What is a 2-rate electricity tariff in the UK?

A 2-rate (two-rate) electricity tariff charges different unit rates depending on the time of day—typically a cheaper off-peak rate and a higher peak rate. It can be a good fit if you can shift a meaningful share of your electricity use (for example, EV charging, tumble drying, washing or dishwashing) into off-peak hours.

Is a 2-rate tariff the same as Economy 7 or Economy 10?

Economy 7 and Economy 10 are common types of 2-rate tariffs. Economy 7 usually provides 7 hours of cheaper off-peak electricity, while Economy 10 typically provides 10 hours (often split across the day). Exact off-peak times vary by region and meter setup, so it’s important to confirm your specific off-peak hours before switching.

How do I know if switching to a 2-rate tariff will save me money?

You’re more likely to save if you can run high-consumption appliances during off-peak hours and keep peak-time usage lower. As a rule of thumb, if a significant proportion of your electricity use happens overnight (or during off-peak periods), the cheaper off-peak unit rate can outweigh the higher peak rate. If most of your usage is during daytime/evening peak hours, a single-rate tariff may be better value.

What percentage of electricity should be off-peak to make a 2-rate tariff worthwhile?

There’s no universal threshold because prices vary by supplier and tariff. However, many households only see savings when a meaningful share of usage is shifted off-peak (often around a third or more). The best approach is to compare your peak vs off-peak consumption (from bills or smart meter data) against the tariff’s two unit rates and any standing charge differences.

Who is a 2-rate tariff best for?

A 2-rate electricity tariff can suit households that can move usage to off-peak times—such as people with an electric vehicle, storage heaters, immersion heaters for hot water, or anyone who can routinely run appliances overnight. It may also work well for larger households with flexible routines and higher electricity demand.

Is a 2-rate tariff good for electric vehicles (EVs)?

Often, yes. If you regularly charge an EV at home, charging during off-peak hours can reduce your cost per mile. Before switching, check your off-peak window and ensure it aligns with when you can schedule charging.

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

You typically need a meter capable of recording separate peak and off-peak readings (for example, an Economy 7/10 meter or a compatible smart meter configuration). If your meter can’t record two rates, your supplier may need to exchange or reconfigure it before you can move to a 2-rate tariff.

What are the downsides of switching to a 2-rate electricity tariff?

The main downside is that peak electricity is usually more expensive than on a single-rate tariff, so you can pay more if you don’t use enough electricity off-peak. Off-peak times can also be restrictive, and some households find it inconvenient to shift usage (for example, noise from appliances at night).

Can I switch back to a single-rate tariff if it doesn’t work out?

In most cases, yes—though availability and any contract terms depend on the supplier and the tariff. If you’re considering switching, check whether there are exit fees, fixed-term commitments, or meter changes that could affect switching again later.

How do I compare 1-rate vs 2-rate tariffs before switching?

Compare (1) peak and off-peak unit rates, (2) the standing charge, (3) your estimated split of peak vs off-peak usage, and (4) the exact off-peak hours on your meter. To take the next step, you can explore tariffs and switching options at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ and choose the option that matches how and when you use electricity.

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

Two-rate electricity tariffs (often called Economy 7 or Economy 10) can cut costs if you use more power overnight. Use this guide to check if a 2-rate tariff suits your home — then compare whole-of-market deals with EnergyPlus and switch online.

See if your meter and usage pattern suit day/night pricing
Compare whole-of-market 2-rate and single-rate tariffs in one place
Switch with confidence: clear guidance, no jargon, UK-focused

Compare 2-rate tariffs Find out if it’s worth it

Home energy comparison service (whole-of-market). Switching is subject to eligibility, meter type and supplier checks.

Compare 2-rate electricity tariffs (whole-of-market) and switch

If you use a decent share of electricity overnight (for example, charging an EV at home or using storage heaters), a 2-rate electricity tariff can reduce your overall bill. If most of your electricity is used during the day, a standard single-rate tariff may be better.

EnergyPlus helps you compare across the market so you can see day rate, night rate and standing charge side-by-side — then decide whether switching is right for your household.

Quick rule of thumb

A 2-rate tariff tends to work best when you can shift a meaningful share of electricity to the cheaper off-peak window. Many homes aim for 30%–40%+ of usage overnight, but the “right” percentage depends on your exact rates and standing charge.

What you’ll need to compare accurately

Your postcode (rates vary by region)
How you heat water/space (e.g., storage heaters, immersion heater)
Any flexible loads (EV charging, tumble dryer, dishwasher)
If you know it: your current tariff name and whether you’re on Economy 7/Economy 10

Get personalised results

Fill in the form and we’ll help you compare options for your home, including 2-rate and single-rate tariffs.

What is a 2-rate electricity tariff?

A 2-rate electricity tariff charges different prices for electricity depending on the time of day. You’ll typically pay:

Day rate (peak)

Higher unit rate for electricity used during the day/evening.

Night rate (off-peak)

Cheaper unit rate during a set overnight window — ideal for flexible usage like EV charging or storage heating.

Common UK examples

Tariff type	How it works	Best suited to
Economy 7	Around 7 hours of cheaper off-peak electricity overnight (exact times vary by region/meter).	Storage heaters, immersion heating, EV charging overnight.
Economy 10	Cheaper electricity split across roughly 10 hours, sometimes including daytime off-peak blocks.	Homes with electric heating needing more flexibility than overnight only.
Other 2-rate tariffs	Some suppliers offer alternative two-rate structures; names and hours vary.	Households with predictable off-peak usage.

Important: Off-peak hours can vary by region, supplier and meter settings (and may differ if your meter uses GMT/BST). Always confirm the exact times before you commit to shifting usage.

Is a 2-rate electricity tariff worth it?

