Should I switch to a time-of-use tariff in the UK?
Time-of-use (TOU) tariffs can cut bills if you can shift energy use into cheaper off-peak hours. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and see if a TOU tariff suits your home.
- Check if you could save by moving usage to off-peak times
- See TOU options alongside standard fixed and variable deals
- Quick form — we’ll match tariffs to your postcode and usage
Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. Switching is subject to supplier availability and eligibility (including smart meter requirements for most TOU tariffs).
Compare time-of-use tariffs (whole-of-market)
A time-of-use tariff can be brilliant for the right household — and expensive for the wrong one. Use the form to check whole-of-market options and we’ll help you compare TOU deals against standard fixed and variable tariffs, based on your area and usage.
Before you switch, know these 3 things
- Most TOU tariffs need a smart meter (so the supplier can measure usage by time band).
- Saving usually means changing habits — like running appliances overnight or charging an EV off-peak.
- Off-peak times vary by supplier, and some have different weekend or seasonal rates.
What we’ll compare for you
- TOU tariffs (including EV-style and multi-rate options where available)
- Standard single-rate tariffs (fixed and variable)
- Standing charges and unit rates by your region
- Exit fees, contract length, and payment method (Direct Debit / prepay where applicable)
Tip: If you have an EV, heat pump, storage heaters, or a battery, mention it when we contact you — it can change which time-of-use tariff is best.
Important: TOU tariffs aren’t always cheapest on average. If most of your usage is during peak hours (often late afternoon/evening), a standard tariff may be better.
What is a time-of-use tariff?
A time-of-use tariff (sometimes called a multi-rate tariff) charges different unit rates for electricity depending on the time of day. Instead of one flat price per kWh, you’ll typically see:
- Off-peak (cheaper): usually overnight, sometimes at weekends
- Peak (more expensive): commonly late afternoon and evening
- Standard / shoulder (mid-rate): on some tariffs, times between peak and off-peak
TOU tariffs are designed to reward households that can shift energy use away from peak demand. In the UK, they’re often used by EV drivers and households with flexible consumption.
Should you switch? Who time-of-use tariffs suit best
EV drivers who can charge overnight
If you can schedule EV charging in off-peak hours, TOU pricing can reduce the cost per mile. Look for tariffs with clearly defined off-peak windows and check any charging requirements.
Households with flexible routines
Running the washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion heater or dehumidifier overnight (safely and sensibly) can shift meaningful usage into cheaper periods.
Homes with batteries or solar + battery
Some households charge a home battery off-peak and use it during peak time. Your set-up and export arrangements matter, so it’s worth comparing tariff structures carefully.
You may want to avoid TOU if…
- You’re home mostly evenings and use lots of electricity then
- You can’t or won’t shift usage (cooking, heating, childcare routines)
- You prefer price certainty and simple bills
- You’re on prepayment and have limited TOU options in your area
If you’re unsure
You don’t have to guess. EnergyPlus can compare time-of-use tariffs against standard tariffs using your postcode and typical usage, so you can see whether switching is likely to help.
How time-of-use pricing works (UK)
Every supplier sets their own time bands and rates, but the principle is the same: your electricity unit rate changes by time period. You’ll still usually pay a daily standing charge too.
A simple example
Let’s say your tariff has:
- Off-peak: 10p/kWh (00:30–04:30)
- Peak: 40p/kWh (16:00–19:00)
- Standard: 28p/kWh (all other times)
If you can move 30–40% of your usage into off-peak and avoid heavy use at peak, TOU can make sense. If you can’t, you may pay more overall.
What to check before switching
- Off-peak window: Is it long enough for EV charging / appliances?
- Peak definition: Do your busiest hours fall into peak?
- Standing charge: A higher standing charge can cancel out savings.
- Contract terms: Fixed vs variable, exit fees, and price review dates.
- Metering: Smart meter compatibility and signal/commissioning status.
If you use electricity for cooking and heating mostly between late afternoon and bedtime, a TOU tariff can increase costs. Compare against a standard tariff before you commit.
Do I need a smart meter for a time-of-use tariff?
