How to switch to an Economy 10 tariff UK
Compare whole-of-market Economy 10 options (where available), check whether your meter and heating setup are suitable, and switch with help from EnergyPlus.co.uk. Complete the form to see if Economy 10 could cut costs for your home.
- Understand how Economy 10 works (10 off-peak hours across day & night)
- Check if your meter, heating and supplier can support it
- Compare off-peak and peak rates to avoid bill shocks
- Switch with minimal disruption and clear next steps
Home energy only. Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier. We’ll use your details to help compare suitable tariffs and contact you about your quote.
Check if Economy 10 is available for your home
Economy 10 (E10) is a time-of-use electricity tariff that gives you 10 hours of cheaper electricity spread across the day (often in three blocks). It’s designed for homes that can shift a meaningful amount of usage into off-peak times—typically properties with electric storage heaters or a hot water cylinder.
Because Economy 10 is not offered everywhere, the fastest way to avoid wasted time is to check your meter type and postcode first. EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service—we’ll help you see whether an E10 tariff is realistic, and what the best alternatives are if it isn’t.
Quick check: If you currently have Economy 7, a traditional two-rate meter, storage heaters, or a hot water immersion heater on a timer, you may be a strong candidate. If you have gas central heating and low electric night use, Economy 10 can sometimes increase bills.
What we’ll check when you enquire
- Your postcode (regional availability and supplier coverage)
- Your meter and tariff setup (single-rate, Economy 7, legacy multi-rate, smart meter)
- Your heating and hot water (storage heaters, immersion, heat pump, timers)
- Your usage pattern (how much can realistically move into off-peak hours)
Get Economy 10 help & compare tariffs
Complete the form and we’ll check if an Economy 10 tariff is available for your meter and area.
Already on Economy 10? You can still compare. The best value depends on the day rate, off-peak rate, standing charge, and your ability to use electricity in the off-peak windows.
Prefer to start by learning the basics? Jump to how Economy 10 works or read the Economy 10 FAQs.
Who Economy 10 is best for (and who should avoid it)
Economy 10 can be excellent when your home can store energy (heat or hot water) during off-peak hours. It’s less suitable if most electricity use happens in the evening peak.
Good fit: storage heaters
If you have electric storage heaters, Economy 10 may let you charge them at cheaper times, including daytime top-up periods (useful in colder weather).
Good fit: hot water cylinder
Homes with an immersion heater and timer can heat water during off-peak windows—often cheaper than a single-rate tariff.
Good fit: flexible routines
If you can run appliances (dishwasher, washing machine) during off-peak blocks, you can increase the savings from the cheaper rate.
May not suit: gas-heated homes
If your heating and hot water are mainly gas and you don’t use much electricity overnight, the higher peak rate can outweigh the off-peak benefit.
Watch out: incorrect meter wiring
Some legacy multi-rate setups control heating circuits separately. If the meter/timers are mismatched, you could be charged peak rates for heating.
If Economy 10 isn’t available or doesn’t stack up, we can also compare alternatives such as Economy 7, single-rate tariffs, and other time-of-use options (where compatible with your meter).
How Economy 10 works in the UK
Economy 10 tariffs split your electricity price into peak and off-peak rates. You get 10 hours off-peak per day, usually divided into separate blocks (for example, a night block and one or two daytime blocks). The exact hours depend on your region, meter configuration and supplier.
Economy 10 vs Economy 7
Economy 7 usually gives 7 consecutive off-peak hours at night. Economy 10 adds extra off-peak time, often including daytime periods—helpful if you need heating or hot water beyond overnight charging.
Why off-peak hours vary
Off-peak windows can be set by the meter’s time switch, radio teleswitching (legacy), or smart metering configurations. That’s why it’s important to confirm your actual off-peak times before switching.
What your Economy 10 meter may look like
Two-rate meter
Shows separate readings for peak and off-peak. Sometimes labelled Rate 1 / Rate 2.
Multi-rate / heating circuits
May control a dedicated heating supply. Great when set up correctly; confusing when it isn’t.
Smart meter (configured)
Some suppliers can support multi-rate/time-of-use on smart meters; availability varies.
Important: If your home has storage heaters or an immersion heater, switching tariff without confirming the meter setup can lead to heating/hot water charging at the wrong rate. We’ll help you check what you have before you switch.
Step-by-step: how to switch to an Economy 10 tariff
Switching to Economy 10 is similar to switching any electricity tariff, but there are extra checks around your meter and off-peak schedule. Use the steps below to keep it smooth.
