What is an evening electricity tariff?

An evening electricity tariff is a time-of-use plan where the unit rate is cheaper during set evening hours (the exact times vary by supplier and tariff). It can reduce bills if you regularly use more power in the evening—such as cooking, heating, laundry or charging devices—while keeping daytime use lower. Always check the tariff’s peak and off-peak windows and the standing charge before switching.

Are cheap evening electricity tariffs the same as Economy 7 or Economy 10?

Not always. Economy 7 and Economy 10 are traditional time-of-use tariffs with cheaper rates overnight (7 or 10 hours), while some modern tariffs offer cheaper evening windows, split-rate periods, or half-hourly pricing. The best option depends on when you use electricity most and what rates apply outside the cheap period.

Who should consider an evening electricity tariff?

Evening tariffs can suit households that use a higher share of electricity after work or school—typically between late afternoon and bedtime. They may also work well if you can shift flexible usage (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, immersion heater) into the cheap evening window. If most of your usage is daytime, a standard single-rate tariff may be better.

Do I need a smart meter to get a cheap evening tariff?

Many evening or time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can record usage by time period (often half-hourly). Some legacy tariffs may work with older multi-rate meters, but the widest choice is usually available with a smart meter. If you’re unsure, check eligibility before switching.

What should I compare when choosing the best evening tariff?

Compare (1) the cheap evening unit rate, (2) the peak/day unit rate, (3) the standing charge, (4) the exact off-peak times, (5) contract length and exit fees, and (6) whether prices are fixed or variable. A tariff with a very low evening rate can still cost more overall if peak rates or standing charges are high for your usage pattern.

How can I maximise savings on a cheap evening electricity tariff?

To maximise savings, move flexible usage into the cheap window: run appliances on timers, batch-cook and reheat efficiently, and schedule EV charging (if applicable) to the lowest-rate hours. Track your usage for a few weeks after switching and adjust habits if peak rates are significantly higher.

Are evening tariffs good for EV charging?

They can be, but it depends on the cheapest hours and your charger schedule. Some EV-focused tariffs offer cheaper overnight rates rather than early evening. Check whether the cheapest period covers the time you can reliably charge, and compare the off-peak rate and standing charge against dedicated EV tariffs if you drive frequently.

Will switching to an evening tariff affect my heating or hot water?

If you use electric heating, storage heaters, or an immersion heater, the timing of cheap electricity matters. Some systems are designed to heat overnight (Economy 7 style), not in the evening. Before switching, confirm your setup and whether you can schedule heating/hot water to align with the cheaper period.

How do I switch to a cheap evening electricity tariff in the UK?

You can compare available evening tariffs, check the off-peak times and full pricing, then apply with the supplier. Switching is usually completed within a few days and your supply won’t be interrupted. Have your address and (if possible) your current tariff details and annual usage to hand to get the most accurate comparison.

Are there any downsides to cheap evening electricity tariffs?

Potential downsides include higher peak rates, higher standing charges, limited availability in some regions, and savings that depend heavily on when you use electricity. If your evening usage is not high enough, the cheaper window may not offset the cost of more expensive daytime electricity.

Best cheap evening electricity tariffs UK (whole-of-market)

Compare UK evening and off-peak energy tariffs to find a cheaper unit rate for the hours you actually use power. Check what you could pay with evening, Economy 7, and smart time-of-use options—without calling every supplier.

Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (where available)
See whether evening rates beat a standard single-rate tariff
Designed for EV charging, washing, cooking and evening-heavy households
Quick form—get matched to suitable tariffs in minutes

Compare cheap evening tariffs How evening tariffs work

EnergyPlus is a UK home energy comparison service. Savings depend on your meter type, region, usage split (day vs evening/off-peak), and supplier availability.

Find cheaper evening electricity deals—matched to your home

If most of your electricity use happens after work—cooking, washing, home office, gaming, heating controls, or EV charging—then a tariff with a lower evening or off-peak unit rate could reduce your bill. The catch is that "cheap" depends on your meter, your region, and how much power you use during the cheaper hours versus peak hours.

