What is a half-hourly electricity tariff (UK)?

A half-hourly electricity tariff prices your electricity using half-hourly meter readings (48 time slots per day). Your unit rate can change through the day, so you can save by shifting usage to cheaper periods and reducing usage in peak periods.

Do I need a smart meter for a half-hourly tariff?

In most cases, yes. Half-hourly tariffs typically require a smart meter that can record and send half-hourly readings. If you already have a compatible smart meter, switching can be straightforward.

How much can I save with a half-hourly electricity tariff?

Savings depend on how much electricity you can move into cheaper half-hour slots (for example, EV charging, washing/dishwasher cycles, immersion heating or heat pump operation). If most of your use is during peak times, costs may increase—so comparing projected costs before switching is important.

Are half-hourly tariffs the same as Economy 7 or Economy 10?

Not necessarily. Economy 7/10 are traditional time-of-use tariffs with fixed off-peak windows. Half-hourly tariffs can vary by day and by half-hour slot, meaning prices can be more granular (and sometimes more changeable) than Economy 7/10.

What should I check before switching to a half-hourly tariff?

Check the standing charge, how the half-hourly unit rates are set (and how often they change), whether prices are published in advance, any exit fees, and whether you can realistically shift usage away from peak times. It also helps to compare estimated annual costs based on your usage pattern.

Who benefits most from half-hourly electricity tariffs?

Households that can flex demand—such as EV owners, people who can run appliances off-peak, or homes with batteries/solar—often benefit most. If you are typically at home and using power heavily during evening peaks, the tariff may be less suitable unless you can shift usage.

Can I switch back if a half-hourly tariff doesn’t suit me?

Usually yes, but check your tariff terms for any minimum term or exit fees. Before switching, confirm how quickly you can move to another tariff and whether there are any penalties.

How do I compare half-hourly electricity tariffs in the UK?

Compare the standing charge, the typical price range across peak and off-peak periods, and—most importantly—your likely cost based on when you use electricity. A practical approach is to estimate costs using your current usage profile and then compare it to a half-hourly tariff’s half-hour pricing. You can start your comparison on https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice/half-hourly-electricity-tariffs-uk-compare-savings.

Compare half-hourly electricity tariffs UK & see savings

Half-hourly (smart) tariffs can cut costs by shifting usage into cheaper time slots. Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus.co.uk and see if a half-hourly tariff could reduce your bills.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business)
Check if your smart meter can unlock half-hourly pricing
Estimate savings from off-peak charging, washing and heating
Quick form to view available tariffs and rates for your postcode

Compare half-hourly tariffs How half-hourly pricing works

EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service. Tariff availability depends on supplier, smart meter data and your location. You stay in control and can choose whether to switch.

Compare half-hourly electricity tariffs for your home

Half-hourly electricity tariffs (sometimes called smart tariffs or time-of-use tariffs) can change price throughout the day, often in 30-minute blocks. If you can move some electricity use to cheaper periods (for example, laundry, dishwasher cycles, immersion heating, or EV charging), you may be able to reduce your overall cost per kWh.

EnergyPlus.co.uk helps you compare available home tariffs across the market and understand whether half-hourly pricing is likely to help you. Fill in the form to see options for your postcode and contact details so we can share the best matches.

Tip: Half-hourly tariffs can work well if you can avoid peak periods (often late afternoon/early evening). If your usage is mostly at peak times, a standard fixed tariff may be better value.

What you’ll get after submitting

Tariff options that may include half-hourly pricing where suitable
Guidance on whether your setup is eligible (smart meter / data sharing)
Clear next steps if you choose to switch (no obligation)

Who can save with half-hourly electricity tariffs?

These tariffs aren’t automatically cheaper. The savings come from when you use electricity. Here are the most common household scenarios where half-hourly rates can make a noticeable difference.

EV drivers charging at home

If you can schedule charging overnight or during low-cost windows, your average unit rate can drop. A half-hourly tariff can be especially useful with smart chargers.

Flexible households

Work-from-home, shift workers, or anyone able to run appliances outside peak times may benefit—think washing, drying, dishwashing and batch cooking.

Homes with heat pumps or immersion heating

Where heating or hot water can be pre-heated in cheaper periods (with sensible controls), time-of-use pricing may reduce costs without reducing comfort.

Solar & battery owners

You may be able to charge a home battery when rates are low and use stored energy during peak pricing—subject to export arrangements and your setup.

Budget-conscious switchers

Even without major lifestyle changes, simply avoiding the most expensive half-hours can help. Comparing rates is the first step.

People who want more control

If you like tracking your usage and optimising it, half-hourly tariffs make the link between energy habits and cost much clearer.

Not sure which group you’re in? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you judge suitability based on your postcode and household details.

How half-hourly electricity tariffs work in the UK

Traditional tariffs charge a single unit rate (or day/night rates on Economy 7/10). Half-hourly tariffs use smart meter readings in 30-minute intervals to calculate how much you used during each price period. Prices can vary by supplier and product—some have predictable cheap windows, others follow market conditions.

Key idea: Your bill is influenced by your load shifting—moving usage away from expensive half-hours to cheaper half-hours.

