Best UK time-of-use electricity tariff deals this month
Compare today’s most suitable UK time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs for your home — including EV, heat pump and off-peak options — with clear eligibility notes and realistic cost examples.
- See which TOU styles exist (EV, overnight, tracker, smart export bundles) and who they suit
- Check the key details that change the “best deal”: meter type, region, standing charge, peak windows and exit fees
- Get a personalised quote across the market in minutes (no obligation)
Prices, availability and eligibility can change quickly and vary by region, meter type and payment method. Always check tariff terms and your supplier’s unit rates before switching.
Fast answer: what’s the “best” time-of-use tariff this month?
For most UK households, the best time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariff is the one that matches when you use power — not the lowest off-peak headline rate. A great TOU deal typically combines cheap off-peak hours with manageable peak rates, a sensible standing charge, and eligibility you can meet (usually a smart meter).
Key reality check: TOU tariffs are most rewarding if you can move a meaningful share of your usage into cheaper windows (often overnight). If most of your electricity is used at peak times (typically late afternoon/evening), a TOU tariff can cost more than a standard fixed or variable tariff.
Usually best for
- EV drivers who can schedule charging overnight
- Heat pump homes with a hot water cylinder / thermal storage and good controls
- Households already using timers (dishwasher, washing machine) off-peak
Common deal-breakers
- No smart meter (or smart meter not communicating)
- Can’t shift usage (e.g., electric cooking/heating at peak)
- High standing charge in your region outweighs cheap off-peak
What to check first
- Exact off-peak hours (they vary by tariff and region)
- Peak unit rate and any “shoulder” rates
- Exit fees and whether prices are fixed, capped, or variable
Want a quick answer for your home? Use your postcode and approximate usage and we’ll show which TOU tariffs look best for your region and meter setup.
Compare time-of-use tariffs (whole of market)
We’ll match you with TOU tariffs that fit your meter type and likely usage pattern — and show the key terms that matter (peak windows, standing charge, exit fees, and whether rates can change).
TOU tariff types you’ll see in the UK
- EV-focused off-peak tariffs
- Very low overnight unit rate for a set window. Often higher day rates, so best if you can charge most miles off-peak.
- Multi-rate (peak/shoulder/off-peak)
- More than two rates across the day. Helpful if you can avoid the expensive peak block, not just use overnight power.
- Tracker-style TOU (variable)
- Rates can change frequently (sometimes daily). Potentially cheaper at times, but less predictable; not ideal if you need bill certainty.
- Solar & battery / export bundles
- May combine off-peak import and export rates. Great for battery charging and exporting, but check export eligibility and metering requirements.
Note: Some legacy multi-rate setups (e.g., traditional Economy 7/Economy 10) may have different switching constraints depending on your meter and supplier. We’ll flag this if it applies.
Two realistic cost scenarios (with assumptions)
These examples show how TOU can help (or hurt) depending on when you use electricity. Figures are illustrative estimates using simple rate assumptions, not live supplier pricing.
Scenario A: EV driver who can shift load
- Annual electricity: 4,200 kWh (home) + 2,000 kWh EV charging = 6,200 kWh
- TOU usage split: 60% off-peak / 40% peak
- Example TOU rates: off-peak 12p/kWh, peak 33p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
- Example flat rate: 28p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual electricity cost (excl. standing charge):
TOU: (3,720×£0.12) + (2,480×£0.33) = £1,264
Flat: 6,200×£0.28 = £1,736
Estimated difference: TOU ~ £472 less (before any fees and with the same standing charge).
Scenario B: Home mostly used at peak times
- Annual electricity: 3,200 kWh
- TOU usage split: 25% off-peak / 75% peak
- Example TOU rates: off-peak 12p/kWh, peak 36p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
- Example flat rate: 28p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual electricity cost (excl. standing charge):
TOU: (800×£0.12) + (2,400×£0.36) = £960
Flat: 3,200×£0.28 = £896
Estimated difference: TOU ~ £64 more (before fees and with the same standing charge).
Why this matters: small changes in your off-peak share (and your region’s standing charge) can flip the outcome. That’s why we compare using your postcode and ask about your meter/usage pattern.
Get your TOU comparison
Tell us where you are and how to reach you. We’ll send your matched results and next steps. No obligation.
Quick eligibility check (60 seconds)
- Smart meter: many TOU deals require SMETS2 (or a compatible smart meter that’s communicating)
- Payment method: some tariffs are direct debit only
- EV/charger integration: some EV tariffs require an app or compatible charger/vehicle for scheduled charging
- Region: unit rates and standing charges vary by distribution area
Compare TOU tariff styles (what to look for)
Supplier names and prices change frequently. This table helps you compare the structure of TOU tariffs so you can spot a good match for your routine and equipment.
