Compare half-hourly electricity tariffs in the UK & cut your bill
Half-hourly tariffs can price your electricity differently every 30 minutes. If you can shift usage to cheaper periods (like overnight charging), the savings can be significant. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus.co.uk and see what you could pay.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not just one supplier)
- See whether half-hourly pricing beats your current tariff
- Great for EV charging, heat pumps, storage heaters and flexible households
- Quick form — we’ll match you with the best available options
No obligation. Home energy only. Availability depends on smart meter status, region and supplier criteria.
Compare half-hourly electricity tariffs for your home
A half-hourly tariff (also called dynamic or time-of-use pricing) can lower your unit rate during off-peak periods — but it can also be higher at peak times. The right deal depends on when you use electricity, whether you have an EV charger, and how much demand you can move to cheaper windows.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service. We’ll use your details to match you with suitable options and help you understand the trade-offs (including standing charges, peak pricing, and eligibility).
What you’ll need to get an accurate comparison
- Your postcode (for regional pricing)
- Whether you have a smart meter (SMETS2/communicating)
- Rough usage pattern (EV charging / night use / daytime)
- Your contact details so we can send your comparison options
Get your half-hourly tariff comparison
Complete the form and we’ll check whole-of-market options for your home. It takes about 60 seconds.
Already on a standard variable tariff?
Half-hourly pricing isn’t always cheaper than a good fixed tariff. We’ll compare both so you can choose the best value for your household.
Important: Half-hourly tariffs typically require a working smart meter that can send half-hourly readings. If your smart meter isn’t communicating, we can still compare alternatives and advise next steps.
Who can save most on half-hourly electricity tariffs?
Half-hourly pricing rewards flexibility. If you can avoid the most expensive times (often early evening), your average unit rate can drop.
EV owners & home charging
If you can schedule charging overnight or in low-cost windows, you may reduce the cost per mile. Pairing EV charging with smart scheduling can make dynamic tariffs particularly attractive.
High evening usage households
If your biggest consumption is 4–9pm (cooking, tumble dryer, showers, heating boosts), dynamic tariffs can cost more. We’ll help you spot this risk and compare against strong fixed deals.
Heat pumps & electric heating
Some homes can pre-heat or shift heating loads. If your system can run more off-peak (with comfort maintained), half-hourly pricing can improve overall running costs.
Battery storage & solar
With a home battery, you can charge at lower-cost times and use stored energy later. Export rates vary — we can compare options if you generate electricity too.
Flexible routines
Running the dishwasher, washing machine and immersion heater at off-peak times can lower your blended unit rate — even without an EV.
Data-savvy switchers
If you’re comfortable with prices that change, and you like tracking usage in an app, half-hourly tariffs can be a good fit — provided you understand peak-price exposure.
Tip: Not sure about your usage pattern? We can still run a comparison using your postcode and household details, then talk through whether a half-hourly tariff or a strong fixed deal is more likely to win.
How half-hourly electricity tariffs work in the UK
With a traditional tariff, you typically pay a fixed unit rate (p/kWh) plus a standing charge each day. With half-hourly pricing, the unit rate can change through the day, reflecting wholesale market conditions and system demand.
Half-hourly vs time-of-use vs dynamic
- Time-of-use: set peak/off-peak rates (e.g. cheaper overnight), usually predictable.
- Half-hourly / dynamic: unit rates can change every 30 minutes, often published day-ahead.
- EV tariffs: may be time-of-use or dynamic, designed to reward scheduled charging.
Smart meter note: Half-hourly billing needs half-hourly readings. Most suppliers require a compatible smart meter (commonly SMETS2) that’s successfully communicating.
What changes on your bill
| Bill component | What to check |
|---|---|
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Changes every 30 minutes (dynamic) or by time bands (TOU). Peak windows can be expensive. |
| Standing charge | Still applies daily. Some deals have higher standing charges—important for low-usage homes. |
| Billing & readings | Smart meter readings are used. Check how the supplier presents half-hourly costs and whether an app is included. |
| Exit fees / term | Dynamic tariffs may be rolling, but not always. We’ll compare contract terms and any fees. |
You don’t need to manually switch appliances on and off every 30 minutes. Many households save by shifting a few big loads (especially EV charging) into consistently cheaper periods.
How to compare half-hourly tariffs properly
- Start with your current costs: unit rate, standing charge, and typical monthly bill.
- Identify shiftable usage: EV charging, washing/drying, dishwashing, immersion heating, battery charging.
- Check your smart meter status: communicating smart meters unlock more options.
