What is Economy 10 (E10) electricity?

Economy 10 (often called E10) is a time-of-use electricity tariff where you get around 10 hours of cheaper ‘off-peak’ electricity each day, split across daytime and night-time periods. You pay a higher ‘peak’ rate outside those off-peak hours. It’s commonly used in all-electric homes with storage heaters or an immersion heater.

What times are Economy 10 off-peak hours?

Economy 10 off-peak times vary by region, meter type and your local electricity network. The 10 hours are usually split into 2–3 blocks across the day and night rather than being a single overnight window. For the exact times on your supply, check your meter setup, a recent bill, or contact your supplier.

Who is Economy 10 best suited to?

Economy 10 is usually best for all-electric homes that can use a significant share of electricity during off-peak periods—especially properties with storage heaters, electric radiators with thermal storage, or an immersion heater for hot water. If most of your usage happens in the peak periods, Economy 10 may cost more than a single-rate tariff.

How can I tell if I’m on an Economy 10 meter or tariff?

Look for multiple electricity readings (for example ‘Day’, ‘Night’, ‘Off-peak’, or ‘Rate 1/Rate 2/Rate 3’) on your bill or meter display. Many Economy 10 setups have two or three registers. If you’re unsure, your supplier can confirm your meter configuration and tariff.

Can I switch from Economy 10 to another tariff?

In many cases, yes—but it may require a meter change or reconfiguration, depending on your current meter and wiring (especially if it controls heating/hot water circuits). Before switching, compare costs and check whether there are any fees or appointment requirements.

Does Economy 10 work with smart meters?

Often it can, but availability depends on your region and supplier support for multi-rate or time-of-use tariffs. If you’re moving to a smart meter, ask whether it will support the same number of registers and timing for Economy 10 (or whether your tariff will change).

How do I save money on Economy 10?

To maximise savings, shift as much electricity use as possible into off-peak periods—such as charging storage heaters, heating hot water via an immersion heater, running appliances like washing machines/dishwashers (where safe to do so), and scheduling EV charging if applicable. The more off-peak usage you achieve, the better Economy 10 tends to perform compared with standard single-rate tariffs.

What should I consider before choosing Economy 10?

Check: (1) your typical usage pattern (daytime vs evening), (2) whether your heating/hot water system is designed for off-peak charging, (3) the exact off-peak time blocks for your meter, and (4) the difference between peak and off-peak rates plus the standing charge. A tariff comparison using your real consumption data is the most reliable way to decide.

How can Energy Plus help me with Economy 10?

Energy Plus can help you understand your current multi-rate setup, confirm what you’re paying, and advise on whether Economy 10 still suits your home—or whether another option may be more cost-effective. Visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ to explore your options and get support.

Economy 10 explained: hours, costs, and who it suits

Q: Is Economy 10 the same as Economy 7?

No. Economy 7 typically gives 7 off-peak hours overnight, while Economy 10 provides about 10 off-peak hours split across day and night. Economy 10 can be better for households that use electricity during the day (for example, storage heating top-ups), but savings depend on how much energy you can shift into the off-peak periods.

A practical UK guide to Economy 10 (E10): how the 10 off-peak hours usually work, which meters support it, and how to compare tariffs safely.

Understand E10 hours, split rates and what “off-peak” really means
See realistic usage scenarios (with assumptions) to sense-check E10
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Get your Economy 10 quote How Economy 10 works

Estimates only. Availability depends on your meter type, region and supplier. Always check tariff details and switching terms.

Fast answer: what is Economy 10?

Economy 10 (often written E10) is a UK electricity tariff type that gives you 10 cheaper (“off-peak”) hours spread across the day and night, with a higher “peak” rate for the rest of the time. It’s usually found in homes with electric heating (for example, storage heaters or electric boilers) where you can shift a meaningful chunk of usage into off-peak windows.

Key takeaway 1

E10 can work well if you can consistently use 40%+ of your electricity off-peak (varies by rates and standing charge).

Key takeaway 2

Hours are not universal. Your off-peak times depend on your meter configuration, region and supplier.

Key takeaway 3

Not all suppliers offer E10. If you switch, confirm your new tariff supports your meter type (or whether you’ll need a meter change).

Important: Economy 10 is electricity-only. If you also have gas, it’s typically on a separate (single-rate) gas tariff. Some properties have complex legacy meter setups (for example, multiple registers or related “Total Heat Total Control” style arrangements) that need extra care when switching.

Compare Economy 10 tariffs (whole of market)

If you’re on Economy 10 (or think you might be), the safest way to compare is to quote using your postcode and meter details. That lets us show tariffs that match your setup and payment type, and highlight where a meter change may be required.

