Cheapest electricity tariff for night storage heaters (UK guide)

If you heat your home using night storage heaters, the “cheapest” tariff usually depends on whether you can access a multi‑rate meter (like Economy 7) and how much of your usage you can shift overnight. This guide shows how to choose the right tariff for your home and compare whole‑of‑market options.

  • Clear decision help for Economy 7, Economy 10 and single‑rate tariffs
  • Two realistic cost scenarios (with assumptions) so you can sense‑check bills
  • UK‑specific pitfalls: meter compatibility, teleswitch changes, exit fees and standing charges
Get your night-heater tariff quote How to choose the right tariff

Estimates only. Availability and prices depend on your meter type, region and payment method. Always check unit rates, standing charges and any exit fees before switching.

Fast answer: what’s usually cheapest for storage heaters?

For most UK homes with night storage heaters, the cheapest electricity tariff is often a multi‑rate tariff (commonly Economy 7) if you can use a high share of your electricity overnight (charging heaters and running appliances in the off‑peak window). If most of your use is daytime/evening, a single‑rate tariff can work out cheaper even with storage heaters.

Key point: “Cheapest” isn’t just the off‑peak unit rate. You need to compare (1) day rate, (2) night rate, (3) standing charge, and (4) whether your meter setup (including any radio teleswitch) supports the tariff you’re being offered.

When Economy 7 tends to be cheaper

  • You can shift roughly 40%+ of electricity to overnight
  • Your storage heaters are correctly sized and used (charge overnight, release daytime)
  • You have (or can get) a compatible multi‑rate meter

When a single‑rate tariff may win

  • You’re home evenings and use more power at peak times
  • Your heaters have poor insulation/controls so you “top up” with peak electricity
  • The day rate on Economy 7 is much higher in your region

Quick checks before you compare

  • Find your meter type (single rate, Economy 7, smart meter)
  • Confirm off‑peak hours (they vary by region/meter)
  • Note your payment method (Direct Debit, prepayment)

Compare tariffs built for night storage heaters

Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with electricity tariffs that fit your meter and heating setup, including multi‑rate options where available. We’ll show the full breakdown so you can judge what’s best for your usage pattern.

What you’ll need (2 minutes)

  • Your postcode (to price for your region)
  • Rough annual usage or a recent bill
  • Whether you have Economy 7 / smart meter (if known)

What we’ll show you

  • Day & night unit rates (where applicable)
  • Standing charges and contract length
  • Exit fees and key eligibility notes

Storage heater tip: If you don’t know your off‑peak hours, don’t guess. They can vary (and sometimes shift with clocks changing). We’ll help you identify your meter type and the tariff options that fit it.

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How to choose the cheapest tariff for night storage heaters

Step 1: Confirm your meter & rates

Look at a recent electricity bill (or your in‑home display if you have a smart meter). If you see two unit rates (day/peak and night/off‑peak), you’re likely on Economy 7. Some homes have Economy 10 or other restricted setups.

  • Economy 7: typically 7 off‑peak hours overnight (exact times vary)
  • Economy 10: off‑peak split across day/evening/night (where offered)
  • Single-rate: one unit rate at all times

Step 2: Estimate your off‑peak share

A multi‑rate tariff only helps if a meaningful chunk of your total kWh lands in the off‑peak window. As a rule of thumb, many households need around 40% or more usage overnight to beat a strong single‑rate deal — but it depends on the gap between day and night rates and the standing charge.

Practical way to check: If your bill shows separate day/night kWh totals for the year, divide night kWh by total kWh. That’s your off‑peak share.

Step 3: Compare the full tariff, not just “night rate”

Suppliers can advertise a low night unit rate but offset it with a higher day rate or standing charge. Always compare:

Standing charge
A daily cost regardless of usage; varies by region and payment method.
Day rate vs night rate gap
The bigger the gap, the more you benefit from shifting usage overnight.
Exit fees & contract length
Fixed deals can have exit fees; check before switching.

Tariff types compared (what to pick for storage heating)

Use this as a quick decision aid. Availability varies by supplier, meter type, and region. The “best” option is the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your split of day vs off‑peak kWh.

Tariff type Best for Watch-outs What to check
Economy 7 (two-rate) Homes that can push a large share of kWh into the off‑peak window (storage heaters charging overnight). Higher day rate can make it expensive if you use lots of power evenings/daytime. Your off‑peak hours, day/night rates, standing charge, meter compatibility.
Economy 10 (three off‑peak periods) Some storage-heated homes that need more flexibility (e.g., off‑peak split across day/evening/night). Not widely offered; can be tied to older metering setups. Exact off‑peak schedule, supplier availability, whether a meter exchange is needed.
Single-rate (one unit rate) Households with lower overnight share, or where Economy 7 day rates are particularly high. You lose the “cheap night” benefit for charging heaters. Whether you can still run heaters affordably; compare total annual cost using your usage split.
Time-of-use smart tariffs (varies) Some smart-meter homes able to automate usage shifting (where compatible with heating controls). Rates can change by half-hour; may not suit storage heater charging patterns unless clearly aligned. Tariff rules, peak pricing risk, whether storage heaters can reliably charge in low-price windows.

Decision checklist (quick)

  • Do you have storage heaters that charge overnight? If yes, multi‑rate may suit.
  • What’s your night share? Under ~30% often struggles on Economy 7; 40%+ often stronger (rate dependent).
  • Are you “topping up” with panel heaters by day? That pushes expensive peak kWh.
  • Is your meter compatible? Some older set‑ups need a meter exchange to switch tariff/supplier.
  • Have you compared standing charges? A higher standing charge can wipe out unit-rate wins.