Use the form to compare whole-of-market options (where available), including:

Economy 7 / two-rate tariffs (commonly cheaper overnight, sometimes helpful for evening-heavy usage depending on times)
Smart time-of-use tariffs (rates that change by time and day, often better for EV charging)
Single-rate fixed or variable tariffs (sometimes still best once you factor in standing charges and peak rates)

Before you start

Have your postcode ready (for regional rates). If you know it, check whether your electricity meter is single-rate or two-rate (Economy 7). Not sure? That’s fine—we’ll still help you compare.

Compare evening tariffs

Fill in your details and we’ll match you with suitable home energy tariffs, including off-peak options.

Who should look for cheap evening electricity?

Evening-focused tariffs can be a strong fit if you can shift a meaningful chunk of usage into the cheaper window. These are the most common household types that benefit.

EV charging at home

If you charge in the evening or overnight, time-of-use rates can beat standard tariffs—especially if you can schedule charging for the cheapest hours.

Families with evening routines

Dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers and cooking often run between 5pm–10pm. A lower evening rate can cut costs if peak pricing isn’t too high.

High electricity use overall

The more electricity you use, the more impact the unit rate has. Even small differences between peak and off-peak can add up over a year.

Homes with storage heaters

If you rely on storage heaters, Economy 7 (or similar) can be essential, since heating typically charges overnight at a lower rate.

Smart meter households

Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter. If you have one, you may have access to more flexible evening/off-peak pricing.

People who can shift usage

If you can move laundry, immersion heating, or EV charging to cheaper slots, you’re more likely to see savings than if most use is at peak times.

How “cheap evening electricity” tariffs work in the UK

In the UK, suppliers don’t all define “evening electricity” the same way. What matters is the unit rate (p/kWh) you pay at different times, plus your standing charge. A tariff can look cheap at night but still cost more overall if most of your usage happens during peak periods.

1) Identify your usage pattern

Roughly estimate how much electricity you use in the evening/off-peak window. If you have a smart meter or half-hourly data, even better.

2) Compare the full price structure

Look at peak unit rate, off-peak unit rate (and any additional time bands), plus the standing charge. The “cheapest” tariff is the lowest yearly cost for your split.

3) Check meter & eligibility

Economy 7 typically needs a two-rate meter. Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter and may be region-specific.

Tip: If your “evening” usage is mostly between 5pm–9pm, some time-of-use tariffs may not be cheaper at that time (it can be a peak window). In those cases, a sharp overnight rate for appliances/EV charging can still help—if you can shift usage later.

Common evening/off-peak tariff types (and what to watch)

Below is a practical guide to the main UK tariff structures that can reduce evening or off-peak electricity costs. Exact hours and pricing vary by supplier, region and meter configuration.

Tariff type	How it prices electricity	Best for	Key watch-outs
Single-rate	One unit rate all day + standing charge.	Most households, especially if you can’t shift usage.	May beat off-peak deals if peak rates/standing charges are high.
Economy 7 (two-rate)	Day rate + cheaper night rate for ~7 hours (timings vary by region/meter).	Storage heaters; EV charging; households that can use more power at night.	Day rate can be higher than single-rate; savings rely on shifting enough usage to night.
Smart time-of-use	Multiple price bands (and sometimes half-hourly pricing).	EV owners; tech-savvy homes; flexible usage.	Often requires a smart meter; peak periods can be expensive; check the full schedule.
Tracker / variable	Rates can change frequently (e.g., daily) based on wholesale market conditions.	Households comfortable with rate changes.	Less predictability; may not be “cheap” in the evening if market prices rise.

Meter types: quick check

Single-rate meter: you’re billed at one unit rate.
Two-rate / Economy 7 meter: you have separate day and night readings.
Smart meter: can support time-of-use pricing and half-hourly data (tariff dependent).

