Energy tariffs with cheaper evening rates in the UK (February 2026)
A practical guide to UK tariffs that can make electricity cheaper in the evening (typically after 7pm), how they work, who they suit, and how to compare them safely.
- Understand “evening cheap rates”: what’s common, what’s not, and what to check before switching
- Two realistic cost scenarios with numbers (and the assumptions behind them)
- Compare options including EV tariffs, smart time-of-use deals and multi-rate meters
Info is UK household-focused (not business). Prices and availability vary by postcode, meter type and eligibility. Always check tariff T&Cs and exit fees before switching.
Fast answer: are there UK tariffs with cheaper evening electricity rates?
Sometimes, but they’re not as standardised as overnight Economy 7. In the UK, cheaper “evening” rates usually show up in one of these ways:
Smart time-of-use (TOU) tariffs
Rates vary by time and sometimes day. Some include an evening “off-peak” window or cheaper late-evening periods.
EV-focused tariffs (often include evening blocks)
Many EV tariffs use cheap overnight hours; some also offer cheaper “shoulder” periods in the evening. Eligibility may require an EV or smart charger.
Multi-rate / legacy arrangements
Some homes have multi-rate meters set to specific registers. Timing varies by region and meter configuration and may not match “evening”.
Quick signs it could work for you
- You can shift meaningful usage into the evening (e.g., cooking + laundry + dishwasher after 7–8pm).
- You have (or can get) a smart meter and you’re comfortable with time-based pricing.
- You can avoid high “peak” windows (commonly late afternoon/early evening on TOU deals, but times differ).
When it usually doesn’t
- Your usage is concentrated at the most expensive times (often 4–7pm) and can’t be moved.
- You’re on prepayment and have limited tariff availability (still improving, but not equal everywhere).
- You have an older multi-rate set-up and changing tariffs could disrupt how your heating/hot water is billed.
How cheaper evening-rate tariffs work (UK-specific)
In the UK, your electricity costs are typically made up of a unit rate (pence per kWh) and a daily standing charge. “Evening rate” tariffs change the unit rate depending on the time you use electricity.
Typical rate structures you might see
- Two-rate (day/night)
- Often called Economy 7 (overnight) or Economy 10 (varied). Evening discounts are less common, but some variants include late evening.
- Three-rate / TOU (peak / off-peak / super off-peak)
- Can include a cheaper late-evening band, but you must watch for a higher peak band.
- Dynamic half-hourly pricing
- Prices can change every 30 minutes. This may sometimes be cheaper in the evening, but it can also be higher.
What affects availability and pricing
- Postcode/region: electricity distribution region impacts standing charges and unit rates.
- Meter type: smart meter vs older multi-rate meter; some TOU tariffs require smart meters.
- Payment method: Direct Debit vs prepayment; some tariffs only offer DD.
- Eligibility: EV or smart charger requirements; some deals are “members-only” or tied to add-ons.
- Exit fees: fixed deals may charge to leave early; variable deals usually don’t (but check).
A safe way to think about it
Before switching, estimate how many kWh you can reliably move into the cheaper evening window each week. If it’s only a small amount (e.g., a couple of appliance cycles), the saving might be tiny or wiped out by higher rates at other times.
Compare evening-rate options for your home
Tell us a few basics and we’ll match you with suitable whole-of-market tariffs, including time-of-use options where available for your meter and postcode.
- Checks tariff availability by region and meter type
- Highlights key terms like exit fees and eligibility
- Designed for UK households (tenants and homeowners)
What to have to hand (optional)
A recent bill can help (current tariff name, standing charge, unit rates), but you can still start without it.
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Comparison: the main ways to get cheaper evening electricity
Use this table to narrow down the type of tariff to look for. Exact hours, prices and availability vary by supplier and region.
| Option | How “evening cheap” happens | Meter / eligibility | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart TOU (fixed bands) | Cheaper unit rate in a set off-peak window that may include late evening. | Usually requires a smart meter; often Direct Debit. | Households that can shift dishwashers, washing, tumble drying and some heating to later hours. | Peak rates can be much higher; standing charge may be higher. |
| Dynamic half-hourly | Price changes through the day; evenings can be cheaper on some days, not guaranteed. | Smart meter required; you’re comfortable with variable pricing. | Tech-savvy users using automation (smart plugs, EV chargers) and who can avoid expensive slots. | Budgeting is harder; some evenings may be expensive. |
| EV tariff with “shoulder” hours | Very cheap blocks often overnight; some include cheaper late-evening/early-morning. | May require EV ownership and/or compatible smart charger or proof of EV. | EV drivers charging at home; households that can run appliances in cheap windows too. | Day/peak unit rates can be higher; eligibility rules can exclude some households. |
| Legacy multi-rate (e.g., Economy 7/10) | Cheaper rate usually overnight; some Economy 10 patterns may include daytime/evening segments depending on region and set-up. | Requires multi-rate meter configuration; timing can vary by region and meter. | Storage heating/hot water users who already consume a large share off-peak. | Changing tariff/meter can affect heating controls; not all suppliers support all legacy set-ups. |
Decision checklist (who it suits / who it doesn’t)
Often suits you if…
- You can move 20%+ of electricity use into the cheaper hours.
- You routinely run appliances later (after dinner) and can use delay-start features.
- You have an EV, heat pump, home battery, or high usage that can be scheduled.
- You’re happy to track times (or automate) and you understand peak pricing.
Think carefully if…
- Your highest usage is 4–7pm and you can’t shift it (common family peak).
- You’re on a legacy multi-rate heating set-up and aren’t sure how it’s wired/controlled.
- You prefer stable bills and don’t want variable pricing or multiple unit rates.
