Should I switch to a 3-rate electricity tariff in the UK?
A 3-rate (three-rate) electricity tariff can cut costs if your home uses power at the right times—typically overnight, daytime and peak evening. Use our whole-of-market comparison to see if switching could save you money, without guesswork.
- Check if a 3-rate tariff suits your usage pattern (e.g., EV charging, storage heating, home batteries)
- Compare whole-of-market electricity options in minutes
- See clear results and switch with one simple form
For UK homes only. Prices vary by region and meter type. Switching won’t affect your electricity supply—only who bills you and the unit rates you pay.
Compare 3-rate electricity tariffs (whole-of-market)
Not sure whether a 3-rate electricity tariff will help you save? The key is matching your household’s usage to the tariff’s cheaper periods. If a large share of your electricity can be moved into the off-peak rate (for example, charging an EV overnight), a three-rate plan may beat a flat-rate or two-rate tariff.
Use the form to request a comparison. We’ll use your postcode to find rates available where you live and help you check whether a 3-rate structure is worth switching to.
Quick self-check: a 3-rate tariff may suit you if…
- You can shift high-load appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, immersion heater) into off-peak hours.
- You have storage heating or a hot water cylinder that can heat mostly overnight.
- You charge an electric vehicle at home and can schedule charging to cheaper windows.
- You have a home battery and can charge it cheaply and use it during peak times.
Get your 3-rate tariff options
Complete the form and we’ll help you compare tariffs available in your area.
Tip: If you have a recent bill, check whether it mentions Economy 7, Economy 10 or a three-rate meter. That’s a strong hint you may already be on (or eligible for) multi-rate pricing.
Important: Multi-rate tariffs are highly usage-dependent. If most of your electricity is used during peak periods, switching to a 3-rate tariff can increase your bill even if the off-peak unit rate looks cheap.
What is a 3-rate electricity tariff?
A 3-rate electricity tariff (also called a three-rate or tri-rate tariff) charges different unit prices (pence per kWh) for electricity at three separate time bands. You’ll typically see:
- Off-peak (cheapest) – usually overnight
- Day (mid) – standard daytime hours
- Peak (highest) – often early evening when demand is highest
This is different from a single-rate tariff (one unit price all day) and different from Economy 7 (two rates: day and night). A three-rate setup can work well for households that can move a meaningful share of electricity use into cheaper windows.
Who should consider switching to a 3-rate tariff?
EV owners who can charge on a schedule
If you can charge mostly overnight (or within the cheapest window), a multi-rate tariff can reduce the cost per mile. The key is avoiding peak-time charging.
Storage heating / hot water cylinders
Homes with storage heaters or immersion heating can benefit if the system is set to draw power during off-peak periods rather than expensive peak hours.
Home battery owners
A battery can charge when electricity is cheaper and help you use less from the grid at peak times—making three rates easier to take advantage of.
If your household uses the most electricity between roughly 4pm and 9pm (cooking, heating, tumble dryer), a 3-rate tariff may be less suitable unless you can shift that demand.
3-rate tariff pros and cons (UK homes)
Potential benefits
- Lower off-peak unit rates for overnight usage (EVs, storage heaters, batteries).
- More flexibility than Economy 7 when there’s a separate peak band.
- Better cost control if you can automate usage (timers, smart charging, smart home).
- Can complement solar/battery setups by charging at low cost when solar isn’t available.
Possible downsides
- Peak rates can be expensive—a bad fit for high evening usage.
- It’s harder to estimate bills unless you understand when you use electricity.
- Not every supplier/tariff supports three rates in every region.
- Meter compatibility matters—you may need a smart meter or multi-rate meter setup.
A good rule of thumb: the more you can confidently move into off-peak (or avoid peak), the more likely a 3-rate tariff is worth it.
How 3-rate electricity times work (and why they vary)
There isn’t one universal set of hours for three-rate tariffs. The time bands can vary by supplier, meter type, and sometimes by region. Your meter configuration determines which rate applies at any moment.
If you’re comparing tariffs, always check the actual time bands and not just the unit prices. A cheap off-peak rate is only useful if it aligns with when you can use (or schedule) electricity.
Example time-band structure (illustrative)
| Rate band | Typical hours | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-peak | Late night to early morning | EV charging, storage heating, battery charging | Only helps if you can schedule loads |
| Day | Morning to afternoon | Regular daytime usage, home working | May be higher than a good single-rate tariff |
| Peak | Late afternoon to evening | Ideally minimal grid use (battery can help) | Cooking/tumble drying during peak can raise bills |
How to decide if a 3-rate tariff will save you money
- Check your current meter and tariff type (single rate, Economy 7, or multi-rate). If you have a smart meter, your online account may show half-hourly usage.