It depends on your day vs night electricity split and the specific prices available for your postcode. A 2-rate tariff can be a smart move when the savings from the cheap rate outweigh the higher day rate and any differences in standing charge.

A quick way to think about it

Estimate your overnight usage (EV charging, storage heaters, timed appliances).
Compare unit rates: day rate vs your current single rate, plus the night rate.
Factor in standing charge and any differences in discounts/fees.
Decide if you can actually shift usage without impacting comfort or convenience.

Typical “yes” signals

You already have storage heaters or an immersion heater on a timer
You can charge an EV at home mostly overnight
You can run appliances overnight safely (e.g., dishwasher) and you’re comfortable doing so
You can commit to shifting usage, not just “hoping” to

When a single-rate tariff can be better

If most of your consumption happens in the daytime (working from home, cooking, electric showers, daytime laundry), the higher day rate on a 2-rate deal can cancel out overnight savings.

Who benefits most from 2-rate electricity in the UK?

Homes with storage heaters

Economy 7 was designed for storage heaters. If your home uses electric heating, shifting most heating load to off-peak can make a major difference.

EV owners charging at home

If you can routinely charge overnight, the cheaper night rate can reduce the cost per mile — provided your daytime use doesn’t spike.

Households with flexible routines

If you can time appliances and hot water heating to the off-peak window (safely), you’re more likely to benefit.

How to check if you can switch to a 2-rate tariff

Before you switch, it’s worth confirming your meter setup and how your readings are recorded. This helps avoid surprises like being billed on the wrong rate or not getting the off-peak window you expected.

Step-by-step checks

Look at your latest bill: does it show two unit rates (day/night) or registers like “Rate 1 / Rate 2”?
Check your meter display: many show “1” and “2” readings (two registers).
Confirm off-peak times: ask your supplier or check your tariff details. Times can vary.
Smart meter note: smart meters can support multi-rate tariffs, but configuration matters. Confirm how rates will be applied.

What to do if you’re unsure

If you don’t know your meter type or your off-peak hours, that’s common — and fixable.

Use the comparison form and tell us what you do know
Have your MPAN to hand if possible (on your bill)
Take a photo of your meter display to help identify registers

Comfort & safety: It’s not always practical (or recommended) to run appliances unattended overnight. Savings should never come at the expense of safety.

Costs, risks and common mistakes to avoid

Switching to a 2-rate tariff can be straightforward — but only when your tariff choice matches your lifestyle and heating setup. Here are the pitfalls that most often cause higher bills.

1) Not shifting enough usage

The night rate only helps if you actually use it. If your routine keeps most usage in the day, the higher peak unit rate may outweigh savings.

2) Assuming off-peak hours are the same everywhere

Economy 7 hours can differ by region and meter configuration. Always confirm the exact window (and whether it changes with GMT/BST).

3) Mixing up Rate 1 and Rate 2 readings

Some meters label registers differently. Recording the wrong reading can cause billing issues. If in doubt, get help identifying which is day vs night.

Standing charges and price structure

When comparing, don’t focus only on the night unit rate. Your total cost is driven by day rate + night rate + standing charge, based on how you actually use electricity.

Regional considerations

Electricity prices vary by distribution region. That’s why using your postcode is essential for an accurate 2-rate tariff comparison.

If you’re still not sure, start with the comparison form. We’ll help you weigh up 2-rate vs single-rate options for your home setup.

FAQs: 2-rate electricity tariffs (UK)

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

Economy 7 is a common type of 2-rate tariff, with around 7 off-peak hours overnight. But not all 2-rate tariffs are Economy 7 — some are Economy 10 or other supplier variations.

Can I get a 2-rate tariff with a smart meter?

Often, yes — but the key is whether your smart meter and supplier can apply the multi-rate configuration correctly. Always confirm what your off-peak times will be and how readings will be billed.

Will switching affect my heating or hot water?

It can if you rely on timed circuits (common with storage heaters/immersion heating). The tariff itself doesn’t change your wiring, but your off-peak window may differ, so your timers may need adjusting.

What if I switch to 2-rate and it doesn’t save me money?

If your usage stays mostly in the day, costs can rise. That’s why it’s best to compare your options first and be realistic about how much electricity you can shift to off-peak.

Do I need a special meter to go on Economy 7?

You’ll typically need a meter that can record usage in two registers (day and night). Some smart meters can do this, and some legacy Economy 7 meters are already installed in homes with electric heating.

Can I switch back to a single-rate tariff later?

In many cases, yes — but availability depends on your supplier and meter configuration. If a meter exchange is required, that can add time and complexity. Comparing whole-of-market options helps you choose the most suitable long-term setup.

What people say about switching with a comparison service

When you’re considering Economy 7 or another 2-rate tariff, clarity matters. These examples show what households value most when comparing and switching.

“I didn’t realise the off-peak hours could be different to what I assumed. Comparing day and night rates side-by-side made the decision much easier.”

Homeowner, Yorkshire

“We charge our EV overnight and wanted a tariff that matched our routine. The comparison helped confirm the day rate wouldn’t wipe out the savings.”

EV driver, Greater London

“Straightforward process and clear explanation of what to check on my meter. I felt more confident switching.”

Flat owner, Scotland

Trust indicators

Whole-of-market home energy comparisons
Clear focus on tariff structure: standing charge, day rate and night rate
UK-focused guidance on Economy 7/Economy 10 and meter checks

Ready to see whether a 2-rate tariff will save you money?

Get a personalised comparison for your postcode. We’ll help you weigh up 2-rate vs single-rate tariffs based on your home’s usage — then you can decide whether to switch.

Start my comparison Read the FAQs

Tip: have your latest electricity bill handy to confirm whether you’re currently on Economy 7/Economy 10.

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Updated on 3 Mar 2026