Compare half-hourly electricity tariffs in the UK and see savings
Half-hourly (time-of-use) tariffs can cut bills if you can shift electricity use to cheaper off-peak periods. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and find out what could suit your home and meter.
- Check whether half-hourly pricing could reduce your unit rate at key times
- Compare suppliers and tariff types (fixed, variable, smart/time-of-use)
- Fast form—get matched to options based on your postcode and usage
- UK home energy comparison (not business)
Comparison is based on the details you provide. Savings depend on your home, meter, usage pattern, and supplier prices.
Compare half-hourly electricity tariffs for your home
Half-hourly electricity tariffs (often called time-of-use or smart tariffs) can offer cheaper rates at specific times of day. If you can move flexible usage—like laundry, dishwashers, immersion heaters or EV charging—to lower-cost periods, you may reduce your overall bill.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes. Tell us a little about your property and energy needs and we’ll compare available routes, including:
- Half-hourly (dynamic) pricing where rates can change through the day
- Time-band tariffs with set peak/off-peak windows
- Fixed and standard variable options for households that prefer predictability
Good to know: Half-hourly tariffs typically require a smart meter capable of recording half-hourly data. If you don’t have one, we can still show alternatives and explain next steps.
Get your comparison
Complete the form and we’ll use your details to match you with suitable home tariffs (including half-hourly options where available).
Half-hourly tariffs: who tends to save the most?
Half-hourly pricing isn’t automatically cheaper—it rewards households that can change when they use electricity. Here are common scenarios where it can work well.
You can shift flexible usage
If you can run appliances outside peak windows (e.g., overnight or mid-day), a time-of-use tariff may reduce your average unit rate.
You have (or plan) EV charging
Electric vehicle charging is often the biggest single flexible load at home. Off-peak EV rates can make a noticeable difference.
You already have a smart meter
Half-hourly tariffs typically need half-hourly readings. With a smart meter, switching and billing is usually smoother.
Your peak use is relatively low
If most of your electricity is used outside early evenings, you’re less exposed to higher peak prices on some tariffs.
You like active energy management
Some tariffs suit households willing to track prices, set schedules, or use smart plugs and app controls to optimise usage.
You want better visibility
Half-hourly data can help you understand what drives your bill and where small behaviour changes may help.
How half-hourly electricity tariffs work in the UK
Traditional tariffs charge the same unit rate regardless of when you use electricity (plus a standing charge). Half-hourly tariffs work differently: your electricity use is recorded in 30-minute blocks, and the price may vary by time.
Common types of half-hourly tariff
- Time-band: set peak/off-peak rates (e.g., day vs night)
- Dynamic: rates can change more frequently (including day-to-day)
- EV-focused: deep off-peak windows for scheduled charging
- Smart bundles: may include incentives for shifting demand
What you’ll usually need
- Smart meter capable of half-hourly readings
- Comfort with variable pricing (for some dynamic tariffs)
- Ability to shift demand to cheaper periods
- Supplier compatibility with your meter and region
A simple way to estimate whether you could benefit
1) Identify flexible usage
List appliances you can run later (washing, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion).
2) Check your peak period
Early evenings are often higher-cost. If your household uses most electricity then, savings may be smaller.
3) Compare standing charges
A low off-peak rate can be offset by a higher standing charge or peak rate.
4) Run a tailored comparison
Use your postcode and contact details so we can check available tariffs for your area.
Tip: If you have a smart meter, your in-home display and supplier app can help you spot high-usage times. That’s useful before committing to a tariff that prices each half-hour differently.
Understanding prices: unit rates, standing charges and risk
When comparing half-hourly tariffs, it’s not just about the lowest off-peak price. A good comparison looks at your expected total cost across the whole day, including the standing charge and how often you use electricity at peak times.
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to ask yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge | Paid every day regardless of usage. A higher standing charge can reduce or wipe out savings. | Is the daily charge higher than your current tariff? |
| Peak unit rate | If peak rates are high, using electricity at those times costs more. | How much cooking/heating/evening use is fixed for your household? |
| Off-peak windows | Savings rely on your ability to use power in cheaper windows. | Can you reliably run appliances at those times? |
| Price variability | Dynamic tariffs can change daily/half-hourly, which can increase bills if you can’t shift usage. | Do you prefer a fixed price for budgeting? |
| Exit fees & terms | Some fixed tariffs have exit fees; others are more flexible. | If prices drop, would you want to switch again soon? |
What “compare savings” really means
Savings are typically estimated by comparing the expected annual cost of two tariffs using the same usage assumptions. If your habits change (e.g., you start using more electricity at peak times), your savings can change too.
Regional differences
Standing charges and unit rates vary across the UK by distribution region. That’s why we ask for your postcode—it helps us show the right pricing for your area.
Common mistakes when switching to half-hourly tariffs
Only comparing the cheapest off-peak rate
A low off-peak unit price looks attractive, but a high peak rate or standing charge can increase your total cost. Always assess the whole day and your likely usage pattern.
Underestimating evening usage
If your busiest time is early evening (cooking, showers, heating controls, entertainment), you may be exposed to higher prices on some time-of-use tariffs.
Not checking smart meter readiness
Some half-hourly tariffs require specific smart meter capabilities and consistent readings. If your meter isn’t sending data, you may not be eligible for certain products.
Forgetting about lifestyle changes
Working from home, a new baby, or a heat pump installation can shift electricity use into different times of day. Re-check your tariff if your household routine changes.
Want a quick sense-check? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you identify whether half-hourly pricing is worth exploring for your postcode and household.
Half-hourly electricity tariffs UK: FAQs
Are half-hourly electricity tariffs cheaper in the UK?
They can be, but not for everyone. The best results usually come when you can move a meaningful share of your usage into cheaper periods and avoid high peak rates. Standing charges and peak pricing can reduce savings.
Do I need a smart meter for a half-hourly tariff?
In most cases, yes. Half-hourly tariffs typically rely on a smart meter that can record and send readings in 30-minute intervals. If you don’t have one, we can still compare other tariffs and discuss next steps.
Will my bills go up if prices change?
On dynamic tariffs, prices can vary, so bills can rise if you use more electricity during expensive periods. If you want more certainty, you may prefer a fixed tariff or a time-band tariff with clearly defined rates.
Is this page for business energy?
No. This comparison advice is for UK home energy only. If you’re looking for business electricity, the eligibility and pricing structures are different.
How do I compare half-hourly electricity tariffs accurately?
Compare the likely total cost, not just off-peak rates. Review: (1) standing charge, (2) peak unit rate, (3) off-peak windows, and (4) whether you can shift usage. Use the EnergyPlus form so options are matched to your postcode and household details.
What homeowners look for when switching
When people explore half-hourly pricing, the key concern is balancing savings with predictability. Here’s the kind of feedback we commonly hear from UK households using comparison services.
“We wanted a tariff that rewarded running the dishwasher and washing machine later. Seeing the peak/off-peak split made it easier to plan.”
“The standing charge mattered more than we expected. Comparing total cost—not just a cheap night rate—helped us choose.”
“We were unsure about dynamic pricing, so we picked a tariff with clear time bands. It felt easier to budget.”
Ready to compare half-hourly electricity tariffs?
Submit the form to see which home energy options may fit your postcode and usage—half-hourly where available, plus strong alternatives if they’re better value.
- Whole-of-market comparison approach
- Designed for UK households
- Clear next steps and support
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