Time-of-use energy tariffs in the UK: are they worth it?
Find out whether a time-of-use (TOU) tariff could cut your electricity bills based on when you use power. Compare whole-of-market UK options with EnergyPlus and switch with confidence.
- See if off-peak prices suit your household routine
- Compare TOU, Economy 7/10 and smart tariffs side-by-side
- Quick form — we’ll match you to eligible deals for your postcode
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market UK comparison service for home energy. Availability depends on your meter type, region and supplier rules.
Check if a time-of-use tariff fits your home
Time-of-use energy tariffs charge different unit rates depending on the time of day (and sometimes day of week). They can be excellent value if you can shift a meaningful share of your electricity use into cheaper periods — for example overnight EV charging, running a dishwasher after 10pm, or heating water off-peak.
But TOU isn’t automatically cheaper. If most of your usage lands in peak windows (often late afternoon to evening), a TOU tariff can cost more than a standard single-rate tariff. The quickest way to know is to compare options available for your postcode and your meter type.
What you’ll need to get an accurate comparison
- Your postcode (tariffs vary by region and network area)
- Whether you have a smart meter or a traditional meter
- Rough idea of when you use electricity (daytime vs evenings vs overnight)
Compare whole-of-market TOU tariffs
Fill in the form and we’ll help match you to eligible time-of-use options (including Economy 7/10 where available) for your home.
So… are time-of-use tariffs worth it in the UK?
They can be, but only when the cheaper time bands line up with your real-life usage. In practical UK terms, TOU tariffs tend to be worth it when:
- You can consistently use electricity overnight or in other off-peak windows (e.g. EV charging, washing, tumble drying, immersion heater).
- You have (or can get) a smart meter where the tariff requires half-hourly readings.
- You’re comfortable avoiding peak slots for flexible loads, especially during winter evenings.
They’re often not worth it if your household is busiest at peak times (cooking, heating, entertainment in the early evening) and you can’t move much usage.
Who benefits most from time-of-use tariffs?
EV drivers
If you can charge overnight, TOU rates can materially reduce the cost per mile. Look for a long off-peak window that matches your charging habits.
Homes with electric hot water or storage heaters
Economy 7/10-style setups can perform well when your heating and hot water are designed to charge up off-peak.
Flexible households (WFH, smart appliances)
If you can run laundry, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, or batch cooking outside peak periods, TOU can reward that flexibility.
Solar + battery (where available)
Some TOU structures can help you import cheap electricity to top up a battery and avoid peak prices later (tariff rules vary).
High electricity users
The more electricity you use in off-peak windows, the bigger the potential impact (positive or negative). Comparing accurately matters.
People who track usage
If you’re happy reviewing your app or in-home display and adjusting routines, you’re more likely to get value from TOU pricing.
If you’re unsure which bucket you fall into, use the comparison form and we’ll help you find the closest-fit options for your area.
How time-of-use tariffs work (UK explanation)
A time-of-use tariff sets different electricity unit rates for different time bands. Some tariffs have two rates (day/night), while others use multiple bands (off-peak, shoulder and peak). Your standing charge can also differ from standard tariffs.
Key point: A “cheap off-peak rate” only helps if enough of your kWh land in that window. If your peak rate is high, shifting just a small amount may not be enough to win overall.
Common UK TOU tariff types
| Tariff type | How pricing works | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | Two rates: night rate for ~7 hours and a day rate for the rest. | Storage heaters, overnight usage, some EV charging. | Day rate can be higher than single-rate; night hours vary by region/meter setup. |
| Economy 10 | Off-peak split across day/night blocks (often 10 hours total). | Electric heating where extra daytime off-peak helps. | Not available everywhere; supplier choice can be narrower. |
| Smart TOU (multi-band) | Multiple price bands (e.g. off-peak/peak). Often based on smart meter data. | EVs, batteries, flexible households. | Peak prices can be steep; timings vary by supplier and can change at renewal. |
| Tracker / dynamic-style offers | Rates vary frequently (e.g. daily) rather than by time band alone. | People comfortable with variability and monitoring. | Not always the cheapest; can rise quickly in volatile markets. |
A simple way to judge “worth it” before you switch
- Estimate your off-peak share: what percentage of your electricity can realistically happen in cheap hours?
- Check the peak rate: a very high peak price can cancel out gains if you still use lots of electricity at tea time.
