How to switch to a cheaper time of use tariff in the UK
A step-by-step, UK-specific guide to moving to a time of use (TOU) electricity tariff—what you need, what to check, and how to avoid expensive surprises.
- Check whether your meter and payment method are eligible (smart meter often required).
- Compare the unit rates by time band (not just the headline off-peak price) and the standing charge.
- Switch safely: understand exit fees, read timings (GMT/BST), and confirm when the new rates start.
Estimates only. Tariffs, time bands and eligibility vary by supplier, meter type, region and payment method.
Fast answer: how to switch to a cheaper time of use tariff
To switch to a cheaper time of use (TOU) tariff in the UK, you’ll usually need a smart meter (or a compatible meter), then compare tariffs based on your actual usage by time of day, and complete a normal supplier switch (or re-tariff with your current supplier). The “cheapest” TOU tariff is the one that matches when you use electricity—typically overnight EV charging, heat pump pre-heating, or shifting appliances off-peak.
1) Check eligibility
Smart meter status, payment method, and whether your meter can record half-hourly readings.
2) Compare full pricing
Look at all time bands (off-peak, peak, shoulder) plus the standing charge and any T&Cs.
3) Switch safely
Confirm exit fees, start date, and time windows (including GMT/BST). Keep records and meter readings.
Key takeaway: A TOU tariff can reduce your bill only if you can reliably move enough electricity use into cheaper hours. If most of your usage stays in peak hours, TOU can cost more.
How switching to a time of use tariff works (UK steps)
Switching to TOU is similar to switching any home energy tariff—what changes is how your electricity is priced across the day. Follow these steps to avoid common TOU traps.
- Confirm your meter type. Most TOU tariffs require a working smart meter (SMETS2 is most common). Some older multi-rate meters may be eligible for certain tariffs, but availability is limited.
- Collect what you’ll need to compare. Current supplier + tariff name, your payment method (Direct Debit / prepay / receipt-of-bill), and your postcode (regional pricing affects the standing charge and unit rates).
- Estimate your usage by time band. If you have a smart meter, your In-Home Display or app may show usage patterns. If not, use realistic assumptions (see scenarios below).
- Compare TOU tariffs on total cost, not the headline rate. Check: off-peak unit rate(s), peak unit rate(s), any shoulder rates, standing charge, and whether there are restrictions (e.g., EV-only eligibility, smart charging requirements).
- Check contract terms. Look for exit fees, fixed term length, and how time windows are defined (some specify GMT, some local time, and some change at BST).
- Apply to switch. If switching supplier, your new supplier normally manages the switch. You usually won’t lose power. Take meter readings when prompted (your supplier may use smart reads automatically).
- After switching: validate your first bill. Ensure your time bands have been applied correctly and your readings are sensible. Raise issues early with your supplier.
Practical tip: If you can’t reliably shift usage, consider a standard variable or fixed tariff instead. “Off-peak cheap” can be offset by higher peak rates and standing charges.
Get a TOU quote (whole-of-market comparison)
Tell us a few basics and we’ll show TOU options you may be eligible for, with clear time bands and estimated costs.
Before you submit: If you’re on a fixed tariff, check whether there’s an exit fee. If you have a prepayment meter, TOU availability may be limited.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show how TOU can help (or not). They’re illustrative and use simple maths—your actual prices and time bands will vary by supplier, region and meter.
Scenario A: EV driver who charges overnight
- Assumptions
- 4,200 kWh/year electricity use (typical-ish for EV household).
- EV charging: 1,800 kWh/year shifted to off-peak.
- Rates (illustrative): Off-peak 12p/kWh; Peak 35p/kWh; Standing charge 55p/day.
Estimated annual electricity cost (energy only):
- Off-peak: 1,800 kWh × £0.12 = £216
- Peak/other: 2,400 kWh × £0.35 = £840
- Total (excl. standing charge): £1,056
- Standing charge: 365 × £0.55 = £200.75
- Total incl. standing charge: £1,256.75
Why it can work: a large chunk of usage is genuinely moved into cheaper hours (and can be automated with smart charging).
