Best tariff for an all‑electric home in the UK
A practical guide to choosing the right electricity tariff if you don’t use mains gas (including heat pumps, storage heaters and EV charging). Compare what actually matters: unit rates, standing charges, meter type, and your usage pattern.
- Find out whether you’re better on a single‑rate, Economy 7/10, or smart off‑peak tariff
- See two realistic cost scenarios (with assumptions) so you can benchmark your home
- Check common pitfalls: heat pump compatibility, storage heater timing, EV “boost” rates, exit fees
Estimates only. Tariffs, eligibility and rates vary by region, meter type and supplier. Always check the supplier’s tariff information label before switching.
Fast answer: the “best” tariff depends on when you use electricity
For most all‑electric UK homes, the best tariff is the one that matches your meter and your day vs night usage. You’re usually deciding between:
Single‑rate (standard)
Often best if most usage is daytime/evening and you can’t reliably shift demand off‑peak.
Economy 7 / Economy 10
Can suit storage heaters and some heat‑pump homes if a large share of usage can happen overnight (or in E10 day off‑peak windows).
Smart off‑peak / EV tariffs
Good if you have a smart meter and can automate EV charging or appliance use in cheap windows (terms and peak rates vary).
Key takeaway: For an all‑electric home, small differences in standing charge and peak unit rate can matter as much as a headline “cheap night rate”. Always check the full rate card and the hours that apply in your region.
If you have storage heaters
Start with Economy 7/10 if your heating is wired to charge off‑peak and your meter supports it. If you mostly use panel heaters at peak times, a good single‑rate tariff may be safer.
If you have a heat pump
Many heat pumps run across the day. Off‑peak tariffs can still work if your system can pre‑heat hot water or pre‑warm the home overnight without harming comfort.
If you charge an EV at home
A smart EV tariff can reduce charging costs, but check the day rate and standing charge—they can be higher to “pay for” the cheap window.
How to choose the best electricity tariff for an all‑electric home
Use this quick process before you compare deals. It helps you avoid switching to a tariff that looks cheap but doesn’t match your real‑world usage.
- Confirm your meter type: single‑rate, Economy 7/10, or smart meter. Your current bill (or online account) should show this. If you’re unsure, your supplier can confirm.
- Check your day vs night split (if multi‑rate): look for separate readings labelled “day/normal” and “night/low”. If you have a smart meter, your app may show half‑hourly usage.
- List big electric loads: heating (storage heaters/heat pump/panel heaters), hot water immersion, tumble dryer, dishwasher, cooking, EV charging.
- Decide what you can shift off‑peak: EV charging, immersion heating, laundry, dishwasher. If you can’t shift much, prioritise a lower peak rate and standing charge.
- Compare the full tariff details: unit rate(s), standing charge, contract length, exit fees, and payment method (direct debit vs prepayment). For multi‑rate, confirm the off‑peak hours in your region.
Important: Economy 7 times are set by your meter and local network arrangements—they are not identical across the UK, and they can differ from supplier “illustrations”. If the cheap hours don’t match your lifestyle, savings may disappear.
Two quick self-checks (worth doing)
Check 1: If you moved to a two‑rate tariff, could you realistically get 35–45% of usage into off‑peak hours? If not, single‑rate may be safer.
Check 2: Would a higher standing charge wipe out the benefit? In low‑usage flats, standing charge can dominate bills.
Get a tailored quote for your all‑electric home
Tell us where you live and how to contact you. We’ll compare whole‑of‑market options based on your meter type and usage pattern.
Good to know: If you’re on a prepayment meter, or you have an older Economy 7 setup, some tariffs may not be available until your meter is upgraded. We’ll highlight suitable options.
Compare tariff types for all‑electric homes
This table focuses on what typically changes your bill the most: how many rates you pay, the ability to shift usage, and eligibility constraints (smart meter, specific meters, payment method). Always confirm exact rates and tariff hours with the supplier.