What you’ll need

Postcode (to match regional electricity network)
Whether you have an Economy 10 / multi-rate meter
Payment method (Direct Debit, cash/cheque, or prepayment)
Optional: annual kWh (from a bill) for more accurate comparisons

What to check on results

Peak and off-peak unit rates (p/kWh)
Standing charge (p/day)
Exit fees and contract length (if fixed)
Any meter restrictions or installation notes

If you’re unsure what meter/tariff you’re on, look for wording like “Day/Night”, “Rate 1 / Rate 2”, “Off-peak”, or multiple readings on your electricity bill.

How Economy 10 works (in plain English)

With E10 you’re billed using two (sometimes more) registers:

Peak (day) rate: Applied to most daytime usage outside your off-peak windows. Usually the higher unit price.
Off-peak rate: Applied during your 10 cheaper hours. These hours may be split (for example, overnight plus afternoon/evening blocks), depending on your meter setup.

Why hours can differ: Off-peak times are set by the meter’s configuration (or smart tariff rules), and can vary by region, supplier, and legacy metering arrangements. Always confirm your exact hours with your supplier or from your tariff information.

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples are illustrative to help you sense-check whether E10 could suit your usage. Your actual rates and off-peak share will differ by supplier, region, payment method, and meter/tariff availability.

Scenario A: electric heating + good load shifting

Home: 2-bed flat, storage heaters + immersion, runs appliances off-peak where possible.

Annual electricity: 5,000 kWh
Off-peak share: 55% (2,750 kWh)
Peak share: 45% (2,250 kWh)

Assumed rates (example only): Off-peak 18p/kWh, peak 34p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day.

Estimated annual cost:
Off-peak: 2,750 × £0.18 = £495
Peak: 2,250 × £0.34 = £765
Standing charge: 365 × £0.55 = £201
Total ˜ £1,461/year

In this pattern, E10 can be competitive because a majority of usage lands in the cheaper windows.

Scenario B: low off-peak usage (E10 may cost more)

Home: 3-bed house with gas heating, most power used evenings/weekends, little load shifting.

Annual electricity: 3,100 kWh
Off-peak share: 20% (620 kWh)
Peak share: 80% (2,480 kWh)

Assumed rates (example only): Off-peak 18p/kWh, peak 34p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day.

Estimated annual cost:
Off-peak: 620 × £0.18 = £112
Peak: 2,480 × £0.34 = £843
Standing charge: 365 × £0.55 = £201
Total ˜ £1,156/year

If you can’t use much electricity off-peak, a single-rate tariff may be simpler and potentially cheaper (depending on standing charge and unit rate).

How to use these examples: Ask “What % of my kWh can realistically be off-peak?” Storage heating, immersion heating and EV charging can increase off-peak share; cooking, lighting and evening-heavy routines usually reduce it.

Get tailored Economy 10 results

Share a few details and we’ll match you with available tariffs. If your setup is complex, we’ll flag where a meter check may be needed.

Quick decision guide

Economy 10 tends to suit:

Storage heaters / electric boiler / immersion heating
Households that can run heavy loads off-peak (laundry, dishwasher, EV)
Homes comfortable planning around timed heating/hot water

Economy 10 may not suit:

Most electricity use happens evenings
Low ability to shift usage (busy daytime home, shared housing)
Anyone who can’t access E10 tariffs in their region

Economy 10 vs Economy 7 vs single-rate (what changes)

The headline difference is how many off-peak hours you get and when they occur. E10 can offer more flexibility than E7, but it’s less widely available and can be trickier to switch.

Tariff type	Cheaper hours	Typical fit	Main watch-outs
Economy 10	10 off-peak hours (often split across day/night)	Electric heating + ability to shift loads	Hours vary; availability limited; meter compatibility matters
Economy 7	7 off-peak hours (usually overnight)	Storage heaters; EV charging overnight	If you use lots in daytime/early evening, costs can rise
Single-rate	No off-peak window (one unit rate)	Most households (especially with gas heating)	No cheap window for heavy loads; unit rate may be higher than off-peak

Decision checklist (printable logic)

1) Confirm your meter & registers
Does your bill show day/off-peak readings (Rate 1/Rate 2)? Any separate heating/hot water circuits?

2) Estimate off-peak share
Could you realistically hit ~40%+ off-peak kWh? (Heating/hot water are the big drivers.)

3) Compare total annual cost
Use standing charge + both unit rates, not just the off-peak headline.

4) Check switching practicalities
Is E10 supported by the new supplier for your exact meter setup? Any fees or meter changes?

Tip: If you have a smart meter, some suppliers can support multi-rate tariffs via smart configurations—but availability varies. Always confirm before switching.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)

1) Off-peak hours can change (or differ from what you expect)

Economy 10 hours may be split and can vary by region/meter. Don’t assume your neighbour’s times are yours. Ask your supplier for your actual off-peak times, and keep an eye on clock changes where relevant.

