How to switch to an Economy 7 tariff in the UK
Thinking about Economy 7 for cheaper night-rate electricity? Use our whole-of-market comparison to check whether an Economy 7 tariff suits your home, then switch with confidence in minutes.
- Compare day & night unit rates across UK suppliers
- See if Economy 7 actually lowers your bills (based on your usage)
- Switch online — no disruption to your electricity supply
Home energy only. Switching won’t interrupt your supply. Eligibility depends on your meter type and tariff availability.
Compare Economy 7 tariffs and switch online
Economy 7 can be a smart choice if you use a meaningful portion of your electricity overnight (for example, with storage heaters, electric hot water tanks, or EV charging). But because day rates are usually higher, it isn’t right for every household.
EnergyPlus is a UK home-energy comparison service. We help you compare whole-of-market options and understand the trade-offs between single-rate and two-rate (Economy 7) tariffs, so you can switch based on your actual usage pattern.
Before you start: find your meter type
- Economy 7 meter: typically shows two readings (day and night) or has a rate indicator.
- Smart meter: can support multi-rate tariffs; your supplier sets up the registers/rates.
- Single-rate meter: you may need a meter change to benefit from Economy 7.
What you’ll need for an accurate comparison
- Your postcode (pricing varies by region and network area).
- Your electricity usage (kWh) — from recent bills or your online account.
- If you already have Economy 7, your day vs night split (roughly % is fine).
Ready to check what’s available where you live? Use the form to start your Economy 7 comparison.
Tip: If you already have Economy 7, find the two readings on your bill (often labelled “Day/Normal” and “Night/Off-Peak”) to compare like-for-like.
Important: Economy 7 hours vary by region and meter setup. Always confirm your actual off-peak times with your supplier or on your meter display before shifting usage.
Is Economy 7 right for your home?
Economy 7 tariffs offer two unit rates: a lower night rate for around seven hours, and a higher day rate the rest of the time. The key question is whether you can use enough electricity overnight to outweigh any increase in daytime costs.
Often a good fit
- Storage heaters or electric wet systems with timed charging
- Immersion heater / hot water cylinder heated overnight
- EV charging scheduled for off-peak hours
- High overnight usage (e.g. laundry/dishwasher on delay timers)
May not suit
- Gas central heating with low overnight electric use
- You’re home all day and most usage is daytime
- You can’t shift flexible loads to night
- Low overall electricity consumption
Quick self-check
If roughly 30–40% (or more) of your electricity can be used overnight, Economy 7 is more likely to be worthwhile. Below that, a single-rate tariff can often be cheaper.
Not sure? Start with a comparison using your postcode and recent bill details.
How Economy 7 works (day rate vs night rate)
With an Economy 7 tariff, your electricity meter records usage across two time periods. Your bill then applies a separate unit price (p/kWh) to each register. Your standing charge is usually the same regardless of time of use, but always check tariff details.
Typical Economy 7 pattern
- Night/off-peak rate: cheaper for ~7 hours overnight
- Day/peak rate: higher for the remaining hours
- Meter registers: two readings or a smart meter with two rates
Exact off-peak times depend on your region and meter configuration and may shift with daylight savings.
What to look for on your bill
- Two unit rates (often labelled Day/Night, Normal/Low, or Rate 1/Rate 2)
- Your usage split in kWh for each rate
- Any exit fees (if you’re on a fixed tariff)
If the labels aren’t clear, check your supplier’s tariff information or your meter’s rate indicator.
Safety note: Economy 7 is about when you use electricity, not using more. If you shift usage to night, follow appliance guidance (for example, avoid running tumble dryers unattended).
Step-by-step: how to switch to an Economy 7 tariff
Switching is usually straightforward, especially if you already have an Economy 7 or smart meter. Here’s the process most UK households follow.
-
Check your current tariff and meter
Find out whether you’re on a single-rate tariff or already on Economy 7. Look for two readings on your meter or two unit rates on your bill. -
Estimate your day/night usage split
If you have Economy 7 already, your bill will show day and night kWh. If not, estimate how much you can shift to off-peak (hot water, heating, EV, laundry). -
Compare whole-of-market Economy 7 options
Focus on the night unit rate, the day unit rate, and the standing charge. A cheaper night rate can be undone by a much higher day rate. -
Apply and choose your switch date
When you select a tariff, your new supplier will manage the switch. You should not need to contact your old supplier unless you’re settling a final bill. -
Take opening meter readings
On switch day, take both readings (day and night). This helps prevent billing issues and makes sure you only pay the correct supplier for each period. -
Move flexible usage to off-peak
Use timers or smart plugs for appliances where safe. If you use storage heaters, confirm their charging schedule matches your off-peak window.
If you don’t have an Economy 7 meter
You may need a meter exchange or smart meter configuration to access an Economy 7 tariff. Availability and any costs depend on your supplier and metering setup. If you’re unsure, start with the comparison form and we’ll guide you on the likely next step.
