Should I switch to a time-of-use tariff in the UK this month?
Find out whether a time-of-use (TOU) energy tariff could cut your bills right now—based on your household, your meter, and when you use electricity. Compare whole-of-market UK options with EnergyPlus and switch with confidence.
- Check if off-peak rates actually beat your current unit price
- See who benefits most (EVs, heat pumps, night usage, smart meters)
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs available for your postcode
- Switch online—no business tariffs, home energy only
Estimates depend on your usage, meter type and supplier availability. We compare whole-of-market where available in your area.
Quick answer: should you switch this month?
A time-of-use tariff (TOU) charges different unit rates at different times of day—typically cheaper off-peak and higher peak. Switching can be worth it this month if you can move a meaningful share of your electricity use to off-peak hours (for example, EV charging overnight or running appliances when rates are lowest).
The decision is mostly about three things:
- Your load-shifting potential: can you reliably use power at low-rate times?
- Your meter setup: many TOU tariffs require a smart meter (or a specific multi-rate meter).
- Current deal vs available deals: the best TOU tariff isn’t always cheaper than a good single-rate fixed/variable option.
Home energy only: This page focuses on domestic electricity and dual fuel. For businesses, tariff structures and eligibility differ.
Use this 60-second check before you compare
Likely to suit TOU
- EV charger at home (or planning one)
- Heat pump / immersion use overnight
- Flexible routines (dishwasher, washing, tumble dryer)
- Smart meter already installed
Often better on single-rate
- Most usage happens 4pm–9pm
- Little/no overnight consumption
- No smart meter and can’t get one soon
- Already on a very competitive fixed deal
Compare time-of-use tariffs near you
Tell us a few details and we’ll show time-of-use options available for your home, including off-peak windows and estimated costs.
Tip: If you have your latest bill handy, check whether you’re on a single-rate tariff, Economy 7, or a specific smart TOU plan. We’ll still help you compare even if you’re not sure.
Who benefits most from a time-of-use tariff?
Time-of-use tariffs can make sense when you can shift demand. The more electricity you move into cheaper periods, the more a higher peak rate matters less.
EV drivers charging at home
If you can charge overnight (or during a dedicated low-rate window), you can often reduce the cost per mile compared with charging during peak times. This page sits in our EV charger hub, but the tariff advice is for home electricity generally.
Homes with flexible appliance use
Dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers are ideal for timers. Even shifting a few kWh per day to off-peak can add up over a month.
Heat pumps & electric heating
If your system can pre-heat your home or hot water when rates are low, a TOU tariff may help. Comfort comes first—avoid plans that push most usage into expensive periods.
Smart meter households
Many smart TOU tariffs require a working smart meter for accurate half-hourly pricing and billing. If yours is installed and communicating, switching can be smoother.
Families out during the day
If your peak window is late afternoon/evening and you’re not home much then, you may naturally avoid higher rates (depending on the tariff structure).
Tariff planners who like control
TOU works best when you’re happy to plan usage. If you prefer predictable pricing with minimal effort, a good single-rate deal may be a better fit.
How time-of-use tariffs work in the UK
A time-of-use tariff changes your unit rate (p/kWh) depending on the time and sometimes the day. You’ll still usually pay a standing charge. Some tariffs have two rates (peak/off-peak). Others have three or more (for example, ultra-low overnight, shoulder, and peak).
Typical UK TOU structures you may see
When comparing, look beyond the headline off-peak price: check the peak unit rate, standing charge, and whether the cheap window matches your actual routine.
Steps to decide if switching this month is right
- Check your meter: do you have a working smart meter or a legacy multi-rate meter?
- Review your last bill: note your current unit rate(s) and standing charge.
- Estimate off-peak share: how much can you realistically shift (e.g., EV charging, laundry, hot water)?
- Compare whole-of-market: include TOU and non-TOU deals to avoid tunnel vision.
- Sanity-check the peak window: if the expensive period aligns with cooking and heating, savings may disappear.