Scenario B: No EV, mostly evening usage
- Assumptions
- 2,900 kWh/year electricity use.
- Only 400 kWh/year can move off-peak (dishwasher, washing machine).
- Rates (illustrative): Off-peak 12p/kWh; Peak 35p/kWh; Standing charge 55p/day.
Estimated annual electricity cost (energy only):
- Off-peak: 400 kWh × £0.12 = £48
- Peak/other: 2,500 kWh × £0.35 = £875
- Total (excl. standing charge): £923
- Standing charge: 365 × £0.55 = £200.75
- Total incl. standing charge: £1,123.75
Why it may not: most usage remains in the higher-priced window. A flat-rate tariff could be cheaper even with a slightly higher overnight rate.
If you want, we can model a TOU estimate from your household details. The key is the percentage of your electricity you can put into off-peak, and whether your tariff has more than two time bands.
Compare time of use tariffs: what to look at (not just the off-peak rate)
TOU tariffs come in a few common “shapes”. The right one depends on your meter, your lifestyle, and whether you can automate usage (EV, battery, heat pump controls).
Important: Time bands and prices vary by supplier and region. Always confirm the exact hours (and whether they use GMT/BST) before switching.
| TOU type | Typical use case | What usually makes it cheaper | Common watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-rate (day/night) | Night-shift households, some EV charging, storage heaters (legacy setups) | You can consistently move meaningful kWh into the night rate | Day rate can be higher; exact night hours can differ; standing charge still matters |
| 3+ band (peak/shoulder/off-peak) | Home workers who can avoid early evening peaks; smart home scheduling | You can avoid the most expensive “peak” window most days | Harder to estimate; you need to understand your pattern by hour |
| EV-focused TOU | Drivers charging at home, especially with smart charging | Very low off-peak window for charging-heavy households | May require EV/charger compatibility; peak rates can be high |
| Solar + battery friendly TOU | Homes with solar/battery shifting import/export | Charge battery off-peak, use stored power at peak | Export rates and rules vary; check whether export is separate or bundled |
Decision checklist: TOU usually suits you if…
- You can shift a predictable chunk of usage to off-peak (EV charging, laundry, immersion heater).
- You’re comfortable scheduling appliances (or you have automation).
- Your household can avoid high-peak windows most weekdays.
- You have (or can get) a smart meter that sends half-hourly readings.
TOU may not suit you if…
- Most of your usage is in the early evening and can’t be moved (cooking, heating, family routines).
- You’re on prepayment and TOU options are limited in your area.
- You’re on a fixed tariff with a significant exit fee (check if savings would outweigh it).
- Your meter can’t support TOU readings yet and a smart meter install would be needed.
Quick self-check: If you can move 25–40% of your electricity into cheaper hours, TOU is often worth modelling. Below that, it depends heavily on the peak rate and standing charge (and the number of time bands).
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
Most issues people face with TOU switching are avoidable. Here are the main ones, with what to check before you commit.
Exit fees on fixed tariffs
If you’re in a fixed deal, switching early may cost. Compare the exit fee against the estimated TOU benefit over the remaining term.
Standing charge differences
A slightly cheaper unit rate can be wiped out by a higher standing charge (which varies by region and meter set-up).
Peak rates can be very high
Some TOU tariffs “fund” the cheap hours with a steep peak price. Check your likely peak usage first.
Time windows (GMT vs BST)
Ask the supplier how off-peak hours are defined. If your cheap window shifts with the clocks, your EV or appliance schedules may need updating.
What to do: When you switch, set a calendar reminder for the next clock change to re-check schedules.
Smart meter & data issues
If your smart meter isn’t communicating, billing can be delayed or estimated. TOU is more sensitive to missing half-hourly reads.
