What is a time-of-use (TOU) energy tariff?

A time-of-use (TOU) tariff is an electricity pricing plan where the unit rate changes depending on the time of day. You typically pay less during off-peak hours (often overnight) and more during peak times (usually early evening). TOU tariffs are designed to reward households that can shift energy use to cheaper periods—ideal for EV charging, heat pumps and running appliances overnight.

Which is the cheapest time to use electricity on UK time-of-use tariffs in winter 2026?

The cheapest electricity is usually during off-peak hours overnight, with the lowest rates commonly falling between late evening and early morning. Exact times and prices vary by supplier and tariff, so always check your plan’s off-peak window and any seasonal rules for winter 2026 before shifting usage.

What are typical off-peak and peak hours for UK TOU tariffs?

Many UK TOU tariffs offer cheaper off-peak rates overnight (often a 4–7 hour window) and higher rates during evening peaks (commonly around 4pm–7pm). Some smart tariffs also include additional discounted periods (for example, weekend or midday dips). Your meter setup and tariff terms determine the exact hours.

Do I need a smart meter for a time-of-use tariff?

In most cases, yes. Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can measure usage by time band. Some legacy tariffs (like Economy 7) may work with older multi-rate meters, but smart tariffs generally need a compatible smart meter installation.

Is a time-of-use tariff worth it in winter for electric vehicles (EVs)?

Often, yes—if you can charge predominantly during off-peak hours. Winter driving can increase EV consumption, so cheaper overnight charging can reduce costs. To maximise savings, schedule charging within the off-peak window, avoid peak-time top-ups, and compare the off-peak rate against the tariff’s peak and standing charges.

How can I reduce bills on a TOU tariff during winter 2026?

To cut costs, move flexible electricity use into cheaper hours: charge EVs overnight, run dishwashers and washing machines off-peak, pre-heat your home or hot water where safe and appropriate, and avoid high-load appliances during peak times. Reviewing your usage patterns and choosing the right off-peak window is key to saving.

Are time-of-use tariffs cheaper than a standard variable tariff?

They can be, but it depends on how much electricity you can shift to off-peak hours. If most of your usage happens in peak periods, a TOU tariff may cost more than a standard tariff. Comparing real usage (kWh by time) and the full tariff structure (peak, off-peak, standing charge) gives the most accurate answer.

Do off-peak hours change with daylight saving time (BST/GMT)?

It depends on the meter and tariff. Some Economy 7 and similar setups may shift by an hour when the clocks change, while many smart tariffs define time bands in a way that remains consistent. Check your tariff terms and confirm your off-peak window in-app or on your supplier’s schedule—especially around clock changes.

How do I compare the cheapest time-of-use tariffs for winter 2026?

Compare tariffs by looking at (1) off-peak unit rate, (2) peak unit rate, (3) standing charge, and (4) the exact off-peak time window. Then estimate costs using your actual or expected winter usage—especially EV charging and heating loads. For a quick quote and to see available options, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ and compare plans for your home.

Can I switch to a time-of-use tariff with Energy Plus?

Yes—if a time-of-use option is available for your postcode and meter setup. The best next step is to check eligibility and pricing for your address. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/

Are time-of-use tariffs always cheaper in winter?

Not always. They are typically cheaper when you can shift a meaningful share of usage into off-peak windows (e.g., EV charging, heating or laundry). If most of your usage is in peak hours, a standard single-rate tariff may be cheaper.

Do I need a smart meter for a UK time-of-use tariff?

Most UK TOU tariffs require a compatible smart meter that can record half-hourly readings. Check supplier requirements before applying.

What’s the quickest way to estimate savings?

Use winter kWh totals and apply each tariff’s peak/off-peak rates to your expected split. Then add standing charges and compare the annualised or winter-period totals against your current tariff.

Cheapest time of use energy tariff UK winter 2026

Compare whole-of-market Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs for Winter 2026 and find the best off-peak rates for your home. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to tariffs that fit when you use electricity.

Whole-of-market comparison (not limited to one supplier)
See day vs night rates and peak windows clearly
Ideal for EV charging, heat pumps, storage heaters and night usage
Switch support: understand exit fees, smart meter needs and eligibility

Compare Winter 2026 ToU tariffs Learn how ToU pricing works

UK home energy only. We’ll show your options and explain the trade-offs (peak rates, standing charges and any exit fees) before you decide.

Find the cheapest ToU tariff for your household this Winter 2026

Time-of-Use energy tariffs can be excellent value in winter if you can shift some electricity into cheaper hours (often overnight). But “cheapest” isn’t just the headline off-peak price. For a fair comparison you need to weigh up peak rates, standing charge, how long the cheap window lasts and any conditions such as smart meter requirements.

EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market UK comparison service. Share a few details below and we’ll help you identify the ToU tariffs that are likely to be cheapest for your winter usage pattern (including EV charging, heat pumps and night-time heating).

Before you start (2 quick tips)

If you have a smart meter and can charge or heat overnight, ToU often beats a standard single-rate tariff in winter.
If your home uses most electricity during the evening peak (typically 4–9pm), a ToU tariff can cost more even with cheap night rates.

Compare ToU tariffs (home energy)

Fill in the form and we’ll match you to ToU options and explain the cheapest route for Winter 2026.

Important: “Cheapest time of use energy tariff UK winter 2026” depends on your region and consumption split (day/peak/night). We’ll help you compare based on your pattern rather than one-size-fits-all averages.

Winter 2026: what “cheapest” really means for ToU tariffs

In the UK, a time-of-use electricity tariff charges different unit rates at different times. In winter, when demand peaks in the early evening, some tariffs make those hours more expensive and offer cheaper off-peak prices overnight or at set low-rate windows. The cheapest tariff for Winter 2026 is the one that delivers the lowest total bill once you account for:

Off-peak unit rate (p/kWh) and the off-peak window length
Peak unit rate and any “shoulder” rates (some ToU tariffs have 3+ price bands)
Standing charge (daily cost) which can vary by region
Any exit fees, minimum term, or restrictions
Whether you have (or can get) a smart meter

If you can move high-consumption tasks into cheaper periods (EV charging, tumble drying, dishwasher, immersion heater, heat pump pre-heating), ToU can be compelling in winter. If not, a single-rate tariff may be more predictable and sometimes cheaper overall.

Who is most likely to get the cheapest Winter 2026 ToU deal?

EV drivers charging at home

If you can schedule charging overnight (or during a cheap window), ToU tariffs can reduce your pence-per-mile dramatically compared with standard unit rates.

Heat pumps & flexible heating

Homes that can pre-heat water or the property off-peak (with good insulation) can benefit. The key is avoiding heavy electricity use during the evening peak.

Night-time electricity users

If your household naturally uses more electricity later at night (or you can run appliances on timers), ToU can reward those patterns in winter.

Storage heaters / legacy Economy tariffs

If you’re used to off-peak heating (e.g. Economy 7), a modern ToU tariff may offer better alignment to your usage—depending on hours and peak pricing.

Households that can avoid 4–9pm

ToU works best when you can reduce cooking, heating boosts and high-power appliances during the typical evening peak window.

People who value transparency

A clear split of peak/off-peak rates can make it easier to plan usage, especially when paired with smart home timers and EV scheduling.

Not sure if you’ll benefit? Use the comparison form and tell us if you have an EV, heat pump or storage heating. We’ll focus on ToU tariffs where you’re most likely to save in Winter 2026.

How time-of-use energy tariffs work (UK homes)

A ToU tariff typically uses smart meter readings to bill you at different prices depending on the time you use electricity. In Winter 2026, you’ll commonly see:

Peak hours (often late afternoon/evening): higher unit rate when demand is highest.
Off-peak hours (often overnight): lower unit rate designed for EV charging and flexible use.
Shoulder / standard hours (in some tariffs): mid-rate periods between peak and off-peak.
Standing charge: daily fee regardless of usage (varies by region and payment method).

ToU vs Economy 7: what’s the difference?

Economy 7 is a traditional two-rate setup (day/night), often with set hours that can vary by region and meter configuration. Modern ToU tariffs can offer more tailored windows (and sometimes more than two rates), usually requiring a smart meter.

What about gas?

Most ToU tariffs apply to electricity. Gas is usually single-rate. If you heat mainly with gas, ToU benefits may depend on EV charging and electric appliances rather than space heating.

What to compare to find the cheapest Winter 2026 ToU tariff

Use this checklist to compare like-for-like. A tariff with the lowest off-peak rate may still cost more overall if the standing charge is high or the peak window is expensive for your household.

Compare item	Why it matters in winter	What to look for
Off-peak unit rate (p/kWh)	Winter is when you’re most likely to run heating-related loads and EV charging more often.	A low rate is great, but only if you can reliably use it.
Off-peak window (times & duration)	A longer window makes it easier to shift usage (EV charging, appliances, hot water).	Check if it’s fixed times, variable, or includes weekend/extra cheap periods.
Peak unit rate (p/kWh)	Evening cooking and heating boosts often happen at peak time in winter.	If peak is very high, ToU may be risky unless you can avoid those hours.
Standing charge (p/day)	A higher standing charge can wipe out savings, especially for low users.	Compare your region’s standing charge across tariffs.
Tariff type (fixed vs variable)	Winter price stability can be valuable for budgeting.	Fixed offers predictability; variable can change with market conditions.
Exit fees & terms	If a better deal appears mid-winter, you may want the option to move.	Check early exit fees, contract length, and switching rules.

