Should I switch to a half-hourly tariff in the UK?
Half-hourly (smart) tariffs can cut costs if you can use more electricity at cheaper times — but they’re not right for everyone. Compare whole-of-market home deals and see whether switching makes sense for your household.
- Check if you could save by shifting usage to off-peak times
- See fixed, variable and smart half-hourly options in one place
- Get a personalised view based on your home, not averages
EnergyPlus is a UK comparison service for domestic energy. Prices vary by region, meter type and usage. Switching is subject to supplier eligibility and credit checks where applicable.
Check whether a half-hourly tariff could work for your home
A half-hourly tariff (sometimes called a smart tariff or time-of-use tariff) can change your electricity rate in short time slots (typically every 30 minutes). If you can shift flexible use — like laundry, dishwashers, immersion heaters, or EV charging — to cheaper periods, you may reduce your bill.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market home energy deals, including suppliers that offer half-hourly pricing. Tell us a little about your home and we’ll show suitable options and explain the trade-offs in plain English.
Not sure what you’re on now? Many households are on a standard variable tariff (SVT) or a fixed tariff with a single unit rate. Half-hourly tariffs typically require a communicating smart meter and supplier support.
What you’ll need (2 minutes)
- Your postcode (to show regional unit rates and standing charges)
- Whether you have a smart meter (or want one installed)
- An estimate of your annual electricity use (if known) — we can guide you
What is a half-hourly tariff?
In the UK, a half-hourly tariff prices your electricity in 30-minute blocks. Instead of paying the same unit rate all day, your price can rise and fall depending on the time you use power. These tariffs rely on half-hourly meter readings, usually provided by a smart meter.
You’ll still typically pay a standing charge (a daily amount to cover network and metering costs), plus a unit rate for each half-hour period. Some half-hourly tariffs are dynamic (prices change daily), while others offer fixed cheap windows (like overnight or specific off-peak slots).
Time-of-use tariffs
Set peak/off-peak periods. Example: cheaper overnight rates for flexible usage.
Dynamic half-hourly pricing
Rates can change every half hour based on wholesale prices and grid conditions.
Smart export options
If you have solar panels, some tariffs also pay for export (sold electricity) at variable rates.
Important: Half-hourly tariffs are for electricity. If you’re on a dual fuel deal, your gas price is usually separate and not half-hourly.
Reasons to switch (and reasons not to)
Whether a half-hourly tariff is “worth it” depends on how you use electricity at home. These are the practical pros and cons to weigh up.
Potential benefits
- Lower costs if you can shift usage to cheaper half-hours (often overnight or mid-day)
- Better fit for EV charging and some heat pump schedules
- More control if you track costs and plan high-use activities
- Supports a greener grid by using electricity when renewable generation is higher
Possible downsides
- Prices can spike at peak times on dynamic tariffs
- Not ideal if most of your usage is early evening and can’t be shifted
- Requires a smart meter (or installation) and reliable communications
- More effort to understand time slots and plan usage
Tip: if you’re considering a half-hourly tariff primarily for EV charging, compare against a well-priced fixed tariff too. A cheaper off-peak rate can be cancelled out by higher peak prices depending on your household routine.
How half-hourly tariffs work (in practice)
Half-hourly pricing is simple in principle: your electricity use is recorded in 30-minute blocks and billed at the rate for that time. The key is understanding how your routine lines up with cheaper periods.
- Your smart meter sends half-hourly readings (with your consent and supplier setup).
- The supplier sets prices by time (either fixed time bands or dynamic half-hourly rates).
- You’re billed for each block you used electricity in, plus a daily standing charge.
- You can shift flexible loads (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging) into cheaper blocks to reduce the average price you pay.
Quick comparison: single-rate vs half-hourly
If you’re on a legacy multi-rate tariff (e.g. Economy 7), you may already have cheaper overnight electricity. A modern half-hourly tariff can be more flexible, but compare carefully because peak rates may be higher.
Who should consider switching?
Half-hourly tariffs tend to suit households with flexible consumption. If most of your electricity use is locked into peak times (typically late afternoon to evening), you may not benefit.