- Compare like-for-like: include standing charge and realistic peak usage, not just the cheapest half-hour.
- Choose based on risk tolerance: dynamic pricing can vary; some households prefer predictable fixed rates.
Half-hourly tariff costs & savings: what to expect
Savings depend on your household’s flexibility and the specific tariff rules. Some deals offer consistently low overnight rates; others track half-hourly wholesale prices more closely, which can be cheap overnight but volatile at peak times.
Where savings usually come from
- Off-peak charging: moving EV charging to cheaper periods can reduce average unit cost.
- Load shifting: running high-consumption appliances outside peak windows.
- Battery optimisation: charge cheap, use later (where applicable).
- Better matching: a whole-of-market comparison helps you find the deal structure that fits your usage.
Costs people overlook
- Standing charge differences: a low unit rate can be offset by a higher daily charge.
- Peak-time exposure: cooking and heating boosts can land in pricey windows.
- Exit fees / terms: check whether you’re locked in and what happens if you switch again.
- Meter readiness: a non-communicating smart meter can limit half-hourly options.
A simple way to sanity-check a half-hourly tariff
Ask: “If I do nothing different, would I still be comfortable with the likely peak prices and standing charge?” If the answer is no, you may be better with a fixed or structured time-of-use tariff. Use the comparison form and we’ll highlight the safer options.
Common mistakes when switching to half-hourly tariffs
Comparing only the cheapest hour
Half-hourly tariffs can look amazing in the cheapest window — but your bill is driven by the average price you pay over the whole week.
Ignoring the standing charge
Especially for smaller households, a higher standing charge can cancel out unit-rate savings. We always compare the full cost picture.
Not planning for peak-time life
Even if you schedule EV charging overnight, you still cook dinner and run lights in the evening. The best tariffs fit your real routine.
Assuming any smart meter works
Some meters don’t communicate reliably. We can help you understand whether your setup is likely to support half-hourly billing.
Forgetting contract terms
Rolling tariffs and fixed terms behave differently. We’ll show what you’re committing to and whether exit fees apply.
Using a one-size-fits-all recommendation
The “best” tariff for an EV household can be wrong for someone with high evening usage and no flexibility. Whole-of-market comparison matters.
Half-hourly electricity tariffs UK: FAQs
Do I need a smart meter for half-hourly tariffs?
In most cases, yes. Suppliers usually require a smart meter that can provide half-hourly readings and is actively communicating. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll advise based on what’s typical in your region.
Are half-hourly tariffs always cheaper?
No. They can be cheaper if you use more electricity in low-cost periods, but they can be more expensive for households with heavy peak-time usage. We compare against good fixed and time-of-use deals so you can choose confidently.
Can I use a half-hourly tariff with an EV charger?
Yes — and it’s one of the most common reasons people switch. If your charger or vehicle supports scheduled charging, you can target cheaper half-hours automatically.
What happens if prices spike?
With dynamic tariffs, your unit rate can rise during high-demand periods. Some households manage this by shifting flexible loads, setting price alerts (where offered), or choosing more structured time bands rather than fully dynamic pricing.
Will switching affect my supply or cause downtime?
No. Switching supplier should not interrupt your electricity supply. Your meter and wiring stay the same; only the billing and tariff change.
Is this page only for EV owners?
No. EV charging can make benefits clearer, but any home with flexible usage may benefit. This page is for UK home energy (not business supply).
Still deciding? Start with the comparison form — we’ll explain which tariff type fits your household profile before you switch.
What UK households say about comparing with EnergyPlus
We focus on clarity: explaining peak vs off-peak costs, standing charges, and whether half-hourly pricing is genuinely suitable for your routine.
“I thought a half-hourly tariff would automatically be cheaper. EnergyPlus helped me compare properly and I went for a time-of-use plan that fits our evenings.”
“We charge the car overnight and the comparison made it obvious which supplier offered the best overall value including standing charge.”
“Simple form, clear explanation, no pressure. I understood the risks of peak pricing before switching.”
Trust & transparency: We’ll show you the key numbers that matter (unit rates, standing charges, terms) and explain what needs to change in your routine for half-hourly pricing to pay off.
Ready to see your best half-hourly tariff options?
Use our whole-of-market comparison to find the right balance of off-peak value and peak-time protection — based on your postcode and household needs.
- Home energy comparison (UK)
- Clear explanation of trade-offs before you switch
- Fast results with a simple form
Start your comparison
Jump back to the form and get your options.
No supply interruption when switching. Tariff availability varies by region and smart meter status.
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