Best tariff for homes with storage heaters (UK): how to choose
Storage heaters can be cheap to run on the right off-peak setup — but the “best” tariff depends on your meter, heating pattern and how much electricity you use in the day. Use this guide to pick the right option and compare whole-of-market quotes.
- Works for Economy 7, Economy 10 and other off-peak meters (including smart meters)
- Clear checklist, comparison table and realistic cost scenarios (with assumptions)
- Includes common pitfalls: day-rate shock, meter changes, and eligibility
Estimates only. Tariffs, off-peak hours and eligibility vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method.
Fast answer: the best tariff is usually an off-peak (two-rate) tariff — if your usage suits it
For most UK homes with storage heaters, the best-value electricity tariff is typically a two-rate off-peak tariff (most commonly Economy 7, sometimes Economy 10). You charge your heaters (and often your hot water cylinder) overnight on a cheaper unit rate, then use the stored heat during the day.
When Economy 7 wins
If you can shift a large share of your electricity to off-peak (often 40–60%+ in storage-heater homes), the cheaper night rate can outweigh a higher day rate.
When a single-rate tariff can be better
If you use most electricity in the day (home working, electric cooking, tumble drying, top-up heaters), Economy 7 can cost more due to a higher day rate.
The “best” depends on
Your meter type (Economy 7/10, smart), region, payment method, standing charge, and the supplier’s exact off-peak hours.
Quick rule of thumb (not a guarantee): If you can reliably put around 45–50% or more of your total electricity use into off-peak hours, it’s worth comparing Economy 7/10 seriously. If you’re under that, compare against a good single-rate tariff.
Key takeaways (UK-specific)
- Off-peak hours vary by supplier, region and meter setup (they’re not always exactly midnight–7am).
- Economy 10 (where available) can suit homes that need daytime top-ups, but availability is more limited.
- Smart meters can support multi-rate tariffs, but not every supplier supports every configuration.
- Standing charges matter — a low night rate doesn’t help if the standing charge is unusually high.
- Meter changes can take time and may affect tariff availability; always confirm before switching.
Compare the best tariffs for storage heaters (whole of market)
We’ll help you compare tariffs that match your meter and how you use electricity. To get an accurate result for storage heaters, it helps to know:
- Your meter and tariff type
- Look for “Economy 7”, “E7”, “two rate”, “RHT”, or separate day/night readings. If you’re unsure, check a recent bill or your in-home display.
- Rough split of day vs night use
- Storage heater homes often use a higher share off-peak, but extra daytime electric heating can change this quickly.
- Any restrictions or preferences
- For example: fixed vs variable, customer service focus, or whether you want to avoid exit fees.
Tip: If you have storage heaters but your meter is currently single-rate, you can still compare tariffs now — but you may also want to ask your supplier whether a two-rate meter/tariff is suitable for your property and wiring. Not all homes can be converted quickly.
Get your quote (takes minutes)
Tell us a few details so we can match you to suitable tariffs. We’ll use your postcode to show regional pricing.
Before you compare: check these 3 storage-heater essentials
1) Confirm your meter setup
Economy 7/10 usually means two readings (day & night). Some systems have a separate circuit for heating/hot water.
2) Note your off-peak hours
They can shift with British Summer Time and differ by region/supplier. Don’t assume the times.
3) Estimate day vs night use
A bill may show day and night kWh. If not, keep a short log of when big appliances run.
Tariff types compared: what’s best for storage heaters?
Storage heaters are designed to charge on cheaper electricity. The best tariff is the one that matches your actual off-peak usage and doesn’t penalise you with a high day rate or standing charge.
| Tariff type | How it works | Pros for storage heaters | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 (two-rate) | Cheaper unit rate for ~7 hours overnight + higher day rate. | Often the best match if you can charge heaters/hot water off-peak. Widely available. | Day rate can be significantly higher; off-peak hours vary; standing charge differs by supplier/region. |
| Economy 10 (multi-rate) | Cheaper electricity for ~10 hours split across day/night (varies). | Can help if you need some daytime boost for heating or hot water. | Less widely offered; timing can be complex; may limit tariff choice. |
| Single-rate (standard) | One unit rate all day and night. | Simple; often best if you’re at home in the day and can’t shift much usage to off-peak. | You may pay more overall if your home is suited to off-peak but you’re not using it. |
| Time-of-use (smart tariffs) | Rates vary by time/day (requires compatible smart meter & supplier). | Potentially good if you can align charging with low-cost windows. | Can be complex; “peak” prices may be very high; not all storage heater setups can respond easily. |
Decision checklist: who off-peak tariffs suit
- You have working storage heaters (not panel heaters) and use them most days in winter.
- You can heat hot water mainly off-peak (immersion heater on timer).
- Your home can shift big loads (washing, dishwasher) to off-peak occasionally.
- You can live with cooler mornings/evenings (or have a small, planned top-up).
Who it may not suit
- You mainly use daytime electric heating (panel heaters, fan heaters, portable radiators).
- You’re home all day and your electricity use is mostly daytime (e.g. cooking, drying clothes).
- Your off-peak hours don’t match your heater charge times (or you can’t control them).
- Your meter setup limits your supplier choices or delays a switch.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These are illustrative estimates to show how the day/night split can change outcomes. Your region, tariff and standing charge will differ.
Scenario A: classic storage-heater flat (Economy 7 helps)
- Total electricity use: 4,500 kWh/year
- Off-peak share: 55% (2,475 kWh night / 2,025 kWh day)
- Example prices: Night 18p, Day 34p, Standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual cost = (2,475×£0.18) + (2,025×£0.34) + (365×£0.55) = ~£1,331/year.
