Cheapest electric heating tariff UK this month (how to find it)

Electric heating can be expensive on a standard tariff. This guide shows how to identify the cheapest tariffs for electric heating in the UK this month, based on your meter type, payment method and when you use electricity.

  • Best options often depend on whether you can shift usage off‑peak (e.g. Economy 7, smart time‑of‑use)
  • We cover eligibility (meter type, region, credit vs prepay) and key pitfalls (standing charges, exit fees)
  • Get a whole‑of‑market quote in minutes with clear next steps
Get your electric heating quote How to choose the right tariff

Estimates only. Availability and prices vary by region, meter type, payment method and supplier terms.

Fast answer: what’s usually cheapest for electric heating?

There isn’t one single “cheapest electric heating tariff” for everyone in the UK each month. For most homes that rely on electricity for space heating (panel heaters, storage heaters, heat pumps), the cheapest option depends on when you use electricity and what meter you have.

If you can shift usage overnight

A two‑rate tariff (e.g. Economy 7) or a smart time‑of‑use tariff can be cheaper overall if a meaningful share of your heating/hot water runs off‑peak.

If your use is mostly daytime/evening

A competitive single‑rate tariff (one unit rate all day) may work out cheaper than Economy 7, because the day rate on E7 is often higher.

If you’re on prepayment

The cheapest choices can be more limited. It’s still worth comparing because unit rates and standing charges vary by supplier and region, even under the Ofgem price cap.

Key takeaway: the “cheapest tariff this month” is the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your actual day/night pattern (plus any fees), not simply the lowest advertised unit rate.

What you need to check (60 seconds)

  • Do you have single‑rate, Economy 7, Economy 10 or a smart meter?
  • Do you pay by Direct Debit or prepay?
  • Roughly what share of use can be off‑peak (e.g. storage heaters/hot water overnight)?
  • Any restrictions: tenancy rules, arrears, or needing a specific meter?

If you want the quickest answer

Use a whole‑of‑market comparison using your postcode and meter type. You’ll get an estimated annual cost and can see whether day/night pricing actually benefits you.

Compare electric heating tariffs with your postcode

Compare tariffs built for electric heating (whole of market)

Tell us a few basics and we’ll show suitable electricity tariffs for your home, including options that may work better for electric heating (single‑rate, Economy 7 and smart time‑of‑use where available).

Tip: If you have storage heaters or an immersion heater on a timer, include your current day vs night usage split if you know it. If not, we’ll explain how to estimate it below.

What counts as “electric heating” for tariff choice?

Storage heaters / hot water cylinder on timer
Often best‑matched to Economy 7/Economy 10 or other off‑peak pricing, if most charging happens overnight.
Panel heaters, electric radiators, underfloor electric
Typically heavy daytime/evening use; a strong single‑rate tariff can outperform Economy 7 unless you can shift meaningful use off‑peak.
Heat pumps
Often steady consumption; may benefit from time‑of‑use if you can pre‑heat or heat water off‑peak, but comfort and system settings matter.

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Important: If you’re on Economy 7/10, your meter configuration matters. We’ll help you identify it, but always confirm tariff details on the supplier’s quote before switching.

How to choose the cheapest electric heating tariff for your home

1) Identify your meter type (this drives eligibility)

  • Single‑rate: one unit rate all day.
  • Economy 7: day and night readings (two rates).
  • Economy 10: off‑peak is split across day/evening/night (less common; varies by region).
  • Smart meter: can support time‑of‑use tariffs (depends on supplier and meter configuration).

2) Estimate your off‑peak share (quick method)

If you have day/night readings on your bill, you already have the split. If not, use a practical estimate:

  • Storage heaters + timed hot water: often 35%–70% off‑peak (varies by habits and controls).
  • Panel heaters/electric radiators: often under 20% off‑peak.
  • Heat pump: commonly 15%–40% off‑peak depending on hot water scheduling and pre‑heat.

If your estimate is uncertain, compare a few splits (e.g. 20%, 40%, 60% off‑peak) to see the break‑even point.

3) Compare total cost, not just the cheapest unit rate

  • Standing charge can outweigh small unit rate differences, especially for low users.
  • Exit fees (fixed deals) can change the true cost if you may move home or switch again soon.
  • Payment method (Direct Debit vs prepay) affects available tariffs and pricing.
  • Regional pricing means a “cheap” tariff in one area may not be cheapest elsewhere.

Compare tariff types for electric heating (UK)

Use this table to narrow down which tariff type is most likely to be cheapest for your heating setup. Exact prices and availability vary by supplier, region and meter type.

Tariff type Best for Watch‑outs Eligibility clues
Single‑rate (one unit rate) Panel heaters, electric radiators; households home in evenings; low off‑peak share Can be costly if you have storage heaters but don’t access cheap off‑peak Most meters support it; easiest option if unsure
Economy 7 (two‑rate) Storage heaters; immersion hot water charging overnight; higher overnight use Day rate often higher; if you can’t shift usage, bills can rise You’ll typically have two meter readings (day/night) on your bill
Economy 10 (multi off‑peak periods) Some storage‑heating setups needing daytime top‑ups Less widely available; off‑peak times vary by region and meter Often legacy meters; may need supplier confirmation
Smart time‑of‑use (TOU) Homes able to shift some load (hot water, pre‑heating, appliances) to cheap windows Peak rates can be high; requires active management and compatible meter Typically requires a working smart meter in credit mode

Decision checklist: who it suits (and who it doesn’t)

  • Economy 7/10 suits you if you can reliably run heating/hot water in off‑peak hours (storage heaters, immersion on timer).
  • Economy 7/10 may not suit you if most heating happens 4pm–10pm (high day‑rate exposure).
  • Time‑of‑use suits you if you’re comfortable adapting schedules (or using timers) and you can avoid expensive peak windows.
  • Single‑rate suits you if your usage is spread across the day and you don’t have significant overnight heating load.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These simplified examples show why the cheapest option depends on your day/night split. Figures are illustrative and exclude standing charges.

