What is a 2-rate electricity tariff (like Economy 7 or Economy 10)?

A 2-rate electricity tariff charges two different unit prices: a cheaper off-peak rate for a set number of hours (usually overnight) and a higher peak rate for the rest of the day. Economy 7 typically gives 7 off-peak hours; Economy 10 usually provides 10 off-peak hours split across the day and night.

Is switching to a 2-rate electricity tariff worth it in the UK?

It can be worth it if you can shift a meaningful share of your electricity use into the off-peak window (often by running appliances overnight or using storage heating). If most of your usage happens during the day and evening, the higher peak rate can outweigh off-peak savings.

How much off-peak electricity usage do I need for a 2-rate tariff to save money?

There is no single threshold because prices vary by tariff and region, but a common rule of thumb is that you’ll usually need a substantial portion of your usage to be off-peak (often around 30–40% or more) to make a 2-rate tariff competitive. Compare your current unit rate with the proposed day and night rates to estimate your break-even point.

Who is a 2-rate electricity tariff best for?

2-rate tariffs are often best for homes with storage heaters or immersion heaters, households that can run high-consumption appliances overnight (washing machine, dishwasher, EV charging), and people with flexible routines who can shift usage away from peak hours.

Who should avoid a 2-rate tariff?

If you’re home and using electricity mainly during peak daytime/evening hours, don’t have storage heating, can’t shift usage, or you rely on electric heating that runs mostly in the day, a 2-rate tariff may increase costs due to the higher peak unit rate.

What times are off-peak on a 2-rate tariff?

Off-peak hours depend on your meter setup and local network, so they vary by area and tariff. Many Economy 7 setups provide off-peak hours overnight, but the exact start and end times can differ. Always confirm your exact off-peak window with your supplier or meter details before switching.

Do I need a special meter for a 2-rate electricity tariff?

Yes. You typically need a meter capable of recording separate day and night (or peak/off-peak) readings. Many smart meters can support multi-rate tariffs, but some properties may still have legacy Economy 7 meters. Your supplier can confirm compatibility and whether a meter exchange is needed.

Can I switch to a 2-rate tariff if I have a smart meter?

Often yes, as smart meters can support multi-rate registers depending on configuration. Your supplier will confirm whether your smart meter can be set up for a 2-rate tariff and what your off-peak hours would be.

Will my standing charge change on a 2-rate tariff?

Possibly. Standing charges can differ between tariffs, so check both the standing charge and the day/night unit rates when comparing costs. The cheapest night rate doesn’t always mean the lowest overall bill if other charges are higher.

How can I estimate savings before I switch?

Use your current annual kWh usage and estimate what proportion you can move to off-peak (for example, EV charging, hot water, laundry). Then price it with the new tariff’s peak and off-peak unit rates plus standing charge. If you’re unsure, start by checking your usage patterns or consider tracking which appliances run overnight.

Can electric vehicle (EV) owners benefit from 2-rate tariffs?

Yes. If you can schedule EV charging during the off-peak window, a 2-rate tariff can significantly reduce charging costs. Make sure the off-peak hours align with when you can charge, and compare the peak rate to your current single-rate tariff for non-EV electricity use.

How do I switch to a 2-rate electricity tariff with Energy Plus?

You can explore your options and get started by visiting https://www.energyplus.co.uk/. If you’re interested in a 2-rate setup, have your current meter details and (if possible) recent usage information available so you can confirm meter compatibility, off-peak times, and expected costs before switching.

Should I switch to a 2-rate electricity tariff in the UK?

A 2-rate (dual-rate) tariff can reduce bills if you use a meaningful share of electricity overnight (often via an EV charger, storage heaters, or battery storage). Compare whole-of-market UK tariffs with EnergyPlus and check if a 2-rate plan actually suits your usage pattern.

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Check if a 2-rate tariff will actually save you money

In the UK, a 2-rate electricity tariff (sometimes called a dual-rate tariff, or associated with Economy 7 / Economy 10) charges one unit rate for daytime use and a lower unit rate for off-peak hours (usually overnight). The trade-off is that the daytime rate is often higher than on a single-rate tariff.

The key question isn’t “is night rate cheaper?”—it’s what % of your electricity you can move into off-peak. As a rule of thumb, if you can shift around 30–40%+ of your usage to off-peak (varies by tariff), a two-rate deal can be worth it.

Quick self-check

Do you have an EV, storage heating, or home battery?
Can you run the washing machine, dishwasher, or immersion heater overnight?
Do you have a smart meter or a meter that supports two rates?

Use the form to check availability and compare whole-of-market tariffs for your postcode. If a 2-rate tariff doesn’t stack up, we’ll show suitable single-rate options too.

Compare UK tariffs (whole-of-market)

Get personalised results for your home and see if 2-rate beats your current tariff.

Tip: If you have a smart meter, you can often move to a 2-rate tariff without changing the meter. If you’re on an older setup, your supplier may need to update metering configuration.

Who should consider switching to a 2-rate tariff?

EV owners who can charge overnight

If you regularly charge at home and can schedule charging for off-peak hours, a dual-rate tariff can reduce your cost per mile. Check the night window and any charging restrictions.

Homes with storage heaters

Traditional Economy 7-style setups were designed for storage heating. If your heating relies on off-peak electricity, a two-rate tariff may be essential—provided the day rate isn’t punitive.

Battery storage & smart appliances

A home battery can charge on cheap night units and power your home during the day. Smart scheduling for appliances can also increase your off-peak share.

