Should I switch to an Economy 7 tariff in the UK now?
Find out whether Economy 7 suits your home, when it can reduce bills, and compare whole-of-market options in minutes with EnergyPlus.
- Quick check: do your night-time rates outweigh daytime costs?
- Ideal for storage heaters, some EV charging, and off-peak-heavy households
- Compare Economy 7 and single-rate tariffs across UK suppliers
UK domestic energy only. You’ll see options based on your meter type and usage. No obligation to switch.
Compare Economy 7 vs single-rate tariffs (whole-of-market)
Economy 7 can be worth switching to when a meaningful share of your electricity use happens overnight (off-peak). However, the daytime (peak) unit rate is usually higher than a standard single-rate tariff. The best move depends on your meter type, heating setup, and how flexible your usage is.
Good to know: Economy 7 off-peak hours vary by supplier, meter and region. Your exact times can shift (including with daylight saving). Always confirm your meter’s off-peak window before changing routines.
Is Economy 7 a good idea in the UK right now?
It can be a smart switch if you can reliably move high-consumption tasks to off-peak—such as charging an EV, running a heat pump’s hot water cycle overnight, or using storage heaters. It’s usually not a good fit if most of your usage is daytime/evening and you don’t have storage heating.
- Consider switching now if you can use roughly 35–45%+ of electricity at night (rule of thumb).
- Be cautious if you’re home in the day and cook/heat with electricity at peak times.
- Always compare against the best single-rate deal for your postcode and meter.
Get your Economy 7 check
Tell us your details and we’ll compare tariffs for your home. No sales scripts—just options.
Tip: If you currently have storage heaters, Economy 7 is often the starting point. If you don’t, compare carefully—many homes pay more on Economy 7 because of higher daytime rates.
When Economy 7 can save you money (and when it won’t)
Likely a good fit
- Storage heaters / immersion heater on a timer
- EV charging overnight most days
- You can run laundry/dishwasher after off-peak starts
- You’re out during peak time and use little electricity then
Often not worth it
- Most usage is daytime/evening (cooking, electric heating)
- You can’t shift routine (family home, work-from-home)
- No storage heating and minimal overnight demand
- You’re already on a very competitive single-rate fix
Worth a quick check
- You have a smart meter and can track half-hourly usage
- You’re considering a heat pump or electric heating upgrade
- You can schedule hot water heating overnight
- You want to reduce peak-time consumption
How Economy 7 works in the UK
Economy 7 is a two-rate electricity tariff: you pay a cheaper off-peak unit rate for around 7 hours overnight, and a higher peak unit rate during the day. Your standing charge still applies.
What changes when you switch
- Two unit rates instead of one
- Billing uses day/night readings (or smart meter data)
- Best results require behaviour change (timers/scheduling)
- Off-peak hours vary by region and meter configuration
Common UK home setups
- Storage heaters charge overnight, release heat in the day
- Immersion heater heats hot water overnight (timer-controlled)
- EV charger scheduled to start after off-peak begins
- Appliances run overnight where safe and appropriate
Safety note: Only run appliances overnight if you’re comfortable doing so and the manufacturer guidance supports it. Use timers responsibly and keep ventilation clear for tumble dryers.
What are the typical Economy 7 hours?
There isn’t one universal schedule. Many households see off-peak hours somewhere around late evening to early morning, but your exact hours depend on your meter and area. If you have a smart meter, your supplier can confirm your off-peak window.
Economy 7 break-even: how much night usage do you need?
A practical way to decide is to estimate the share of your electricity you can move into off-peak. If the day rate is much higher than a single-rate tariff, you’ll need more night usage to make Economy 7 worthwhile.
Simple rule-of-thumb
Many homes need roughly 35–45%+ of electricity used off-peak to break even, but it can be higher or lower depending on the specific rates available to you.
- If your off-peak rate is very low, you may need less night usage.
- If your peak rate is much higher than standard, you’ll need more night usage.
- Standing charges matter—compare full annual cost, not just unit rates.
Quick calculation (optional)
If you know your rates, you can estimate the break-even off-peak share:
Break-even off-peak share ˜ (Single-rate - Economy7 peak) ÷ (Economy7 off-peak - Economy7 peak)
If maths isn’t your thing, use the comparison form above and we’ll do the heavy lifting with your postcode.
