What are energy tariffs with cheap evening rates?

Energy tariffs with cheap evening rates are time-of-use tariffs where the unit price is lower during evening off-peak hours and higher at other times. They can reduce bills if you can shift energy-heavy usage (like laundry, dishwashing, EV charging, or immersion heaters) into the evening window.

What hours count as “evening off-peak” in the UK?

Evening off-peak hours vary by tariff and supplier, and may differ by region and meter type. Your exact off-peak window will be shown in your tariff terms, online account, or smart meter/IHD schedule. Always confirm the times before switching so you know when the cheaper rate applies.

Are cheap evening rates the same as Economy 7 or Economy 10?

Not always. Economy 7 and Economy 10 typically offer cheaper off-peak electricity overnight (and sometimes daytime blocks), whereas some modern time-of-use tariffs may offer cheaper evening periods specifically. The best option depends on when you use the most electricity and what meter you have.

Do I need a smart meter for an evening-rate tariff?

Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter to accurately measure usage by time period. Some legacy multi-rate tariffs can work with traditional Economy 7/10 meters. If you’re unsure, check your meter type or compare tariffs that match your current setup.

Who benefits most from cheap evening electricity rates?

Households that can shift a meaningful share of usage into the evening typically benefit most—such as people who cook later, run appliances after work, have an EV to charge at home, use a heat pump on timed schedules, or can program storage heaters/immersion heaters. If most of your use is in the daytime peak, a standard single-rate tariff may be cheaper.

Could an evening-rate tariff increase my bills?

Yes. Time-of-use tariffs often have higher peak unit rates, so bills can rise if you don’t use enough electricity during the cheaper window. Before switching, estimate how much of your consumption you can move to the evening period and compare the total cost (including standing charges).

How do I compare evening-rate tariffs accurately?

Compare (1) the off-peak evening unit rate, (2) the peak/day unit rate, (3) the standing charge, and (4) the exact off-peak times. Use your actual usage (kWh) if possible and model how much you can shift to evenings. Then choose the tariff that gives the lowest annual cost for your pattern.

Can I switch to an evening-rate tariff if I’m currently on a single-rate meter?

Often yes, but you may need a compatible meter (commonly a smart meter or a multi-rate meter). The supplier may arrange a meter configuration change. Check any fees, timing, and whether your property is suitable before you switch.

Are cheap evening rates good for EV charging?

They can be, especially if the off-peak period aligns with when you typically charge. If you mainly charge overnight, an EV-focused overnight tariff may suit you better. The best choice depends on your charging schedule, battery size, and how much household electricity you use during peak hours.

What should I check before switching to a cheap evening rate tariff?

Confirm the off-peak evening hours, peak/off-peak unit rates, standing charge, contract length, exit fees (if any), and meter requirements. Also check whether prices are fixed or variable and whether you can easily track your time-of-use consumption via an app or smart meter display.

How can I find the best cheap evening rate tariff in the UK?

Start by identifying when you use the most electricity, then compare tariffs that offer lower evening unit rates and reasonable peak prices. For the most accurate result, compare using your actual annual kWh and standing charge. You can explore options on Energy Plus here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/Suppliers/energy-tariffs-with-cheap-evening-rates-uk

Energy tariffs with cheap evening rates in the UK

Compare whole-of-market home energy deals designed for lower evening unit rates. Tell us a few details and we’ll help you find tariffs that suit how you use electricity after 4–5pm.

See tariffs with cheaper evening or off-peak-style pricing (where available)
Check if time-of-use works for EV charging, heat pumps and high evening usage
Compare unit rates, standing charges and exit fees in one place
Switch with confidence using a UK comparison service

Compare evening-rate tariffs Learn how evening rates work

Home energy only. Availability of cheaper evening rates varies by supplier, meter type and region. Always check the full tariff details before switching.

Find cheaper evening-rate energy tariffs in minutes

If your household uses more electricity between late afternoon and bedtime, a standard single-rate tariff may not be the best fit. Some UK suppliers offer time-of-use pricing where the unit rate varies by time window – and that can include cheaper evening rates or lower-cost periods that overlap with evenings.

