What is an energy tariff with a cheaper night rate (and how does it work)?

A cheaper-night-rate tariff charges different prices depending on the time of day. You pay a lower unit rate overnight (off-peak) and a higher unit rate during daytime (peak). With a smart meter, your usage can be measured automatically by time, so your bill reflects when you use electricity without needing manual readings. These tariffs can reduce bills if you can shift more electricity use (like charging an EV, running appliances, or heating water) into the cheaper hours.

Do I need a smart meter for a cheaper night rate tariff?

In most cases, yes. Smart meters record half-hourly or time-of-use consumption so suppliers can apply different prices at different times. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may be limited to older multi-rate meters or may not be eligible for some time-of-use tariffs.

What are the typical off-peak (night) hours on these tariffs?

Off-peak hours vary by tariff and region. Many night-rate plans offer a 4–8 hour off-peak window overnight, but the exact times can differ. Always check the tariff details before switching so you know precisely when the cheaper rate applies.

Is a cheaper night rate tariff the same as Economy 7?

They’re similar because both use different rates by time, but they’re not always the same. Economy 7 is a traditional two-rate tariff (day and night) usually designed for electric storage heating. Smart-meter time-of-use tariffs may have different off-peak times, more complex pricing, or additional rate periods depending on the supplier.

Who benefits most from energy tariffs with cheaper night rates?

These tariffs are often best for households that can move a significant share of electricity usage overnight—for example: EV owners charging at home, homes with heat pumps or electric heating that can be scheduled, households using immersion heaters for hot water, and anyone running appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer) overnight where safe and practical. If most of your usage is during the day, you may not save because the daytime rate is typically higher.

How can I tell if switching to a cheaper night rate tariff will save me money?

Compare (1) your current unit rate and standing charge with (2) the new tariff’s peak and off-peak rates plus standing charge, then estimate how much of your electricity you can shift into off-peak hours. A practical rule: the more of your usage you can move to the night window, the more likely you are to benefit. If you’re unsure, use your smart meter data (or app) to check when you typically use electricity.

Can I use appliances overnight safely on a night rate tariff?

You can schedule usage to off-peak times, but safety comes first. Follow manufacturer instructions, ensure appliances are in good condition, avoid overloading sockets, keep ventilation clear, and consider running high-heat appliances (like tumble dryers) only when you’re awake if that’s your preference. The tariff simply changes pricing; it’s up to you how you manage usage safely.

Will I still pay a standing charge on a night rate tariff?

Yes. Most UK energy tariffs include a daily standing charge, regardless of whether the tariff has cheaper night rates. When comparing tariffs, include both unit rates and the standing charge to get an accurate view of total cost.

Can I get a cheaper night rate tariff if I’m on a prepayment meter?

It depends on the supplier and meter setup. Some smart prepayment meters can support time-of-use pricing, but availability varies. If you’re interested, check eligibility and whether your meter configuration supports multi-rate billing.

How do I switch to a smart-meter tariff with cheaper night rates?

First, confirm you have a working smart meter and check your current tariff terms. Next, compare available time-of-use/night-rate tariffs and review peak/off-peak times, unit rates, and standing charge. If you’re ready to switch with EnergyPlus, start via the site and follow the sign-up steps for your chosen tariff. You can also explore more guidance at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/guidesfaqs/ for help choosing the right option.

Energy tariffs with cheaper night rates for smart meters

A practical UK guide to off-peak electricity tariffs (including smart time-of-use deals): who they suit, what to watch for, and how to compare them confidently.

Understand the main types: Economy 7/10, smart time-of-use (TOU), and EV tariffs
See realistic examples with numbers (and the assumptions behind them)
Learn the common pitfalls: day-rate jump, standing charges, and meter eligibility

Compare off-peak tariffs How smart off-peak pricing works

Rates, hours and availability vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method. Always check tariff details before switching.

Fast answer: what are “cheaper night rate” smart meter tariffs?

