Is a single-rate tariff cheaper than Economy 7 in the UK?
Find out which tariff is likely to cost you less based on how and when you use electricity. Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus and switch with confidence.
- Quick rule of thumb: Economy 7 can work if you use 30–40%+ of electricity overnight
- Understand day vs night unit rates, standing charges and common pitfalls
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not just a handful of suppliers)
Prices depend on your region, meter type and usage. We’ll use your postcode and a couple of details to show suitable options.
Which is cheaper in the UK: single-rate or Economy 7?
For many homes, a single-rate electricity tariff (one unit rate all day) can be cheaper and simpler. But Economy 7 can still be good value if you can shift a meaningful share of electricity use into the off-peak (night) window.
The difference comes down to how your supplier prices the day rate and night rate, your standing charge, and crucially, how much of your usage happens overnight (typically while you’re asleep).
Fast answer (rule of thumb)
Economy 7 tends to make sense when you can use around 30%–40% or more of your electricity during the off-peak hours. If your overnight use is lower than that, a single-rate tariff is often cheaper overall.
Who this guide is for
- UK homeowners and tenants with an Economy 7 meter (or thinking about switching)
- Homes with storage heaters, immersion heaters, EV charging or heavy nighttime use
- Anyone who wants to compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs before switching
Check deals & get a personalised view
Tell us a few details and we’ll show suitable single-rate and Economy 7 options for your postcode.
Already on Economy 7?
Keep an eye on your bills for day units vs night units. The split is the key to knowing whether Economy 7 is still right for you.
Reasons a single-rate tariff can be cheaper
You use most electricity in the day
If cooking, laundry, home working and heating happen mainly in daytime/evening, the higher Economy 7 day rate can outweigh the night saving.
No storage heaters or immersion heating
Economy 7 is strongest when you can deliberately schedule big loads overnight (e.g., storage heaters, immersion heater, EV charging).
Simpler to manage
A single unit rate reduces the risk of accidentally running expensive appliances during peak hours—and makes bills easier to sense-check.
Some Economy 7 day rates are materially higher
Depending on supplier and region, the day rate can be high enough that even moderate night usage doesn’t compensate.
Better fit for modern patterns
Homes without electric heating often have smaller controllable overnight loads, so the off-peak advantage can be limited.
Avoids timing confusion
Economy 7 off-peak hours vary by region and meter setup. A single-rate tariff avoids mis-timed usage that increases costs.
Quick check: is Economy 7 likely cheaper for you?
Use this simple decision guide before you compare. If you answer “yes” to most of the Economy 7 points, it may be worth staying on (or moving to) Economy 7. If not, a single-rate tariff may reduce your bill.
Economy 7 is more likely to be cheaper if…
- You have storage heaters and they charge overnight
- You heat hot water with an immersion heater on a timer
- You can charge an EV overnight regularly
- You can run laundry/dishwasher overnight safely and routinely
- Your bills show 30–40%+ of your units at the night rate
Single-rate is more likely to be cheaper if…
- Your household is home in the day (e.g., WFH, young children)
- You don’t have storage heaters / immersion heating
- You rarely use appliances overnight
- Your night usage is below ~30% of total electricity
- You’re unsure of your off-peak hours or can’t stick to them
Where to find your day/night split
Check a recent electricity bill. Look for two readings/charges (often labelled Day and Night, or Rate 1 and Rate 2). Divide night units by total units to get your overnight percentage.
How Economy 7 works (UK homes)
Economy 7 gives you two electricity unit rates: a cheaper night rate for around seven hours, and a higher day rate for the rest of the time. You also pay a standing charge (daily fixed cost), just like most other tariffs.
Typical off-peak hours
Off-peak is often overnight (commonly somewhere between 11pm and 8am), but it’s not identical everywhere. Your times can depend on the meter type and local distribution network.
- Some meters have a single continuous 7-hour period
- Others split it (e.g., a few hours late evening and early morning)
- Clocks can drift on older meters—worth checking
What appliances benefit most?
Economy 7 tends to suit homes with large, controllable loads you can schedule into off-peak.
- Storage heaters (charging overnight)
- Immersion heater for hot water (timer)
- EV charging overnight
- Batch use of washing/drying/dishwasher (where safe and practical)
Break-even: how much night use do you need?
The break-even point is the percentage of your electricity that must be used at the night rate for Economy 7 to beat a single-rate tariff. It varies by supplier and region because rates differ.
Simple way to think about it
Economy 7 usually has a lower night rate but a higher day rate than single-rate. If too much of your usage sits in the day rate, you can end up paying more overall.
