Cheapest overnight electricity tariff for UK homes
Find out whether an off-peak or smart time-of-use tariff could cut your overnight unit rate — and compare options based on your meter, region and usage pattern.
- Clear guidance on Economy 7/10 and smart time-of-use (EV/off-peak) tariffs
- Two realistic cost scenarios (with assumptions) so you can sanity-check quotes
- Eligibility checks: meter type, payment method, exit fees and regional pricing
Prices and availability vary by region, meter type and supplier. Any figures on this page are illustrative estimates, not guarantees.
Fast answer: what’s the “cheapest overnight tariff” in the UK?
For most UK homes, the cheapest overnight unit rate usually comes from either:
Economy 7 / Economy 10 (traditional off-peak)
Best known for storage heaters and hot water tanks. You get a cheaper off-peak rate for a set window (often overnight), and a higher peak rate for the rest of the day.
Smart time-of-use tariffs (off-peak/EV-style)
Usually requires a smart meter and may include a very low overnight window. Great if you can shift usage (EV charging, immersion heater, dishwasher) into the cheap hours.
Important: the cheapest overnight rate isn’t always the cheapest overall bill. What matters is your usage split between off-peak and peak, plus standing charge, region and any eligibility requirements.
Key takeaways (UK-specific)
- Region matters: unit rates and standing charges vary across Great Britain (and differ in Northern Ireland).
- Meter type matters: Economy 7/10 usually needs a multi-rate meter; smart tariffs usually need a smart meter configured correctly.
- Payment method matters: Direct Debit tariffs are often cheaper than pay-as-you-go (prepayment), but availability varies.
- Check exit fees: some fixed deals include fees if you leave early; variable tariffs typically don’t.
- Don’t chase a low night rate blindly: a higher day rate can wipe out any overnight benefit if you don’t shift enough usage.
Compare overnight tariffs (whole-of-market)
Tell us a few details and we’ll show suitable off-peak options for your home, including Economy 7/10 and smart time-of-use tariffs where available.
What you’ll need: your postcode, a contact email, and (if possible) whether you have a smart meter or Economy 7 meter. If you’re not sure, that’s fine — we’ll guide you.
How overnight tariffs work (in plain English)
- Off-peak window
- A set block of hours (often overnight) where your electricity is cheaper. The exact times can depend on your region, meter setup and supplier.
- Peak rate
- The higher rate you pay outside the off-peak window. This is where many households lose out if most usage happens during the day/evening.
- Standing charge
- A daily fixed cost to keep you connected to the network. It can be a deciding factor, especially for low-usage homes.
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Quick self-check before you switch
- Do you use 30%+ of your electricity overnight (or can you shift it)? If not, off-peak deals may cost more overall.
- Do you have electric heating (storage heaters) or an EV? These are the most common reasons to choose overnight tariffs.
- Can you run appliances safely overnight (timer, noise, and fire-safety considerations)?
Overnight tariff types: what’s available and who they suit
Use this table to narrow down the best route. Exact tariff names, hours and rates differ by supplier and region, so treat this as a practical guide.
| Tariff type | Cheaper hours (typical) | What you need | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | ~7 hours overnight (varies by region/meter) | Two-rate meter (often already installed); usually Direct Debit | Storage heaters, immersion tank, night-heavy households | Day rate can be much higher; check your day/night split |
| Economy 10 | ~10 hours split (often day + evening + night) | Specific meter setup; availability can be limited | Some electric heating setups needing more off-peak flexibility | Harder to compare; switching can require meter changes |
| Smart off-peak / EV-style | Often a short ultra-cheap overnight window | Smart meter; sometimes EV or compatible charger/app requirements | EV drivers; households that can automate load shifting | Some have higher peak rates; may be limited by region/tech |
| Tracker / dynamic smart tariffs | Varies daily (and sometimes hourly) | Smart meter; comfort with price changes | Engaged households that can respond to price signals | Not always cheapest overnight; price volatility risk |
Decision checklist: is an overnight tariff right for you?
Often suits you if…
- You can run big loads overnight (EV charging, immersion, storage heating).
- You already have Economy 7 and your home is set up for it.
- You can shift at least 30–40% of usage into off-peak hours.
- You can schedule appliances safely using timers and manufacturer guidance.
Often not ideal if…
- Most electricity use is evenings/weekends and can’t be shifted.
- You have gas heating and low overnight electricity demand.
- Your building has restrictions (noise) that stop overnight appliance use.
- You can’t meet requirements (e.g. smart meter/EV criteria on certain tariffs).
Tip: If you don’t know your day/night split, check your supplier bills (some show “day” and “night” kWh) or smart meter app history. That split is usually the biggest factor in whether you’ll really pay less overall.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (so you don’t get caught out)
1) “Cheapest night rate” vs cheapest bill
A tariff can have a very low overnight unit rate but a high day rate and standing charge. Always compare the estimated annual cost based on your usage pattern.
2) Off-peak hours can differ
Economy 7 off-peak times vary by region and meter setup, and can shift with daylight saving time on some setups. Confirm the off-peak window before switching.
3) Smart tariff eligibility
Some time-of-use tariffs require a working smart meter with half-hourly readings and (sometimes) EV ownership/compatible hardware. If you don’t meet the criteria, you may be moved to a different tariff.
