Cheapest time-of-use electricity tariff in the UK
Compare whole-of-market time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs and see which off-peak rates could suit your home, usage and smart meter. Get personalised results in minutes.
- Compare off-peak, peak and standing charges across UK suppliers
- Best for EV charging, heat pumps, storage heaters and battery storage
- Find tariffs similar to Economy 7/10 and modern smart TOU plans
- Quick form — no jargon, no guesswork
Home energy only. Whole-of-market comparison service. Availability and pricing depend on your postcode, meter type and supplier coverage.
Find the cheapest time-of-use electricity tariff for your home
A time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariff charges different unit rates depending on the time you use electricity. If you can shift usage into cheaper off-peak windows (for example EV charging overnight), the right TOU tariff can reduce your overall bill.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market options where available, looking at off-peak rates, peak rates, standing charges and tariff rules. Because “cheapest” depends on your household pattern, the quickest way to find the best match is to compare based on your details.
What you’ll need (takes ~2 minutes)
- Your postcode (to check regional rates and availability)
- Your meter type (smart / Economy 7 / standard)
- Rough idea of your off-peak usage (e.g. EV, immersion, storage heaters)
Not sure if a TOU tariff is right?
You can still compare — we’ll show suitable standard single-rate tariffs too, so you can see whether TOU genuinely beats a flat rate for your home.
Start your comparison
Complete the form to see off-peak and peak rates available for your postcode.
Tip: If you’re on Economy 7 now, compare both modern smart TOU tariffs and classic day/night rates — the cheapest choice can change depending on your daytime use and standing charge.
Who usually gets the best savings on a time-of-use tariff?
The cheapest time-of-use electricity tariff in the UK isn’t the same for everyone. TOU works best when you can reliably move energy-hungry activities to off-peak periods.
EV drivers
If you can charge overnight (or in a specific low-rate window), TOU can make a bigger difference than switching suppliers alone.
Homes with heat pumps or immersion heating
Pre-heating water or heating at cheaper times can reduce average unit cost — but only if peak rates don’t wipe out the gains.
Battery storage or solar + battery
Charge a battery off-peak and use it during peak hours. Some TOU tariffs suit this well, depending on export arrangements.
Economy 7 / storage heater households
If you already use lots of night-rate electricity, comparing day and night unit rates plus standing charge is essential.
Families who can run appliances later
Dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers moved to off-peak can help — if your tariff has a meaningful off-peak discount.
People who track usage
TOU rewards awareness. Smart meter apps and in-home displays can help you avoid expensive peak windows.
How time-of-use electricity tariffs work in the UK
A TOU tariff splits your electricity price into time bands. The unit rate (p/kWh) changes by band, while the standing charge is usually fixed per day. Some tariffs also include specific rules for how off-peak periods apply.
1) Check eligibility
Many TOU tariffs require a smart meter. Economy 7/10 can work with specific meters and wiring.
2) Understand time bands
Off-peak windows vary by tariff and region. Peak periods may be significantly higher than a standard rate.
3) Estimate your split
Work out roughly what % of usage you can move off-peak (EV, laundry, hot water, heating, battery charging).
4) Compare total cost
The cheapest TOU tariff is the one with the lowest annual cost for your pattern — not just the lowest off-peak rate.
Important: Off-peak times are not universal. Economy 7 night hours can differ by area and meter settings, and smart TOU tariffs can use different windows (including daytime “super off-peak” or short overnight blocks).
Types of time-of-use tariffs you can compare
Most UK households will see one of the following structures. The key is to compare unit rates and standing charges in your region — then test them against how you use energy at home.
| Tariff type | How it’s priced | Often suits | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 (day/night) | Two unit rates: day + night (usually ~7 hours off-peak) | Storage heaters, overnight hot water, some EV charging | Day rate can be higher; off-peak timing varies by region/meter |
| Economy 10 | Off-peak split across day + night (often 10 hours total) | All-electric homes needing daytime off-peak for heating | Less common; availability can be limited; meter setup matters |
| Smart TOU (multi-rate) | Multiple bands (e.g. peak / off-peak / super off-peak) | EV, batteries, flexible households | Peak rates can be steep; schedule discipline is needed |
| Tracker / dynamic style | Rate varies (often daily or half-hourly) linked to market conditions | Confident users who monitor prices and can flex usage | Not always “cheapest”; more bill variability |
Your results may include TOU and non-TOU tariffs so you can compare like-for-like total cost. Supplier coverage and tariff availability varies by postcode and meter configuration.
