Energy tariffs with cheap evening rates in the UK (this month)
A practical guide to evening & off-peak electricity deals in the UK, including who they suit, what to watch for (standing charges, meter eligibility, exit fees), and how to compare safely.
- Understand what “cheap evening rates” really means (and when it can cost more overall)
- See common evening-rate windows (e.g. 7pm–midnight) and how to check your actual tariff times
- Compare tariff types: time-of-use, EV tariffs, and smart/variable deals
Estimates only. Availability, rates and times vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method. Always check the tariff information label and your personal quote.
Fast answer: what are “cheap evening rate” energy tariffs?
In the UK, “cheap evening rate” tariffs are usually time-of-use electricity deals where you pay a lower unit rate for a defined evening off-peak window (for example 7pm–midnight), and a higher unit rate at other times. They can reduce bills only if you can reliably shift enough usage (e.g. EV charging, dishwasher, washing machine, immersion heater) into the cheaper hours.
Important: many evening/off-peak tariffs have higher day rates and sometimes a higher standing charge. A low evening unit rate doesn’t automatically mean a lower overall bill.
Best for
Households that can run high-use appliances in the evening window (or have EV/home battery).
Usually requires
A smart meter (or an eligible multi-rate meter). Not always available for prepay.
Quick check
If you can shift 20–40% of electricity into the cheap window, it’s more likely to work (still compare).
Key takeaways (UK-specific)
- “Evening rate” times vary by supplier and tariff; don’t assume your cheap period is the same as a friend’s.
- Region matters: standing charges and unit rates differ across Great Britain (and tariffs may differ in Northern Ireland).
- Payment method matters: direct debit tariffs often price differently to prepayment meters.
- Metering matters: some deals need a smart meter with half-hourly readings; Economy 7/Economy 10 are different products.
- Don’t ignore exit fees: fixed time-of-use tariffs can include them; variable tariffs generally don’t.
Compare evening-rate tariffs (whole of market) and check eligibility
Tell us your postcode and a few details and we’ll show estimated options that include evening/off-peak pricing where available. We’ll highlight the tariff type, whether a smart meter is needed, and anything that can trip people up (like higher peak rates or standing charges).
Tip: if you don’t know your meter type, you can still start. We’ll explain what to check (smart / single rate / Economy 7 / prepay) after you get results.
How evening-rate tariffs work (in plain English)
Your electricity price changes by time (for example: cheap 7pm–midnight, peak the rest). Some tariffs have 3+ bands.
Typically via a smart meter sending half-hourly readings (or a compatible multi-rate meter).
You pay less only if a meaningful share of your electricity use lands in the cheaper hours.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario A: evening shifting works
Assumptions (illustrative): flat tariff 28p/kWh; evening tariff has 16p/kWh (evening) and 34p/kWh (peak). Household uses 300kWh/month.
- They shift 40% (120kWh) into the evening window (laundry + dishwasher + EV top-ups).
- Flat tariff: 300 × 28p = £84.00/month (standing charge not included).
- Evening tariff: 120 × 16p = £19.20; 180 × 34p = £61.20 ? £80.40/month.
Result: about £3.60/month cheaper on unit rates. If the standing charge is higher on the evening tariff, that could reduce or erase the benefit.
Scenario B: looks cheap, costs more
Same rates and usage as above (300kWh/month), but only 15% (45kWh) moves to the evening window.
- Flat tariff: 300 × 28p = £84.00/month.
- Evening tariff: 45 × 16p = £7.20; 255 × 34p = £86.70 ? £93.90/month.
Result: about £9.90/month higher on unit rates. This is why we recommend comparing on your expected usage pattern, not the headline cheap rate.
Standing charges: the scenarios above focus on unit rates to show the trade-off. Your actual cheapest tariff can change once you include standing charges (set by supplier and region) and any discounts/fees.
Get your evening-rate quote
We’ll use these details to find suitable UK home energy options and contact you with your results. Fields marked optional help us tailor the quote.
Common UK tariff types that can offer cheaper evenings
Time-of-use (TOU) tariffs
Prices vary by time band (some include evenings). Often needs a smart meter.
Best if you can shift usage consistently. Check exact time bands and whether weekends differ.
EV tariffs (evening/overnight)
Designed for charging at home; cheap windows are often overnight but can extend into evenings.
May ask about EV ownership and smart charging; peak rates can be higher.
Economy 7 / multi-rate
Traditional off-peak (usually overnight, not necessarily evening). Often used with storage heaters.
Hours can vary by region/meter. Changing meter setup isn’t always instant.
Compare evening-rate tariff options (what to look for)
Use this table to shortlist deals before you switch. The “best” choice depends on your meter, your evening usage, your region, and how comfortable you are with variable pricing.
| Tariff type | Typical cheap window | Meter requirements | Main benefit | Main risk / trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening TOU (2–3 bands) | Often 7pm–midnight (varies) | Smart meter common | Lower cost for evening-heavy usage | Higher peak rate can outweigh savings |
| EV evening/overnight | Commonly overnight; some include evenings | Smart meter + EV/charger rules vary | Very low rate during the window | Peak pricing can be steep if you can’t shift use |
| Economy 7 / multi-rate | Usually night hours (not always evenings) | Multi-rate meter (or smart configured) | Can suit storage heaters/hot water tanks | Day rate often higher; hours can be confusing |
| Tracker / dynamic TOU | Changes daily or by half-hour (not always “evening cheap”) | Smart meter typical | Can be cheaper at certain times | Price volatility; not ideal for risk-averse households |
Evening-rate decision checklist
- 1) Can you shift usage?
