Find the cheapest time-of-use tariff by postcode in the UK
Compare whole-of-market time-of-use electricity tariffs (including off-peak rates) available at your home address. Enter your postcode to see options that can cut costs if you can shift usage to cheaper hours.
- Check tariffs available in your area (your postcode matters)
- Compare peak/off-peak unit rates, standing charges and time windows
- See whether EV charging, heat pumps or smart appliances could save more
- Switch with confidence using a UK comparison service
For UK homes. Results depend on meter type, region and availability. Switching doesn’t affect your supply—only who bills you.
Compare time-of-use tariffs at your exact postcode
Time-of-use tariffs (sometimes called off-peak, smart, or multi-rate tariffs) charge different electricity prices depending on the time of day. The cheapest time-of-use tariff by postcode can vary because electricity distribution regions and supplier availability differ across the UK.
Use the form to compare whole-of-market options and see which tariffs match your home set-up—especially if you have a smart meter, EV, heat pump, or can run appliances overnight.
Tip: To pick the real “cheapest”, compare the full bill (standing charge + unit rates across your usage pattern), not just the lowest off-peak p/kWh.
What you’ll get after submitting
- Tariffs available in your postcode area, including time windows and rates
- Side-by-side comparison of peak vs off-peak pricing
- Guidance on whether your meter set-up supports the tariff
- Next steps to switch with minimal hassle
Why we ask about smart meters: most time-of-use tariffs require one so your supplier can measure usage by time band.
Why compare time-of-use tariffs by postcode?
Prices vary by region
Your postcode maps to a distribution region, which can influence standing charges and unit rates. A tariff that looks “cheapest” nationally may not be cheapest where you live.
You need the right time windows
Off-peak hours differ between tariffs. Comparing shows the time bands so you can match cheaper rates to EV charging, laundry, dishwashers, or overnight heating.
Avoid false savings
Some time-of-use tariffs have a higher peak rate. We help you compare the full cost based on how you use electricity—so savings are realistic.
Whole-of-market view
EnergyPlus compares across the market so you can see a broader range of time-of-use plans, not just a single supplier’s options.
Support for smart home upgrades
If you’re adding an EV charger, battery storage, or a heat pump, the right tariff can make running costs more predictable—especially when you can schedule demand.
Switching stays simple
You won’t lose supply. Your new supplier handles the admin and your smart meter (where compatible) keeps recording your usage accurately.
How time-of-use tariffs work (plain English)
A time-of-use electricity tariff charges different rates at different times. The goal is to reward customers who can use more electricity when the grid is quieter (often overnight). If you can shift usage, you may pay a lower average rate.
Common time bands you’ll see
Exact hours and rates vary by supplier and sometimes by region—always check the tariff details.
How to choose the right tariff
- Check your meter: most time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter to record usage by time band.
- Estimate shiftable usage: EV charging, tumble dryer, dishwasher, washing machine, immersion heater and home battery charging.
- Compare total cost: standing charge + peak/off-peak rates based on your usage pattern (not just the cheapest off-peak rate).
- Review the time windows: make sure your cheaper hours match when you can actually run appliances.
- Switch: your new supplier handles the changeover; you keep power throughout.
If you can’t shift much usage, a standard single-rate tariff may still be better value. The comparison will make this clear.
Why the cheapest time-of-use tariff depends on your postcode
UK energy pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your postcode helps identify your electricity distribution region, which can influence elements of the price you pay—particularly the standing charge and sometimes unit rates.
What changes by location
- Standing charge: can vary notably between regions.
- Supplier availability: some tariffs are limited to certain meter types or areas.
- Tariff structure: different off-peak windows or number of bands (2-rate vs 3-rate).
- Network costs: part of your bill reflects the cost to move electricity locally.
What doesn’t change
- You still get electricity through the same cables and local network.
- You keep supply during a switch—no engineer visit is usually required.
- Your consumer rights are the same, regardless of supplier.
- You can switch again later if a better tariff appears.
That’s why comparing by postcode is the quickest route to finding the tariff that’s genuinely cheapest for your home.
