Should I switch to an Economy 7 tariff in the UK this month?

Economy 7 can reduce your electricity costs if you can move a significant share of usage into the off-peak window (typically overnight). It is most likely to be worthwhile if you use electric storage heaters, charge an EV at home overnight, or run energy-hungry appliances on timers. If most of your electricity use is in the daytime/evening, Economy 7 can cost more because the day rate is usually higher. Compare your current tariff to an Economy 7 quote using your estimated day vs night kWh split and check the off-peak hours for your meter and region before switching.

How much off-peak usage do I need for Economy 7 to be worth it?

As a rule of thumb, Economy 7 tends to make sense when you can shift roughly 30%–40% (or more) of your electricity use into off-peak hours. The exact break-even point depends on the difference between the day and night unit rates and any standing charge. The simplest way to check is: calculate your annual cost using your expected day kWh at the day rate plus night kWh at the night rate, then compare it to a single-rate tariff using the same total kWh.

What are Economy 7 off-peak hours and do they change?

Economy 7 provides 7 hours of cheaper off-peak electricity, usually overnight, but the exact start and end times vary by supplier, region, and meter type. Some meters have fixed times, while others can be influenced by switching signals. Always confirm your exact off-peak hours with your supplier or check your meter instructions before relying on timers for heating, EV charging, immersion heaters, or appliances.

Is Economy 7 good for electric heating and storage heaters?

Economy 7 is often a good match for electric storage heaters because they are designed to charge up using cheaper night-rate electricity and release heat during the day. It can also suit an immersion heater that heats water overnight. However, if you rely heavily on daytime electric heating (portable heaters or panel heaters), the higher day rate can outweigh the savings.

Is Economy 7 worth it for EV charging?

Economy 7 can be a good option for home EV charging if you can reliably charge during the off-peak window. Check the night-rate hours and ensure your charger or vehicle can schedule charging overnight. If you also use a lot of electricity during peak daytime hours, compare against EV-specific or single-rate tariffs to see which gives the best overall annual cost.

Can I switch to Economy 7 with a smart meter?

In many cases, yes. Smart meters can support multi-rate tariffs like Economy 7, but availability depends on your supplier and how your meter is configured. Before switching, confirm that your meter records separate day and night readings (or registers) and that your new tariff will bill you correctly for both rates.

What are the risks of switching to Economy 7?

The main risk is paying more overall if you do not use enough electricity during off-peak hours. Economy 7 typically has a higher day unit rate, so evening-heavy households can be worse off. Another common issue is setting timers incorrectly if you do not know your exact off-peak hours. Review your usage pattern, confirm off-peak times, and compare annual costs before switching.

How do I quickly check if Economy 7 will save me money?

Start with your last 1–3 bills to estimate how much electricity you use in total and (if shown) how much is already used at night. If you do not have separate readings, estimate the percentage you can shift overnight (for example, storage heating, hot water, EV charging, laundry/dishwasher). Then compare your projected annual cost on Economy 7 versus a single-rate tariff. If you want to switch or check available options, compare tariffs and get a quote at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Should I switch to an Economy 7 tariff UK this month?

Economy 7 can cut costs if you use a good chunk of electricity overnight (typically 7 hours at a lower rate). Check your current use pattern, meter type and available whole-of-market deals with EnergyPlus.

Compare Economy 7 and single-rate tariffs across UK suppliers
See whether your night-usage % makes switching worthwhile
Quick form—no jargon, just clear next steps

Check Economy 7 deals See if Economy 7 fits you

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy in the UK. Switching is subject to eligibility, meter type and supplier terms.

Compare Economy 7 tariffs (whole-of-market) and see if switching makes sense

Economy 7 is a two-rate electricity tariff: a cheaper night rate for about 7 hours, and a higher day rate. It can be a great fit if you can shift usage (or you already use a lot overnight). But it can be poor value if most of your electricity is used during the day.

Use the form to get tailored results based on your postcode and contact details. We’ll help you compare single-rate vs Economy 7 options and highlight any meter requirements before you switch.