- Compare standing charges: TOU tariffs may have different standing charges which affect low users most.
- Confirm meter compatibility: smart TOU usually needs a smart meter; Economy 7/10 needs the right meter configuration.
- Compare whole-of-market: prices and eligibility vary by supplier and region — use a comparison service rather than guessing.
Ready to check? Compare time-of-use tariffs for your postcode.
Potential savings (and the most common mistakes)
Where TOU can save you money
- Overnight EV charging or scheduled charging during cheap windows
- Shifting wet appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, dryer) to off-peak
- Heating water off-peak with an immersion heater (where suitable)
- Reducing peak usage during winter evenings when rates can be highest
Common mistakes that make TOU more expensive
- Not changing routines (usage stays in peak hours)
- Ignoring standing charges when comparing monthly cost
- Assuming Economy 7 helps everyone — it often needs higher night usage to win
- Forgetting seasonal behaviour (more evening usage in winter)
Quick rule of thumb
The lower your off-peak unit rate and the longer the off-peak window, the easier it is to benefit — but only if your household can use that window regularly. If you’re not sure, comparing quotes based on your details is the safest way to avoid a costly switch.
Regional considerations, meter types & eligibility
Why your postcode matters
Energy prices can vary across Great Britain due to regional network costs and supplier pricing. TOU availability can also differ by region. That’s why comparing with your postcode is essential.
Smart meter vs traditional meter
Many modern TOU tariffs require half-hourly readings from a smart meter. Economy 7/10 typically needs a meter set up for multiple registers. If you’re unsure what you have, we can guide you after you submit the form.
Before you switch: a compatibility checklist
- Do you know your current tariff type? Single rate, Economy 7, or a smart TOU product.
- Do you have electric heating or an EV? These often change the equation in favour of TOU.
- Can you shift usage? If your peak-time usage is “fixed” (cooking, family routines), be cautious.
- Are you on prepayment? Some TOU tariffs have different availability (we’ll check options for your situation).
Not sure what you’re on? Submit the comparison form and we’ll help identify the best next steps for your home energy setup.
Time-of-use tariffs UK: FAQs
What is a time-of-use energy tariff?
A time-of-use tariff charges different electricity unit rates at different times. You pay less in off-peak periods and more during peak periods, plus a daily standing charge.
Is Economy 7 the same as time-of-use?
Economy 7 is a type of time-of-use tariff with two rates (day and night). “TOU” can also refer to modern smart tariffs with multiple price bands.
Do I need a smart meter for a TOU tariff?
Often yes, especially for multi-band smart TOU tariffs that rely on half-hourly readings. Economy 7/10 can work on compatible multi-rate meters. Availability depends on supplier and your setup.
Can a time-of-use tariff increase my bill?
Yes. If you don’t shift enough usage into off-peak periods, the higher peak unit rate (and sometimes a different standing charge) can mean you pay more overall.
Are TOU tariffs good for electric cars?
They can be, because EV charging is one of the easiest large loads to schedule into off-peak hours. The best tariff depends on how many miles you drive, charger power, and your off-peak window.
Will TOU affect my gas prices too?
Most TOU structures apply to electricity only. Gas is usually priced as a single rate. Your final quote will show both fuels if you’re comparing dual fuel.
Is a whole-of-market comparison better for TOU?
Yes — TOU products vary widely by supplier, eligibility and region. Whole-of-market comparisons help you see which options you can actually get, rather than focusing on one provider’s headline rate.
Want personalised options? Compare TOU tariffs for your postcode.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare UK home energy options across the market to help you find TOU tariffs that fit your meter type and routine.
Human help when it’s confusing
TOU pricing can be tricky. We help you understand eligibility, timing windows and whether a switch makes sense.
Focused on home energy
This guide and comparison journey are designed for UK households — not business energy contracts.
What customers say
“I didn’t realise my evening usage was so high — EnergyPlus helped me compare properly and I avoided switching to a tariff that would have cost more.”
“We charge our EV overnight. The comparison made it clear which time bands worked for us and the switch was straightforward.”
Results vary by household, region, meter setup and tariff terms.
Find out if a TOU tariff will actually save you money
Get a whole-of-market comparison based on your postcode and home setup. If TOU isn’t right for you, we’ll help you spot better alternatives.
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