2) Higher peak rate can outweigh the benefit

E10 tariffs often have a noticeably higher peak unit rate. If most of your usage is at peak times, the cheaper window may not compensate.

3) Meter compatibility can block a switch

Some suppliers won’t support certain legacy multi-register setups, or may require a meter exchange. A meter change can affect how your heating/hot water circuits are controlled, so confirm this before agreeing.

4) Prepayment and E10 availability is more limited

If you pay by prepayment meter, E10 options can be fewer. In some cases, moving from prepayment to credit may require a credit check and/or debt clearance (supplier rules vary).

5) Standing charges matter more than people think

Even with great off-peak rates, a higher standing charge can change the result—especially for low-usage homes.

6) Fixed tariff exit fees and contract terms

If you’re on a fixed tariff, you may pay an exit fee to leave early. Always check your current supplier’s terms and your new tariff’s start date and cancellation rights.

Practical safety check: If your property uses electricity to heat water/space via timed circuits, confirm how these are controlled today (meter timeswitch, programmer, smart controls). A tariff or meter change can alter timings.

Economy 10 FAQs

What are the Economy 10 hours?

There isn’t one national set of E10 hours. Many setups split the 10 hours into blocks (for example, overnight plus daytime/early evening), but the exact times depend on your meter configuration and supplier. Check your bill, online account, or ask your supplier to confirm your off-peak schedule.

Is Economy 10 the same as Economy 7?

No. Economy 7 typically provides 7 cheaper hours (usually overnight). Economy 10 provides 10 cheaper hours and is often split across the day and night. Availability and meter requirements also differ.

How do I know if I have an Economy 10 meter?

Look for multiple electricity readings on your bill (for example, Day/Night, Peak/Off-peak, or Rate 1 / Rate 2). Some meters display separate registers when you press a button. If you have electric heating controls linked to your meter, that’s another clue.

Can I switch supplier if I’m on Economy 10?

Often yes, but it can be more restricted than single-rate. Some suppliers don’t support E10 or certain meter setups. Before switching, confirm the new supplier can bill your meter correctly (and whether they require a meter change).

Will a smart meter automatically give me Economy 10?

Not automatically. Smart meters can support different tariff structures, but E10 availability depends on the supplier’s tariff offerings and how they configure billing for your meter. Always confirm the tariff and rates you’ll be moved onto.

Is Economy 10 good for EV charging?

It can be, if your off-peak windows align with when you can charge and the off-peak rate is competitive. Some EV-specific tariffs (often single-rate with smart scheduling, or multi-rate) may be better depending on your charger, usage pattern and supplier.

Do Economy 10 tariffs have higher standing charges?

Not always, but standing charges vary by supplier, region and payment method. Compare based on total estimated annual cost (standing charge + peak/off-peak usage), not just the off-peak unit rate.

Could I move from Economy 10 to a single-rate tariff?

Possibly, but it depends on your meter and how your heating/hot water is wired/controlled. A change may require a meter exchange and could affect timing for storage heaters or immersion. If you rely on off-peak electricity for heating, double-check the impact before changing.

Does Economy 10 affect my gas tariff?

No—Economy 10 is an electricity tariff type. If you have gas, it’s usually billed separately (typically on a single-rate tariff).

If you’d like, use the quote form above and select “Not sure” for meter type—our team can help you identify what you have from your bill details.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page details

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: March 2026

How we assess Economy 10 (our approach)

We focus on what changes your bill in real life: standing charge, peak rate, off-peak rate, and the share of electricity you can shift into off-peak hours. We also account for practical constraints that affect UK households, including meter compatibility and tariff availability by region/payment method.

Assumptions in our examples

Illustrative rates and standing charge (examples only)
Annual kWh split into peak/off-peak by scenario
No additional discounts, rewards or bundled services

Limitations to be aware of

Regional price differences can be significant
Supplier availability changes over time
Complex/legacy meters may need manual checks

We aim to be clear and conservative: we don’t promise savings. Use your own bill data for the most accurate comparison, and always review tariff terms before you switch.

Sources (UK)

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — consumer guidance, switching rules and market oversight
Citizens Advice: Energy — practical support on tariffs, billing and complaints
GOV.UK: Switch energy supplier — overview of switching process and rights

Ready to check if Economy 10 is right for your home?

Get tariff options matched to your postcode and meter type. We’ll highlight key details like peak/off-peak rates, standing charge and any switching constraints.

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If you have a complex meter (multiple registers or heating controls linked to the meter), keep a recent bill handy so your new supplier can set up billing correctly.

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Updated on 20 Mar 2026