Half-hourly electricity tariff UK: should I switch?
Half-hourly (smart) tariffs can cut bills for some households—especially if you can shift usage away from peak times. Compare whole-of-market UK home energy deals with EnergyPlus and see if switching makes sense for your meter, lifestyle and budget.
- Check if a half-hourly tariff suits your daily routine (EV, heat pump, working from home)
- Compare fixed, variable, time-of-use and tracker options in one place
- Get results tailored to your postcode and usage—no guesswork
Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. Switching is free with EnergyPlus. Availability depends on your meter, supplier and region.
Find out if a half-hourly electricity tariff is right for your home
A half-hourly electricity tariff (also called a time-of-use or smart tariff) prices your electricity based on when you use it—often in 30-minute blocks. The best value comes when you can move flexible usage (like EV charging, tumble drying, dishwashers or water heating) to cheaper periods.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market UK home energy deals so you can weigh up half-hourly tariffs alongside fixed, variable, tracker and other time-of-use options. If switching won’t help, you’ll see that too.
Quick suitability check (30 seconds)
- Yes if you can shift at least some usage to off-peak (evenings, overnight, weekends—depends on tariff).
- Maybe if you’re in all day but can automate appliances or have solar/battery.
- No if most of your use is locked into peak times (cooking, heating, family routines) and you can’t change it.
What you’ll need to compare
- Your postcode (prices vary by region and network).
- Your electricity usage (kWh) or a recent bill estimate.
- Whether you have a smart meter (most half-hourly tariffs require one).
Compare whole-of-market tariffs
Fill in the form to see if a half-hourly tariff could lower your electricity costs. We’ll also show strong alternatives if it won’t.
Tip: half-hourly tariffs aren’t one-size-fits-all
If your routine is peak-heavy, a well-priced fixed tariff can be cheaper and simpler. Comparing is the quickest way to decide.
Who typically benefits from half-hourly electricity pricing?
Half-hourly tariffs can be a good move when you have flexible demand. You don’t need to change everything—shifting a few high-consumption activities can make a noticeable difference, depending on the tariff’s peak/off-peak spread.
EV owners & overnight charging
If you can charge at low-rate hours, a time-of-use tariff may reduce your cost per mile. Smart charging schedules help you stay within cheaper windows.
Homes with heat pumps or storage heaters
Heating loads are large. If your system can pre-heat or run more at off-peak times, half-hourly pricing can be worth exploring (and comparing carefully).
Solar, batteries & smart homes
Automation lets you shift demand when prices are low, store energy, or reduce import at peak times. The right tariff depends on your setup and export arrangements.
Flexible schedules
Working from home can help or hurt. If you can move laundry/dishwasher to cheaper slots, you may benefit; if you cook and heat heavily at peak, you may not.
Higher-than-average electricity use
The more electricity you use, the more impact your unit rates have. Half-hourly tariffs can amplify savings—or amplify costs if you land in expensive periods.
People who like active control
If you’re comfortable checking app prices, setting schedules and making small changes, you’re more likely to see value than someone who wants a set-and-forget bill.
How half-hourly electricity tariffs work in the UK
With a smart meter, your electricity usage can be recorded in 30-minute intervals. A half-hourly tariff uses that data to apply different unit rates depending on the time and day. Some tariffs have set peak/off-peak bands; others follow a published daily schedule; and some track market conditions more dynamically.
- Your meter records usage every 30 minutes (with your consent and supplier setup).
- The tariff assigns prices to time blocks (e.g. cheaper overnight, higher early evening).
- Your bill is calculated per block plus the daily standing charge.
- You can shift flexible usage to cheaper windows to reduce your average unit cost.
Half-hourly vs other tariff types
| Tariff type | How pricing works | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-hourly / time-of-use | Different unit rates by time block | Flexible users, EV, smart tech | Peak rates can be high; needs planning |
| Fixed | Unit rate locked for the term | Budget certainty | Exit fees may apply; may miss future drops |
| Standard variable | Price can change (often with Ofgem cap cycles) | Short-term flexibility | Less price certainty |
| Tracker | Rate follows a reference (e.g. daily/weekly) | Those comfortable with moving prices | Rates can rise quickly; needs monitoring |
Important: Half-hourly tariffs vary by supplier. Some have a simple two-rate structure; others have several bands (or dynamic pricing). Always compare using your likely usage pattern—EnergyPlus helps you do that.