When 2-rate may not suit

You’re home in the day and use most electricity at peak times
You can’t shift usage (e.g., cooking, daytime heating, home working)
Your supplier’s day rate is significantly above single-rate alternatives

Best times to review your tariff

You’ve just bought an EV or installed a charger
Your fixed deal is ending (or you’ve been moved to a default tariff)
Your household routine changed (new baby, working from home, etc.)

How 2-rate electricity tariffs work in the UK

A two-rate tariff splits your electricity into peak and off-peak unit rates. The off-peak price is lower, but the peak (day) price is usually higher than a comparable single-rate tariff. Your standing charge may also differ, so always compare the full tariff details.

1) Know your off-peak window

Off-peak hours vary by tariff and region. Many Economy 7 plans offer around 7 hours at night, but timings can differ (and may shift with daylight saving time).

2) Shift the right loads

The biggest wins come from EV charging, water heating, storage heating, and battery charging. Smaller appliances help, but they rarely move the needle alone.

3) Compare total cost, not just the night rate

A cheap off-peak rate can be cancelled out by a high day rate and standing charge. Compare your annual cost based on your expected split.

Plain-English takeaway: If you can’t reliably use cheap units, you’ll likely pay more overall. If you can, a 2-rate tariff can be a practical way to reduce costs—especially for EVs and storage-based heating.

What to compare on a 2-rate tariff (day vs night)

When you compare two-rate electricity tariffs in the UK, focus on the parts that change your total bill: both unit rates, the standing charge, and any fees or conditions. The table below shows what to check before you switch.

Tariff element	Why it matters	What to look for
Day unit rate	Most homes still use a large share in the day.	Compare against your current single-rate price. A high day rate can wipe out savings.
Night / off-peak unit rate	This is where the potential savings come from.	Check the exact off-peak hours and any limits or special EV windows.
Standing charge	Fixed daily cost regardless of usage.	A higher standing charge can reduce the benefit of switching, especially for low users.
Exit fees	Some fixed deals charge if you leave early.	If you’re unsure, consider flexible options or ensure the savings justify the commitment.
Meter compatibility	Not all meters are set up for two rates.	Smart meters are often compatible; older Economy 7 setups vary. We can help you check.

Regional note: Tariff pricing and off-peak times can vary by region and network area. Your postcode helps us show the most accurate options.

Common mistakes when switching to a 2-rate tariff

Comparing only the night unit rate

A low off-peak price looks great, but your day rate and standing charge usually matter more. Always compare using your expected day/night split.

Assuming your off-peak hours are the same

Economy 7 times can vary by region, and some tariffs have different windows. Check the off-peak schedule before you set appliance timers or EV charging.

Not checking meter set-up

If your meter isn’t configured for two-rate billing, you may not get charged correctly. Smart meters are often simpler, but it’s worth confirming your set-up first.

Overestimating how much you can shift

If your household routine means most usage happens during the day, a dual-rate deal can increase your costs. Be realistic about what will run overnight.

Want a quick answer? Use the comparison form and we’ll show you whether a 2-rate tariff is likely to beat your current deal based on what’s available for your postcode.

2-rate electricity tariff UK: FAQs

Is a 2-rate tariff the same as Economy 7?

Economy 7 is a well-known type of 2-rate tariff (typically around seven off-peak hours overnight). However, some suppliers offer other dual-rate options with different off-peak windows or EV-focused features. Always check the exact timings and rates.

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

Not always. Some homes have traditional two-rate meters (often installed with storage heating). A smart meter can make it easier to support multi-rate billing, but availability depends on your supplier, property, and meter set-up.

Will switching affect my supply or require an engineer visit?

Switching supplier doesn’t change the electricity you receive. Many switches are completed remotely. In some cases (particularly with older meters), a meter configuration change or exchange may be needed to bill correctly on two rates.

How do I know what proportion of my usage is off-peak?

If you have a smart meter, your in-home display or app may show usage by time. Otherwise, your supplier can sometimes provide a breakdown, or you can estimate based on what you run overnight (EV charging, immersion heater, storage heating, appliances).

Can a 2-rate tariff help if I work from home?

It depends. Working from home usually increases daytime usage (computers, cooking, heating), which can make a higher day rate more expensive. If you also have an EV or battery and can still shift a large share overnight, it can still work.

Is there any downside to a dual-rate tariff?

The main downside is paying more for daytime electricity. If your usage pattern changes, a two-rate plan can become poor value. Some fixed tariffs may also have exit fees, so it’s worth choosing carefully.

Still unsure? Jump back to compare tariffs and get results based on your postcode.

What UK households say about switching with EnergyPlus

“We weren’t sure if a 2-rate tariff would help with EV charging. The comparison showed the day rate would have made us worse off—so we chose a better single-rate deal instead.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“Clear breakdown of standing charge and rates. It was easy to see what we’d pay if we shifted the dishwasher and washing overnight.”

— Family household, Greater Manchester

“We have storage heaters, so we needed a suitable Economy 7-style tariff. EnergyPlus helped us find options that matched our meter set-up.”

— Flat owner, Scotland

Trust check: We compare tariffs across the market to help you choose what fits your home usage—whether that’s a 2-rate option or a competitive single-rate tariff.

Ready to see if a 2-rate tariff is right for your home?

Compare UK electricity tariffs by postcode and get a clear view of day rate, night rate and standing charge—so you can switch with confidence.

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EnergyPlus.co.uk helps UK households compare and switch home energy tariffs. Results depend on availability by region and meter set-up.

Prefer to compare later?

Save this guide and come back when you’ve checked your off-peak window or EV charging schedule.

Helpful next step: Note your current unit rate(s), standing charge and whether your meter shows two readings (day/night). Then use the form above for the most accurate comparison.

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Updated on 17 Jan 2026