Common mistakes when choosing the “cheapest” TOU tariff
Many people focus on the lowest off-peak unit rate and miss the details that decide whether a TOU tariff is actually cheaper overall.
Comparing unit rates but ignoring standing charge
A higher standing charge can cancel out a great off-peak rate, especially for lower-usage households.
Underestimating peak usage
If cooking, showers and heating happen in peak periods, a high peak rate can increase your bill even with cheap overnight power.
Assuming off-peak hours are the same everywhere
Economy 7 timings can vary by region and meter; smart TOU windows vary by tariff. Always check the band times you’ll be billed on.
Switching without checking meter compatibility
Some TOU tariffs require a smart meter or specific setup. If you’re not sure, compare options and confirm eligibility before you switch.
A quick rule of thumb
TOU is most likely to be cheaper when you can consistently shift a meaningful chunk of usage into off-peak. If your off-peak share is low, a competitive single-rate tariff may win.
Regional and meter considerations (UK homes)
Time-of-use pricing can look different across the UK because electricity distribution regions and meter setups affect charges and availability.
Postcode affects rates
Unit rates and standing charges vary by distribution region. What’s cheapest in one area may not be cheapest in another.
Meter type affects eligibility
Many modern TOU tariffs require a smart meter. Economy 7/10 can require specific wiring and registers.
Tariff rules vary
Some tariffs offer fixed off-peak windows; others vary more frequently. Always compare the overall annual cost, not a single rate.
Need help? Use the comparison form to filter tariffs by what’s actually available for your postcode and meter type.
Cheapest time-of-use electricity tariff UK: FAQs
What is the cheapest time-of-use electricity tariff in the UK right now?
There isn’t one universal “cheapest” TOU tariff, because prices depend on your postcode, meter type, and how much electricity you use in each time band. The cheapest option is the tariff with the lowest estimated annual cost for your usage pattern. Use the comparison form to check rates available where you live.
Do I need a smart meter for a time-of-use tariff?
Many modern smart TOU tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can bill accurately by time band. Classic Economy 7/Economy 10 tariffs can work with compatible multi-rate meters. If you’re not sure what you have, select “Not sure” in the form and compare what’s available.
Are Economy 7 and time-of-use the same thing?
Economy 7 is a type of time-of-use tariff with two rates (day and night). “Time-of-use” also covers newer tariffs with multiple time bands or more dynamic pricing. The best choice depends on your off-peak share and the day/peak rates.
Will a TOU tariff definitely reduce my bill?
Not always. TOU tariffs can be cheaper if you shift enough usage off-peak, but they can cost more if you use lots of electricity during peak hours and the peak rate is high. Comparing total annual cost is the safest approach.
What time is off-peak on Economy 7?
Off-peak hours on Economy 7 are typically around 7 hours overnight, but exact times can vary by region and by how your meter is configured (including changes for BST/GMT in some setups). Your bill, meter display, or supplier can confirm the actual times that apply to you.
Can I get a time-of-use tariff if I rent?
In many cases, yes — you can usually choose your supplier if you pay the bills. However, installing a smart meter may require landlord permission depending on your tenancy agreement and property setup.
Is EnergyPlus a supplier?
No. EnergyPlus is a comparison service. We help you compare whole-of-market options where available and choose a tariff that fits your home’s usage — including time-of-use and standard tariffs.
If you’re ready, return to the comparison form to check the cheapest TOU tariffs available for your postcode.
Trust & social proof
People use EnergyPlus to compare tariffs when rates are complex — especially for EV charging and off-peak electricity.
“We thought the cheapest plan was the one with the lowest night rate, but the standing charge changed everything. The comparison made it clear.”
“I needed a tariff that worked with overnight EV charging. The results were easy to understand and I switched with confidence.”
“Helpful to see TOU and standard tariffs side-by-side. It stopped us picking something that looked cheap but wasn’t.”
What “whole-of-market” means here
We aim to compare available tariffs across a broad range of UK suppliers and tariff types. Coverage can vary by region and meter eligibility, so your postcode results are the most accurate view of what you can actually switch to.
Ready to check the cheapest off-peak electricity for your postcode?
Compare time-of-use tariffs available in your area and get a personalised shortlist based on your meter and off-peak usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison where available
- Includes TOU and standard tariffs for a fair comparison
- Designed for UK homes (not business energy)
You’ll be asked for your postcode and meter type. Results depend on availability and eligibility.
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