Cheapest energy deal for an all‑electric home (UK)
Find the best-value tariff for electric‑only homes (including heat pumps and electric heating) by comparing whole‑of‑market deals, meter types and time‑of‑use rates.
- Clear guidance on which tariffs tend to be cheapest for all‑electric homes
- Two realistic cost scenarios (with assumptions) to help you sense-check quotes
- Practical pitfalls: Economy 7/Economy 10, smart meters, exit fees and standing charges
Estimates only. Availability and prices vary by region, meter type and payment method. Always check tariff terms before switching.
Fast answer: what’s usually cheapest for an all‑electric home in the UK?
There isn’t one single “cheapest energy deal” for every all‑electric household, because the best tariff depends mainly on when you use electricity (day vs night), your meter type (single‑rate vs Economy 7/10 vs smart), and standing charges in your region.
Rule of thumb: If you can shift a meaningful chunk of usage into off‑peak hours (often via a heat pump schedule, hot water cylinder, EV charging, or storage heaters), a time‑of‑use or Economy 7 style tariff can be cheaper overall. If not, a competitive single‑rate tariff may be best.
Key takeaways (for quick decisions)
Standing charge matters more than you think
All‑electric homes often have higher usage, but the standing charge is still a fixed daily cost. Two tariffs with similar unit rates can differ significantly across a year due to standing charges.
Meter type can limit your options
Economy 7/10 and some complex meter setups may restrict which suppliers can take you on without a meter exchange.
The cheapest deal is the cheapest for your usage pattern
A headline‑cheap off‑peak rate can be poor value if your home uses most power at peak times.
Compare deals built for electric‑only homes
If your home has no gas supply (or you simply don’t use it), the “cheapest” tariff is the one that matches your day/night split, keeps standing charges sensible, and fits your meter and payment method.
Helpful to know before you start: Your quote can change if you choose Direct Debit vs pay on receipt of bill, if you’re on prepayment, or if your meter is single‑rate vs Economy 7 vs smart.
How to choose the cheapest tariff (quick steps)
- Check your meter: look for “Rate 1 / Rate 2” on bills or your in‑home display (E7/TOU), or confirm with your supplier.
- Estimate your day/night usage split: do you run heating/hot water mainly overnight or during the day?
- Compare total annual cost: unit rates + standing charges + (if relevant) off‑peak/peak rates.
- Check tariff terms: exit fees, fixed end date, and any eligibility (smart meter required, EV required, etc.).
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Tariff types that can be cheapest for all‑electric homes
Single‑rate (flat) tariffs
One unit rate all day. Often simplest if you’re home during the day and can’t move usage overnight.
- Best when most of your use is daytime/peak
- Easy to compare across suppliers
Economy 7 / Economy 10
Two rates: off‑peak and peak. Can suit storage heaters, immersion heating, and some heat pump schedules.
- Works best with a clear off‑peak routine
- Off‑peak hours vary by region and meter
Smart time‑of‑use (TOU)
Multiple price periods (sometimes half‑hourly). Can be excellent for EVs and homes able to shift load.
- May require a working smart meter
- Great if you automate usage (timer/charger)
Important: If you have storage heaters or a complex setup (e.g. restricted meter, multiple MPANs, or legacy Economy 10), switching can be more complex. Always confirm your meter configuration before you commit to a tariff.
Comparison table: which tariff type is usually cheapest?
Use this to narrow down the tariff type to compare. Then compare actual prices for your postcode and meter.
| Tariff type | Who it often suits | Main benefit | Watch‑outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single‑rate | Daytime households, electric heating used through the day, flats with limited ability to shift load | Simple pricing; less risk if you can’t use off‑peak | May cost more if you could use cheap overnight periods |
| Economy 7 | Storage heaters, immersion hot water overnight, some heat pump schedules | Lower off‑peak unit rate for overnight use | Higher daytime unit rate; off‑peak times vary; not all suppliers/tariffs support it |
| Economy 10 | Some electric‑heated homes with legacy setups | More off‑peak hours than E7 (not always continuous) | Can be harder to switch; rates/times vary widely; fewer tariffs available |
| Smart TOU | EV owners, battery storage, flexible heat pump users, households happy with variable pricing | Can be cheapest if you shift load to cheap windows | Requires compatible smart meter; can be costly if you use lots at peak price times |
Decision checklist (quick)
- If you can shift 30%+ usage to off‑peak…
- Compare Economy 7 and smart time‑of‑use options first, then sense-check against the best single‑rate.
- If you’re home in the day and cooking/heating is mostly daytime…
- Start with single‑rate tariffs; only choose E7/TOU if the numbers clearly win on your usage pattern.
- If you have storage heaters / restricted supply…
- Check meter details carefully. Ask whether a supplier supports your setup before starting a switch.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These are illustrative estimates to show how “cheapest” can change with usage. Your quote will vary by region, supplier and tariff terms.
Scenario A: Flat, electric heating, mostly daytime
- Annual use: 4,200 kWh
- Day/night split: 85% / 15%
- Tariff check (example rates): Single rate 24p; E7 day 30p, night 14p; standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual cost: Single-rate ~ £1,312; Economy 7 ~ £1,432. In this pattern, E7 can be more expensive due to higher day rates.