Example: why some households pay more on Economy 7
| Scenario | Night usage share | What tends to happen | Best next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| No storage heaters, normal daytime living | 10–25% | Peak costs dominate; bills often increase | Compare single-rate options |
| Some overnight shifting (dishwasher/laundry) | 30–40% | Could break even, depends on rates | Run a whole-of-market check |
| Storage heaters / EV charging most nights | 45–70% | Economy 7 is often competitive | Compare Economy 7 deals |
Examples are illustrative and don’t guarantee savings. Always compare based on your meter, rates and usage.
Meter and switching checks (before you commit)
Whether you can switch to Economy 7 (or switch away from it) depends on your meter configuration and your supplier. These checks help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Confirm your meter type: Economy 7 meters typically record two readings (day and night). Some setups have separate registers or use an internal timer.
- Check your off-peak times: Ask your supplier, check your bill, or review smart meter data. Times can differ by region and may not match your assumptions.
- Review your heating and hot water: Storage heaters and immersion heaters often need correct timers/controls to benefit from off-peak.
- Compare total annual cost: Look at both unit rates and standing charge. A cheaper night rate can be offset by a much higher day rate.
- Plan for lifestyle fit: If you won’t realistically shift usage, the tariff may not work even if it looks good on paper.
Already on Economy 7?
If your home no longer uses storage heating (or your routine has changed), it may be worth checking single-rate tariffs. Some households stay on Economy 7 by default and pay more than necessary.
Thinking of switching to Economy 7?
If you’re adding an EV, changing heating, or you can shift usage overnight, comparing Economy 7 alongside single-rate options can reveal the best-value route.
Common Economy 7 mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Assuming fixed hours
Off-peak times vary by meter and region. Confirm your window before you set timers or change routines.
Not checking day rate impact
A higher daytime unit rate can outweigh night savings fast if you cook, work from home or heat electrically during peak hours.
Storage heater controls mis-set
If your heaters don’t charge overnight or release heat efficiently, you may pay more without getting comfort benefits.
Want the quickest answer? Submit your postcode and compare Economy 7 against the best single-rate alternatives available to your home.
Economy 7 UK FAQs
Is Economy 7 cheaper than a normal tariff?
It depends on how much electricity you use off-peak. Economy 7 offers cheaper night rates, but daytime rates are typically higher. If you can’t shift enough usage to night hours, a single-rate tariff may be cheaper overall.
Do I need a special meter for Economy 7?
Usually, yes. You’ll need a meter that can record separate day and night usage (or a smart meter configured for two-rate billing). If you’re unsure, your bill often shows two electricity readings or separate day/night unit rates.
Can I switch from Economy 7 to a single-rate tariff?
Often yes, but it can depend on your meter and supplier. Some switches may require a meter reconfiguration or exchange. Comparing options first helps you see whether the savings justify any changes.
Does Economy 7 affect my gas prices too?
No. Economy 7 is an electricity tariff structure. If you have gas, it’s billed separately on its own unit rate and standing charge.
What if I have solar panels?
Solar can reduce your daytime grid usage, which may make a higher Economy 7 day rate less painful—however, the best tariff depends on when you import electricity and any export arrangements. A comparison based on your actual usage pattern is the safest approach.
How quickly can I switch tariffs?
Switching times vary by supplier and meter setup. In many cases, tariff changes are straightforward, but meter-related changes can take longer. You’ll see what’s available once you compare for your postcode and meter type.
Why households use EnergyPlus
“Clear comparison and no pressure.”
We wanted to check Economy 7 for EV charging. The options were explained in plain English.
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“Helped us avoid the wrong tariff.”
We nearly switched to Economy 7, but the comparison showed a better single-rate deal for our usage.
— Couple, Greater Manchester
“Whole-of-market options in one place.”
Useful to see Economy 7 and standard tariffs side-by-side for our postcode.
— Family, South East
Trust & transparency: We compare available UK home energy tariffs and highlight key differences like unit rates, standing charges and tariff structure (single-rate vs Economy 7).
Ready to see if Economy 7 will lower your bills?
Compare Economy 7 and single-rate tariffs for your home, based on your postcode and meter setup. It’s the fastest way to get a confident yes/no.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households
- Designed for storage heaters, EV charging and off-peak use
- No obligation to switch
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