- Switch at the right time: watch for exit fees and end dates on fixed deals.
Good to know: Some TOU tariffs are designed for EV charging and may include specific overnight hours. Availability depends on supplier and region—your postcode matters.
Costs, savings and common mistakes
Time-of-use tariffs can reduce bills—but they can also increase them if your usage sits in peak times. Use the checks below to avoid a costly switch.
What can change on a TOU tariff
- Peak unit rate: can be materially higher than standard tariffs.
- Standing charge: may be similar or higher depending on supplier.
- Off-peak window: set hours vs variable bands.
- Contract terms: fixed vs variable, and any exit fees.
If you’re on a fixed tariff, check for early exit fees and your contract end date. Switching “this month” is best when you can avoid penalties and start benefiting from off-peak use immediately.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Chasing the cheapest off-peak rate while ignoring a very expensive peak rate.
- Assuming weekends are always cheaper (some tariffs price weekends differently; others don’t).
- Not aligning EV charging schedules with the actual off-peak window.
- Forgetting day-to-day habits like cooking, showers, and heating in peak hours.
Practical tip: If you can’t shift at least a noticeable chunk of usage (often 20–30%+), compare against a competitive single-rate tariff as your baseline.
Regional and meter considerations
Postcode availability
Some TOU tariffs are offered only in certain regions or require specific meter configurations. Comparing by postcode helps you avoid dead ends.
Smart meter readiness
If you don’t have a smart meter, you may still be able to switch—but some TOU plans need half-hourly readings. If your meter isn’t communicating, billing can be slower to settle.
Economy 7 vs smart TOU
Economy 7 is a type of time-of-use tariff with a long history. Modern TOU plans can have different windows and pricing—don’t assume they behave the same.
Time-of-use tariff FAQs (UK)
Do I need a smart meter for a time-of-use tariff?
Often, yes—especially for smart or dynamic TOU tariffs. Some two-rate tariffs can work on compatible multi-rate meters. When you compare with us, we’ll help identify which options suit your setup.
Will a TOU tariff affect my gas price?
Time-of-use pricing mainly applies to electricity. If you’re on a dual fuel deal, your gas rate is typically separate. We can compare electricity-only or dual fuel, depending on your home.
Is switching risky during winter or colder months?
It depends on when you use electricity for heating and hot water. If the tariff has a strong peak window that matches your highest use, costs can rise. Compare carefully and prioritise comfort and routine.
Can I switch back if it doesn’t work out?
Yes, but check whether the tariff is fixed and includes exit fees. Variable tariffs often have more flexibility. We’ll highlight key terms when you compare.
Are time-of-use tariffs the same as Economy 7?
Economy 7 is a type of TOU tariff with set off-peak hours (usually overnight). Modern TOU tariffs may offer different windows, more bands, or dynamic pricing. Always compare the full rate structure.
How quickly can I switch this month?
Switching times vary by supplier and meter setup. If you’re out of contract or near the end of a fixed term, switching can be straightforward. If a smart meter installation is needed, timelines may be longer.
Still unsure? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you see if TOU is better than a standard tariff for your home this month.
Trust & social proof
People typically switch when the options are clear and the terms are easy to compare. Here’s what customers value when using a comparison service.
“I didn’t realise the peak rate could wipe out the cheap overnight price. The comparison made it obvious what would actually suit our routines.”
“We charge an EV at home and the off-peak window was the deciding factor. Switching felt straightforward once we’d compared the full structure.”
“Helpful to see TOU and standard tariffs side-by-side. We stayed on single-rate and still saved—good to know.”
Whole-of-market approach: We aim to help you compare the right tariff type for your home—time-of-use or not—based on what’s available in your area.
Ready to see if a time-of-use tariff is worth it this month?
Compare available UK home energy tariffs for your postcode—including time-of-use options—then choose the one that fits your routine, not just a headline rate.
- Whole-of-market comparison where available
- Clear view of peak vs off-peak pricing
- Switch support for domestic customers
Start your comparison
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