Cheapest electricity tariff for electric heating in the UK
Find the cheapest electricity tariff setup for electric radiators, storage heaters or heat pumps — based on your meter, your heating pattern and your property. Compare whole-of-market quotes in minutes.
- See whether single-rate, Economy 7/10 or a smart time-of-use tariff is likely to be cheapest for you
- UK-specific guidance for storage heaters, electric combi boilers, underfloor and heat pumps
- Clear caveats: meter type, switching rules, standing charges, and payment method impacts
Estimates only. Prices vary by region, meter type, payment method and supplier terms. Always check tariff details before switching.
Fast answer: what’s usually cheapest for electric heating?
There isn’t one universally “cheapest” electricity tariff for electric heating in the UK. The cheapest option depends mainly on when your heating runs, your meter (single-rate vs Economy 7/10 vs smart), and how much of your total electricity use happens overnight.
Most homes with panel heaters
A single-rate tariff is often best if most heating happens in the day/evening (typical with electric radiators or electric underfloor used on-demand).
Storage heaters / charge overnight
If you can shift a big share of use overnight, Economy 7 (or sometimes Economy 10) can be cheaper — but only if the day rate isn’t too high for the rest of your usage.
Smart meters & flexible timing
With a smart meter, you may be eligible for time-of-use tariffs (off-peak windows vary). These can suit homes that can schedule heat pump boosts or thermal stores.
Key takeaway: “Cheapest” is usually about the right tariff structure (single vs multi-rate) and total annual cost (unit rates + standing charge), not just the lowest headline unit price.
Quick self-check (30 seconds)
- Your heating type
- Storage heaters? Panel heaters? Heat pump?
- Meter
- Single-rate, Economy 7/10, or smart meter?
- When you heat
- Mainly evenings (likely single-rate) or overnight charging (likely Economy 7)?
What to do next
Use a whole-of-market comparison and check your meter type before you switch — especially if you’re on a multi-rate setup (Economy 7/10) or have storage heaters.
Compare the cheapest options for your electric heating
We’ll match quotes to your postcode (regional network costs), meter type and your household details. If you’re unsure which tariff structure fits, we’ll explain your best next step before you switch.
Tip: If you have storage heaters, tell us. The “cheapest” tariff can change depending on how much you charge overnight versus use during the day.
What you’ll need
- Your postcode (for accurate regional pricing)
- Approximate annual usage (if you know it) or your latest bill
- Your meter type (single-rate, Economy 7/10, or smart meter)
Electric heating types we cover
Get your quote
Important: If you currently have an Economy 7/10 meter and storage heaters, switching to a single-rate tariff may not be suitable unless you also change how you heat (or change the meter). We’ll flag this when comparing.
How to choose the cheapest electricity tariff for electric heating
To find the cheapest tariff for electric heating, focus on annual cost and tariff fit — not just one unit rate. Use the steps below to avoid switching into a tariff that looks cheap but ends up costing more due to standing charges or a high day rate.
- Confirm your meter type. Check your bill: does it show one unit rate (single-rate) or separate day/night rates (Economy 7/10)? If you have a smart meter, you may have additional options.
- Work out your “off-peak share”. Roughly, what % of your total electricity use happens overnight? Storage heaters can push this higher; panel heaters usually don’t.
- Compare by annual cost, not headlines. The cheapest option for you is the tariff with the lowest estimated yearly bill once unit rates, standing charges and your usage pattern are applied.
- Check exit fees and contract length. A slightly cheaper fixed tariff may not be worth it if you’re likely to move or change your heating setup soon.
- Match the tariff to your heating controls. If you can schedule charging/heating (storage heaters, thermal stores, heat pumps), you can benefit more from multi-rate/time-of-use tariffs.
Scenario 1: Storage heaters (Economy 7 can win)
Assumptions (illustrative): 1–2 bed flat, storage heaters + immersion, 8,000 kWh/year total electricity. 60% used at night (charging).
