Should I switch to a single-rate tariff in the UK?
If you’re on Economy 7, Economy 10, or any day/night plan, switching to a single-rate (one unit price all day) could cut costs — but only if your electricity use fits the pattern. Compare whole-of-market tariffs with EnergyPlus and see what suits your home.
- Check if you’re paying more overall on day rates than you save overnight
- Find out what happens to your meter (smart, legacy Economy 7, or standard)
- Compare single-rate, fixed, and flexible options from UK suppliers
- Switch with confidence — we’ll highlight the key questions before you commit
Home energy only. Whole-of-market comparison. Switching is subject to supplier availability and eligibility. Always check your meter type and current tariff end date.
Compare single-rate tariffs for your home (whole-of-market)
A single-rate electricity tariff charges the same unit rate (p/kWh) all day. For many UK households — especially those who are out during the day, have no storage heaters, or don’t run big loads overnight — single-rate can be simpler and sometimes cheaper than a day/night plan.
EnergyPlus helps you compare options across suppliers, including fixed and variable deals. We’ll also flag potential issues, like needing the right meter setup or being tied into an exit-fee period.
Helpful to have to hand
- Your postcode (tariffs vary by region and network)
- Whether you’re on a single-rate or day/night tariff
- An estimate of night-time usage (if on Economy 7/10)
- Your current tariff end date (to avoid exit fees)
Get your comparison (takes ~2 minutes)
Tip: If you’re on a day/night meter, don’t worry — you can still compare. We’ll help you understand whether single-rate is likely to beat your current split rates.
What is a single-rate tariff?
A single-rate electricity tariff has one unit rate for every kWh you use, regardless of the time of day. You’ll also pay a daily standing charge (set by the supplier within the rules of the market). Some tariffs are fixed (unit rate stays the same for a set term), while others are variable (rate can change, usually with notice).
Simple pricing
One unit rate makes it easier to understand bills and estimate costs — useful if your usage is spread across the day.
No “night shift” needed
You don’t have to time laundry, dishwashers, or EV charging to benefit — the rate is the same at 2pm and 2am.
Often better for low night usage
If you don’t use much electricity overnight, you may be paying a high day rate without seeing enough night-time savings.
When switching to single-rate usually makes sense
The right choice depends on how your household uses electricity. A single-rate tariff is often a strong fit if most of your usage happens in daytime/evening, or if your home no longer relies on storage heating.
You may benefit from single-rate if…
- You don’t have storage heaters or a hot water cylinder that charges overnight
- Your household is home mainly in the evening and uses electricity then
- Your off-peak usage is low (common in flats and smaller homes)
- You find day/night billing confusing and want predictable pricing
- You’re moving home and want a fresh, simple setup
Consider staying on day/night if…
- You rely on storage heating that’s designed to charge overnight
- You can shift a large share of usage into the off-peak window (e.g., EV charging or immersion heating)
- Your off-peak unit rate is very low and you genuinely use it
- Your meter setup makes single-rate complicated right now (we can help you check)
Rule of thumb: If you can’t confidently say you use a meaningful chunk of electricity overnight, it’s worth comparing a single-rate tariff. Many households overestimate night usage and end up paying a premium day rate.
Quick checklist: is single-rate likely to be cheaper?
Use these questions to sanity-check your current setup before you switch. If you answer “no” to most of the left column, you’re a good candidate to compare single-rate deals.
| If you’re on Economy 7/10, ask… | Why it matters | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Do you use electric storage heaters or overnight electric heating? | These are designed around cheaper off-peak electricity. | If yes, compare both day/night and single-rate; don’t assume. |
| Do you run an immersion heater mainly overnight? | Hot water can be a big load; timing matters. | Check your timer settings and recent bills to estimate night kWh. |
| Do you charge an EV at home overnight most days? | EV charging can make off-peak plans very competitive. | Compare EV-friendly tariffs and check your meter compatibility. |
| Can you estimate that 30–40%+ of your use is off-peak? | If night usage is low, the higher day rate can outweigh savings. | If unsure, do a comparison and we’ll help interpret your pattern. |
| Do you know your off-peak hours (they can vary)? | Using energy outside the window means paying the higher day rate. | Confirm off-peak times on your bill or with your supplier/meter display. |
How switching to a single-rate tariff works (UK homes)
Switching is usually straightforward, but day/night tariffs can involve an extra check on your meter setup. Here’s what typically happens when you move from Economy 7/10 to single-rate.
- Compare deals using your postcode and a few details about your home energy usage.
- We confirm meter suitability — smart meters can often be configured remotely; legacy meters may need an appointment.
- Choose a tariff (fixed or variable). We’ll highlight contract length, standing charge, and any exit fees.
