Time of use electricity tariffs UK: save by shifting your usage
Compare whole-of-market time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs for UK households. See whether off-peak rates could work for your home, then request a tailored comparison in minutes.
- Understand peak vs off-peak pricing and when rates typically apply
- Check suitability for EV charging, heat pumps, storage heaters and smart homes
- Get a personalised comparison using your postcode and usage pattern
Home energy only. We compare across multiple UK suppliers where available. Availability varies by region, meter type and eligibility.
Compare time-of-use electricity tariffs for your home
Time-of-use electricity tariffs (sometimes called smart tariffs) charge different unit rates depending on when you use electricity. If you can move some usage to cheaper off-peak hours—such as EV charging overnight, running the washing machine later, or heating a hot-water cylinder—TOU pricing may reduce your overall bill.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Tell us your postcode and contact details and we’ll help you understand whether TOU options are available for your meter and region—and which type of plan matches your household routine.
Good to know: TOU tariffs can be great when you can shift usage. They can be less suitable if most of your electricity use happens during peak times (typically late afternoon/evening). We’ll highlight trade-offs so you can decide with confidence.
What we’ll ask (and why)
- Postcode to check regional availability and network area
- Contact details so we can send/confirm your comparison
- Usage pattern (e.g., EV, heat pump, storage heaters, home working) to match the right TOU structure
Get a tailored TOU comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll check suitable home tariffs and contact you with next steps.
Tip: If you have a recent electricity bill handy, note your annual kWh and standing charge. If not, we can still provide guidance based on your household profile.
What is a time-of-use electricity tariff?
A time-of-use electricity tariff is a home energy plan where your unit rate (p/kWh) changes at different times of day (and sometimes by day of the week). Instead of one flat unit rate, you might pay:
- Off-peak (cheaper) rates during low-demand hours
- Peak (higher) rates during high-demand hours
- Sometimes a shoulder rate for in-between periods
Most TOU tariffs are designed for homes with a smart meter, because the supplier needs half-hourly readings to bill correctly. In the UK, TOU plans are often used by households with EVs, heat pumps, storage heaters, or those who can schedule appliances outside peak windows.
Benefits of TOU tariffs (and who they suit)
Lower cost for flexible households
If you can shift high-consumption tasks (EV charging, tumble drying, dishwasher) to off-peak periods, you may reduce your average unit cost.
Better match for EVs and smart tech
Many TOU tariffs are designed around overnight charging and app-based control, helping you automate when energy is used.
Potentially greener usage
Shifting demand away from peak times can support grid balancing. Some TOU products align cheaper rates with higher renewable generation periods.
Works well with batteries
Homes with battery storage can charge at cheaper times and use stored electricity later—helping manage peak-rate exposure.
More control and insight
With smart metering, you can monitor usage patterns and make simple changes that add up across the year.
Not always best for peak-heavy homes
If your usage is mostly 4pm–9pm (cooking, heating, family routines), peak rates may outweigh off-peak savings. We’ll help you sanity-check.
How time-of-use tariffs work in the UK
TOU plans can look different depending on supplier and product. Some have fixed time bands (e.g., an overnight off-peak window). Others have multiple rates across the day. The core idea is the same: your unit price changes by time, and your bill reflects when you consumed electricity.
- Your smart meter records half-hourly electricity usage.
- The tariff assigns a rate to each time band (peak/off-peak/shoulder).
- Your bill totals the kWh used in each band, plus the standing charge.
- You save (or pay more) depending on how much usage you can move out of peak hours.
Key terms to know
- Unit rate: the price per kWh
- Standing charge: daily fixed cost for supply
- Peak window: usually the most expensive hours
- Off-peak window: cheaper hours for flexible usage
- Half-hourly data: readings that enable accurate TOU billing
What to check before switching
- Exact time bands and which days they apply
- Your peak-time usage (cooking, heating, showers)
- Whether you can schedule appliances safely
- Exit fees and fixed vs variable terms
- Whether your meter is compatible and readings are received
Typical peak and off-peak times (examples)
Suppliers set their own time bands, so always check the tariff facts. Below are illustrative examples of how TOU structures may look for UK households. Your actual hours and prices can differ.
| TOU type | Cheaper window (example) | Peak window (example) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-rate (day/night) | Overnight hours (e.g., ~7 hours) | Daytime (all other hours) | Storage heaters, overnight-heavy usage |
| EV-focused TOU | Late night / early morning | Late afternoon / evening | Home EV charging, flexible appliances |
| Three-rate (off-peak/shoulder/peak) | Night or midday blocks | Evening block(s) | Households that can avoid peak hours |
| Dynamic/variable TOU (advanced) | Rates vary more frequently | Rates vary more frequently | High-engagement users with automation/battery |
Important: Some TOU tariffs apply different rates by weekday vs weekend, or change across seasons. Always confirm the exact band times before you switch.
