Should I switch to an off-peak electricity tariff in the UK?
If you can shift electricity use to evenings, nights or weekends, an off-peak tariff could cut your unit costs. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and see if switching makes sense for your home and usage.
- Check if you’d save with off-peak rates (e.g., Economy 7/10 and smart off-peak plans)
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes – not tied to one supplier
- Fast form, clear next steps, and switching support
Quotes are based on the details you provide. We’ll show available tariffs and highlight key terms like standing charge, off-peak hours and exit fees.
Compare off-peak electricity tariffs for your home
Off-peak tariffs can be a strong fit if you can move a meaningful chunk of electricity use into cheaper time windows. That often includes EV charging at home, running appliances overnight, or using electric heating with storage heaters.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Fill in the form and we’ll help you identify whether an off-peak plan is likely to reduce your annual bill — and what to watch out for (like higher daytime rates or standing charges).
Quick self-check: do off-peak rates suit you?
- Can you regularly use 30%+ of your electricity in the off-peak window?
- Do you have (or can you get) a smart meter or a suitable multi-rate meter?
- Are you comfortable with potentially higher peak/day unit rates?
Tip: If you have a smart meter, you may access more time-of-use options with varied off-peak windows. If you’re on a traditional multi-rate meter, Economy 7/10 style plans are common.
Who should switch to an off-peak electricity tariff?
An off-peak electricity tariff (often called a time-of-use tariff) is designed to reward households that can move usage away from the busiest times of day. It’s not automatically cheaper — it depends on your pattern of use.
Best fit
- EV owners charging mainly overnight
- Homes with storage heaters or hot water cylinders on timers
- People who can run appliances (dishwasher/washing machine) off-peak
- Households comfortable with smart scheduling
Could suit you
- Hybrid workers at home a few days a week (some daytime use, some flexible)
- Homes with solar + battery (ability to avoid peak import)
- Families who can shift some routine loads to evenings/weekends
Often not worth it
- High daytime usage (home all day, heavy cooking/electric heating in peak)
- Unable to run appliances overnight
- Low overall electricity use (savings may be small)
- If the peak rate jump outweighs off-peak savings
What is an off-peak electricity tariff (UK)?
An off-peak electricity tariff charges different unit rates depending on the time you use electricity. Typically you’ll pay a lower unit rate for a set number of hours (off-peak) and a higher unit rate outside that window (peak). You’ll also pay a daily standing charge, just like standard tariffs.
Key point: Off-peak tariffs are only cheaper overall if you can shift enough usage into the cheaper hours. If most of your usage stays in peak hours, you may pay more.
Common UK off-peak tariff types
Economy 7
Usually gives 7 hours of cheaper electricity overnight. Exact times vary by region and meter configuration. Often associated with storage heating and legacy multi-rate meters.
Economy 10
Typically offers 10 hours at a cheaper rate split across day and night in some regions. Availability can be more limited and depends on your meter and network area.
Smart time-of-use (TOU)
Requires a smart meter. Can include fixed cheap windows (e.g., night rates) or more dynamic pricing structures. Often popular for EV charging and battery optimisation.
EV-focused tariffs
Some suppliers offer tariffs tailored to EV drivers, with very low off-peak rates in defined hours. Always check how high the peak rate is, and whether the deal suits your overall household use.
How to decide if you should switch (in 5 steps)
Use this quick process to estimate whether an off-peak tariff is likely to reduce your costs. If you want a quicker answer, jump back to compare off-peak tariffs and we’ll help you assess your options.
- Work out your off-peak %. Look at your smart meter app or usage graphs. If you don’t have that, estimate the loads you can shift (EV charging, laundry, dishwashing, immersion heater).
- Check your current unit rate & standing charge. These are on your bill. You’ll compare them against peak and off-peak rates.
- Compare peak + off-peak pricing together. Don’t judge by the off-peak rate alone. A very cheap off-peak rate can come with a noticeably higher peak rate.
- Confirm off-peak hours for your meter and region. Economy 7/10 timings can vary, and smart tariffs may have specific windows (sometimes changing seasonally).
- Check contract terms. Look for exit fees, price guarantees, payment method requirements, and whether you’ll be moved to a different tariff at the end of your fix.
A practical rule of thumb
If you can reliably move a substantial load (like EV charging) into off-peak hours, off-peak tariffs often become more attractive. If your usage is mostly daytime, standard single-rate tariffs frequently work out better.
Economy 7 vs smart off-peak tariffs: what’s the difference?