Tip: If you have electric storage heaters, an immersion heater, or you can run your dishwasher/washing machine overnight, Economy 7 may be worth checking. If you work from home and run appliances during the day, a single-rate tariff can often win.

Important: Economy 7 is electricity only. If you have gas as well, you can still switch electricity tariff independently—your gas tariff may remain single-rate.

Looking for something else? See our home energy comparison or jump to meter requirements.

When Economy 7 is a good idea (and when it isn’t)

Best for overnight-heavy use

You’ll usually need a meaningful share of electricity in the cheap window—often 30–40%+ overnight—to beat a single-rate tariff. Households with storage heaters or an EV are common examples.

Risky if you’re in all day

Economy 7 day rates can be higher than standard tariffs. If most of your use is daytime (WFH, electric cooking, tumble dryer in afternoons), your bills can rise.

Works best with the right meter & setup

You’ll need an Economy 7 capable meter (or a smart meter configured for multi-rate). If you have old wiring or storage heating controls, it’s worth checking compatibility first.

This month’s reality check: Whether Economy 7 is worth switching to depends less on the month and more on your usage pattern, your current tariff and today’s available unit rates in your region. Comparing live deals is the quickest way to know.

What is an Economy 7 tariff in the UK?

An Economy 7 tariff gives you two electricity prices: a day rate and a night rate. The night rate applies for roughly 7 hours overnight, but the exact times vary by region, supplier and meter configuration.

How the two rates typically work

Rate	When it applies	What it’s for
Night	About 7 hours overnight	Charging storage heaters, EV charging, appliances on timers
Day	All other times	General household use

Your electricity bill also includes a standing charge. When comparing, always consider both unit rates and the standing charge.

Common Economy 7 households

Flats or homes with electric storage heaters (often designed for night charging)
Homes with an electric immersion heater for hot water
EV owners who can charge overnight
Households able to run laundry/dishwasher after midnight (timer or smart plug)

Not sure? Jump to the quick suitability check and then run a comparison.

Quick check: is Economy 7 likely to save you money?

You don’t need perfect data to make a good decision. Use the questions below to estimate whether Economy 7 is worth comparing this month.

Do you already have storage heaters, immersion or an EV?

If yes, Economy 7 is usually worth checking—especially if your equipment is already designed to charge/heat overnight.

Can you shift 30–40% of electricity to the night rate?

As a rule of thumb, if you can’t move much usage overnight, the higher daytime unit rate can outweigh the night savings.

Do you know your night hours?

Night hours aren’t always midnight–7am. They can differ by region and meter. If you rely on timers, confirm the correct window first.

Are you comparing against your current tariff (not “average” rates)?

The right decision depends on your current day rate/standing charge and the deals available in your area. That’s why a whole-of-market comparison is key.

Good sign: You answered “yes” to #1 and you can shift a large share of usage overnight.
Red flag: Your household uses most electricity 7am–10pm and you can’t change it—Economy 7 may cost more.

Ready to check live prices? Use the comparison form above to get your options.

Economy 7 costs & savings: what to look at before you switch

To decide whether to switch to Economy 7 this month, focus on the parts of the bill that most affect value—then compare like-for-like.

1) Your night-use percentage

If you can estimate your overnight share, you can sense-check results. Examples of overnight loads include storage heating charging, immersion heating, EV charging and timed appliances.

Low night use: often better on single-rate
Medium night use: depends on the day-rate premium
High night use: Economy 7 more likely to win

2) Day rate vs standard unit rate

The day rate on Economy 7 can be noticeably higher than a comparable single-rate tariff. If you cook, tumble dry or work from home during the day, this can outweigh night savings.

3) Standing charge

Standing charges vary by supplier and region. When you switch, the standing charge can move up or down even if unit rates look similar.

4) Tariff type & exit fees

Some fixed deals can include exit fees. If you’re mid-contract, factor this into any “this month” decision. Variable tariffs typically don’t have exit fees but prices can change.

Comparison checklist (print this mentally)

Check	Why it matters
Night rate window (times)	Ensures your timers/storage heating charge at the cheap rate
Day rate premium vs your current unit rate	High day premium can wipe out night savings
Standing charge	Can swing annual cost significantly
Exit fees / contract end date	Avoids surprise costs if switching mid-fix

Do I need a special meter to switch to Economy 7?

