Should I switch to a time of use tariff in the UK?
Find out whether a Time of Use (TOU) tariff could cut your electricity costs based on when you use energy. Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus.co.uk and switch with confidence.
- Understand TOU tariffs (including Economy 7/10 and smart tariffs) in plain English
- See who benefits most and who should avoid switching
- Check what you need (smart meter, storage heating, EV, solar/battery)
- Compare whole-of-market options and request personalised quotes
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a UK home energy comparison service. We’ll explain your options and help you request quotes—no obligation.
Compare time of use tariffs (whole-of-market) and get personalised quotes
A time of use tariff can be a great fit if you can shift electricity usage to cheaper off-peak hours—think EV charging overnight, running the dishwasher late evening, or using storage heaters. But it isn’t right for every home. Use the form to request quotes and we’ll help you compare options based on your usage pattern.
Tip: If you have a smart meter, TOU tariffs can be more flexible (with multiple rate periods). If you don’t, you may still be eligible for Economy 7/10 if you have the right meter and heating setup.
What you’ll need to hand
- Your postcode
- Whether you have a smart meter (if you’re not sure, it’s fine)
- Rough idea of when you use most electricity (daytime vs evenings vs overnight)
Get home energy quotes
Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with suitable tariffs, including TOU options where available.
Not sure if you’re on a fixed tariff? That’s OK. We can still help you compare, and you can decide whether a TOU tariff is worth it after checking the rates and times.
What is a time of use tariff?
A time of use tariff (often shortened to TOU) is an electricity tariff where the unit price you pay changes depending on the time of day (and sometimes the day of the week). Instead of a single flat rate, you’ll have cheaper off-peak periods and more expensive peak periods.
The idea is simple: if you can move some electricity use to off-peak hours, you may reduce your overall bill. The catch is equally simple: if most of your usage sits in peak hours, a TOU tariff can cost more than a standard tariff.
Off-peak
Cheaper unit rate at set times (often overnight). Good for EV charging, hot water heating, storage heaters, and flexible appliances.
Peak
Higher unit rate during high-demand hours (often morning and early evening). Your cost depends on how much you use at these times.
Standing charge
A daily fee that usually still applies. Always compare the standing charge as well as unit rates.
Who should switch to a time of use tariff in the UK?
In most UK homes, the best candidates for TOU tariffs are households that can shift a meaningful chunk of electricity use into off-peak hours. The more flexible your usage, the more likely TOU works for you.
TOU can suit you if…
- You have an electric vehicle and can charge overnight
- You use storage heaters or heat water off-peak
- You’re happy to run appliances outside peak hours (dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer)
- You have solar + battery and can charge/discharge strategically
- Someone is home in the day, but you can still avoid early-evening peak use
TOU may not suit you if…
- Most of your use is 7–10am and 4–9pm (typical peak windows)
- You have a large household with cooking, laundry and heating mostly in the evening
- You can’t easily move usage due to care needs, routines, or equipment
- You’re already on a low-cost deal and the TOU standing charge/peak rate is higher
- You’re unsure when your cheap hours are (and don’t want to manage it)
Reality check: TOU is rarely about using less electricity—it’s about using it at different times. If you can’t shift at least some usage, the higher peak rate can outweigh the off-peak savings.
How savings (or higher costs) happen on a TOU tariff
When comparing time of use tariffs in the UK, you’re balancing three things: peak unit rate, off-peak unit rate, and the standing charge. The key question is: what percentage of your electricity will fall into the cheaper periods?
| What changes | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak window(s) | Exact times (and whether weekends differ) | If your cheap period doesn’t match your lifestyle, you won’t benefit |
| Peak unit rate | How much higher it is than a standard tariff | Most households use a lot of electricity in peak hours |
| Standing charge | Daily cost and how it compares | A higher standing charge can offset lower unit rates |
| Number of rates | 2-rate vs 3+ rate (smart tariffs) | More rates can help match your usage—or make it harder to manage |
A simple way to think about it
1) Note your routine
When do you cook, wash, dry, and charge devices?
2) Identify shiftable loads
EV charging, laundry, dishwasher, immersion heater, battery charging.
3) Match to cheap hours
Are the cheaper periods practical and safe for your home?
4) Compare total cost
Look at standing charge plus peak/off-peak rates vs your current tariff.
Types of time of use tariffs in the UK
Not all TOU tariffs are the same. Some are older, more predictable arrangements (like Economy 7), while others are smart tariffs with multiple price periods. The right option depends on your meter, heating system, and how much flexibility you have.
Economy 7
Two rates: one for ~7 off-peak hours and one for the rest of the day.
- Often suits storage heaters and immersion heating
- Off-peak hours can vary by region and meter setup
- You’ll typically need a suitable meter
Economy 10
Similar idea, but with ~10 off-peak hours split across day/night.