In the UK, tariffs with cheaper night rates are usually multi-rate electricity tariffs where you pay a lower unit price for electricity during set off-peak hours (often overnight), and a higher unit price at other times. With a smart meter, suppliers can offer more flexible options, including time-of-use (TOU) pricing that varies by time block or day.

Best for

Homes that can shift use overnight (EV charging, storage heaters, immersion heater)
People happy to run appliances on timers (dishwasher, washing machine)
Smart meter households that want TOU options

Key watch-outs

Day rates can be higher than standard single-rate tariffs
Off-peak hours vary by region/meter setup; “night” isn’t always the same time
Not every supplier supports every multi-rate configuration

Quick rule of thumb

These tariffs tend to work best when a meaningful share of your electricity use is off-peak (often 25–40%+, depending on the rate difference and standing charge). If most of your use is daytime, a single-rate tariff may be cheaper overall.

Important: “Cheaper night rates” applies to electricity. Your gas is typically priced the same all day (most suppliers don’t offer multi-rate gas for homes).

How smart meter off-peak tariffs work (UK)

Your electricity meter records usage. On a standard tariff, you pay one unit rate plus a standing charge. On an off-peak tariff, your meter (or smart meter setup) records usage across two or more time periods so the supplier can charge different rates.

Check your meter setup: smart meter (SMETS1/SMETS2), legacy Economy 7/10 meter, or smart meter configured for multiple registers.
Confirm off-peak hours: they can be a continuous overnight block, split blocks, or peak/shoulder/off-peak bands (TOU).
Shift eligible loads: use timers for appliances; EV chargers often have scheduling; storage heating and immersion can be set to use off-peak.
Compare total annual cost: don’t compare night rates alone—include day rate, standing charge, and any exit fees.

Off-peak hours aren’t universal. Economy 7 times can differ by region and meter configuration (and may shift with daylight saving). Always verify the tariff’s exact hours in writing.

Main tariff types you’ll see

Economy 7 (two-rate): Typically ~7 hours off-peak overnight. Common with older heating setups (storage heaters). Can be used with smart meters too, if configured.
Economy 10 (three-rate / split off-peak): Often ~10 hours off-peak split across day and night. Availability is more limited and is region/meter dependent.
Smart time-of-use (TOU): Rates vary by time blocks (e.g., off-peak, shoulder, peak). Requires a working smart meter and supplier support.
EV tariffs (smart TOU variant): Usually very low overnight unit rates for EV charging windows, with higher day rates. Some require an EV, compatible charger, or specific metering arrangements—check eligibility.

Compare off-peak tariffs (and keep it apples-to-apples)

When comparing, focus on estimated annual cost based on your usage split (day vs off-peak), not the night unit rate alone. If you don’t know your split, you can still start with a reasonable estimate and refine it once you’ve checked your readings or smart meter app.

What you’ll need

Postcode (tariffs vary by region)
Payment method (Direct Debit often cheapest)
Meter type (smart / Economy 7 / prepay)
Rough annual kWh or last bill

Helpful to know

Whether you can shift usage (EV, storage heating, timers)
Any exit fees on your current tariff
Whether you need a single-rate fallback option

Tip: If you have a smart meter, your in-home display (IHD) or supplier app may show half-hourly data. That can help you estimate your off-peak share before choosing a TOU tariff.

Get a personalised quote (whole of market)

Tell us a few details and we’ll show suitable tariffs, including options with cheaper off-peak rates where available for your meter and area.

First name

Surname

We’ll send your comparison summary and next steps.

Telephone

Optional, but helps if we need to confirm meter details.

Postcode

Tariffs and rates vary by region.

Meter type (optional)

We can still compare if you’re unsure.

No obligation. Quotes are estimates based on the details provided and tariff availability.

Which night-rate tariff type should you choose?

Use this table to narrow down the right style of tariff for your home. Then verify the exact hours and rates for your postcode and meter setup.