- You’re in rented accommodation and can’t install/alter chargers or controls.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario A: Flat vs evening off-peak (appliances shifted)
Household: 2 adults in a flat, no EV, can delay-run dishwasher + washing + tumble dryer after 8pm.
- Assumed monthly electricity use: 300 kWh
- Shiftable to evening off-peak: 90 kWh/month (30%)
- Tariff 1 (flat rate): 28p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day
- Tariff 2 (evening off-peak): peak 34p/kWh; evening off-peak 18p/kWh; standing charge 60p/day
Flat: (300×£0.28)=£84.00 + (30×£0.55)=£16.50 ? £100.50
Evening TOU: (210×£0.34)=£71.40 + (90×£0.18)=£16.20 + (30×£0.60)=£18.00 ? £105.60
Even with 30% shifted, the higher peak and standing charge can outweigh the benefit. This is why comparing with your real usage matters.
Scenario B: EV driver using late-evening + overnight
Household: 3-bed home with one EV, home charging 3 nights/week, runs appliances after 9pm.
- Assumed monthly electricity use: 500 kWh (including EV)
- Off-peak/cheap window use: 250 kWh/month (50%)
- Tariff 1 (flat rate): 28p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day
- Tariff 2 (EV/TOU): day 30p/kWh; cheap window 10p/kWh; standing charge 60p/day
Flat: (500×£0.28)=£140.00 + (30×£0.55)=£16.50 ? £156.50
EV/TOU: (250×£0.30)=£75.00 + (250×£0.10)=£25.00 + (30×£0.60)=£18.00 ? £118.00
With high cheap-window usage, TOU can look compelling. Your real result depends on exact hours, eligibility and how consistently you charge/run appliances in the cheap period.
These scenarios are illustrative. They exclude VAT nuances (domestic energy is typically charged at 5%), regional variations, and any additional supplier charges/discounts. Always check the tariff information label (TIL) and your bill.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (what catches people out)
1) Peak hours can be pricey
A cheaper evening band may sit alongside a high peak band. If your cooking, heating, or family routine is in the peak window, costs can rise.
2) Standing charges vary by region
Higher standing charges can erase unit-rate savings, especially for low-usage households or small flats.
3) Eligibility rules (EV & smart requirements)
Some EV tariffs require an EV, a compatible charger, or certain metering. If you don’t qualify, you may not be able to join or stay on the tariff.
4) Economy 7/10 timing isn’t universal
Off-peak hours can differ by region and meter set-up. “Evening rate” may not exist at all on many Economy 7 plans.
5) Prepayment availability is improving, but limited
Some TOU tariffs are Direct Debit-only. If you’re on (or need) prepay, your options may be fewer depending on supplier and meter.
6) Exit fees & contract length
Fixed tariffs may have exit fees. If you’re trying a TOU tariff for the first time, consider how easy it is to leave if it doesn’t suit.
FAQs: cheaper evening-rate tariffs in the UK
Are there tariffs that are always cheaper after 7pm?
Not always. Some time-of-use tariffs have cheaper late-evening periods, but the exact start time (and whether it’s cheaper at all) depends on the specific tariff. Many “off-peak” deals focus on overnight hours rather than evenings.
Do I need a smart meter for an evening-rate tariff?
Often, yes—especially for newer TOU and dynamic tariffs. Some legacy multi-rate tariffs can work without a smart meter, but they may be harder to manage and can have limited supplier support.
Will a cheaper evening rate reduce my whole bill?
Only if enough of your usage lands in the cheaper window and you avoid expensive peak rates. Standing charges matter too, particularly if you use relatively little electricity.
Can I get evening-rate tariffs on prepayment?
Sometimes, but availability can be limited. Some suppliers restrict TOU tariffs to Direct Debit. If you’re on prepay (including smart prepay), it’s still worth comparing—just expect fewer options.
Are evening rates the same everywhere in the UK?
No. Prices vary by region (your electricity distribution area), and the timing/structure depends on the supplier and your meter configuration. Always check the tariff details for your postcode.
What if I have storage heaters or a heat pump?
Tariff choice is especially important. Storage heaters are often designed around overnight off-peak electricity. Heat pumps can benefit from off-peak windows if you can pre-heat or schedule hot water, but you should avoid tariffs with very high peak prices unless your usage is genuinely shiftable.
How do I find out my current unit rates and standing charge?
Check your latest bill, online account, or the tariff information label. Your supplier should show the unit rate(s), standing charge, and (if relevant) your off-peak times.
Will switching affect my credit balance or Direct Debit?
It can. If you’re in credit, your old supplier should refund it (timing varies). Your Direct Debit may be recalculated by your new supplier based on expected use. Keep final bills and meter readings for your records.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page details
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: February 2026
How we assess “cheaper evening rate” tariffs
We treat “cheaper evening rates” as any UK household electricity tariff where the unit rate is lower in an evening time window than in the day/peak period. We focus on what a reader can reliably check before switching:
- Tariff structure: number of rates (flat, 2-rate, 3-rate, dynamic) and the published time bands.
- Total cost drivers: unit rates across all bands, standing charge, and any additional conditions.
- Eligibility & compatibility: smart meter requirement, EV/charger requirements, payment method restrictions.
- Consumer risk: peak price exposure, exit fees, complexity and billing clarity.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on consumer rights and energy market rules.
- Citizens Advice: Energy — practical help with bills, switching and complaints.
- GOV.UK: Switch your energy supplier — overview of switching process and what to expect.
Ready to check cheaper evening rates for your postcode?
Compare whole-of-market options and see which time-of-use or multi-rate tariffs actually fit your household routine.
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