Time of Use Electricity Tariff Deals in the UK

Compare time of use electricity tariffs for your home

A time of use electricity tariff (sometimes called off-peak, peak/off-peak or smart TOU) charges different unit rates depending on the time of day. If you can move some usage to cheaper periods (for example running the dishwasher overnight, charging an EV at off-peak, or timing a heat pump), you may reduce your electricity costs.

EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market options so you can see which suppliers and tariffs are available for your postcode and meter type. We’ll also highlight key details that matter for TOU deals, such as:

• Off-peak windows (and whether weekends differ)
• Peak rates and any “shoulder” periods
• Standing charge and tariff length
• Smart meter requirements (if any)
• Exit fees and price guarantee terms

EV owners & home chargers

If you charge overnight (or can schedule charging), off-peak unit rates can make a noticeable difference. Compare both the off-peak and peak prices to make sure daytime use won’t cancel out savings.

Heat pumps & high electricity use

Homes with higher electricity consumption may benefit if you can shift some heating, hot water, or appliance use into cheaper windows.

Flexible households

If you’re happy to run laundry, dishwashers, or immersion heaters off-peak, TOU tariffs can reward that flexibility—without changing the amount you use.

Solar & battery setups

Some TOU deals pair well with home batteries—charge from the grid off-peak and use stored energy during peak periods (subject to your equipment and tariff rules).

Smart meter customers

Many modern TOU tariffs require a working smart meter to record half-hourly usage. If you have one, your choice may be wider.

Not sure it’s right?

If most of your electricity use is at peak times (for example 4pm–9pm), a flat-rate tariff may be simpler and cheaper. We’ll help you compare both.

Time-of-use pricing reflects that electricity costs more to generate and supply during busy periods. A TOU tariff can have:

• Off-peak rate (cheaper units at set times)
• Peak rate (higher units during busy times)
• Standing charge (daily fixed cost)
• Sometimes a shoulder rate (mid-priced units)

1. Check your meter: Economy 7/10 meters record multiple registers; many smart TOU tariffs use smart meter half-hourly readings.
2. Understand your routine: identify what you can move—EV charging, laundry, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion heater.
3. Compare like-for-like: look at annual cost estimates, standing charge, peak/off-peak windows, and contract length.
4. Switch when you’re ready: your supplier change is handled through the normal switching process; you’ll be told if any meter changes are needed.

You may be eligible if…

• You have a compatible smart meter (often needed for smart TOU deals)
• Or you already have a multi-rate meter (commonly used for Economy 7/10)
• Your supplier offers TOU tariffs in your region
• You can shift usage into off-peak periods

You might want to pause if…

• Most of your usage is in the evening peak and can’t be moved
• You have storage heaters/hot water controls set up for a specific meter and you’re unsure how a change affects them
• You can’t access half-hourly data or don’t want more variable pricing
• You’re on a fixed deal with exit fees and the savings are marginal

1) Standing charge

A low off-peak unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge. Compare total annual estimates, not just one headline rate.

2) Peak unit rate

If your peak-time unit rate is significantly higher, the tariff may be expensive unless you can shift a meaningful share of usage off-peak.

3) Off-peak window

Cheaper hours only help if they match your routine. Check the exact times and whether they change at weekends or seasonally.

4) Tariff terms

Look for contract length, exit fees, how prices can change, and what happens at the end of the fixed period.

5) Meter and readings

TOU billing relies on accurate registers or half-hourly reads. Confirm you’ll be billed correctly for day/night (or multiple) rates.

6) Your usage split

As a rule of thumb, the more you can move off-peak, the more likely TOU saves money. We’ll help you compare based on what’s realistic.

Choosing based only on the cheapest off-peak rate

Some tariffs advertise a very low overnight price, but the peak rate and standing charge can be higher. Always compare the full price structure and estimated annual cost.

Assuming your off-peak hours are the same everywhere

Economy 7 and other off-peak windows can vary. Check the exact times on the tariff details and make sure your timers (EV charger, immersion, appliances) match.

Not checking how your heating/hot water is set up

Some homes have circuits linked to off-peak supply (common with storage heaters). Switching tariffs or meter setups can affect when those circuits receive power.

Underestimating peak-time use

Cooking, lighting, entertainment and working-from-home can keep usage high during peak windows. If that’s your reality, a TOU deal may not be the lowest-cost option.

What is a time-of-use tariff?

A time-of-use tariff charges different electricity unit rates at different times (for example a cheaper overnight rate and a more expensive daytime rate). The aim is to reward households that can use more electricity during cheaper periods.

Do I need a smart meter for TOU deals?

Many modern TOU tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can bill you using half-hourly (or similar) readings. Traditional Economy 7/10 can use multi-rate meters. Availability varies by supplier and region.

Are Economy 7 and Economy 10 time-of-use tariffs?

Yes. They’re classic UK off-peak tariffs with separate day and night (or multiple) rates. Newer TOU deals may add more periods or different structures, especially for EV charging.

Will a TOU tariff definitely save me money?

Not always. Savings depend on your usage pattern, the size of the peak/off-peak price difference, standing charge, and how much you can shift. Comparing whole-of-market options helps you avoid expensive peak rates.

What if I rent my home?

You can usually switch your energy tariff as the bill payer, but meter changes may need landlord permission. If a TOU tariff requires a smart meter, discuss any installation requirements before proceeding.

Can I switch back if it doesn’t suit me?

Often yes, though fixed-term tariffs may have exit fees. It’s worth checking the contract terms and whether any meter changes are involved before you switch.

“I wanted an EV-friendly time-of-use tariff but didn’t know which peak times I’d be paying. The comparison made the trade-offs clear.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“The explanation of Economy 7 vs smart TOU helped. I switched once I understood the off-peak window and standing charge.”

— Customer, Greater Manchester

“Quick form, clear options. I could see which tariffs actually suited when we use energy, not just a headline rate.”

— Customer, Kent