Tariff type	How the cheap hours work	Usually suits	Key drawbacks
Economy 7	Two rates: day + ~7 off-peak hours overnight (exact times vary)	Storage heating, immersion heaters, people who can run appliances overnight	Higher day rate can outweigh the night saving if you can’t shift enough usage
Economy 10	Off-peak split across day + night (often three time blocks)	Some electric-heating homes that benefit from daytime top-up	Less widely available; can be harder to switch suppliers while keeping setup
Smart TOU	Multiple rates by time band (e.g., peak/shoulder/off-peak)	Tech-comfortable households who can actively shift usage	Peak rates can be high; savings depend on behaviour and accurate timing
EV-focused TOU	Very low overnight window for charging; standard/higher rates outside	EV owners with regular overnight charging	May require EV/compatible charger/app; day rate may be higher than standard

Decision checklist: who it suits

EV charging overnight most nights (or you can schedule it)
Electric heating that can store heat (storage heaters) or an immersion heater you can time
You can reliably run appliances off-peak using timers
You’re comfortable checking the off-peak window (or using automation)

Who it often doesn’t suit

Homes where most electricity use is daytime (home working, electric cooking, tumble dryer at peak)
People who can’t control timing (no timers, shared laundry, unpredictable routines)
Anyone who may be moved to a single-rate meter soon (check supplier process first)
Prepay households where the specific off-peak tariff isn’t available in the area

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples are illustrative to show how the maths works. Actual rates and standing charges vary by supplier, region, and payment method (and can change). We’re using simple assumptions so you can adapt them to your own usage.

Scenario A: Flat with no EV (low off-peak use)

Annual electricity use: 2,900 kWh
Off-peak share: 15% (435 kWh); Day: 2,465 kWh
Single-rate tariff: 24p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Two-rate tariff: Day 28p/kWh, Night 12p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day

Estimated annual cost (electricity only):

Single-rate usage: 2,900 × £0.24 = £696
Two-rate usage: (2,465 × £0.28) + (435 × £0.12) = £742.00
Standing charge (both): 365 × £0.55 = £200.75
Total: Single-rate ˜ £896.75 vs Two-rate ˜ £942.75

With a low off-peak share, the higher day rate can make the two-rate tariff more expensive overall.

Scenario B: House with EV charging overnight (high off-peak use)

Annual electricity use: 4,200 kWh (includes EV charging)
Off-peak share: 45% (1,890 kWh); Day: 2,310 kWh
Single-rate tariff: 24p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Two-rate tariff: Day 28p/kWh, Night 12p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day

Estimated annual cost (electricity only):

Single-rate usage: 4,200 × £0.24 = £1,008
Two-rate usage: (2,310 × £0.28) + (1,890 × £0.12) = £873.60
Standing charge (both): 365 × £0.55 = £200.75
Total: Single-rate ˜ £1,208.75 vs Two-rate ˜ £1,074.35

With a higher off-peak share, cheaper night units can outweigh a higher day rate.

Why the split matters: The “break-even” point depends on the difference between day and night rates (and any standing charge difference). If your off-peak use is borderline, it’s worth estimating your split from smart data before you commit.

Costs, exclusions & common pitfalls (UK)

Off-peak tariffs can be excellent in the right home, but they’re easy to mis-buy. Here are the most common issues we see when customers compare “cheap night rates”.

1) Day rate is much higher

Many two-rate/TOU deals “pay for” the cheap window with a higher peak/day unit rate. If your life happens in the day, total cost can rise.

2) Off-peak hours differ

Economy 7/10 times can vary by region and meter configuration. Some are split or shift seasonally—confirm before relying on timers.

3) Standing charges & fees

A slightly higher standing charge can reduce savings. Also check exit fees on fixed tariffs and any conditions on discounts.

Metering & eligibility gotchas

Smart meter communications: some TOU tariffs require reliable half-hourly reads; if the smart functions aren’t working, options can be limited.
Multi-register setup: not all suppliers support every Economy 7/10 arrangement. Ask if they can bill your meter as-is.
Prepayment: off-peak availability may be more limited depending on supplier and local configuration.
EV tariff requirements: some ask you to confirm an EV, smart charger, or app-based charging schedule.