Example tariff A (Single-rate): 27p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual cost: (8,000 × £0.27) + (365 × £0.55) = £2,160 + £200.75 = £2,360.75
Example tariff B (Economy 7): day 33p/kWh, night 15p/kWh, standing charge 60p/day
Estimated annual cost: day 3,200 × £0.33 (= £1,056) + night 4,800 × £0.15 (= £720) + £219 = £1,995
In this pattern, Economy 7 can be cheaper despite the higher day rate — because a large share is off-peak.
Scenario 2: Panel heaters (single-rate can win)
Assumptions (illustrative): 2–3 bed home, electric radiators used evenings, 6,000 kWh/year total. Only 20% overnight.
Example tariff A (Single-rate): 27p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual cost: (6,000 × £0.27) + (365 × £0.55) = £1,620 + £200.75 = £1,820.75
Example tariff B (Economy 7): day 33p/kWh, night 15p/kWh, standing charge 60p/day
Estimated annual cost: day 4,800 × £0.33 (= £1,584) + night 1,200 × £0.15 (= £180) + £219 = £1,983
Here, Economy 7 is likely more expensive because most consumption is at the higher day rate.
Reality check: The “right” off-peak share varies by prices in your region. As a rough guide, Economy 7 often becomes attractive when a large share of your electricity (commonly 40%+ in many real-world comparisons) is off-peak — but always compare using your own quotes.
Tariff types compared (what’s best for electric heating?)
Use this table to narrow down the tariff type that usually matches your heating system and daily routine. Your cheapest supplier and exact rates will still depend on your postcode, meter and payment method.
| Tariff type | Typically suits | Watch-outs | What to check before switching |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-rate (standard) | Panel heaters, electric underfloor used on-demand, many heat pump homes without strong off-peak scheduling | Standing charge differences can outweigh small unit rate savings; may not suit storage heaters | Unit rate + standing charge; exit fees; payment method; whether your meter is currently multi-rate |
| Economy 7 (day/night) | Storage heaters, immersion heating, thermal storage; households that can use more power overnight | Higher day rates; off-peak hours vary by region/meter; not always best even with storage heaters | Your off-peak share; exact night window; day rate impact on cooking/working-from-home usage |
| Economy 10 (multi-window) | Some legacy storage heater setups needing off-peak across more of the day (availability varies) | Fewer tariffs available; meter and region-specific; switching can be more complex | Whether suppliers support your meter; off-peak times; whether a meter change is required |
| Smart time-of-use | Homes with smart meters and flexibility (scheduled heating, EV charging, batteries, thermal stores) | Peak rates can be high; price windows vary; can increase costs if you can’t shift use | Your routine vs peak times; peak unit rate; whether prices are fixed or variable by time |
| Fixed vs variable | Fixed can suit budgeting; variable can suit short-term flexibility | Fixed tariffs may have exit fees; variable tariffs can change (subject to rules and notices) | Exit fees, contract term, and what happens at end of contract |
Decision checklist: who each option suits
- Choose single-rate first if you mainly heat evenings and can’t shift much usage overnight.
- Consider Economy 7 if you have storage heaters or can schedule large loads overnight (and you understand your off-peak window).
- Consider time-of-use if you have a smart meter and can consistently avoid peak periods.
- Be cautious with Economy 10 unless you already have it or you’ve confirmed availability and switching steps.
Not sure? Use these two questions
- Do you charge heat overnight?
- If yes (storage heaters/thermal store), compare Economy 7 vs single-rate carefully.
- Would a higher day rate hurt you?
- Working from home, electric cooking and evening heating can make Economy 7 costlier than expected.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (electric heating tariffs)
Electric heating can be sensitive to tariff details. These are the most common reasons people pick a tariff that looks cheap, but isn’t — plus what to check before you commit.
Standing charge can dominate
If your usage is low (summer months, small flats), a higher standing charge can cancel out a lower unit rate.
Economy 7 off-peak hours vary
Your night period can differ by region and meter set-up. If you charge outside the window, you’ll pay the higher day rate.
Payment method affects pricing
Direct Debit tariffs can differ from pay-on-receipt or prepayment. Always compare like-for-like with your current method.
Meter changes aren’t instant
Moving from Economy 7 to single-rate (or vice versa) can require a meter reconfiguration or replacement. Availability and costs vary by supplier and region.