- Can help if you need some cheaper hours during the day
- Availability can be more limited than Economy 7
- Times vary, so always confirm before switching
Smart TOU tariffs
Often designed for EVs, batteries or flexible households, with defined rate periods.
- Usually require a working smart meter
- May include more than two rate bands
- Can be great if you can automate usage (e.g., EV scheduling)
Important: Some smart tariffs have specific eligibility criteria (for example, EV ownership, certain charger requirements, or smart meter connectivity). Always confirm requirements before switching.
Quick self-check: will a TOU tariff likely save you money?
Use this quick checklist before you compare. You don’t need exact numbers—just an honest view of your routine. If you tick several items, it’s worth running a proper comparison (and checking peak/off-peak times carefully).
You’re more likely to benefit if…
- You can shift 20–40%+ of electricity use to off-peak hours
- You can schedule EV charging or battery charging overnight
- Your hot water can be heated off-peak (immersion or heat pump controls)
- You can avoid heavy use during early evening peak
- You’re happy to keep an eye on tariff times (or automate them)
Consider staying on standard rates if…
- Your household uses most electricity in the evening (cooking + laundry + heating)
- You can’t shift appliance use due to noise, safety, or neighbours
- Your current tariff has a low standing charge and competitive unit rate
- You don’t have a smart meter and would prefer not to change meter setup
- You value simplicity over optimisation
Next best step: Don’t guess—compare. A TOU tariff can look cheap because of the off-peak rate, but the peak rate and standing charge are what often decide the outcome.
Go back to the quote form to check suitable deals for your postcode.
Common mistakes when switching to a time of use tariff
A TOU tariff is only as good as the details. These are the pitfalls that most often lead to disappointment—especially when households switch based on the off-peak rate alone.
Not checking the exact cheap hours
Off-peak times can vary by tariff, meter setup, and sometimes region. Always confirm before switching, especially if you plan to schedule charging.
Underestimating peak usage
Cooking, lighting, and entertainment often cluster in the evening. If the peak rate is much higher, a small shift might not be enough.
Ignoring standing charges
Standing charges differ by supplier and region. A higher standing charge can eat into savings, especially in low-usage homes.
If you’re unsure: Get quotes first and compare on the full cost (standing charge + peak/off-peak unit rates). Request personalised quotes.
Time of use tariffs UK: FAQs
Do I need a smart meter for a time of use tariff?
Not always. Traditional options like Economy 7/10 can work with certain multi-rate meters. However, many newer smart TOU tariffs typically require a working smart meter so your usage can be recorded accurately by time band.
Are time of use tariffs good for electric vehicles?
They can be—especially if you charge at home and can schedule charging in off-peak hours. The best EV-focused tariffs depend on your typical mileage, charger setup, and how much you can keep other household usage out of peak hours.
Is Economy 7 the same as a time of use tariff?
Yes—Economy 7 is a type of TOU tariff with two rates. It typically provides about 7 hours of cheaper electricity overnight, with a higher day rate the rest of the time.
Could a TOU tariff make my bills higher?
Yes. If you can’t shift enough usage into off-peak hours, the higher peak rate (plus standing charge differences) can increase your total costs. That’s why it’s important to compare the full tariff, not just the cheapest unit rate.
Will I pay different prices in different parts of the UK?
Prices and standing charges can vary by region and electricity network area. Availability of certain tariffs can vary too. Comparing by postcode is the simplest way to see what’s available for your home.
Can I switch away from a TOU tariff later?
In many cases, yes. Your ability to switch can depend on the tariff type and whether you’re in a fixed term with exit fees. Always check the tariff’s terms before committing.
If you’d like help deciding, use the quote request form and we’ll help you compare suitable home energy tariffs, including TOU options where available.
Ready to see if a time of use tariff is worth it for your home?
Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and request personalised quotes. We’ll help you check the off-peak times, peak rates and eligibility so you can switch with confidence.
- UK-focused comparison by postcode
- TOU options highlighted where available
- No obligation—choose only if it makes sense
Request quotes now
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Why households use EnergyPlus.co.uk
Switching tariffs can feel technical—especially with peak/off-peak pricing. We focus on helping you compare options clearly, based on your home’s usage and eligibility.
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare a broad range of UK home energy tariffs, including TOU where available for your postcode and meter type.
Plain-English guidance
We highlight what matters: rate periods, standing charge, eligibility, and what you’d need to change at home.
Quotes tailored to your home
Tell us your postcode and a few details and we’ll help you find a sensible shortlist—without guesswork.
“I didn’t realise the peak rate mattered so much. EnergyPlus helped me compare properly and pick a tariff that suits my EV charging.”
— Homeowner, England
“Clear explanation of Economy 7 vs smart TOU tariffs. I avoided switching to a deal that would’ve cost me more.”
— Flat owner, Scotland