Practical safety & comfort notes

Appliance timers: use delay-start features safely and follow manufacturer guidance.
Noise: overnight washing/tumble drying may not be practical in flats or for light sleepers.
Heating comfort: storage heating needs planning—if you run out of heat, using boost during peak periods can wipe out gains.

Don’t be sold on the night rate alone. Ask: “What’s my day rate, what are my exact off-peak hours, and what does the supplier estimate for my annual cost based on my usage split?”

FAQs: cheaper night rate tariffs & smart meters

Do I need a smart meter to get cheaper night rates?

Not always. Traditional Economy 7/10 can work with older multi-rate meters. However, many newer TOU and some EV-focused tariffs are designed specifically for smart meters so suppliers can bill accurately by time band.

What times are the “night rates” in the UK?

It depends on your tariff and meter configuration. Economy 7 is often around 7 hours overnight, but exact times can vary by region and may be split or shift. For TOU tariffs, the supplier sets specific bands (e.g., off-peak/peak). Always confirm the exact hours on your tariff information.

Can I switch from Economy 7 back to a single-rate tariff?

Often yes, but it can involve a meter configuration change (or meter exchange) depending on your setup and supplier. Some suppliers can bill a smart meter as single-rate; others may need to change registers. Ask the new supplier what they support before you switch.

Will an EV tariff save me money?

It can, if you charge mostly in the cheap window and your day use isn’t too high. EV tariffs can come with higher day/peak rates. Your result depends on your EV charging kWh, your ability to schedule charging, and the exact tariff terms for your postcode.

Do night-rate tariffs work with solar panels or battery storage?

They can. Some households use off-peak electricity to charge a home battery overnight (if permitted/beneficial), then use that energy during peak periods. The best setup depends on your export payments, battery size, and your household’s usage pattern. It’s worth modelling with your actual half-hourly data if you have it.

Will my smart meter stop working if I switch supplier?

In most cases, smart meters should continue to operate when you switch, but functionality can vary (especially older SMETS1 meters, though many have been enrolled into central systems). If TOU billing is important to you, ask the supplier to confirm they can receive the reads they need.

Are off-peak tariffs available on prepayment meters?

Sometimes, but the choice can be more limited and depends on your meter type and supplier. If you’re on prepay, we recommend comparing options specifically filtered to your payment method and checking whether the supplier supports your multi-rate configuration.

What should I check before I agree to a night-rate tariff?

Confirm: (1) exact off-peak hours, (2) day/peak unit rate, (3) standing charge, (4) contract length and exit fees (if fixed), and (5) any eligibility requirements (EV, smart meter reads, or specific meter setup).

Trust, methodology & sources

Page details

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

We aim to keep this guide accurate and practical. If you spot something that looks out of date (for example, a named tariff’s eligibility), please use our comparison form so we can cross-check against the latest supplier terms.

How we assess “cheaper night rate” tariffs

We focus on what changes real bills in the UK: unit rates by time band, standing charges, eligibility (meter type/payment method/region), and the user’s ability to shift electricity usage to off-peak hours.

Comparisons are based on total estimated annual cost (not the night rate alone).
Regional pricing: UK electricity rates vary by distribution region; postcode is essential for accurate estimates.
Usage split sensitivity: results can change significantly depending on your off-peak percentage.
Limitations: tariff availability can change quickly; some TOU/EV tariffs have specific eligibility rules; smart meter read quality may affect whether TOU billing is possible.

Sources (UK)

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) – guidance on the retail energy market and consumer protections.
Citizens Advice: Energy – independent help with bills, meters, switching and complaints.
GOV.UK: Smart meters – overview of smart meters and the rollout.

Ready to see cheaper off-peak options for your postcode?

We’ll compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and highlight off-peak and smart TOU options where they fit your meter and payment method.

Get your energy quote Re-check the key takeaways

Switching is subject to eligibility and supplier terms. Figures shown on this page are illustrative examples, not a guarantee of savings.

Back to Guides & FAQs

Updated on 1 Apr 2026