Two realistic cost scenarios (illustrative)

These examples are not quotes. They’re designed to show why the “cheapest night tariff” can still lose overall. Standing charge assumed identical for simplicity.

Scenario A: High overnight use (typical storage heating)

  • Annual use: 6,000 kWh
  • Night share: 55% (3,300 kWh)
  • Day share: 45% (2,700 kWh)

Economy 7 example: Night 15p/kWh, Day 35p/kWh → £(3,300×0.15)+(2,700×0.35)=£1,440

Single-rate example: 28p/kWh → 6,000×0.28=£1,680

Scenario B: Low overnight use (storage heaters not used well)

  • Annual use: 4,000 kWh
  • Night share: 25% (1,000 kWh)
  • Day share: 75% (3,000 kWh)

Economy 7 example: Night 15p/kWh, Day 35p/kWh → £(1,000×0.15)+(3,000×0.35)=£1,200

Single-rate example: 28p/kWh → 4,000×0.28=£1,120

What this shows: The same Economy 7 rates can be cheaper or more expensive depending on your night share. That’s why we ask about meter type and usage when you compare.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

Night storage heater homes can be trickier to switch because the tariff must match the meter and the heating circuit setup. These are the most common gotchas we see.

1) Standing charge can dominate

If you use less electricity overall (e.g., smaller flat), a higher standing charge can cancel out a lower night unit rate. Always compare the estimated annual cost, not just p/kWh.

2) Off‑peak hours aren’t universal

Economy 7 times vary by region and meter configuration. They may not exactly match midnight–7am. Some meters also change behaviour around clock changes.

3) Older metering setups can limit tariff choice

Some homes have legacy multi‑rate or restricted meters, sometimes linked to radio teleswitch equipment. Not every supplier supports every setup, and you may need a meter exchange.

4) Exit fees and contract terms

Fixed tariffs can include exit fees. If you’re planning to move or expect to change your heating setup, weigh flexibility against the headline rate.

5) Prepayment and eligibility

Prepayment tariffs and multi‑rate combinations can be more limited. If you’re on prepay, you can still compare, but availability may differ.

6) “Top‑up” heaters can quietly push costs up

If your storage heaters run out early, plug‑in or panel heaters often run at peak rates. That reduces the benefit of Economy 7. Improving controls/insulation can matter as much as switching tariff.

Important: If you have a complex meter setup (for example, separate heating circuits or multiple registers), it’s worth confirming the meter type before you switch. A tariff that doesn’t match the meter can lead to billing issues and delays.

FAQs: night storage heaters and electricity tariffs

Is Economy 7 always the cheapest for storage heaters?

No. Economy 7 can be cheaper if a significant portion of your electricity is used overnight. If most of your usage is daytime/evening, a good single‑rate tariff may cost less overall.

What are typical Economy 7 off‑peak hours?

They’re commonly overnight for 7 hours, but the exact times vary by region and meter setup. Check your bill, your meter documentation, or ask your supplier before you change how you use appliances.

Can I switch from Economy 7 to a single‑rate tariff?

Often yes, but it depends on your meter. Some meters can be reconfigured; others may need a meter exchange. A supplier will usually confirm what’s possible for your meter type and usage history.

Do smart meters support Economy 7 or multi‑rate tariffs?

Many do, but not all setups are identical. With smart metering, suppliers can often bill multiple registers, but your tariff options still depend on what the supplier supports and how your meter is configured.

Will a cheaper night rate definitely reduce my bills?

Not definitely. A cheaper night rate can help, but only if the day rate and standing charge don’t rise enough to outweigh it. Always compare the total estimated annual cost using your expected day/night split.

Do I need to tell the supplier I have night storage heaters?

It helps. The critical detail is your meter type and whether your home is set up for off‑peak charging. Mentioning storage heaters can prompt the right checks for multi‑rate tariffs and off‑peak timing.

Are Economy 10 tariffs better than Economy 7?

Not automatically. Economy 10 can offer more off‑peak periods, which may suit some households, but it’s less widely available and can be tied to specific meters or regions. Compare costs for your usage pattern.

I rent a flat with storage heaters — can I switch tariff?

Usually yes, if you pay the electricity bill and are the account holder. You can generally switch supplier/tariff without the landlord’s permission, but you can’t normally change the heating system itself.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page ownership

How we assess “cheapest” for night storage heaters

We treat “cheapest” as the lowest estimated annual electricity cost for a household using night storage heaters, based on the tariff’s:

  • Standing charge (p/day)
  • Unit rates (p/kWh) — single rate, or day + night rates
  • Contract terms (length, exit fees)
  • Eligibility constraints (meter type, payment method, region)

Because storage heater costs depend heavily on when you use electricity, we consider the user’s estimated split between off‑peak and peak usage. Two homes with the same annual kWh can see different results on the same tariff.

Limitations and caveats (important)

  • Prices vary by region, payment method and metering. The same supplier can charge different standing charges and unit rates across the UK.
  • Some homes have complex multi‑register meters; supplier support can vary and may require a meter exchange.
  • Example scenarios on this page use simplified assumptions and exclude standing charges unless stated.
  • Any switching timelines depend on the supplier, meter type, and whether engineering work is required.

Independent UK sources we use

Ready to find a cheaper tariff for your storage heater setup?

Compare whole‑of‑market options with day/night rates and standing charges clearly shown. It takes about 2 minutes.

We’ll always show key terms (including exit fees where applicable). Prices are estimates and depend on your meter, region and usage split.

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Updated on 23 Apr 2026