Compare to single-rate example: 28p unit rate, 55p/day standing charge → (4,500×£0.28) + (365×£0.55) = ~£1,461/year. In this example, Economy 7 is cheaper.
Scenario B: daytime-heavy usage (single-rate can win)
- Total electricity use: 3,600 kWh/year
- Off-peak share: 25% (900 kWh night / 2,700 kWh day)
- Example prices: Night 18p, Day 36p, Standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual cost = (900×£0.18) + (2,700×£0.36) + (365×£0.55) = ~£1,335/year.
Compare to single-rate example: 28p unit rate, 55p/day standing charge → (3,600×£0.28) + (365×£0.55) = ~£1,209/year. In this example, Economy 7 costs more because the day rate dominates.
Important: These scenarios use simplified example rates to show the mechanics. Real quotes depend on your electricity region, payment method, tariff availability, standing charge and exact off-peak windows.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (storage heater tariffs)
A storage-heater tariff can look great on the night rate and still be poor value overall. Here are the most common UK-specific issues to watch for.
1) Day-rate shock
Economy 7/10 day rates are often higher than single-rate tariffs. If you use more day electricity than expected, bills can jump.
2) Off-peak hours aren’t universal
Your “night” period can vary by region and can shift with clock changes. Always confirm the actual times for your meter.
3) Metering & wiring constraints
Some legacy setups (e.g. restricted hour tariffs / dedicated heating circuits) can limit which suppliers will take you on without changes.
4) Standing charge differences
Two tariffs with similar unit rates can differ significantly on standing charge — which matters if your annual kWh is lower.
5) Exit fees & fixed-term rules
Some fixed tariffs have exit fees. If you might move home or change meter type, check the terms before committing.
6) Payment method and eligibility
Direct Debit is often cheapest. Prepayment and some meter types can have fewer tariff options.
A practical “avoid regret” check
- Ask the supplier (or check your quote details) for the exact off-peak hours and whether they change seasonally.
- Check whether your hot water immersion is on a timer and actually runs off-peak.
- If you regularly need extra heat, compare the cost of daytime top-ups on a two-rate tariff vs a strong single-rate tariff.
- If you’re renting, confirm who can request meter changes and whether your tenancy allows it.
FAQs: storage heaters and tariffs (UK)
1) Is Economy 7 always best for storage heaters?
No. It’s often a good fit, but only if you use enough electricity off-peak. If your usage is mostly daytime, a single-rate tariff can be cheaper even if you have storage heaters installed.
2) What off-peak hours will I get in the UK?
It depends on your meter configuration, supplier and region. Many Economy 7 meters provide ~7 hours overnight, but the start/end times can differ and may shift with British Summer Time. Check your bill, meter paperwork or ask the supplier for your exact hours.
3) Can I switch supplier if I’m on Economy 7 or a restricted meter?
Often yes, but choice can be narrower for some legacy “restricted hours” or heating-only circuits. If your meter has unusual registers or separate heating supplies, confirm the new supplier can support it before you start a switch.
4) Do I need a smart meter for Economy 7?
Not necessarily. Economy 7 exists on traditional meters too. A smart meter may make readings easier and can support some time-of-use tariffs, but compatibility and tariff availability vary by supplier.
5) How can I tell if my storage heaters are charging on the cheap rate?
Check the timer/controls and compare your day vs night readings over a few days. If your heaters (and immersion heater) draw power mainly during the off-peak window, you should see higher night kWh. If in doubt, an electrician can confirm wiring and timers.
6) I have panel heaters, not storage heaters — should I still use Economy 7?
Panel heaters use electricity as you heat, usually in the day and evening. That can be expensive on Economy 7 because the day rate is higher. Compare carefully — a strong single-rate tariff is often better for panel-heater homes.
7) Will a fixed tariff be best for storage heaters?
Fixed tariffs can provide price certainty for the term, but they may include exit fees. Variable tariffs can change, but may offer flexibility. The “best” choice depends on your priorities (certainty vs flexibility) and the actual rates and standing charge available to you.
8) I’m renting — can I change tariff or meter?
In many cases, tenants can switch supplier (as long as they pay the bills), but you should check your tenancy agreement and tell your landlord. Meter changes may need the landlord’s permission and can be restricted in some properties.
Trust, methodology and sources
Editorial information
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: June 2026
How we assess “best” for storage-heater tariffs
We treat “best” as the tariff structure most likely to fit a storage-heater home without unpleasant surprises, then we emphasise how to validate it against your own usage.
- Core factors: day rate, night/off-peak rate(s), standing charge, contract length, exit fees, and payment method pricing.
- Eligibility constraints: meter type (Economy 7/10, smart), region, and whether the supplier supports your meter registers.
- Fit factors: realistic day/night usage split, ability to shift hot water and major loads, and your tolerance for higher day rates.
Assumptions and limitations (please read)
- Example scenarios use simplified rates to demonstrate how off-peak splits affect total cost; they are not quotes.
- Off-peak windows and meter arrangements vary; always confirm the exact hours for your supply.
- Supplier tariffs change frequently and may be withdrawn; availability depends on your postcode, meter type and credit checks (where applicable).
- This guide is for domestic customers in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has a different market structure.
Independent UK sources we reference
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — regulation, consumer protections and switching guidance.
- Citizens Advice: energy advice — practical consumer help on tariffs, meters and billing.
- GOV.UK: energy grants and support — eligibility checks for schemes and help with energy costs.
Ready to find the right storage-heater tariff?
Compare whole-of-market options based on your postcode and meter type. It’s the quickest way to see whether Economy 7/10 beats a single-rate tariff for your home.
Back to Solar Energy