| Tariff type | How it works | Best for | Watch outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single‑rate | One unit rate all day + standing charge. | Most flats/houses without storage heating or where usage is mainly daytime/evening. | If you can shift lots of usage overnight, you may miss cheaper off‑peak options. |
| Economy 7 | Two unit rates: day (higher) + night (lower) for ~7 hours. Times vary by region/meter. | Storage heaters, immersion hot water, EV charging overnight (if you can schedule it). | Day rate can be significantly higher. Poor fit if most heating happens at peak times. |
| Economy 10 | Typically 10 off‑peak hours split across day/night windows (meter‑specific). | Some storage heating setups that need daytime boost windows. | Fewer suppliers support it. Switching/ meter changes can be complex. |
| Smart time‑of‑use | Prices vary by time (e.g., cheap overnight, higher at peak). Requires smart meter. | EV owners; households able to run appliances off‑peak; some heat‑pump homes with controllable hot water. | Peak rates may be high. Works best with automation and consistent routines. |
| Fixed vs variable | Fixed: rates locked for a term. Variable: rates can change (often tracking the Ofgem price cap for standard variable tariffs). | Fixed for budgeting certainty; variable for flexibility. | Fixed tariffs can have exit fees. Variable can change with market movements and cap updates. |
Decision checklist: who each option suits
Single‑rate is likely best if…
- You can’t shift much usage overnight (or you’re rarely home in the day but cook/heat in the evening).
- Your home is low to medium electricity use and standing charge is a big factor.
- You use panel heaters or portable heaters at peak times.
Economy 7/10 could be best if…
- You have storage heaters set up to charge on off‑peak electricity.
- You can schedule hot water heating overnight (immersion cylinder) without running out.
- You can consistently get a large share of usage into off‑peak hours (often 35%+).
Smart off‑peak / EV tariffs could be best if…
- You have a smart meter and you’re comfortable with time‑based pricing.
- You charge an EV overnight and can automate charging in the cheap window.
- You can shift some appliances (laundry/dishwasher) to off‑peak without hassle.
Not sure what you’re on? Your bill will typically show either one unit rate, or separate day/night unit rates (sometimes called “normal/low”). If you’re in Scotland or have a complex setup, there may be multiple registers—double‑check before switching.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
All‑electric homes can be expensive to run if the tariff doesn’t match your heating and hot water setup. These are the issues we see most often when people switch.
1) Standing charge surprises
Even with low usage, you still pay the daily standing charge. Comparing only unit rates can lead to a higher total bill, especially in small flats.
2) Economy 7 day rate is often higher
If your heating isn’t truly off‑peak (e.g., you rely on peak‑time panel heaters), Economy 7 can cost more overall despite a cheap night rate.
3) Off‑peak hours vary by meter/region
Economy 7/10 timings aren’t uniform. If your cheap window is earlier/later than expected, you may miss it unless you change timers.
4) Heat pump comfort vs savings
Pushing too much heating to overnight can reduce comfort. A better approach is often off‑peak hot water + sensible daytime flow temperature settings (installer guidance matters).
5) EV tariffs can raise your daytime cost
Some EV tariffs have very cheap charging windows but higher peak rates. If you work from home or cook with electricity a lot, that can offset benefits.
6) Eligibility: smart meter, payment method, meter registers
Time‑of‑use tariffs typically require a working smart meter. Prepayment customers may have fewer options, and some older multi‑register meters can limit switching.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples are illustrative so you can sanity‑check what “good” looks like. We’re using simplified estimated rates and standing charges for clarity. Your actual quotes will vary by region, supplier, and the tariff’s exact terms.
Scenario A: All‑electric flat (no EV), mostly evening use
- Home
- 2‑bed flat, electric cooking + immersion hot water, occasional panel heating
- Annual use (assumed)
- 3,200 kWh/year
- Off‑peak share (assumed)
- 20% (not much shiftable load)
- Rates used (illustrative)
- Single‑rate 24p/kWh; Economy 7 day 29p, night 14p; standing charge 55p/day
| Option | Estimated annual energy | Standing charge | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single‑rate | 3,200 × £0.24 = £768 | £0.55 × 365 = £200.75 | £968.75 |
| Economy 7 | Day: 2,560 × £0.29 = £742.40 Night: 640 × £0.14 = £89.60 |
£200.75 | £1,032.75 |
In this example, Economy 7 costs more because the home can’t shift much usage into the cheap window and the day rate is higher.