-
Confirm your current setup
Find out if you’re on single-rate, Economy 7, or a multi-rate tariff. Note down your meter type and how many readings it has. -
Check your heating & hot water controls
Storage heaters and immersion heaters often rely on timers/controls. Confirm what runs during off-peak hours and what runs any time. -
Compare tariffs using real peak/off-peak rates
Economy 10 savings depend on the rate split and standing charge. We’ll help compare like-for-like based on your expected usage. -
Check if a meter change is needed
Some households can’t access Economy 10 without a compatible meter configuration. If a meter appointment is required, confirm timescales and any costs. -
Switch supplier/tariff
Your new supplier handles the switch process. You’ll usually keep the same supply—no interruption—while the account changes over. -
Verify off-peak times after switching
Once live, confirm the off-peak windows and adjust timers (immersion/heaters) to match so you benefit from the cheaper rate.
Want a quick start? Complete the form and we’ll confirm Economy 10 availability and the next best options for your home.
Economy 10 costs & how to estimate savings
Economy 10 only works out cheaper if enough of your electricity use lands in the off-peak windows. The key is to compare the day/peak rate, off-peak rate and standing charge—and estimate what percentage of your usage can move off-peak.
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak unit rate | Drives savings for heating/hot water and shiftable appliances. | A meaningfully lower price than the peak rate, not just a small discount. |
| Peak/day unit rate | This can be higher than single-rate tariffs. | Check the cost of evening cooking, lighting and general use. |
| Standing charge | Paid daily regardless of usage. | Ensure the tariff isn’t “cheap off-peak” but high standing charge. |
| Off-peak schedule | Controls when the lower rate applies. | Daytime off-peak blocks can be valuable for top-up heating/hot water. |
| Your off-peak usage % | Determines if the tariff saves money overall. | Homes with storage heat/hot water often have higher off-peak shares. |
A simple way to sense-check Economy 10
If most of your electricity is heating/hot water…
Economy 10 can be a strong match because those loads can often be timed to off-peak windows.
If most of your electricity is evenings/weekends…
You may pay more on Economy 10 if the peak rate is significantly higher than your current single-rate tariff.
If you’re unsure how your electricity splits between peak and off-peak, we can help interpret your meter readings and usage patterns when you enquire.
Common Economy 10 switching mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Assuming E10 is offered everywhere
Economy 10 availability can be limited. Always check your postcode and meter compatibility before trying to switch.
Not confirming off-peak hours
Off-peak windows aren’t universal. Verify your times and set timers accordingly, especially for immersion heating.
Comparing on off-peak rate only
A low night rate can hide a high day rate and standing charge. Compare the full tariff and your usage split.
Incorrect meter readings on multi-rate
Some meters cycle through multiple readings. If you submit the wrong ones, billing can be inaccurate. Take a photo and note the labels.
Switching without checking heating circuits
In some properties, heaters are wired to an off-peak circuit. A tariff or meter change can affect how those circuits behave—confirm before changes are made.
If you have storage heaters, ask for clarity on whether your setup is two-rate (same supply, different prices by time) or controlled load (separate circuit). This affects which tariffs are suitable.
Economy 10 tariff UK: FAQs
Is Economy 10 cheaper than Economy 7?
It can be, but it depends on your usage pattern and the specific rates. Economy 10 offers more off-peak hours, which can help if you need daytime charging for heating/hot water.
Do I need a special meter for Economy 10?
Usually, yes. You’ll need a meter setup that can record (and bill) multiple rates. Some homes may require a meter reconfiguration or exchange.
Will my electricity go off during a switch?
Supplier switching typically doesn’t interrupt supply. If a meter appointment is needed, any downtime is usually minimal and scheduled.
What are Economy 10 off-peak hours?
There isn’t one universal schedule. Off-peak times vary by region and meter type. Always confirm your actual times before relying on timers.
Can I switch from Economy 10 back to single-rate?
Often, yes—but it may require a meter change or reconfiguration. If you’re considering switching back, compare costs and ask about any meter appointment.
Does Economy 10 work with solar panels?
It can, but the value depends on when you generate and use electricity. If you generate during the day, daytime off-peak may matter less; your export and self-consumption patterns are key.
If you’re unsure what tariff you’re on, check a recent bill for “Rate 1 / Rate 2” or “Day / Night”. You can also send us your postcode and we’ll guide you.
What homeowners say about switching support
Economy 10 can be confusing because of meter types and off-peak windows. Customers typically value clear explanations and a like-for-like comparison.
“I didn’t realise my off-peak hours weren’t the same as my neighbour’s. The comparison made it clear which tariff actually suited my storage heaters.”
“The adviser explained the meter readings and helped me avoid a tariff that looked cheap but had a higher standing charge.”
“I wanted Economy 10 but it wasn’t available on my setup. They found an alternative that matched my routine and reduced my costs.”
We’re a comparison service. Tariffs, rates and availability change. We focus on helping you compare the right tariff for your meter, heating and usage pattern.
Ready to switch to Economy 10 (or find the best alternative)?
Submit your details and we’ll check availability, explain your meter options, and compare suitable home energy tariffs.
- Whole-of-market comparison support
- Clear guidance on off-peak hours and meter compatibility
- Designed for UK homes with storage heating or flexible usage
Start your Economy 10 check
Back to Energy Cost Saving Advice