- Aim to move high-use appliances into the cheap window most days.
- 2) Do you have the right meter?
- Smart meter is common for TOU. Economy 7 needs a compatible multi-rate setup.
- 3) Are you comparing the full cost?
- Check standing charge + all unit rates + any fees, not just the evening rate.
Who it suits / who it doesn’t
- EV owners who can schedule charging
- Home battery owners (charge in cheap hours)
- Evening-heavy routines (cooking + laundry later)
- Households comfortable tracking time bands
- Home all day (peak usage dominates)
- Low ability to shift appliance use
- People who prefer predictable single-rate pricing
- Some prepay setups (limited availability)
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
Evening-rate tariffs can be great in the right home, but these are the issues we see most often when people compare.
1) Standing charge wipes out the win
A tariff with a slightly better evening rate can still cost more overall if the standing charge is higher in your region. Always compare the estimated annual cost for your usage pattern.
2) Peak rate is much higher
Time-of-use pricing often “pays for” the cheap window by increasing peak unit rates. If most of your consumption happens outside the evening window, your bill can rise.
3) The cheap hours aren’t what you assumed
Evening windows can vary by tariff, and some multi-rate hours can change with your meter setup. Confirm times in the tariff’s terms (and your supplier app if available).
4) Eligibility: meter type and readings
Many tariffs require a smart meter and consent for half-hourly settlement/readings. If you don’t have one, check whether the supplier will install it and any constraints.
5) Exit fees on fixed deals
Fixed tariffs can come with exit fees if you leave early. That matters if you’re testing TOU pricing and might switch again soon.
6) Prepay and regional limitations
Some evening/time-of-use deals aren’t offered on prepayment meters, and offers vary across Great Britain regions. Northern Ireland works differently (separate market and comparison approach).
Safety note: shifting load is fine, but don’t run tumble dryers or high-heat appliances unattended. If you’re scheduling EV charging, ensure cables and sockets are suitable and follow manufacturer guidance.
FAQs: cheap evening energy rates in the UK
Are cheap evening tariffs the same as Economy 7?
Not usually. Economy 7 is a traditional multi-rate tariff with off-peak hours that are typically overnight. “Cheap evening” tariffs are more often smart time-of-use deals where the low rate may be in the evening, overnight, or split across multiple bands.
Do I need a smart meter for an evening-rate tariff?
Often, yes. Many suppliers use smart meters to accurately record when you use electricity. Some multi-rate tariffs can work on older Economy 7 meters, but modern time-band pricing commonly requires smart metering and half-hourly data.
What time do “evening off-peak” rates usually start?
It depends on the tariff. Many “evening” windows start around early evening (for example 6pm or 7pm) and run for a few hours, but there’s no universal UK standard. Always check the tariff’s time bands in the product terms or tariff information label.
Can I get an evening-rate tariff if I’m on a prepayment meter?
Sometimes, but options can be limited. Availability varies by supplier, region, and whether you have a smart prepay meter. If you’re in debt or repaying arrears through your meter, switching may have additional restrictions.
Will I definitely save money with a cheap evening rate?
No. Savings depend on your full tariff (standing charge + peak rates), your region, and how much usage you can move into the cheap window. If you can’t shift enough electricity, the higher peak rate can make you worse off.
What should I check before switching to a time-of-use tariff?
Check: (1) the exact time bands and unit rates, (2) standing charge, (3) whether it’s fixed or variable, (4) exit fees, (5) smart meter/half-hourly reading requirements, and (6) whether your lifestyle lets you shift usage reliably.
Does the Energy Price Cap affect evening-rate tariffs?
Ofgem’s price cap limits the average amount suppliers can charge for standard variable tariffs (and sets guidance across regions and payment types), but time-of-use pricing structures vary. Your quote may still be within cap rules while having different rates by time band.
How long does switching take in the UK?
Many switches complete within a few working days, but it can vary. If you need a meter exchange or a smart meter installation/configuration for a time-of-use tariff, it may take longer.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page ownership
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- February 2026
How we assess “cheap evening rate” tariffs
We focus on whether a tariff is likely to be cheaper overall for an evening-shifting household, not just whether it has a low off-peak unit rate. When advising users to compare, we prioritise:
- Total estimated cost (unit rates across bands + standing charge), using the user’s postcode/region where possible
- Time bands and clarity (published hours, number of bands, weekend differences)
- Eligibility (smart meter requirement, half-hourly readings consent, prepay availability)
- Tariff structure (fixed vs variable, exit fees, contract length)
- Fit for household behaviour (how much usage can realistically be shifted into evenings)
Limitations: supplier rates change and availability can be restricted by region, meter type and payment method. The examples on this page are illustrative and exclude standing charges. Always confirm final rates in your personalised quote and tariff documents.
Independent UK sources we reference
- Ofgem (Great Britain energy regulator) — guidance on the price cap, switching and consumer protections
- Citizens Advice: energy — practical help with bills, meters and complaints
- GOV.UK — official government information (including support schemes when available)
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