Always confirm your meter type before applying.

Can I get Economy 10 with a smart meter?

Sometimes. Smart meters can support multi-rate tariffs, but Economy 10 availability depends on the supplier’s billing system and your specific configuration (including heating controls). If you’re offered a meter exchange, ask whether it will keep your Economy 10 timings and whether any heating circuits are affected.

Is Economy 10 good for EV charging?

It can be, if your cheapest hours line up with when you charge. However, many EV drivers prefer specialist EV tariffs with clear overnight windows. If your Economy 10 includes some daytime cheap hours, that may help if you can charge at home during those periods.

Can I switch from Economy 10 to a normal single-rate tariff?

Often yes, but it depends on your meter setup. If you have a straightforward two-rate meter on one MPAN, a supplier may be able to change your tariff and reconfigure the meter. If you have a complex heating configuration or multiple MPANs, options may be more limited and you may need a meter exchange.

Will Economy 10 work if I have gas central heating?

It can, but it’s less likely to be beneficial unless you have a significant electric load you can shift (for example, an immersion heater for hot water or regular EV charging). Many gas-heated homes do better on a competitive single-rate electricity tariff.

Does Economy 10 cost more in winter?

Your bill usually rises in winter because you use more energy, especially if you rely on electric heating. Economy 10 can reduce costs if more of that higher winter usage happens in off-peak hours (for example, charging storage heaters). If you use a lot of peak-time electricity, winter bills can increase quickly.

How do I know if I’m already on Economy 10?

Check your bill for multiple electricity unit rates (for example “Day” and “Night”, or “Rate 1 / Rate 2”, sometimes with an additional register). Your meter may also show more than one reading when you press the display button. If in doubt, ask your supplier to confirm your tariff and meter configuration.