Meter changes & setup (what to expect)
- Switching from single-rate to Economy 7 may require a meter exchange (supplier dependent).
- Smart meters can support time-of-use tariffs, but configuration and communications must be working.
- If your home has storage heaters, confirm they charge during the off-peak window (timer/controls may need adjustment).
Fees, terms and protections
- Exit fees: common on fixed deals; usually none on variable tariffs.
- Standing charge: can be higher on some specialist tariffs.
- Price cap context: the Ofgem price cap applies to standard variable tariffs (and default tariffs), not necessarily to all fixed or specialist products.
Two realistic scenarios (illustrative numbers)
These examples show why usage split matters. Rates are illustrative only to demonstrate the maths (your quote will vary by region, supplier, and payment method).
Scenario A: Economy 7 works (storage heating)
- Home: 2-bed flat, storage heaters + immersion tank
- Annual electricity: 4,500 kWh
- Off-peak share: 55% (2,475 kWh night) / 45% day (2,025 kWh)
- Illustrative rates: night 16p/kWh, day 33p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual cost:
Usage: (2,475×£0.16) + (2,025×£0.33) = £396 + £668.25 = £1,064.25
Standing charge: 365×£0.55 = £200.75
Total (estimated): £1,265
Scenario B: Low night use backfires
- Home: gas-heated house, typical evening usage
- Annual electricity: 3,100 kWh
- Off-peak share: 15% (465 kWh night) / 85% day (2,635 kWh)
- Same illustrative rates: night 16p/kWh, day 33p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual cost:
Usage: (465×£0.16) + (2,635×£0.33) = £74.40 + £869.55 = £943.95
Standing charge: 365×£0.55 = £200.75
Total (estimated): £1,145
If a single-rate tariff offered (say) 26p/kWh with the same standing charge, the usage part would be 3,100×£0.26 = £806, total ~£1,007. In this scenario, Economy 7 could cost more overall.
Assumptions: example rates chosen for illustration only; standing charge included; no discounts, cashback, or additional charges. Always compare against your actual usage and tariff terms.
FAQs: cheapest overnight electricity tariffs (UK)
1) What time is “off-peak” on Economy 7?
It’s usually a block of around 7 hours overnight, but the exact hours vary by region and meter setup. Some meters also shift with British Summer Time. Always confirm your off-peak hours with your supplier or on your meter documentation.
2) Can I get an overnight tariff without a smart meter?
You may be able to join Economy 7 with a traditional two-rate meter. Most smart time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter sending readings reliably (often half-hourly), so without one you’ll typically have fewer options.
3) Is Economy 7 always cheaper at night?
The night unit rate is usually lower than the day rate on Economy 7, but it’s not a guarantee that your overall bill will be lower. If you don’t use enough electricity during the off-peak window, the higher day rate can outweigh the benefit.
4) Do I need an EV to get the cheapest overnight rates?
Not always. Some suppliers offer smart off-peak tariffs aimed at EV owners, but other off-peak options (like Economy 7) can be suitable for storage heating or homes that can shift usage overnight. Eligibility rules vary by supplier.
5) Can renters switch to an off-peak tariff?
In most cases, yes — if you pay the energy bills and your name is on the account. If a meter exchange is needed (for example, to install a smart meter), you may want your landlord’s permission, especially in managed properties.
6) Are overnight tariffs available on prepayment (PAYG) meters?
Availability can be more limited on prepayment, and prices may be higher than Direct Debit. Some suppliers support smart prepayment and may offer more options, but it’s not universal. Comparing with your postcode and meter type is the quickest way to check.
7) Will switching affect my smart meter readings?
Usually, your smart meter will continue to work when you switch, but in some cases smart features can be limited temporarily. If you’re choosing a time-of-use tariff, reliable smart meter readings are important — we’ll highlight this in your quote results.
8) What’s the biggest mistake people make with overnight tariffs?
Focusing on the night unit rate and ignoring the day rate, standing charge, and their actual day/night usage split. A tariff that looks “cheapest overnight” can still be more expensive overall if most usage is in the day/evening.
How we assess “cheapest overnight electricity tariff” (methodology)
What we mean by “cheapest”
We separate two ideas:
- Cheapest overnight unit rate (p/kWh during off-peak hours)
- Cheapest estimated total cost (based on your usage, standing charge and peak/off-peak split)
Inputs that change the result
- Region (network area) and tariff availability
- Meter type (single rate, Economy 7/10, smart)
- Payment method (Direct Debit vs prepayment)
- Usage pattern (how much you can shift into off-peak)
- Tariff terms (fixed/variable, exit fees, eligibility rules)
Limitations and caveats (transparency)
- Suppliers can change prices and withdraw products; quotes are time-sensitive.
- Off-peak times can vary and should be confirmed with the supplier before relying on overnight scheduling.
- Some smart time-of-use tariffs have additional technical or eligibility requirements; we won’t present them as available if they’re not suitable based on the details you provide.
- Northern Ireland has a different energy market structure; this page is primarily focused on Great Britain unless stated otherwise in your results.
Editorial trust signals
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- April 2026
Ready to check your cheapest off-peak option?
We’ll match you with overnight tariffs you can actually join based on your postcode and meter type — with clear estimates and key terms.
No misleading promises: results depend on availability, eligibility and your usage. Always review tariff terms (rates, standing charge, exit fees) before you switch.
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