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs (where available) so you can quickly check:

Evening unit rates vs daytime rates (and any peak pricing)
Standing charges, contract length and exit fees
Whether you need a smart meter for the tariff
How the deal could suit EV charging, heat pumps, cooking, laundry and entertainment in the evening

Tip: “Cheap evening rates” can mean different things across suppliers – some set a specific evening window, while others offer off-peak blocks that may include evenings (or only overnight). Use the form to compare your options for your postcode.

Compare evening-friendly tariffs

Complete the form to view suitable home energy deals. We’ll use your postcode to check availability and pricing.

Already on a smart tariff? Have a recent bill to hand – the unit rates and your usage split (day/evening/night) help us identify whether an evening-rate plan could reduce your costs.

Looking for cheap night rates instead? Some tariffs focus on overnight off-peak windows. If your goal is EV charging after midnight, you may prefer an overnight-focused plan. If you need savings when you cook, run appliances or heat your home in the evening, explore how evening rates are structured.

Who should consider an evening-rate electricity tariff?

Households with high evening electricity use

If most of your electricity use is between late afternoon and bedtime (cooking, lighting, TV/gaming, laundry), a tariff with a lower-priced evening window can be a better match than a flat unit rate.

EV drivers who charge after work

Not everyone can charge overnight. If you regularly plug in early evening, you may benefit from plans that include lower prices in the evening (or shoulder periods) – depending on supplier and region.

Heat pumps & electric heating users

When temperatures drop, evening heating demand rises. Time-of-use pricing can help if your system can shift some load into cheaper windows without affecting comfort.

Smart meter customers

Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can accurately bill you by time band. If you already have one, you may have more evening-rate options.

Anyone comparing standing charges carefully

A cheap evening unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge. Comparing the full tariff costs is essential – especially for lower-usage households.

Renters and homeowners

You can usually switch your home energy supplier as the bill payer – even if you rent – as long as you’re responsible for the account and meter.

How cheap evening rates work (and what to check)

An “evening-rate” tariff is usually a form of time-of-use electricity tariff. Instead of one unit price all day, your electricity is billed using two or more price bands. Some suppliers create a cheaper band that includes evening hours (for example, a set window after 4–5pm), while others offer off-peak periods that may be mostly overnight and not as helpful for evening-heavy households.

Key point: There isn’t one standard definition of “cheap evening rates” across the UK market. Always confirm the exact time bands and the unit rate in each band.

Checklist before you switch

Identify your true evening usage. If you have a smart meter, your in-home display or online account may show half-hourly usage. Otherwise, estimate which appliances run in the evening.
Compare the full price profile. A low evening rate may come with a higher peak rate or higher standing charge.
Check meter requirements. Many multi-rate or half-hourly tariffs require a smart meter to bill correctly.
Confirm contract details. Look at fixed vs variable, exit fees and how often rates can change.
Match to your lifestyle. If your evenings are your highest-use period, an evening-friendly tariff is more likely to help than an overnight-only tariff.

Check deals for my postcode

Tariff types that can include cheaper evening rates

Below are common structures you may see when comparing UK home electricity tariffs. The exact names, time bands and rates vary by supplier and region.

Tariff type	How pricing works	Best for	Watch outs
Time-of-use (multi-rate)	Two or more unit rates based on set time bands. Some include an evening-friendly low rate.	High evening usage, EV charging, flexible appliance use.	Peak rates can be higher. Needs accurate usage split to benefit.
EV-focused smart tariffs	Lower-priced windows aimed at charging; may include evening shoulder periods or mostly overnight.	EV owners with predictable charging schedules.	Some deals are best only if you shift a large share into the cheap window.
Economy 7 / legacy multi-rate	Typically cheaper night rate and higher day rate. Often not an evening rate specifically.	Homes with storage heaters or heavy overnight use.	If you use most power in the evening, the day rate may outweigh savings.
Single-rate standard tariffs	One unit rate all day (plus standing charge). No time bands.	Homes with steady usage and limited ability to shift consumption.	You won’t get cheaper evening windows, but it can be simpler and predictable.