What savings are realistic on a time-of-use tariff?
Savings depend on how much electricity you can move into cheaper time bands. The biggest wins usually come from EV charging, home batteries, and overnight heating. If most of your usage is during peak hours, you may pay more on some time-of-use plans.
Best for EV drivers
If you regularly charge at home overnight, off-peak rates can materially reduce pence-per-mile compared with charging at peak times.
Good for shiftable households
If you can run appliances after a set time (or schedule them), you may lower your blended unit rate without changing comfort.
Not always ideal
If you work from home with high daytime usage, check peak rates carefully—your total bill matters more than the headline off-peak price.
Quick self-check
If you can move 25–40% of your electricity into off-peak hours, a competitive time-of-use tariff often becomes more attractive. The comparison will help you confirm this using the rates available at your postcode.
Eligibility: can my home switch to a time-of-use tariff?
Usually you can if:
- You’re a UK domestic customer (not business)
- You have (or can get) a compatible smart meter
- Your property has standard electricity supply (most homes)
- You’re not in debt with your current supplier that prevents switching
You may need extra checks if:
- You have an older multi-rate meter (e.g. legacy Economy-style setups)
- You’re in the middle of a move or recently switched supplier
- You use prepayment and need a specific tariff type
- Your meter communications are unreliable (coverage varies)
Not sure what meter you have? Submit your postcode in the comparison form and we’ll point you towards suitable options.
Common mistakes when choosing an off-peak tariff
Only looking at the off-peak price
A very cheap night rate can be paired with a higher peak rate or standing charge. The cheapest tariff is the one that minimises your total annual cost.
Ignoring time windows
If your cheaper hours don’t match when you can run appliances (or charge an EV), you won’t see the benefit.
Forgetting standing charges
Standing charges vary by region. Comparing by postcode helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you see the full bill.
Cheapest time-of-use tariff by postcode: FAQs
What is a time-of-use electricity tariff?
It’s a tariff where the unit price (p/kWh) changes at different times of day—typically cheaper overnight and higher at peak times. It works best when you can shift usage into cheaper hours.
Do I need a smart meter for time-of-use?
Often, yes. A smart meter records half-hourly (or similar) consumption so suppliers can bill you correctly for each time band. Some legacy multi-rate meters can support certain off-peak tariffs, but options may be limited.
Why does postcode affect the price?
Because parts of your energy costs are regional (linked to distribution). Also, not every supplier/tariff is available in every region or for every meter set-up. Postcode comparison helps you see what’s actually available where you live.
Is the cheapest time-of-use tariff always best for EV charging?
Not always. EV-focused tariffs can have very cheap off-peak rates but higher peak rates. If your household uses lots of electricity at peak times, the overall bill could rise. Comparing total costs is key.
Will switching interrupt my electricity supply?
No. Your electricity keeps flowing through the same network. You’re simply changing who bills you and at what rates.
Can I compare gas time-of-use tariffs too?
Time-of-use is mainly an electricity feature. If you have dual fuel, you can still compare gas pricing alongside your electricity plan, but gas is usually single-rate.
How fast can I switch?
Switching times vary, but many switches complete within a few working days. If there are meter or account checks, it can take longer. We’ll guide you through the process after you submit the form.
Still unsure? Go back to compare by postcode and we’ll help you narrow down the best options.
What homeowners say about comparing with EnergyPlus
“The postcode comparison made it clear which off-peak hours actually suited our routine. Switching was straightforward.”
“I charge my EV overnight and wanted a tariff that didn’t penalise daytime usage too much. The comparison helped me balance both.”
“I didn’t realise standing charges varied so much by area. Checking by postcode saved me from picking the wrong deal.”
Trust indicators
- Whole-of-market comparison approach
- UK-focused support for domestic switching
- Clear tariff breakdowns (rates, time bands, standing charges)
Ready to find your cheapest time-of-use tariff?
Enter your postcode and a few details to compare time-of-use electricity tariffs available at your address—then choose the option that best matches how you use energy at home.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a UK home energy comparison service. Availability and rates vary by postcode, meter type and supplier criteria.
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