Exit fees & end dates
Some fixed tariffs charge exit fees. If you might move home or change heating, factor that into “cheapest”.
Heat pumps: efficiency matters
A heat pump’s running cost depends on system design and flow temperatures. A tariff can help, but it can’t fix an inefficient setup.
Practical check before switching: If your bill shows two readings (day and night) and you have storage heaters, take extra care. A “cheap” single-rate deal may raise your costs unless you stop charging overnight (or change the meter and usage pattern).
FAQs: cheapest electricity tariffs for electric heating
Is Economy 7 always cheapest for storage heaters?
Not always. Economy 7 can be cheaper when a large share of your electricity is used in the off-peak window. But if your day usage is high (working from home, lots of cooking, daytime heating), a high day rate can outweigh the night savings. Compare using your own annual kWh split.
What’s the cheapest tariff for electric radiators/panel heaters?
Often a competitive single-rate tariff is best, because heating is typically used when you’re home (day/evening). If you can reliably schedule heating or pre-heat using cheaper hours, a smart time-of-use tariff may be worth comparing.
Do I need a smart meter for the cheapest tariffs?
Not necessarily. Many cheap tariffs are available with standard meters. However, some time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter to measure usage by time band. Availability and eligibility vary by supplier.
Can I switch from Economy 7 to single-rate?
Often yes, but it may require a meter reconfiguration or replacement (especially if your meter is set up for two rates). This can take time, and some suppliers have specific processes. If you rely on overnight charging (storage heaters), moving to single-rate could increase your running costs.
Does postcode really affect the cheapest electricity tariff?
Yes. Electricity bills include regional network costs and tariff pricing can vary by area. Two homes with identical usage can see different rates and standing charges depending on their region.
Is a fixed tariff always cheaper than variable?
No. Fixed tariffs can be cheaper or more expensive depending on market pricing and supplier strategy. Fixed can help with budgeting, but may include exit fees. Variable tariffs can change over time. Always compare the estimated annual cost and the terms.
What if I’m a tenant — can I still switch?
In many cases, yes. If you pay the electricity bill and the account is in your name, you can usually switch supplier. If you have a prepayment meter or a complex meter setup (e.g. some Economy 10 arrangements), switching choices may be more limited.
I have a heat pump — should I use Economy 7?
Sometimes, but it depends on how your heat pump runs and whether you can shift consumption. Heat pumps often run across the day to maintain temperature. If a high day rate would apply to most of your usage, Economy 7 may not be cheapest. If you can schedule hot water heating or pre-heat sensibly, a smart time-of-use tariff might be worth comparing.
Still unsure? Use the quote form above — we’ll match options to your meter type and show estimates based on your region and likely usage pattern.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page accountability
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- April 2026
How we assess “cheapest” for electric heating
We treat “cheapest” as the lowest estimated annual cost for a typical household with electric heating, based on tariff structure and the user’s likely usage pattern. We focus on factors that materially change outcomes for electric heating households.
- Tariff structure fit: single-rate vs Economy 7/10 vs time-of-use, aligned to heating behaviour (overnight charging vs daytime demand).
- Total cost components: unit rates (day/night/peak) + standing charge (by region) + any exit fees (where applicable).
- UK constraints: postcode-based pricing differences, meter type limitations, payment method differences (Direct Debit, pay-on-receipt, prepay), and eligibility rules for certain smart tariffs.
Limitations and caveats
- All costs shown on this page are illustrative estimates to help you decide a tariff type. Actual quotes vary by supplier, region, and current market pricing.
- Economy 7/10 hours and availability can vary by meter configuration and region.
- For heat pumps, building fabric, controls and system commissioning can have a major impact on consumption — a tariff alone won’t determine cost.
- We recommend checking the supplier’s tariff information before switching (rates, standing charge, term length, exit fees, and what happens after the fixed period ends).
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on switching, consumer protections and the retail market.
- Citizens Advice: energy — practical consumer advice on bills, meters and switching.
- GOV.UK — general UK government information, including support schemes (where applicable).
Ready to find the cheapest tariff for your electric heating?
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