Not sure which you’re on? Your bill usually shows whether you have one rate or multiple rates. If you see separate day/night (or multiple) unit rates, you’re already on a multi-rate structure.

Costs, standing charges and potential savings

The cheapest evening electricity rate doesn’t always mean the lowest overall bill. To understand value, compare the full tariff cost for your usage pattern:

1) Unit rates by time band

Check the price per kWh for each time window – especially the evening band you’ll actually use. A tariff may be “cheap in the evening” but expensive at other times.

2) Standing charge

This daily fee can vary significantly. If your usage is low, a higher standing charge can cancel out savings from a cheaper evening unit rate.

3) Exit fees and contract length

Fixed deals can offer stability. If you might move home or switch again soon, check whether exit fees apply and how they’re charged.

4) Your ability to shift usage

Time-of-use works best when you can move flexible consumption (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, EV charging) into the cheaper period without inconvenience.

Quick self-check: is an evening-rate tariff likely to help?

You use a meaningful share of electricity in the evening (not just a few lights).
You can keep some usage out of peak times if the tariff has them.
You’ve compared standing charges and not just the headline unit rate.

Common mistakes when searching for cheap evening rates

Only comparing the “evening” unit rate

If the peak rate is much higher, you can end up paying more overall. Always review all time bands plus the standing charge.

Assuming evening windows are the same everywhere

Time bands vary by supplier and tariff. An “evening” rate might start earlier or later – or not exist at all.

Forgetting meter type and billing

Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter. If your meter setup can’t support the tariff, you may not be eligible.

Ignoring weekends or seasonal changes

Some tariffs have different weekend rates or time bands. Others can change prices at review points. Confirm the rules.

Not checking total annual cost

The best way to compare is to estimate annual cost using your usage split. A good comparison should model this, not guess.

Switching without reading tariff terms

Exit fees, payment method pricing and eligibility conditions matter. Confirm the details before you commit.

FAQs: cheap evening-rate energy tariffs

Do evening-rate tariffs exist across the UK?

Availability varies by supplier, region and meter setup. Some suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs with cheaper windows that can include evenings, while others focus mainly on overnight off-peak periods. Use your postcode in the comparison form to check what’s available for your home.

Do I need a smart meter for cheaper evening rates?

Often, yes. Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so energy use can be recorded by time band. If you don’t have one, you may still have options – but the range can be smaller.

Are cheap evening rates the same as Economy 7?

Not necessarily. Economy 7 typically provides a cheaper night rate for around 7 hours and a higher day rate. That can help overnight users, but it may not reduce costs for households with heavy evening demand.

Can I get cheaper evening rates for gas too?

Time-of-use pricing is most common for electricity. Gas tariffs are usually single-rate. If your goal is cheaper home heating in the evening, it’s often about optimising your electricity tariff (for heat pumps or electric heating) and your heating controls.

Will switching affect my supply or cause downtime?

Switching supplier is designed to be seamless. Your energy keeps flowing and there’s typically no interruption to supply. You’ll simply move billing to the new supplier once the switch completes.

How do I know if an evening-rate tariff will actually save me money?

Savings depend on your usage split and the tariff’s standing charge and peak pricing. If a large share of your consumption happens in the cheaper window, you’re more likely to benefit. The fastest way to check is to compare options for your postcode and review the estimated cost based on your usage.

Why households use EnergyPlus to compare tariffs

Whole-of-market comparisons

We help you compare home energy tariffs across the market (where available), including time-of-use options that may suit evening-heavy usage.

Clear, practical guidance

Evening rates can be confusing. We focus on the details that matter: time bands, standing charges, contract terms and realistic fit.

Switch support

From initial comparison to switching, we help you understand your options so you can choose a tariff that matches your household routine.

“I was using most of my electricity after work and didn’t realise my tariff wasn’t a good match. The comparison helped me understand the time bands and pick something better.”

Home energy customer, UK

“Simple form, clear results. The explanation of standing charges vs evening unit rates was exactly what I needed.”