Will a time-of-use tariff save you money?
Savings depend on how much electricity you can move into the cheaper window and how expensive the peak rate is compared to a standard single-rate tariff. Two households on the same TOU plan can have very different outcomes.
Simple self-check (2 minutes)
Ask yourself:
- Can I reliably run 1–2 big loads overnight or midday (EV, washing, dishwashing, immersion heater)?
- Is my household at home and using appliances mainly during evening peak?
- Do I have automation (timers, smart plugs, EV scheduler) to avoid mistakes?
- Would I accept a higher peak rate if off-peak is much cheaper?
Common risks to avoid
- Not shifting enough usage to off-peak (peak rates may dominate)
- Forgetting time bands—especially weekends/seasonal differences
- Standing charge higher than expected
- Appliance safety: don’t run tumble dryers unattended if you’re not comfortable doing so
- Smart meter data issues causing estimated bills—rare, but worth checking
Practical tip: If you have a smart meter in-home display or app data, look at your usage by time. Evening spikes (often 4pm–9pm) are the key thing to understand before switching.
Eligibility: do you need a smart meter?
In most cases, yes. UK time-of-use tariffs typically require a working smart meter sending readings, because billing needs accurate half-hourly consumption. Some legacy two-rate tariffs exist for certain meter setups (often associated with storage heating), but modern TOU products generally expect smart metering.
You’re more likely to be eligible if you…
- Have a smart meter (or can get one installed)
- Can access an online account/app for tariff management
- Have flexible demand (EV, battery, heat pump, storage heaters)
- Are the bill payer and can pass a simple credit check where required
You may need extra guidance if you…
- Are on a legacy two-rate meter and unsure of timings
- Have complex heating controls or Economy-style circuits
- Live in a property where meter access is difficult
- Need to keep costs predictable and prefer a single unit rate
Not sure what you have? Use the comparison form and we’ll help confirm your likely options based on your postcode and household setup.
FAQs: time-of-use electricity tariffs for UK households
Are time-of-use tariffs the same as Economy 7?
Not exactly. Economy 7 is a traditional two-rate structure with a set number of cheaper night hours. Time-of-use is a broader category that can include two-rate plans, but also products with multiple bands, different weekend pricing, or more complex schedules. We’ll help you compare like-for-like.
Can I switch to a TOU tariff without an EV?
Yes—many households benefit by shifting washing, dishwashing, hot water heating, or battery charging. The key is whether you can move a meaningful share of usage away from peak hours.
Will I pay more at peak time?
Often, yes—peak unit rates may be higher than a standard single-rate plan. That’s why it’s important to check your evening usage and ensure the cheaper window is a good match for your routine.
Do TOU tariffs affect the electricity standing charge?
They can. Standing charges vary by supplier and region, and they’re a crucial part of the true annual cost. Any comparison should include both unit rates and the standing charge.
Do I need to send meter readings?
If you have a functioning smart meter, readings are usually sent automatically. If data isn’t being received, bills may be estimated. If you’re unsure, we can advise what to check with your supplier or meter display.
Is it hard to move usage to off-peak?
It’s easier if you can use timers or smart controls. Typical “easy wins” include dishwasher/washing machine scheduling, EV charge scheduling, and pre-heating hot water if you have a cylinder and appropriate controls. Always follow manufacturer safety guidance.
Have a specific question about your setup? Use the comparison form and include details (EV, battery, heating type) so we can point you in the right direction.
What households look for in a TOU tariff
Every home is different, but the same themes come up repeatedly when people compare time-of-use tariffs—clarity on times, confidence in billing, and a plan that fits real life.
“The key was knowing exactly when the cheap hours start and end. Once we set the EV schedule, it became hands-off.”
“We didn’t realise how much we used between 5–8pm. Seeing the comparison made it clear a TOU plan wasn’t best for us right now.”
“We wanted a simple recommendation based on our routine. The summary of pros and cons helped us decide quickly.”
Trust focus: We’ll explain peak/off-peak times, standing charges and any key conditions so you can compare based on total cost—not just headline unit rates.
Ready to see if a time-of-use tariff fits your household?
Get a whole-of-market comparison tailored to your postcode and routine. We’ll highlight the best-fit TOU options (and flag when a standard tariff could be better).
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