Usually, yes. Economy 7 requires a meter that can record separate day and night readings (or a smart meter configured for multi-rate). Many UK households on Economy 7 already have this in place, but if you’re on a standard single-rate meter you may need a meter change.

How to spot an Economy 7 meter

Two readings (often labelled Rate 1 and Rate 2)
Digital display that cycles between readings
Your bill shows separate day/night usage

Smart meters & Economy 7

Smart meters can support multi-rate tariffs, but setup depends on supplier systems and your tariff. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you confirm what’s possible during comparison.

Time switches & storage heating

Older systems sometimes use a separate time switch. If you change supplier or tariff, confirm your heating/hot water controls still charge during the Economy 7 window.

Common mistake: Switching to Economy 7 without shifting usage. If your heating/hot water isn’t charging at night, you can end up paying the higher day rate without the benefit.

If you want to compare deals now, go back to the form.

Regional timing & “this month” considerations

Economy 7 night hours can vary by region and meter, and some meters shift between GMT/BST in different ways. That’s why it’s important to confirm your actual cheap-rate window—especially if you’re scheduling EV charging or heating.

Why region matters

Unit rates and standing charges are set by suppliers but vary across the UK due to regional network costs. A deal that’s strong in one postcode may be less competitive in another.

Why month matters (a bit)

If your electricity usage changes seasonally (e.g. electric heating in winter), your overnight share may rise or fall. Re-checking your suitability when your routine changes is sensible.

Practical approach: Compare now, then sanity-check the result against your expected next 3–6 months of usage (especially if you’re heading into a different season).

Economy 7 FAQs (UK)

What times is Economy 7 cheap rate?

It’s typically 7 hours overnight, but the exact times depend on your meter and region. Your bill, online account, or supplier can confirm the window. If you’re switching, double-check the times before setting timers.

Can I switch from Economy 7 back to standard?

In many cases, yes—by moving to a single-rate tariff. Depending on your meter, you may need it reconfigured or replaced. If you’re unsure, we’ll flag this during comparison.

Does Economy 7 affect my gas tariff?

No. Economy 7 applies to electricity. If you have gas, it stays on its own tariff (usually single-rate). You can still compare dual fuel—just note the electricity pricing structure differs.

Will Economy 7 always be cheaper at night?

The night unit rate is designed to be lower, but overall bill value depends on the day rate and standing charge too. Always compare the total estimated annual cost for your usage pattern.

Is Economy 7 good for electric underfloor heating?

It can be, if your system can store heat (or you can pre-heat) during the cheap window. If it runs mainly during the day, a single-rate tariff may be more suitable.

How long does switching take?

Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches are completed in a few working days. If a meter change or configuration is needed, it can take longer.

If you’re unsure about your meter or usage split, start with a comparison. Get your results here.

Why households use EnergyPlus to compare Economy 7

Whole-of-market approach

We focus on finding the tariff structure that matches your home—Economy 7 vs single-rate—rather than pushing one option.

Plain-English guidance

We help you understand day/night rates, standing charges and meter needs so you can switch with confidence.

Focused on home energy

This service is designed for UK households—from flats on storage heating to families trying to reduce bills.

What customers say

“I didn’t realise our storage heaters meant we were a better fit for Economy 7. The comparison made it clear what we’d pay in day vs night.”
— Homeowner, Scotland

“We work from home and thought Economy 7 would help. The results showed the day rate would cost more, so we stayed on single-rate.”
— Couple, West Midlands

Testimonials are representative experiences and are provided for guidance; your savings depend on usage and available tariffs.

Switching to Economy 7 this month? Compare first.

The cheapest option depends on your day/night split, your meter and your postcode. Use EnergyPlus to compare Economy 7 against single-rate tariffs and make the right call for your home.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK households
Clear explanation of meter requirements
Fast form—results tailored to your area

Get started now

Go to comparison form Read how Economy 7 works

No scripts, no downloads—just a straightforward UK energy comparison.

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Updated on 13 Jan 2026