If you’d like, we can run these comparisons for you—start at Compare (form).

Smart meter requirements & eligibility (Winter 2026)

Do you need a smart meter for ToU?

For most modern UK time-of-use tariffs, yes. Your supplier needs half-hourly (or similar) readings to apply different rates by time band. If you don’t have a smart meter, we’ll highlight ToU options available to you and whether a meter upgrade is required.

What if you’re on prepayment?

Some suppliers offer ToU tariffs on smart prepayment, but availability varies. If you’re on prepay, we’ll focus on tariffs you can actually access and the realistic steps to move tariff or payment method.

Regional note

Electricity standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain by region (distribution area). That’s why we ask for your postcode—it helps us show the most accurate Winter 2026 pricing for your location.

Common mistakes when choosing a ToU tariff in winter

Chasing the lowest off-peak rate

If the peak rate is high, a few evenings of heavy usage can wipe out overnight savings. Always compare total cost, not just the cheapest night rate.

Ignoring standing charge

Standing charge differences can be meaningful over winter. Lower unit rates don’t always mean a lower bill—especially for low or moderate users.

Not matching the cheap window to your routine

A cheap window that starts too late (or ends too early) can make EV charging or heating awkward. Check times against your real schedule.

Assuming ToU is only for EVs

You can still benefit without an EV if you can shift usage (laundry, dishwasher, immersion heater, heating pre-warm) into cheaper hours.

Not checking exit fees

If you’re switching for Winter 2026, consider whether you may want to change again after winter. Exit fees can limit flexibility.

Forgetting about usage behaviour

The best ToU tariff on paper is only “cheapest” if you actually use it as intended. Simple changes like timers and EV scheduling are often key.

FAQs: Cheapest time of use energy tariff UK winter 2026

What is the cheapest time-of-use energy tariff in the UK for Winter 2026?

There isn’t one universal “cheapest” ToU tariff for everyone. The cheapest option depends on your postcode (region), your standing charge, and how much electricity you use during peak vs off-peak hours. The most reliable way to find the cheapest Winter 2026 ToU tariff is to compare whole-of-market prices using your usage pattern.

You can start here: Compare Winter 2026 ToU tariffs.

Are time-of-use tariffs good in winter?

They can be. Winter often increases electricity usage (lighting, heating systems, hot water, EV charging). If you can shift some usage into cheaper periods, ToU can cut costs. If most of your use is in the evening peak, ToU may increase your bill. We help you assess this trade-off based on your household.

Do ToU tariffs affect gas prices?

Usually no—ToU applies to electricity. Gas is typically billed at a single unit rate and standing charge. If you’re on a dual fuel plan, your electricity may be ToU while your gas remains standard.

Will I be able to switch quickly for Winter 2026?

Switching times vary by supplier and your current setup. If a smart meter installation is needed, that can add time. If you want a Winter 2026 ToU tariff, it’s worth comparing early and checking contract end dates and any exit fees.

What if I work from home—does ToU still help?

It can. Working from home may increase daytime use, but you can still save if you run heavy appliances off-peak and avoid the evening peak. The key is whether your largest loads (EV, hot water, heating) can be scheduled.

Is EnergyPlus a supplier?

No—EnergyPlus is a UK home energy comparison service. We compare whole-of-market tariffs and help you understand which options are most cost-effective for your usage pattern.

Trusted switching support for UK households

“I didn’t realise the evening peak could cost so much. EnergyPlus helped me pick a ToU tariff that matched our EV charging.”

Homeowner, Manchester

“Clear breakdown of standing charges and the cheap hours. The comparison saved us time and made the switch straightforward.”

Tenant, Bristol

“We have a heat pump and needed a winter-friendly tariff. The guidance on peak hours was exactly what we needed.”

Household, Edinburgh

How we help

Whole-of-market ToU comparisons for UK homes
Plain-English explanation of peak/off-peak pricing
Support understanding terms, exit fees and smart meter requirements

Ready to find your cheapest Winter 2026 ToU tariff?

Tell us your postcode and whether you have flexible usage (EV charging, heat pump, storage heating). We’ll show ToU tariffs that fit your household—so you can choose with confidence.

Start my ToU comparison

No obligation. UK home energy only.

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Updated on 3 Feb 2026