In most cases, yes. Time-of-use tariffs rely on half-hourly (or time-banded) readings, which are typically taken via a smart meter. Without it, a supplier may not be able to bill accurately by time period.
Smart meter checklist
- Your smart meter is working and sending readings
- You’re set up for half-hourly data where required
- Signal is reliable (some properties need alternative comms)
- Your supplier supports the tariff on your meter type
No smart meter yet?
You can still compare tariffs now. If the best option needs a smart meter, you can decide whether to arrange one as part of switching.
Time-of-use tariff savings: what changes your bill
Whether a time-of-use tariff is worth it comes down to when you use electricity, not just how much you use. The table below shows the key factors to compare on any UK TOU deal.
Quick self-check: do you have off-peak load?
- Do you run a dishwasher / washing machine after 10pm?
- Could you set the tumble dryer earlier in the morning instead of evenings?
- Do you have an EV or plan to get one within 12 months?
- Do you have a battery or storage heaters?
Not sure what time you use energy?
If you have a smart meter, your in-home display or supplier app can show usage by hour/day. That makes it much easier to judge whether peak pricing would be a problem.
Common mistakes when switching to a time-of-use tariff
Only comparing the off-peak rate
A very cheap off-peak rate can look tempting, but a high peak rate plus standing charge can cost more overall. Always compare the full structure.
Forgetting peak-time habits
Cooking, showers (electric), heating controls, and entertainment often sit in peak hours. Small daily habits add up over a month.
Assuming TOU is always greener
Off-peak can align with lower grid demand, but “greener” depends on the grid mix. Switch for savings and suitability first, and consider green credentials separately.
Safety note on running appliances overnight
If you plan to run appliances off-peak, follow manufacturer guidance and avoid unsafe setups. Many households use delay timers to run loads later, but don’t compromise safety for savings.
Time-of-use tariff FAQs (UK)
Are time-of-use tariffs the same as Economy 7?
Economy 7 is a classic two-rate tariff (day and night), often used with storage heaters. Modern TOU tariffs may have different off-peak windows, multiple rates, and can be tailored for EV charging.
Will switching affect my gas supply?
Time-of-use pricing is usually an electricity feature. You can still compare gas as part of a dual-fuel switch, but gas generally isn’t billed on TOU bands for homes.
Do TOU tariffs work on prepayment meters?
It depends on supplier availability and meter type. If you’re on prepay and want TOU, compare options by postcode and we’ll show what’s possible for your situation.
Can I switch away if it doesn’t suit me?
Usually yes, but check contract terms. Fixed TOU deals may have exit fees. Variable tariffs often allow switching without fees, but always confirm before changing.
What if I work from home?
Working from home can increase daytime usage (computers, cooking, heating). That can be fine on TOU if peak is mainly evenings — but compare carefully if your tariff’s peak includes daytime bands.
What information helps you find the best tariff?
Your postcode, whether you have a smart meter, and any big flexible loads (EV, battery, storage heating). If you don’t know your usage yet, we can still start with your postcode and refine later.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare across the market and show how time-of-use options stack up against standard tariffs, so you can choose based on your real-life usage.
Clear, practical guidance
We focus on what matters: off-peak windows, peak rates, standing charges, and whether you’ll need a smart meter.
UK support that understands switching
From eligibility questions to tariff selection, we help you make a confident choice without guesswork.
What people say
“I was considering a time-of-use deal for EV charging. EnergyPlus explained the peak hours clearly and helped me compare it to a standard fixed tariff first.”
“The postcode results made it obvious which tariffs were actually available in my area. I avoided switching to a TOU plan that wouldn’t have suited our evening usage.”
Testimonials are illustrative of customer experiences and may not represent typical outcomes. Savings depend on tariff rates and usage patterns.
Ready to see if a time-of-use tariff will save you money?
Compare whole-of-market TOU tariffs and standard tariffs for your postcode. If the numbers don’t work, we’ll show alternatives that fit your home.
- Fast postcode check
- Smart meter guidance included
- Designed for UK households (not business energy)
Prefer to learn first? Jump to how TOU works or what affects savings.
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