Scenario B: House with EV charging (smart meter), overnight charging
- Home
- 3‑bed house, electric cooking + immersion, EV charged at home
- Annual use (assumed)
- 6,500 kWh/year (including ~2,000 kWh EV charging)
- Off‑peak share (assumed)
- 45% (EV + some appliances scheduled overnight)
- Rates used (illustrative)
- Single‑rate 24p/kWh; Smart off‑peak: peak 27p, off‑peak 10p; standing charge 55p/day
| Option | Estimated annual energy | Standing charge | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single‑rate | 6,500 × £0.24 = £1,560 | £200.75 | £1,760.75 |
| Smart off‑peak | Peak (55%): 3,575 × £0.27 = £965.25 Off‑peak (45%): 2,925 × £0.10 = £292.50 |
£200.75 | £1,458.50 |
In this example, time‑of‑use wins because a big chunk of consumption reliably lands in the cheap window (EV charging). If that behaviour changes, the advantage can shrink.
Reality check: Your supplier’s actual rates can differ substantially from the illustrative numbers above, and standing charges vary by region. Use these scenarios as a pattern, then compare real quotes for your postcode.
FAQs: all‑electric tariffs in the UK
Is Economy 7 always best for an all‑electric home?
No. Economy 7 can be good for storage heaters, immersion hot water, and predictable overnight EV charging. But if most of your electricity use is during the day/evening, the higher day rate can outweigh the cheaper night rate. It’s mainly about your off‑peak share and whether your heating/hot water is set up to use it.
How do I know what hours my Economy 7 night rate applies?
It depends on your meter and region. Some are fixed times; others can vary (including BST/GMT changes). Check your latest bill, your online account, or ask your supplier to confirm the exact off‑peak hours for your meter. If you have storage heaters or timers, make sure they align to those hours.
Do I need a smart meter for the best all‑electric tariffs?
You don’t need one for standard single‑rate or traditional Economy 7/10, but many smart time‑of‑use and EV tariffs require a functioning smart meter to measure when you use energy. If you don’t have one, you may still find competitive fixed single‑rate deals (availability varies).
Will a time‑of‑use tariff suit a heat pump?
Sometimes. Heat pumps often run across the day to maintain steady temperatures. A time‑of‑use tariff can still help if you can shift hot water heating or some pre‑heating to cheaper periods without sacrificing comfort. If peak prices are high and you can’t shift much, a competitive single‑rate tariff may be better.
What if I have a prepayment meter in an all‑electric property?
Your choice can be more limited, and some time‑of‑use tariffs may not be available. If you’re struggling to afford energy, you can get free, independent help from Citizens Advice. You may also be able to switch payment method if you meet supplier criteria (for example, passing a credit check).
Can I switch away from Economy 7 to a single‑rate tariff?
Often yes, but it depends on your meter. Some Economy 7 meters can be set up for single‑rate billing; others may need a meter exchange. There can be practical considerations for storage heaters wired to off‑peak supply—check before switching so your heating still works as expected.
Do fixed tariffs have exit fees?
Many fixed tariffs do, but not all. Exit fees (and other terms) should be clearly stated in the tariff details. If flexibility matters, compare variable or no‑exit‑fee options and weigh them against the certainty of a fix.
Does the Ofgem price cap mean I can’t do better by switching?
The cap limits what suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs (SVTs) for typical customers, but fixed and time‑of‑use tariffs can still differ. Whether you can “beat” an SVT depends on your region, meter type, and usage pattern—especially for all‑electric and off‑peak households.
If you’re vulnerable or worried about bills: support may be available (grants, payment plans, priority services). See our sources below for reputable guidance.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page ownership
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- May 2026
How we assess “best tariff” for all‑electric homes
We don’t assume one tariff is “best” for everyone. For all‑electric properties, we prioritise the factors that most affect total annual cost and day‑to‑day practicality:
- Total cost structure: unit rate(s) plus standing charge (standing charge matters more for low usage).
- Usage fit: how much of your consumption can realistically move to off‑peak (EV charging, immersion hot water, laundry).
- Meter compatibility: single‑rate vs multi‑rate registers, and whether a smart meter is required.
- Eligibility & terms: payment method, credit checks (where applicable), contract length and exit fees.
- Practical risk: likelihood of paying more if behaviour changes (e.g., daytime working from home on a high peak rate).
Limitations (what this guide can’t know)
- Regional pricing varies across electricity distribution areas, so “best rates” differ by postcode.
- Economy 7/10 timings vary by meter and region; always confirm your exact off‑peak hours.
- Some homes have complex meters (multiple registers) or restricted tariffs; switching can require a meter exchange.
- Estimated scenarios use simplified assumptions for clarity and are not personalised quotes.
Sources (UK)
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