EnergyPlus · May 2026

Cheaper night rate tariffs for smart meters (May 2026 UK guide)

Cheaper night-rate tariffs split electricity into peak and off-peak windows. With a smart meter (SMETS2), you can access Economy 7/10 and a growing range of EV-style time-of-use tariffs that price overnight kWh at 5–10p, compared to 25–28p on a flat single-rate tariff.

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Editorial information, not financial advice. Prices and policy can change — always confirm against the supplier and Ofgem.

Night rate tariffs — quick view (May 2026)

Off-peak unit rates on EV-style tariffs typically land at 5–10p/kWh between roughly 23:00–05:30. Peak rates can be 28–35p/kWh. If 30%+ of your electricity use can move overnight (EV charging, heat-pump preheat, battery charging), you'll usually win.

Quick checklist (May 2026):

  • Requires a SMETS2 smart meter (the second-generation type).
  • Off-peak windows vary by supplier — typically a 5–7 hour overnight block.
  • Peak rates can be higher than a flat single-rate tariff — model your usage.
  • EV-specific tariffs (Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric, OVO Charge Anytime, etc.) often outperform Economy 7 for EV homes.
Last updated
May 2026
Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Audience
UK households & small businesses

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Annual kWh

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Meter type

Single-rate, Economy 7/10, smart, half-hourly all price differently.

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Cheaper night-rate tariffs for UK smart meter homes

A clear, current overview to help you choose with confidence.

Economy 7 vs Economy 10 vs EV TOU

Economy 7 = 7 hours off-peak overnight. Economy 10 = 10 hours split across overnight and an afternoon dip. EV TOU = a 5–7 hour overnight window at much cheaper unit rates than standard E7.

Best for EVs, batteries, heat pumps

EV charging overnight is the strongest win. Home battery + solar to time-shift is the second. Heat-pump pre-heating overnight (or pre-cooling in summer) is the third. Storage heating is a classic E7 use case.

Tariff vs meter pairing

You need a SMETS2 smart meter on half-hourly mode. Your supplier will commission this after sign-up — usually within 1–2 weeks.

What it doesn't help

If your usage is mostly daytime (work from home, daytime cooking, daytime HVAC), TOU tariffs can cost more than a flat single-rate. Model first.

Compare like-for-like

Illustrative May 2026 rates — actual offers depend on supplier, postcode and your meter setup.

What to compare Typical range (May 2026) Notes
Standard flat single-rate tariff 25–28 p/kWh Baseline.
Economy 7 Peak ~30 p / Off-peak ~13–17 p Suits storage heating; not always EVs.
Economy 10 Peak ~30 p / Off-peak ~14–18 p Suits older E10 homes; few new tariffs.
EV TOU (overnight window) Peak 28–35 p / Off-peak 5–10 p Suits EV homes, batteries, heat pumps.
Off-peak window length 5–7 hours Plan loads to fit it.

How to choose a cheaper night-rate tariff in 2026

  1. 1. Check your meter type

    You need a SMETS2 smart meter for most TOU tariffs.

  2. 2. Map your usage by time of day

    How much of your daily kWh could shift to overnight? Aim for 30%+ to make TOU worthwhile.

  3. 3. Compare tariffs

    Use the form below to surface TOU options for your postcode and meter.

  4. 4. Confirm the off-peak window

    Make sure it matches your EV charge speed, immersion timer or appliance timers.

  5. 5. Switch and commission

    After switching, the supplier will set the meter to half-hourly mode.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The most frequent issues we see when households and businesses act on what looks like a good deal.

  • Signing up to E7/E10 without storage heating or shiftable load.
  • Forgetting the EV TOU peak rate is higher than flat rate — daytime use is more expensive.
  • Not commissioning the smart meter on half-hourly mode after switching.
  • Choosing a TOU tariff with a window that doesn't match your EV's charging speed.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes — a SMETS2 second-generation smart meter is required for most modern TOU tariffs. Older traditional Economy 7 meters can still work for legacy E7 tariffs.

Is Economy 7 still worth it in 2026?

If you have storage heating or run laundry/EV charging overnight, yes. Otherwise modern EV TOU tariffs tend to offer a better off-peak rate.

What's the cheapest off-peak unit rate available in May 2026?

Around 5–7p/kWh on the cheapest EV TOU windows. Always compare via the form for your postcode.

Can I get a TOU tariff if I don't have an EV?

Yes — heat pumps, home batteries and storage heating all work too. Some suppliers require an EV; others don't.

Will my peak rate be higher?

Often yes — TOU tariffs typically price peak hours above the flat single-rate. Model with your kWh by time of day.

How long is the off-peak window?

Most TOU tariffs offer a 5–7 hour overnight block. Some EV-specific options offer dynamic shorter windows you trigger via an app.

Can I switch back if it doesn't suit?

Yes — you can switch tariff or supplier at any time. Some tariffs have a small exit fee; many EV TOU tariffs do not.

Will this work with my standard washing machine?

Yes — use the timer to start at the off-peak window. No need for special appliances.

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Page governance

Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Last updated
May 2026

How we keep this page current

We refresh this page each month against the latest Ofgem cap, supplier tariff changes and current scheme guidance. Worked numbers are illustrative; quotes you receive via the comparison form are personalised to your meter and postcode.

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Updated on 17 May 2026