Should I switch to an Economy 7 tariff without an EV?

Economy 7 without an EV: when it can make sense

Economy 7 is a two-rate electricity tariff: a cheaper night unit rate for around 7 hours and a higher day unit rate for the remaining hours. You do not need an electric vehicle to benefit—many homes use Economy 7 for storage heaters, immersion water heaters, and other loads they can shift overnight.

The catch: if most of your electricity use happens in the day (cooking, washing, daytime heating), Economy 7 can cost more than a single-rate tariff. The decision comes down to your night-time usage share, the supplier’s day/night pricing, and whether you can schedule appliances safely.

What EnergyPlus compares (whole-of-market approach)

• Economy 7 tariffs and single-rate electricity tariffs available in your area
• Day & night unit rates plus standing charges (where available)
• Tariff types, including fixed, variable, and selected smart/off-peak options

Homes with storage heaters

Traditional storage heaters charge overnight and release heat in the day—this is the classic Economy 7 use-case. It can be cost-effective if your heating is mostly electric.

Immersion hot-water users

If you heat hot water using an immersion heater, running it mainly during off-peak hours can move meaningful kWh into the cheaper rate.

People who can shift usage overnight

If you can run laundry and dishwashing overnight (safely and in line with manufacturer guidance), you may benefit—especially in high-use homes.

All-electric flats

Many flats are electricity-only. If your heating/hot water can be scheduled, Economy 7 may be a better fit than a standard single-rate tariff.

Smart home scheduling

Timers, smart plugs and appliance delay-start modes can help you consistently hit off-peak hours—key for making Economy 7 worthwhile.

Not ideal for day-heavy use

If you’re home all day, cook frequently, or use electric heating in daytime, the higher day rate can outweigh savings from the night rate.

Typical off-peak times (not universal)

Off-peak is usually overnight, but the exact hours vary by region, meter type, and supplier. Some areas split the 7 hours (for example, blocks either side of midnight). Always confirm your meter’s switching times before changing habits.

What changes when you switch

• Your bill is priced with two unit rates (day and night) plus a standing charge
• Your habits matter more: you’ll usually need to shift usage to off-peak
• If you have a smart meter, multi-rate setup may be simpler than changing a legacy meter

Step 1: Estimate your off-peak share

• 0–15% off-peak: Economy 7 is usually poor value
• 15–30% off-peak: could work if the night rate is much cheaper and standing charge isn’t higher
• 30%+ off-peak: often worth comparing seriously

If you have storage heaters or an immersion heater set overnight, your off-peak share may be naturally higher.

Step 2: Check what you can move overnight

• Hot water heating (immersion, heat store)
• Laundry and dishwashing (delay start / timers)
• Dehumidifier, tumble drying (only if safe and appropriate)
• Home battery storage (if you have one)

Where the savings come from

Economy 7 savings come from paying a lower unit rate for electricity used in the off-peak window. To benefit, the cheaper night rate must outweigh:

• the higher daytime unit rate, and
• any differences in standing charge

For many households without shiftable loads, a single-rate tariff remains simpler and cheaper. But for electric heating/hot water, Economy 7 can be a better match.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Not checking off-peak hours for your meter/region before changing routines
2. Assuming all Economy 7 tariffs are equal (day/night spreads vary a lot)
3. Forgetting standing charge differences when comparing
4. Switching without a plan to move enough usage overnight
5. Reading the meter incorrectly (two registers: day and night)

Do I need an EV for Economy 7?

No. Economy 7 pre-dates electric cars. It’s designed for households that can use more electricity overnight—most commonly storage heaters and hot-water heating.

Will I need a new meter?

Not always. Many homes already have a two-rate meter. If you’re on a smart meter, your supplier may be able to configure multi-rate billing. If a meter exchange is required, your supplier will confirm the process.

What are the Economy 7 times?

They vary by meter and region. Some are a continuous 7-hour window overnight; others are split into blocks. Your bill, meter, or supplier can confirm the exact switching times for your setup.

Is Economy 7 cheaper than standard tariffs?

It can be, but only if enough of your usage falls in the off-peak window and the tariff’s day/night pricing works in your favour. For daytime-heavy usage, it can be more expensive.

How do I read an Economy 7 meter?

You’ll typically have two readings/registers: one for day and one for night. Some meters show labels such as “Rate 1/Rate 2”. If unsure, confirm with your supplier before submitting readings.

Can I switch back if it doesn’t suit me?

In many cases, yes, but the availability depends on suppliers and meter setup. If switching requires a meter configuration change, your supplier will explain any constraints or fees before you proceed.

Whole-of-market mindset

We focus on finding the best fit for your home’s usage pattern—day-heavy, night-heavy, or mixed—rather than pushing one tariff type.

Plain-English guidance

Economy 7 can be confusing. We help you understand off-peak hours, day/night unit rates, and what needs to change for savings.

UK postcode accuracy

Energy prices vary by region. Using your postcode helps surface tariffs and charges relevant to where you live.