What changes (and what stays the same)

Changes with half-hourly pricing

Your unit rate can vary through the day
Peak usage may cost more than on a flat rate
You may need to consent to half-hourly data for accurate billing

Usually stays the same

You still pay a daily standing charge
Your supplier must follow Ofgem rules
You can still switch supplier (subject to contract terms)

Half-hourly vs fixed vs Economy 7: quick comparison

Tariff type	How pricing works	Best for	Watch-outs
Half-hourly (smart) tariff	Unit rate can change every 30 minutes (or includes set cheap windows)	EV charging, flexible usage, battery/solar owners	Peak half-hours can be expensive; needs smart meter suitability
Fixed tariff	Same unit rate all day for the fixed term (plus standing charge)	People who want predictability and minimal monitoring	May miss out on very low off-peak windows
Economy 7 / day-night	Two set rates: day and night (set hours vary by region/meter)	Homes that use lots of electricity overnight	Day rate can be higher; timing depends on meter setup

If you’re deciding between options, the fastest route is to compare tariffs for your postcode and then sanity-check the peak/off-peak structure against your daily routine.

Half-hourly tariff savings: practical checklist

To make a half-hourly tariff pay off, you typically need some shiftable usage. Use this checklist to estimate whether the tariff structure fits your home.

Identify your biggest electricity loads. Common ones include EV charging, tumble dryer, electric oven, immersion heater, and electric heating/hot water.
Map the loads to times you can change. If you can delay two or three big loads per week into cheaper windows, you may see meaningful savings.
Watch the peak. If your home uses a lot of power between late afternoon and evening (cooking + heating + laundry), half-hourly pricing may raise costs unless you can adjust.
Check standing charge and any special terms. A low off-peak unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge or higher peak rates.
Compare against a good fixed tariff. Your “best” tariff is the one with the lowest overall annual cost for your pattern of use—not the cheapest headline rate.

Simple rule of thumb: the more electricity you can shift into cheaper half-hours (and the more consistent you can be), the more likely you are to benefit.

Eligibility: smart meters, data and home setup

Most half-hourly tariffs are designed for homes with a smart meter that can provide regular readings. Availability varies by supplier and region, and some products require you to share half-hourly usage data so the supplier can bill accurately.

You may be eligible if…

You have a working smart meter (or your supplier can install one)
You’re happy to use an app or portal to view usage (optional but helpful)
You can schedule or shift at least some electricity use
Your current tariff allows switching (or you’re near end of term)

You’ll want to double-check if…

You’re on a legacy meter type (e.g. older Economy 7 setup) and aren’t sure about compatibility
You have limited mobile signal where your meter is installed (can affect smart meter connectivity)
You’re in rented accommodation and need landlord permission for meter work
You rely heavily on peak-time electric heating/cooking and can’t shift usage

If you’re unsure, submit the form in the comparison section and we’ll help you understand what’s available and realistic for your home.

Common mistakes when comparing half-hourly tariffs

Focusing only on the cheapest off-peak rate

A great overnight price can be offset by expensive peak half-hours. Always consider your overall daily pattern and the standing charge.

Ignoring peak-time cooking & heating

The early evening can be the priciest part of the day. If most of your high usage is there, a half-hourly tariff may increase your bill.

Not checking contract terms

Some tariffs have exit fees, or prices can change. Understand the product type and any conditions before switching.

Best practice: compare like-for-like on estimated annual cost, then check the time windows against your routine.

Half-hourly electricity tariffs UK: FAQs

Are half-hourly tariffs the same as time-of-use tariffs?

They’re closely related. A time-of-use tariff means the price varies by time. Many modern time-of-use products use half-hourly smart meter data, so people often use the terms interchangeably.

Do I need a smart meter for half-hourly pricing?

In most cases, yes. Half-hourly billing relies on frequent readings. Some suppliers may offer variants, but a working smart meter is typically required for accurate half-hourly tariffs.

Can a half-hourly tariff increase my electricity bill?

It can. If you use a lot of electricity during peak half-hours and can’t shift usage, your average rate may rise compared to a fixed tariff. That’s why comparing against your lifestyle matters.

Is this the same as Economy 7?

Not exactly. Economy 7 has set day/night rates. Half-hourly tariffs can have more granular pricing (30-minute blocks) and may include multiple price periods or dynamic rates.

Will half-hourly pricing affect my standing charge?

Standing charges vary by supplier, tariff and region. Some half-hourly products may have higher or lower standing charges than fixed tariffs, so it should be included in comparisons.

How do I compare half-hourly tariffs accurately?

Start by checking what’s available for your postcode, then look at: (1) peak vs off-peak structure, (2) standing charge, (3) contract length and exit fees, and (4) whether you can realistically move usage to cheaper times. Use our comparison form to begin.

What homeowners like about switching with EnergyPlus

Real outcomes vary by supplier, tariff and usage. These comments reflect common experiences when comparing and moving to a better-fitting home electricity tariff.

“The explanation of peak vs off-peak was the most useful part. We realised we could run the dishwasher and washing overnight and it’s made the bills easier to manage.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“We weren’t sure if our smart meter setup was compatible. EnergyPlus helped us understand the options without pushing us into one supplier.”

— Homeowner, Kent

“Good to see the full cost picture instead of just an advertised cheap rate. Switching was straightforward once we chose the tariff.”

— Homeowner, Greater Manchester

Trust markers: Whole-of-market comparison approach, UK household focus, and clear guidance on tariff structure (standing charge, peak/off-peak, and terms).

Ready to compare half-hourly electricity tariffs?

Submit your details to view home tariff options for your postcode and see whether half-hourly pricing is likely to reduce your overall cost.

Start comparison Read FAQs

Prefer to understand it first? Jump to how half-hourly pricing works.

Back to Energy Cost Saving Advice

Updated on 25 Feb 2026