- Your new supplier manages the switch (no interruption to supply). You’ll get key dates and a final bill from your old supplier.
- Provide opening/closing readings if needed. With smart meters, readings are often automated.
Will my energy go off?
No. Switching supplier or tariff doesn’t interrupt your electricity supply — it’s an admin change handled through the market process.
Do I need a new meter?
Not always. Many smart meters support single-rate and multi-rate settings. Older Economy 7 meters may require reconfiguration or a meter exchange — your supplier will advise.
Economy 7 / Economy 10: what to check before switching
If you’re currently on Economy 7 (two rates) or Economy 10 (three off-peak blocks in some areas), your bill is typically split into day and night consumption. A single-rate tariff removes the split — but you’ll want to check the details below to avoid surprises.
1) Your off-peak hours
Off-peak times can vary by region, meter, and supplier. They can also shift with clock changes. Check your bill or meter guidance.
2) Your actual night usage
Don’t guess. Look at your last few bills or smart meter app. If night kWh is modest, single-rate may outperform.
3) Heating & hot water setup
Storage heaters and immersion heaters are the usual reasons Economy 7 works. If they’re no longer used (or timed wrongly), you could be overpaying.
Common mistake to avoid
Switching away from Economy 7 without checking how your storage heaters (or immersion heater) are wired/timed can increase bills. If you’re unsure, compare first and confirm your setup before committing to single-rate.
Costs, savings and what to compare (beyond the unit rate)
When people ask “should I switch to a single-rate tariff?” they often focus on the unit price alone. In practice, the cheapest option for your household depends on the full package.
| What to compare | Why it matters on single-rate | What EnergyPlus highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge | A higher standing charge can wipe out savings for low users. | We compare the total expected cost, not just headline rates. |
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Single-rate shines if your daytime/evening usage is high. | We show how small differences add up over a year. |
| Tariff type (fixed vs variable) | Fixed offers predictability; variable can move with market changes. | We flag contract length and potential rate changes. |
| Exit fees | Leaving early can cost money on some fixed deals. | We encourage checking your current end date before switching. |
| Meter compatibility | Day/night meters may need reconfiguration to bill as single-rate. | We prompt you to confirm meter type and timings. |
If you want a definitive answer, the most accurate approach is to compare using your postcode and (if available) recent consumption. That’s because electricity prices and standing charges vary by region (network area), not just by supplier.
FAQs: switching to single-rate tariffs
Can I switch from Economy 7 to single-rate?
In many cases, yes. Your supplier may be able to reconfigure a smart meter remotely, or arrange changes for older meters. It’s important to confirm your meter type and how you heat your home before switching.
Will a single-rate tariff always be cheaper?
No. If a large share of your usage is genuinely off-peak (storage heating, immersion heating, EV charging), a day/night plan can be better. The only reliable way to know is to compare using your actual usage pattern.
Do single-rate tariffs work with smart meters?
Yes. Smart meters can support different tariff structures. If you’re moving from a multi-rate setup, the meter may need to be configured so you’re billed correctly.
What if I have solar panels?
Solar generation can reduce daytime imports, which may change whether single-rate or day/night suits you. If you export to the grid, you may also want to compare export payments separately (where available).
Do I need to switch gas as well?
Not necessarily. You can switch electricity only, or compare dual fuel. For many homes, comparing both together can be convenient, but the best value depends on your current deals.
How long does it take to switch?
Timeframes vary by supplier and meter setup. Many switches complete within a few weeks, but meter configuration or appointments can add time if you’re moving from a legacy Economy 7 meter.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Switching tariffs can be confusing — especially if you’re on Economy 7/10 or you’re not sure what meter you have. We focus on clear comparisons and practical guidance for UK homes.
Whole-of-market approach
Compare a wide range of UK home energy tariffs and filter by what matters to you — price structure, contract length, and suitability.
Plain-English guidance
We explain single-rate vs day/night in practical terms, including what to check with meters and heating setups.
Support from quote to switch
If you decide to proceed, we help you understand the next steps and what information you’ll need for a smoother changeover.
“I didn’t realise our night usage was tiny. Switching to a single-rate tariff made bills easier to understand and reduced the cost compared to our old day/night plan.”
Verified home energy customer feedback (example testimonial)
Ready to see whether single-rate is right for you?
Compare single-rate, fixed, and day/night options for your postcode. If you’re on Economy 7/10, we’ll help you avoid the common meter and heating pitfalls before you switch.
No interruption to supply. Home energy only. Always check tariff terms, meter requirements, and any exit fees.
Prefer to begin with the form?
Jump back to the comparison form and we’ll tailor options to your postcode.
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