How to get the cheapest evening electricity (practical steps)

Shift heavy loads to cheaper hours

If your tariff is cheaper later, use delay-start for the dishwasher/washing machine, and schedule immersion heating or EV charging. A “cheap evening” tariff only saves money if usage happens during the discounted window.

Check the standing charge first

Some tariffs advertise a low off-peak unit rate but have a higher standing charge. For low-to-medium usage homes, standing charge can outweigh unit rate savings.

Avoid paying peak rates for basics

If the peak unit rate is steep, you can lose savings quickly. Compare your everyday evening use (lighting, cooking, TV) against the peak price before switching.

Know your split: day vs off-peak

As a rule of thumb, Economy 7 tends to work better when a meaningful share of usage is in the cheaper period. The right threshold varies by rates, but if only a small portion shifts, single-rate may win.

Common mistake: Choosing a tariff because the “night/evening rate” looks cheap without checking the day rate and standing charge. EnergyPlus comparisons consider the full cost profile.

Regional & home set-up factors that affect evening prices

Postcode & network region

Electricity prices vary by region due to network costs and supplier pricing. The same tariff name can have different standing charges and unit rates across the UK—so local comparison matters.

All-electric vs gas + electric

If you heat your home with electricity (including storage heaters or heat pumps), time-of-use pricing can have a bigger impact. If gas covers heating, your electricity pattern may be more evening-centric.

Smart meter availability

Some of the best evening/off-peak options are smart tariffs. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may be limited to standard or Economy 7-style tariffs.

Economy 7 switching considerations

Moving onto or off a two-rate tariff can require meter configuration checks. If you’re unsure, compare with your current set-up first to avoid unexpected billing changes.

FAQs: cheap evening electricity tariffs

Is “evening electricity” the same as Economy 7?

Not always. Economy 7 is typically a two-rate tariff with a cheaper night period (often overnight). “Evening electricity” can refer to any tariff that offers lower rates at specific times—sometimes late evening, sometimes overnight, sometimes multiple bands on smart time-of-use tariffs.

Do I need a smart meter for cheap evening rates?

Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter, but not all off-peak options do. Economy 7 generally uses a two-rate meter set-up. If you’re not sure what you have, start a comparison and we’ll guide you through suitable options.

What hours count as off-peak in the UK?

It depends on the tariff and your region/meter configuration. Off-peak windows can vary, particularly for Economy 7. Smart tariffs may have multiple bands with different prices by time and day.

Can an evening tariff increase my bill?

Yes. If the peak rate and/or standing charge is higher and you don’t shift enough usage to the cheaper period, your total annual cost may rise. That’s why comparing with your postcode and usage pattern is important.

Will I lose supply if I switch?

No—switching supplier shouldn’t interrupt your electricity supply. Your energy continues to flow through the same national network; only your billing supplier changes.

Is this page for home energy only?

Yes. This comparison content is focused on UK domestic energy. If you’re looking for business electricity rates, you’ll need a separate business comparison.

Why compare with EnergyPlus?

Whole-of-market approach

We aim to compare a broad range of UK home energy tariffs (availability varies). That includes standard options and off-peak structures where offered.

Clear, practical matching

Evening tariffs can be confusing. We focus on what affects your bill: unit rates, standing charges, meter type, and your likely usage split.

UK-based support

If you’re unsure whether Economy 7 or a smart time-of-use tariff fits your home, we’ll help you understand your options and next steps.

“We switched to an off-peak tariff for EV charging and finally saw the evening costs drop.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“I didn’t realise my Economy 7 day rate was so high. Comparing properly saved us money.”

— Flat owner, Greater London

“Simple form, clear explanation of time-of-use rates. Much easier than checking suppliers one by one.”

— Customer, North West

Ready to find a cheaper evening electricity tariff?

Compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs (where available) and see whether an evening/off-peak option beats your current deal based on your postcode and usage.

Fast comparison for domestic customers
Off-peak and time-of-use options included when available
No need to phone multiple suppliers

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Prefer to learn first? Read tariff types and cost-saving tips.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026