EnergyPlus · May 2026

Best UK time-of-use electricity tariff deals (July 2026)

Time-of-use (TOU) tariffs vary the unit price by time of day, rewarding shifted loads with cheap off-peak rates. In May 2026 the cheapest UK off-peak rates sit around 5–10p/kWh — a fraction of the ~25–28p/kWh average on flat-rate cap-linked tariffs. This page covers the best TOU deals for May 2026 and which load profiles benefit most.

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Editorial information, not financial advice. Prices and policy can change — always confirm against the supplier and Ofgem.

Best UK TOU tariffs for June 2026

The cheapest off-peak rate in May 2026 is Intelligent Octopus Go at around 7p/kWh from 23:30–05:30 (or any 6-hour window your EV/charger reports). Cosy Octopus offers three off-peak blocks daily at ~12p/kWh, suited to heat-pump homes. EDF GoElectric Overnight and OVO Charge Anytime sit in similar territory. All require a SMETS2 smart meter.

Quick checklist (May 2026):

  • Intelligent Octopus Go: ~7p/kWh off-peak — cheapest if you have an EV.
  • Cosy Octopus: ~12p/kWh in three off-peak windows — heat-pump focus.
  • EDF GoElectric Overnight: ~9p/kWh for 7 hours overnight.
  • OVO Charge Anytime: dynamic windows for compatible EV chargers.
Last updated
May 2026
Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Audience
UK households & small businesses

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Best UK time-of-use electricity tariffs (June 2026)

A clear, current overview to help you choose with confidence.

Who TOU tariffs suit

Anyone with shiftable loads — EV charging, heat pump, electric storage heating, immersion timers, dishwashers/washing machines you can run overnight, or a home battery. The more you shift, the more you save.

EV tariffs lead on price

EV-focused tariffs (Intelligent Octopus Go, OVO Charge Anytime) have the cheapest off-peak rates because EV charging is the largest single shiftable load in most homes.

Heat pump tariffs structure differently

Cosy Octopus and EDF Heat Pump tariffs offer multiple off-peak blocks throughout the day, matching heat-pump operating cycles rather than a single overnight window.

What you need to qualify

SMETS2 smart meter is mandatory. EV tariffs also need an OCPP-compatible charger and proof of an EV. Heat pump tariffs typically require MCS certificate evidence.

Compare like-for-like

May 2026 snapshot of the leading UK time-of-use electricity tariffs. Actual savings depend on your kWh and how much you shift to off-peak.

What to compare Typical range (May 2026) Notes
Intelligent Octopus Go ~7p/kWh off-peak, ~30p/kWh peak Best for EV owners with OCPP charger.
Cosy Octopus ~12p/kWh in 3 off-peak blocks Best for heat-pump homes.
EDF GoElectric Overnight ~9p/kWh for 7 hours overnight All-purpose off-peak; no EV required.
OVO Charge Anytime ~7–10p/kWh dynamic for EV charging Compatible charger needed; rest of home at flat rate.
Octopus Agile Half-hourly tracks wholesale For active users who can shift to cheap half-hours.

How to pick the best UK TOU tariff for June 2026

  1. 1. Map your shiftable loads

    EV charging, heat pump, storage heating, dishwasher, washing, batteries.

  2. 2. Check your meter type

    SMETS2 is required. Request one from your supplier if you have SMETS1 or traditional.

  3. 3. Estimate your off-peak share

    Your smart meter app shows when you actually use electricity.

  4. 4. Compare tariff windows vs your usage

    Pick a tariff whose off-peak window aligns with when you can run loads.

  5. 5. Apply and configure devices

    Most EVs and smart chargers integrate directly with supplier APIs (e.g. Octopus Mini).

  6. 6. Monitor and tweak

    Use your supplier app to check actual savings; adjust schedules as needed.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The most frequent issues we see when households and businesses act on what looks like a good deal.

  • Signing up to a TOU tariff without a smart meter — you'll be billed at the peak rate by default.
  • Forgetting that peak rates on EV tariffs are often higher than the cap — only shift loads, don't burn them at peak.
  • Not checking charger/EV compatibility — Intelligent Octopus Go and OVO Charge Anytime have specific hardware requirements.
  • Running washing/drying at peak out of habit when off-peak is just hours away.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a time-of-use tariff?

A tariff where the unit rate varies by time of day. Off-peak hours (typically overnight) are much cheaper than peak hours. You save by shifting load to off-peak.

Which TOU tariff is cheapest in June 2026?

On a pure unit-rate basis, Intelligent Octopus Go at ~7p/kWh has the cheapest off-peak rate. But the right tariff depends on your load profile — heat-pump homes win with Cosy Octopus instead.

Do I need an EV?

Only for some tariffs. Intelligent Octopus Go and OVO Charge Anytime require one. EDF GoElectric Overnight and Cosy Octopus are open to any SMETS2 home.

How much can I save with a TOU tariff?

A typical home shifting 30–40% of usage to off-peak saves £300–£700/year vs a flat-rate cap-linked tariff. EV homes shifting most charging save the most.

Does a smart meter cost anything?

No. SMETS2 smart meters are free from your current supplier and required for all TOU tariffs. Installation takes 2–3 hours.

Can I switch back if TOU doesn't work for me?

Yes — most TOU tariffs have no exit fees. You can leave any time after the cooling-off period.

Will my export tariff change?

TOU import tariffs run independently from Smart Export Guarantee tariffs. You can stack the cheapest of each.

What if my smart meter loses signal?

Suppliers default to estimated billing or your last known reading. Report comms issues to your supplier — they're responsible for the meter's data link.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page governance

Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Last updated
May 2026

How we keep this page current

We refresh this page each month against the latest Ofgem cap, supplier tariff changes and current scheme guidance. Worked numbers are illustrative; quotes you receive via the comparison form are personalised to your meter and postcode.

Editorial independence: our priority is clarity and like-for-like comparison. Where commercial relationships exist, options are still presented on suitability and the information available at the time.

Reputable UK sources we reference

If you spot anything that looks out of date (a rule change, a new scheme), please contact EnergyPlus so we can review and update this page.

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Updated on 26 Jun 2026