Example comparison (illustrative only)
| Tariff type | Unit rates | When it tends to win | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-rate | One price per kWh, all day | Most homes without high overnight loads | Less opportunity to benefit from scheduling |
| Economy 7 | Cheaper night rate (~7 hrs), higher day rate | Homes with storage heating / EV charging / timed hot water | If night % is too low, bills can rise |
How to estimate your break-even %
- Gather rates: get your current day & night rates (Economy 7) and a comparable single-rate quote.
- Check standing charges: differences matter, especially for low-usage households.
- Work out your split: from your bill, calculate night units ÷ total units.
- Compare annual costs: if your split is below the quote’s break-even, single-rate may be cheaper.
Want us to do the maths?
Use the comparison form and we’ll show suitable tariffs for your area. If you have Economy 7 usage figures to hand, include them when we contact you.
Compare for my postcodeCommon Economy 7 mistakes that push bills up
These issues are common in UK homes and can make Economy 7 more expensive than expected.
Using the day rate by accident
Running the immersion heater, tumble dryer or EV charger outside off-peak can quickly wipe out savings.
Off-peak times aren’t what you think
Times can vary. Older meters can drift, so the “cheap hours” may not line up with your timers.
Storage heaters set incorrectly
If they top up during the day (or you rely heavily on direct electric heaters), Economy 7 may cost more.
Assuming Economy 7 is always best for electric heating
Some properties may suit other options (including different time-of-use tariffs). Always compare on your real usage.
Not checking standing charge and T&Cs
A slightly cheaper unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge or exit fees on fixed deals.
Mixing up Rate 1 and Rate 2
On some bills, Rate 1 isn’t always “day”. If unsure, compare the readings across seasons or ask your supplier.
Switching from Economy 7 to single-rate: what to consider
Your meter and tariff compatibility
- If you have an Economy 7 meter, many suppliers can still offer a single-rate tariff.
- In some cases you may need a meter configuration change (this can involve an appointment).
- Smart meters can support different tariff structures, but availability varies.
Heating and hot water setup
- If you rely on storage heaters, check how they’re wired and controlled before changing tariff.
- For immersion hot water, confirm your timer and when your cheap period applies.
- If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician/heating engineer—especially in all-electric flats.
Tip for accurate comparisons
If you can, provide annual day and night kWh from a recent bill. This produces a more reliable result than using averages.
FAQs: single-rate vs Economy 7
Is Economy 7 always cheaper at night?
The night unit rate is usually cheaper than the day unit rate on the same tariff. Whether it’s cheaper overall than single-rate depends on your night usage percentage and the exact rates available in your area.
What are the Economy 7 hours in the UK?
Off-peak is typically overnight for around seven hours, but the exact hours vary by region and meter setup. If you’re unsure, check your meter documentation, a recent bill, or ask your supplier.
Can I switch from Economy 7 to a normal tariff?
Often yes. Many suppliers can place an Economy 7 meter on a single-rate tariff. In some situations, a meter configuration change may be needed. Comparing options first helps you avoid switching to a tariff that doesn’t suit your setup.
Does Economy 7 work with a smart meter?
Smart meters can support time-of-use pricing, including two-rate structures, but availability depends on the supplier and the tariff. You can still compare deals based on your meter and postcode.
I have storage heaters—should I avoid switching to single-rate?
Not necessarily, but be careful. Storage heaters are designed to charge on cheaper overnight electricity. If you move to single-rate, you may lose that advantage. It’s best to compare costs using your real day/night usage and how the heaters are controlled.
How do I know if my Economy 7 meter is charging me correctly?
Check that your off-peak times match your timers and when heavy loads run. If you suspect the meter clock is off (common on older meters), contact your supplier to confirm the switching times.
Why compare with EnergyPlus (whole-of-market)
Whole-of-market view
We compare across the market to help you see suitable single-rate and Economy 7 options based on your postcode and circumstances.
Designed for real households
Our guidance focuses on how people actually use energy at home—timers, heating types and day/night usage patterns.
Switch with clarity
We help you understand what’s driving cost so you can choose a tariff that fits—rather than chasing a headline rate that doesn’t.
What UK households say
“We didn’t realise our night usage was under 20%. Switching to single-rate made our monthly bills more predictable.”
“With storage heaters and a timer on the immersion, Economy 7 still worked well for us—comparing rates helped confirm it.”
“The guide on day vs night rates made it obvious what to check on our bill before switching.”
Trust note: Testimonials are representative experiences. Your costs depend on your meter, tariff availability, region and usage.
Ready to see if single-rate beats Economy 7 for your home?
Compare whole-of-market tariffs for your postcode and get a tailored view based on your situation.
Home energy only. No scripts on this page. Just clear guidance and a simple form to get your options.
Before you submit, useful to have
- Your postcode
- Recent bill (day/night units if Economy 7)
- Whether you use storage heaters, immersion or EV charging
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