- Estimate when you use electricity—especially big loads: EV charging, immersion heater, washing/drying, cooking, electric heating.
- Map usage to the rate bands. A 3-rate tariff is most effective when you avoid peak and use off-peak heavily.
- Compare the whole cost: unit rates across all bands plus the standing charge. Don’t focus on the cheapest band alone.
- Plan your switching setup—timers, smart EV scheduling, and battery settings can make the difference.
Do I need a special meter for a 3-rate tariff?
Often, yes. A three-rate tariff usually requires a meter setup that can record usage across three time bands. This might be a compatible smart meter configuration or a dedicated multi-rate meter.
Signs you may already be eligible
- Your bill shows multiple unit rates (e.g., day/night/peak).
- Your meter display cycles through more than one register.
- You have (or had) storage heaters or a legacy time-of-use tariff.
- Your supplier mentions time-of-use or multi-rate pricing in your account.
What to check before switching
- Meter type: confirm the supplier can support 3 registers for your property.
- Times: confirm your off-peak and peak windows (these may not match neighbours).
- Billing: ensure the tariff bills correctly for each register (especially after a recent meter change).
- Future plans: if you plan to add an EV/battery, choose a tariff that stays flexible.
If you’re unsure what meter you have, start with your postcode comparison. We’ll help you identify suitable options available for your area and meter setup.
Common mistakes when switching to a three-rate tariff
Only comparing the off-peak price
The cheapest rate is tempting, but most households still use a chunk of electricity in day or peak periods. Compare the full structure plus the standing charge.
Not changing habits or schedules
Three-rate tariffs work best with timers and automation: EV smart charging, immersion timers, delayed start appliances, and battery settings.
Assuming the time bands are the same everywhere
Time bands can differ. Always confirm the exact hours for your meter and tariff—especially if you’re planning overnight heating or EV charging.
FAQs: 3-rate electricity tariffs in the UK
Is a 3-rate tariff the same as Economy 10?
Not exactly. Economy 10 is typically a time-of-use tariff with around 10 hours of cheaper electricity, sometimes split across day and night. A 3-rate tariff usually means three distinct unit rates (off-peak, day, peak). Some setups may feel similar in practice, but the pricing structure and meter registers can differ.
Will I lose supply if I switch tariffs or suppliers?
No. Your electricity comes through the same network. Switching changes who supplies and bills you, and the rates you pay. Your lights stay on throughout the switch.
Can I switch from a 3-rate tariff back to a single-rate tariff?
Often yes, but it depends on your meter type and what tariffs suppliers support for it. If you have a multi-register meter, some suppliers may restrict available tariffs. If you request a comparison, we can help you see which options are available for your setup.
Do 3-rate tariffs work with smart meters?
Many time-of-use tariffs are supported by smart meters, but compatibility can vary. The important point is whether your meter and supplier can record and bill the relevant rate registers correctly.
What’s the biggest factor in whether I’ll save?
Your load shifting. If you can reliably run high-consumption devices during the cheapest band and reduce usage during the peak band, a 3-rate tariff is more likely to reduce your total bill.
Does my region affect 3-rate tariff availability?
Yes. Electricity pricing and tariff availability can vary by region and network area, and not all suppliers offer the same products everywhere. Your postcode is the quickest way to see what’s available for your home.
What homeowners say about switching with EnergyPlus
“I didn’t realise our evening usage was the expensive band. The comparison helped us choose a tariff that matched how we actually use electricity.”
“We charge our EV overnight and run the dishwasher late. Moving to a time-of-use plan made the costs much more predictable.”
“Straightforward form, clear explanations, and no confusion about meter types. It saved me a lot of time.”
Trust indicators: whole-of-market comparison approach, UK home energy focus, and clear guidance on tariff structures and meter compatibility.
Ready to see if a 3-rate electricity tariff is right for your home?
Compare options by postcode and get a clear view of rates available in your area. If a three-rate tariff doesn’t suit your usage, we’ll help you explore alternatives.
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At-a-glance: when 3-rate tends to work best
- High overnight usage (EV, storage heating, battery charge)
- Ability to avoid peak-time grid usage
- Comfortable using timers / smart scheduling
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