Scenario B: House with heat pump + hot water timed overnight
- Annual use: 8,500 kWh
- Day/night split: 55% / 45%
- Tariff check (example rates): Single rate 24p; E7 day 30p, night 14p; standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual cost: Single-rate ~ £2,784; Economy 7 ~ £2,522. With higher off-peak use, E7 can win.
How to use these: If your home looks more like Scenario A, prioritise strong single-rate deals. If it’s more like Scenario B, compare Economy 7/TOU carefully (and check the off-peak times you actually get).
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (all‑electric homes)
1) Standing charges can outweigh small unit-rate differences
When comparing, look at annual cost not just p/kWh. Standing charges vary by region and can change the outcome, especially for lower-usage all‑electric flats.
2) Economy 7/10: off‑peak times aren’t universal
Off‑peak hours depend on your meter and local network. If your heating schedule misses the off‑peak window, the “cheap night rate” may not help as much as expected.
3) Smart TOU tariffs can penalise peak-time use
Some TOU tariffs are excellent at off‑peak but expensive at peak. They’re best if you can actually shift usage (timers, EV charging schedules, pre‑heating, battery storage).
4) Exit fees and fixed terms
Some fixed tariffs include exit fees. If you plan to move home or expect prices to change, a tariff without exit fees (or a shorter fix) may suit you better.
Don’t assume “electric-only” means you should switch to Economy 7. If your usage is mainly daytime, a higher day rate can wipe out the cheaper night rate. Always compare using your likely day/night split.
Quick checks before you switch
- Payment method: Direct Debit tariffs can differ from pay on receipt of bill; prepayment has separate pricing.
- Meter/metering restrictions: Economy 10, restricted meters and multi-rate setups may need extra checks or a meter exchange.
- Heat pump settings: If you have a heat pump, make sure your comfort/hot water schedule aligns with any off‑peak windows.
- EV add-on tariffs: Some deals are marketed for EVs but still cost more overall if your non‑EV usage is high at peak.
- Regional rates: Electricity costs can vary by region due to distribution charges.
FAQs: cheapest tariffs for all‑electric UK homes
Is Economy 7 always cheaper for an all‑electric home?
No. Economy 7 can be cheaper only if you use a large enough share of electricity in the off‑peak window. If most of your use is daytime (cooking, daytime heating), the higher day rate can make it more expensive overall.
Do I need a smart meter to get the cheapest deal?
Not necessarily. Many competitive single‑rate and Economy 7 tariffs don’t require a smart meter. However, most time‑of‑use tariffs do require a compatible smart meter so the supplier can bill accurately by time period.
I’m on prepayment. Can I still get a cheaper tariff?
Potentially, yes, but options can be more limited and prices differ from credit meters. If you can switch to paying by Direct Debit and you’re eligible, you may unlock more tariffs—always check whether that change suits your budgeting needs.
Can I switch if I have storage heaters or Economy 10?
Often yes, but it can be more complicated. Some suppliers may not support certain legacy or restricted meter setups, or you may need a meter exchange. Check your current meter details and ask the new supplier if they can support it before you agree.
Why do electricity prices differ by region?
A major reason is electricity distribution costs, which vary across regions. This affects the standing charge and unit rates you’re offered, so a tariff that’s “cheap” in one postcode area might not be best in another.
What if my all‑electric home uses a lot of power in winter?
Seasonality is normal for electric heating and heat pumps. When comparing, use an annual estimate if possible, and consider whether a tariff remains good value in winter (when your peak usage may rise). If you can shift heating/hot water into off‑peak periods, compare Economy 7/TOU options too.
Will switching affect my supply or require an engineer visit?
Switching supplier usually doesn’t interrupt supply. An engineer visit is typically only needed if you’re changing meter type (for example, moving from Economy 7 to a single‑rate meter, or installing/upgrading a smart meter), and that depends on the supplier and your meter setup.
How quickly can I switch?
Timescales vary. If you’re simply switching supplier on a compatible meter, it’s usually straightforward. If there’s a meter exchange (or complex metering), it can take longer. Your new supplier should confirm the expected timeline.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page details
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: May 2026
How we assess “cheapest” for all‑electric homes
We focus on what changes total annual cost for electric‑only households:
- Meter compatibility: single‑rate vs Economy 7/10 vs smart/time‑of‑use.
- Usage pattern sensitivity: how day vs night rates impact different households.
- Standing charges: regional variation and how it affects annual cost.
- Tariff terms: fixed vs variable, exit fees, eligibility requirements.
Limitations: Tariff prices change frequently and differ by region and payment method. The scenarios on this page use example rates to demonstrate the mechanics; they are not a live quote. Always confirm final rates and terms in writing before switching.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) – guidance on the retail market, switching and consumer protections.
- Citizens Advice – energy – practical consumer advice on bills, tariffs and problems.
- GOV.UK: Switching energy supplier – how switching works and what to expect.
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