What to do: Confirm your meter sends readings reliably before switching, or choose a tariff that suits your meter status.
Other exclusions to watch
- Payment method: some tariffs are only available by Direct Debit.
- Prepayment meters: TOU availability can be limited; check before you start the switch.
- Dual fuel bundling: electricity TOU might look great, but check gas pricing too if you want a single supplier.
- EV / charger requirements: “EV tariffs” may require an eligible EV, charger, or smart charging integration.
- Export tariffs: if you have solar, export is often separate—ensure you’re not accidentally losing a good export rate.
FAQs: switching to a time of use tariff
Do I need a smart meter for a TOU tariff?
In many cases, yes. TOU pricing typically relies on half-hourly readings, which smart meters provide. Some multi-rate setups may work for specific tariffs, but options are usually narrower. If you’re unsure, get a quote and we’ll flag likely eligibility.
Will switching affect my supply or cause downtime?
Normally no—switching supplier or tariff should not interrupt your electricity supply. Your new supplier typically handles the process. Keep an eye on your email/SMS for any meter reading requests.
How do I know if TOU will be cheaper for me?
Focus on the share of electricity you can move to the cheap window. EV charging, hot water heating and laundry are common candidates. Then compare: (1) peak rates, (2) off-peak rates, (3) standing charge, (4) time windows and restrictions. If only a small amount moves off-peak, TOU can be more expensive.
Can I switch to TOU if I’m renting?
Usually yes, if you pay the energy bills and you’re the named account holder. If a smart meter install is needed, you may need your landlord’s permission (particularly if there’s any change to the property). Always keep a record of what was agreed.
What if my cheap hours don’t match my EV charging schedule?
Check whether your charger or vehicle can schedule charging to the exact off-peak window, and whether the supplier defines times in GMT or local time. If your tariff has multiple bands, ensure your schedule avoids the peak band—even partial overlap can raise costs.
Are TOU tariffs available on prepayment meters?
Sometimes, but availability is more limited and depends on supplier, meter type and location. If you’re on prepay, compare carefully and check eligibility before you start a switch.
How long does it take to switch to a TOU tariff?
If you’re switching supplier, timescales vary. Some switches can be completed quickly, but it can take longer where meter details need checking or where a smart meter install/commissioning is required. Your supplier should confirm the start date of TOU rates.
Do I need to give meter readings on TOU?
If your smart meter is communicating, readings are usually automatic. If it isn’t, you may need to provide readings more often, and billing may be estimated. Because TOU depends on timing, accurate reads matter more than on a single-rate tariff.
Trust, transparency and how we assess TOU tariffs
Our methodology (plain English)
When we help customers compare TOU tariffs, we focus on the total estimated annual cost based on likely consumption across each time band. We do not rank tariffs purely on the lowest off-peak rate.
- Inputs we consider: postcode/region, payment method, meter type (smart/legacy), electricity usage, and (where known) off-peak shifting potential (EV/heat pump/battery habits).
- What we compare: unit rates for each time band, standing charge, tariff type (fixed/variable), contract length, and key restrictions/eligibility criteria.
- Assumptions in this guide’s examples: illustrative p/kWh and standing charges, simple annual kWh split into peak vs off-peak for clarity.
- Limitations: supplier availability and pricing can change; smart meter data quality can affect billing; some tariffs have complex banding that needs a household-specific estimate.
No guarantees: Any savings are estimates only. Your outcome depends on actual usage timing, your region, and the tariff terms you accept.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — consumer guidance and rules around switching and smart metering.
- Citizens Advice energy advice — help with switching, billing issues and complaints routes.
- GOV.UK smart meters guidance — overview of smart meters and how they work.
Ready to check whether a TOU tariff could cut your electricity costs?
Compare UK time of use tariffs with clear time bands, eligibility notes and estimated costs—based on your postcode and household details.
Note: The secondary button above links to the checklist section. If you prefer, you can also read the costs & pitfalls first.
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