When switching to half-hourly tariffs can backfire
A half-hourly tariff can be excellent value—but it isn’t automatically cheaper. The main risk is paying premium rates during peak demand periods (often early evening). Consider these common pitfalls before you switch.
Peak-heavy households
If most usage happens around cooking time and early evening (and you can’t shift it), you may pay more—even if off-peak looks attractive.
Assuming “overnight is always cheap”
Off-peak windows and rates differ by tariff. Always check the exact times and whether they change by day or season.
Ignoring the standing charge
A low unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge. Compare total annual cost, not just one headline rate.
Not checking exit fees and terms
Some fixed smart tariffs include exit fees. If you might switch again soon, factor that into the decision.
Typical half-hourly tariff structure (example only)
Suppliers set their own bands and prices. The table below shows a simplified illustration of why your routine matters. Your actual rates depend on your region, meter type and the specific tariff.
| Time period | Typical demand level | Illustrative unit rate | What to run then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight | Lower | Low | EV charging, dishwasher, washing machine (if safe) |
| Morning | Medium | Medium | Routine use; avoid heavy loads if possible |
| Late afternoon / early evening peak | High | High | Minimise flexible loads where you can |
| Late evening | Medium | Medium / Low | Laundry/drying (if cheaper window starts) |
A practical way to decide
If you can shift just 10–20% of your electricity use into cheaper slots, you may see savings. If you can’t shift much at all, prioritise a competitive all-day unit rate and a sensible standing charge.
Eligibility: can I get a half-hourly tariff at my address?
Most half-hourly tariffs are designed for smart-metered homes. Availability can also depend on your supplier, your meter setup and your region. If you’re not eligible today, you may still be able to switch to a competitive fixed or variable tariff now and revisit half-hourly pricing later.
Usually required
- A working smart meter capable of half-hourly readings
- Consent for your supplier to use half-hourly consumption data for billing
- Standard domestic supply (not business)
Good to check before switching
- Any exit fees on your current tariff
- Your meter type (single-rate, Economy 7, etc.) and whether you want to keep it
- Whether you’ll actually use cheaper windows (EV schedules, appliance timers)
Half-hourly electricity tariff FAQs (UK homes)
Do I need a smart meter for a half-hourly tariff?
In most cases, yes. Half-hourly pricing relies on half-hourly readings. If you’re unsure what meter you have, compare anyway—your results can highlight suitable tariffs and next steps.
Is a half-hourly tariff the same as Economy 7?
Not always. Economy 7 is a two-rate setup (day/night). Half-hourly tariffs can have multiple bands or dynamic prices. Some households are better served by Economy 7-style simplicity—others benefit from more flexible bands.
Will I definitely save money if I switch?
No. Savings depend on your usage pattern, standing charge, and the peak/off-peak spread. That’s why comparing total estimated cost is key.
What’s the downside of half-hourly pricing?
The main downside is exposure to higher peak rates, plus the need to manage when you use electricity. If you prefer a predictable bill, a competitive fixed tariff may suit you better.
Can I switch back if I don’t like it?
Usually yes, but check contract terms and any exit fees first—especially for fixed smart tariffs.
How do I maximise savings on a time-of-use tariff?
Use timers/smart plugs, schedule EV charging, run dishwashers and washing machines in cheaper windows, and reduce discretionary use during peak periods.
Trusted comparison for UK households
Clear results
“The comparison made it obvious whether time-of-use would work for our routine. No confusion about standing charges.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
Helpful for EV tariffs
“We wanted cheaper overnight charging. EnergyPlus helped us compare properly rather than picking a tariff on headline rates.”
— EV driver, South East
Easy switching
“Simple form, quick options, and we switched without hassle. Great to see alternatives when half-hourly wasn’t best.”
— Household, Yorkshire
Why EnergyPlus?
- Whole-of-market comparison focused on UK homes
- See costs by standing charge and estimated annual usage
- Side-by-side view of time-of-use and non-time-of-use options
Ready to see if a half-hourly tariff will save you money?
Compare half-hourly tariffs against the best fixed and variable deals for your postcode. If switching makes sense, you can move in minutes.
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