Good match
- EV owners who can charge overnight
- Homes with smart appliances and timers
- People at home mid-day who can run appliances off-peak
- Solar + battery setups optimising import/export times
Maybe (compare carefully)
- Families with some flexible usage but busy evenings
- High electricity use overall (savings can be meaningful)
- Heat pump users with controllable schedules
- Anyone happy to monitor prices and adjust habits
Often not a fit
- Most usage happens 4–9pm and can’t be shifted
- No smart meter and not able/willing to get one
- Households wanting maximum price predictability
- People who rarely use high-load appliances
A simple self-check (30 seconds)
Costs, savings and risks to understand
Half-hourly tariffs can look attractive because the cheapest periods are sometimes significantly below the average. But your actual bill depends on your usage pattern (when you use electricity), not just how much.
Where savings usually come from
- Moving high-consumption tasks into off-peak blocks
- Reducing peak-time use (often the most expensive)
- Automating schedules with timers and smart plugs
- For EVs: charging mainly in low-rate windows
Common risks and “gotchas”
- Higher rates during peak hours can increase bills if behaviour doesn’t change
- Standing charges can vary by supplier and region
- Some tariffs have eligibility requirements (smart meter type/communications)
- Dynamic pricing can be unpredictable day-to-day
How to compare fairly (so you don’t switch and regret it)
- Start with your current annual cost (from your latest bill or account).
- Estimate what you can shift (e.g., 10–30% of electricity use to off-peak).
- Compare against a good fixed tariff as a baseline for stability.
- Check exit fees and contract terms before switching.
If you’re risk-averse, look for tariffs with set off-peak windows rather than fully dynamic half-hourly pricing. You still benefit from timing your usage, but with clearer expectations.
Eligibility: can I get a half-hourly tariff?
Availability depends on your meter setup and the supplier. Most UK half-hourly domestic tariffs require a smart meter capable of sending regular readings.
Smart meter installed
You’re likely eligible, subject to the meter communicating reliably and supplier support.
No smart meter
Some suppliers will offer a tariff once a smart meter is installed. Compare options and timing.
Complex meter types
Legacy multi-rate or non-standard setups may need extra checks before switching.
If you’re unsure, start with the comparison form. We’ll flag if your meter details suggest limited availability and point you to suitable alternatives.
Common mistakes to avoid
Comparing only the cheapest rate
Focus on your average expected unit cost based on when you use electricity. A very cheap off-peak rate doesn’t help if most of your consumption is at the most expensive time.
Ignoring the standing charge
Standing charges vary by region and supplier. If your usage is low, the standing charge can make a bigger difference to your overall bill than the unit rates.
Assuming you’ll change habits (but not doing it)
If you don’t plan to shift usage, a single-rate fixed tariff may be safer. Be honest about your routine before switching.
Not checking contract terms
Look for exit fees, price-change clauses (especially on dynamic products), and whether the deal is truly domestic whole-of-market comparable.
Half-hourly tariff FAQs (UK homes)
Do I need a smart meter for a half-hourly tariff?
In most cases, yes. Half-hourly tariffs typically require half-hourly readings, which are normally provided by a communicating smart meter.
Will switching affect my gas supply?
Half-hourly pricing applies to electricity. If you’re on dual fuel, your gas tariff usually stays a standard unit rate and standing charge (unless you also change gas product).
Are half-hourly tariffs always cheaper?
No. They can be cheaper if you use more electricity in low-cost periods. If your usage is mostly at peak times, you could pay more than on a well-priced fixed tariff.
What happens if prices spike on a dynamic tariff?
Your peak-time electricity may cost more for those periods. If you choose dynamic pricing, it’s wise to understand the supplier’s price caps/limits (if any) and have a plan for high-price periods.
Can I switch back if it doesn’t suit me?
Usually yes, but check your contract terms. Fixed tariffs may include exit fees. If you’re unsure, compare options that offer flexibility.
Want a tailored recommendation? Use the comparison form and we’ll show suitable options for your postcode and meter type.
What households like about comparing with EnergyPlus
Realistic expectations matter with half-hourly tariffs. People tend to value clear information and the ability to compare beyond a single supplier.
“The comparison showed a fixed deal and a smart tariff side by side, so we could choose based on our routine.”
“Helpful guidance on whether shifting usage would actually make a difference. No hard sell.”
“Straightforward form and clear breakdown of standing charges for our postcode.”
Trust note: we compare across multiple UK suppliers (whole-of-market where available). We’ll highlight key differences like contract length, exit fees, standing charges and whether half-hourly readings are required.
Ready to see if a half-hourly tariff could save you money?
Compare whole-of-market home energy options for your postcode — including smart half-hourly tariffs and simpler fixed alternatives.
Switching normally takes place without interruption to your supply. Always review tariff terms and any exit fees before confirming a switch.
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