Economy 7 rates, standing charges and what affects your cost
Economy 7 bills are driven by three core numbers: your day unit rate, your night unit rate, and your standing charge. The best tariff depends on how your household uses electricity, not just the cheapest headline night rate.
| Cost element | What it means | What to check before switching |
|---|---|---|
| Day unit rate (p/kWh) | Price per kWh outside your off-peak window. | If you’re home in the day, this rate can dominate your bill. |
| Night unit rate (p/kWh) | Lower price per kWh during off-peak hours (typically overnight). | Confirm your off-peak hours and how much load you can shift. |
| Standing charge (p/day) | Daily cost to keep your home connected to the network. | Compare across tariffs—small differences add up over a year. |
| Exit fees (if fixed) | Charges for leaving a fixed tariff early. | Check your end date and whether a cheaper tariff outweighs fees. |
| Metering & setup | Whether you have a suitable meter for two-rate billing. | Ask about smart meter configuration or meter exchange options. |
A simple way to sense-check savings
If your day rate jumps significantly, you’ll generally need a larger share of night usage to break even.
- More night usage = Economy 7 more likely to help
- More day usage = single-rate more likely to help
Regional considerations
Electricity pricing can vary by distribution region. That’s why using a postcode-based comparison matters—especially when you’re comparing two unit rates plus a standing charge.
Common Economy 7 switching mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Economy 7 can work well, but only when the tariff matches how you actually use electricity. These are the most common pitfalls we see for UK households.
Assuming off-peak is always midnight–7am
Off-peak times can vary by region and meter setup. Confirm your hours before setting timers or charging schedules.
Comparing only the night rate
A very low night rate can be offset by a high day rate and standing charge. Always compare the full tariff structure.
Not taking both meter readings
If you have two registers, submit both on switch day to avoid estimated bills and long billing disputes.
Heating & hot water not set to off-peak
Storage heaters and immersion heaters need correct timers/controls, otherwise you can end up paying peak rates for heating.
Staying on Economy 7 after your home changes
If you replace storage heating or your lifestyle changes, re-check whether a single-rate tariff would now be cheaper.
Forgetting about credit & billing preferences
Payment method and billing options can affect pricing. Compare tariffs on the basis you’ll actually use.
If you’re unsure: submit the comparison form and we’ll help you sense-check Economy 7 vs single-rate based on your household’s likely day/night usage.
Economy 7 switching FAQs
Can I switch to Economy 7 with a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many smart meters can support multi-rate tariffs, but the supplier must configure the correct registers and rates. Availability varies by supplier and meter setup.
Do Economy 7 hours change?
They can. Off-peak hours depend on your region and meter configuration, and may shift around daylight saving time. Confirm the current hours with your supplier or meter display.
Will switching cut off my electricity?
No. In the UK, switching supplier is an administrative change. Your electricity supply should remain on throughout.
Can I switch from Economy 7 back to a single-rate tariff?
Yes, in many cases. If your usage pattern changes and you use most electricity in the day, a single-rate tariff may be better value.
Do I need a special meter for Economy 7?
You need a meter capable of recording usage across two rates (an Economy 7 meter or a smart meter configured for multi-rate billing). If you have a single-rate meter, a meter change may be required.
Is Economy 7 available everywhere in the UK?
It’s widely available, but tariff availability and pricing vary by supplier and region. Use a postcode-based comparison to check what’s currently offered for your home.
For a practical next step, go to Compare & switch and we’ll help you identify whether Economy 7 is likely to reduce your bill.
Why households use EnergyPlus
When you’re comparing Economy 7 tariffs, small differences in day rate, night rate, and standing charge can make a big difference. We focus on clarity so you can switch confidently.
Whole-of-market comparison
See options from across UK suppliers, not just a short list—so you can find the tariff that fits your usage pattern.
Built for two-rate decisions
We help you think in terms of day/night usage split, so you don’t switch to Economy 7 on a headline night rate alone.
Switching support
From meter-read tips to what to do if you need a meter exchange, we’ll point you to the right next step.
What customers say
Real experiences from UK households who wanted a clearer way to compare tariffs.
“Economy 7 always confused me. Seeing day and night costs side by side made it obvious which option suited our storage heating.”
“Switched without any disruption. The reminder to submit both meter readings saved us a billing headache.”
“We charge our EV overnight. Comparing tariffs by postcode helped us find a better night rate with a reasonable day rate.”
Testimonials are illustrative of typical customer feedback and do not guarantee specific savings. Tariff availability and pricing vary by region and supplier.
Ready to switch to Economy 7 (if it’s the right fit)?
Use our postcode-based comparison to check Economy 7 day and night rates across UK suppliers and start your switch today.
- Whole-of-market options for UK homes
- Clear view of day vs night costs
- No supply interruption when you switch
Prefer to double-check first? Jump to Is Economy 7 right for me?
Switching checklist
- Know your meter type (single-rate, Economy 7, or smart)
- Find your last bill and note usage
- Confirm off-peak hours before using timers
- Take both readings on switch day
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