Both aim to lower costs for usage at quieter times, but they’re set up differently. This matters for compatibility (your meter), convenience, and how predictable your bills are.
| Feature | Economy 7 / Economy 10 | Smart time-of-use |
|---|---|---|
| Meter requirement | Multi-rate meter (often traditional) | Smart meter typically required |
| Off-peak window | Set hours, often overnight; timings vary by area | Defined windows or more flexible structures depending on tariff |
| Pricing predictability | Usually straightforward day/night rates | Can be simple or more complex; read the rate schedule carefully |
| Best for | Storage heaters, overnight hot water, predictable night usage | EV charging, smart home scheduling, solar + battery optimisation |
| Potential drawback | Peak/day rate can be higher than standard tariffs | Tariff rules and windows vary; peak rates can be high |
Not sure which type you’re eligible for? Start with the comparison form — we’ll point you toward compatible options based on your location and details.
Costs, savings and common risks to watch
Where savings usually come from
- Cheaper kWh in off-peak hours for large loads (e.g., EV charging)
- Better matching between when you use electricity and when it’s cheaper to supply
- Smart scheduling (timers, EV charge schedules, appliance delay start)
EV example: If most of your charging happens overnight, the off-peak unit rate can have a bigger impact than small changes in standing charge.
What can make you worse off
- High peak rate for daytime use (cooking, working from home, electric heating)
- Off-peak hours don’t match your routine (or your meter switches at different times)
- Standing charge increases that offset unit savings
- Exit fees on fixed deals if you need to switch again
Always review the full tariff information: unit rates (peak/off-peak), standing charge, payment method requirements, and contract length.
Eligibility and practical setup (meters, hours and billing)
Your meter type
Economy 7/10 usually needs a multi-rate setup. Smart off-peak tariffs typically require a smart meter capable of recording half-hourly usage.
Off-peak hours
Off-peak times can vary by supplier, tariff and region. If you’re on Economy 7, confirm the exact switch times for your meter rather than relying on generic hours.
Billing and readings
Multi-rate tariffs record usage separately for peak and off-peak. Smart meters usually submit readings automatically. Make sure your bills show two (or more) registers where applicable.
If you’re moving from single-rate to off-peak
Some switches may involve meter configuration changes. Availability and process vary. We’ll help you identify compatible tariffs and what’s required for your home when you request a comparison.
Off-peak electricity tariff FAQs (UK)
Is Economy 7 the same as an off-peak tariff?
Economy 7 is a type of off-peak tariff with two rates (day and night). Off-peak also includes other time-of-use tariffs, including smart plans with different windows.
How do I know my off-peak hours?
Check your bill, online account, or supplier documentation for your exact meter switch times. For some setups, hours can differ by region and may not be a single continuous block.
Do I need a smart meter for off-peak?
Not always. Economy 7/10 can work with traditional multi-rate meters. Many newer time-of-use tariffs are designed around smart meters for accurate half-hourly readings.
Will switching affect my direct debit?
Potentially. Your supplier may adjust your direct debit based on expected usage split across peak and off-peak and your annual consumption. Monitor bills after switching to ensure it stays on track.
Can I switch back if it doesn’t suit me?
In most cases yes, but check for exit fees if you’re on a fixed tariff. If your meter setup changes, switching tariff types may involve additional steps.
Is off-peak only useful for EV owners?
No. Off-peak can help households with storage heaters, timed hot water, or anyone able to shift laundry and dishwashing to cheaper periods. EV charging is simply one of the biggest controllable loads.
Why homeowners use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare available home energy options rather than pushing a single supplier. That helps you judge off-peak deals in context.
Clarity on the details
We focus on the terms that matter: peak/off-peak unit rates, standing charge, hours, contract length, and fees.
Helpful support
If you’re unsure whether off-peak is right, we’ll help you evaluate the trade-offs before you commit.
Customer feedback: “I didn’t realise my daytime rate would be higher — EnergyPlus helped me pick an off-peak plan that matched our EV charging times.”
UK homeowner • Off-peak tariff comparison
Customer feedback: “The comparison was straightforward. I got a clear breakdown of peak/off-peak costs and what to change in our routine.”
UK homeowner • Time-of-use tariff review
Ready to see if off-peak will actually save you money?
Use our whole-of-market comparison to find off-peak tariffs available in your area and understand the trade-offs between peak and off-peak rates.
Home energy comparison for UK residents. Not for business use.
What you’ll need
- Postcode (to check regional availability)
- A contact email/number
- Rough idea of when you use electricity (day vs night)
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