Scenario A: Storage heaters (off‑peak heavy)
Annual use: 6,000 kWh. Off‑peak share: 60% (3,600 kWh night), day: 2,400 kWh.
Tariff 1 (Single‑rate): 24p/kWh → 6,000 × £0.24 = £1,440
Tariff 2 (Economy 7): day 30p/kWh, night 14p/kWh → (2,400 × £0.30) + (3,600 × £0.14) = £1,224
Estimated difference (energy only): £216/year lower on E7 in this example.

Scenario B: Panel heaters (evening heavy)
Annual use: 4,200 kWh. Off‑peak share: 15% (630 kWh night), day: 3,570 kWh.
Tariff 1 (Single‑rate): 24p/kWh → 4,200 × £0.24 = £1,008
Tariff 2 (Economy 7): day 30p/kWh, night 14p/kWh → (3,570 × £0.30) + (630 × £0.14) = £1,159
Estimated difference (energy only): £151/year higher on E7 in this example.

Assumptions: example unit rates for demonstration only; standing charges and supplier fees can change the outcome.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (electric heating)

These are the most common reasons a “cheap” electric heating tariff doesn’t work out cheapest on the bill.

Standing charges can dominate

Two tariffs can have similar unit rates, but different standing charges. If your property is small or well‑insulated (lower kWh), a lower standing charge can matter more than a slightly cheaper unit rate.

Economy 7 “day rate shock”

If you move to E7 but still heat mainly in the evening, the higher day rate can wipe out any cheap overnight benefit.

Off‑peak hours aren’t always the same

Economy 7 off‑peak times vary by region and meter setup, and may shift with daylight savings. Always confirm your actual switching times if you rely on overnight heating or hot water.

Exit fees and fixed-term restrictions

Some fixed tariffs charge exit fees if you leave before the end date. That matters if you’re renting, planning to move, or expect to switch again soon.

Also watch for:

  • Meter changes: switching from E7 to single‑rate (or vice versa) can require a meter reconfiguration or replacement.
  • Prepayment limitations: not all tariffs are available on prepay; pricing can differ from Direct Debit.
  • Warm Home Discount / support schemes: eligibility depends on circumstances; supplier participation can vary year to year.
  • Bundled or “add‑on” tariffs: always compare the total estimated annual cost, including any bundled services you don’t need.

FAQs: cheapest tariffs for electric heating

Is Economy 7 always the cheapest for electric heating?

No. Economy 7 can be cheaper if a substantial share of your heating/hot water runs overnight. If most use is daytime/evening (common with panel heaters), a single‑rate tariff can be cheaper overall.

How do I know if I’m on a day/night meter?

Check your bill: Economy 7 usually shows two electricity readings (often labelled Day/Night or Rate 1/Rate 2). Your meter itself may show two registers. If in doubt, your supplier can confirm your meter configuration.

Do Economy 7 times vary across the UK?

Yes. Off‑peak hours depend on your region and meter setup, and can differ from one property to another. If your heating relies on off‑peak charging, confirm your actual off‑peak window and set timers accordingly.

Can I get a time-of-use tariff without a smart meter?

Usually no. Most time‑of‑use tariffs require a compatible smart meter to measure usage by time band. Some households may also need to be in credit mode rather than prepayment, depending on supplier rules.

Will switching tariff affect my storage heaters?

It can. If your storage heaters or immersion heater are wired or timed to charge during off‑peak hours, moving away from an off‑peak tariff may increase costs. Always check how your heating is controlled and whether your tariff change requires timer adjustments.

Is the Ofgem price cap the cheapest tariff?

The Ofgem price cap is a limit on what suppliers can charge for certain default tariffs (and it varies by region and payment method). It’s not “the cheapest deal”. Fixed or alternative tariffs can be below or above it, depending on the market.

I rent my home—can I switch to a cheaper electric heating tariff?

In most cases, yes—if you pay the energy bills and your tenancy agreement doesn’t prohibit switching. However, changes that require a meter replacement or rewiring should be agreed with your landlord.

What if I have electric heating and solar panels?

Solar can reduce daytime imports, which may make a higher day rate less painful—but winter solar generation is lower when heating demand is highest. Compare tariffs using your expected seasonal pattern and check export arrangements separately if relevant.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page governance

How we assess “cheapest this month”

Because electricity prices vary by region, meter type and payment method, we don’t publish a single universal “winner”. Instead, we guide you to the cheapest eligible tariff for your circumstances by comparing estimated annual costs across available tariff types.

  • Inputs we use: postcode/region, meter type (single/E7/E10/smart), payment method, and your estimated annual consumption (kWh) and day/night split if relevant.
  • Primary metric: estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges), plus clear flags for exit fees and key eligibility constraints.
  • We emphasise suitability: we highlight when a tariff can look cheap but is risky for electric heating (e.g. high peak rates on TOU).

Limitations: Quotes are estimates and can change. Supplier availability, credit checks (where applicable), meter compatibility, and your real-world heating behaviour can affect your final costs.

Independent UK sources we reference

Find the cheapest tariff for your electric heating setup

Compare whole‑of‑market options by postcode and meter type, with clear flags for off‑peak suitability, standing charges and exit fees.

Get your energy quote Review tariff types first

Reminder: Always confirm your meter type (single-rate vs Economy 7/10 vs smart TOU) before switching—tariff eligibility and off‑peak times can vary.

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Updated on 13 Apr 2026