| Tariff style | Off-peak window | Best for | Watch-outs | Must-check terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV overnight | Typically 4–6 hours (varies) | EV owners, battery charging | High peak rates can outweigh savings if you don’t shift enough | Peak rate, standing charge, EV/charger compatibility, exit fees |
| 3-rate (peak/shoulder/off-peak) | Overnight + daytime shoulder | Home workers, flexible households | Complex; easy to assume savings that don’t materialise | Exact time bands, weekend rates, what happens in GMT/BST |
| Economy 7 / multi-rate legacy | Usually 7 hours overnight | Storage heaters, overnight heating/hot water | Metering can limit switching options; daytime rate can be high | Meter type, switching constraints, day rate vs flat alternatives |
| Tracker / dynamic | Can vary daily/half-hourly | Risk-tolerant, engaged users | Less bill certainty; can spike | Price cap relationship, update frequency, exit terms |
| Solar/battery import + export bundles | Often overnight cheap import | Solar + battery owners | Export rates/terms can change; eligibility may apply | Export metering, export tariff terms, SEG eligibility |
Decision checklist: this TOU tariff is likely a good fit if…
- You can shift 30–50%+ of your electricity into off-peak (common with EV charging)
- You understand the peak window and can avoid heavy usage then
- The standing charge is competitive for your region
- You’re comfortable with the tariff’s price type (fixed vs variable/tracker)
- You’ve checked exit fees and any minimum term
It may not suit you if…
- Most of your usage is 4pm–9pm and hard to move
- You don’t have (or can’t get) a working smart meter
- You need predictable monthly bills and are considering a dynamic/tracker tariff
- Your home has electric heating but no practical way to run it off-peak
- You’re on prepayment and the tariff is direct debit only
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
The fine print is where TOU tariffs win or lose. Here are the issues we see most often when households switch.
1) Standing charge dominates
If your usage is low, a higher standing charge can outweigh any off-peak savings. Always compare the total estimated annual cost, not just unit rates.
2) Peak window mismatch
Some tariffs price peak hours exactly when families cook, wash and heat. If your peak rate is high, even small “peak creep” can add up.
3) Smart meter requirement
Many TOU tariffs require half-hourly readings. If your smart meter isn’t communicating, the supplier may not be able to bill you correctly on TOU rates.
4) EV app/charger compatibility
Some EV tariffs need you to schedule charging through an app or use a compatible charger/vehicle. Check compatibility before switching to avoid losing the cheap rate.
5) Variable/dynamic pricing risk
Tracker and dynamic tariffs can be cheaper at times, but prices can rise. If bill stability matters, consider fixed options or understand the supplier’s update rules.
6) Exit fees & minimum terms
Some deals have exit fees or minimum terms. If you might move home, change heating, or add solar/EV, factor that flexibility in.
Tip: If you already have half-hourly data from your smart meter (or EV charger app), we can use it to better estimate whether TOU will reduce your costs. Without it, comparisons rely on typical usage splits — which may not match your home.
FAQs: time-of-use electricity tariffs in the UK
Do I need a smart meter for a time-of-use tariff?
Usually, yes. Most modern TOU tariffs require a communicating smart meter so the supplier can bill different rates by time band (often using half-hourly readings). Some legacy multi-rate tariffs may work on older meters, but options can be limited.
Are time-of-use tariffs always cheaper for EV charging?
Not always. EV-focused tariffs can offer very low off-peak rates, but may have higher peak/day rates or different standing charges. They tend to work best if you can keep most charging inside the off-peak window and avoid heavy home use during peak.
What hours count as off-peak?
It depends on the tariff. Common patterns include 4–6 overnight hours, or multiple off-peak/shoulder bands. Always check whether the times are fixed, how they behave across GMT/BST, and whether weekends differ.
Can I get a TOU tariff on prepayment?
Sometimes, but the choice is often smaller, and some TOU deals are direct debit only. If you’re on a smart prepayment meter, ask whether the supplier supports multi-rate billing for your specific meter type.
Will switching affect my warm home discount or other support?
Discount schemes and eligibility rules can vary. If you receive support (for example, via your supplier), check with the new supplier and read their policy before switching. If in doubt, get independent guidance first.
Do TOU tariffs have exit fees?
Some do, some don’t. Fixed tariffs are more likely to include exit fees; variable and tracker tariffs often have more flexibility, but not always. We show exit fees and term length where available, and you should confirm this in the tariff details before agreeing.
I have solar panels — does a TOU import tariff still help?
It can. A cheap overnight rate can be useful for charging a home battery, especially in winter. If you export electricity, also compare export rates/terms and check eligibility (e.g., SEG-related requirements). The best setup depends on your generation, battery size, and usage times.
How do I estimate my off-peak usage share?
Start with what you can schedule: EV charging, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, immersion heater, and battery charging. If you have a smart meter, your in-home display or app may show day/night patterns. If not, we can model a range (e.g., 30%, 40%, 50% off-peak) to see how sensitive the outcome is.
How we assess the best UK time-of-use deals
Our methodology (plain English)
- We focus on fit, not hype: TOU isn’t automatically “best” — it’s best when your usage matches the cheap windows.
- We compare on total cost: unit rates + standing charge, using your postcode region and an estimated usage split.
- We flag constraints: smart meter requirements, direct debit rules, EV/charger integration, and exit fees where available.
- We show what can change: whether prices are fixed, variable, tracker/dynamic, and the key terms to confirm before switching.
Assumptions & limitations
- Prices move: tariffs can open/close and rates can change, especially on variable or tracker products.
- Regional variation: electricity unit rates and standing charges vary by distribution region.
- Usage patterns vary: without half-hourly data, we use user-provided or typical splits that may not match your household.
- Metering matters: some meters (or configurations) may limit which tariffs you can access.
Important: This guide is editorial information, not financial advice. Always read the tariff information and confirm rates and terms with the supplier before you agree to switch.
Sources and further guidance
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on switching, standards of conduct and market rules.
- Citizens Advice: Energy — independent help on bills, switching and complaints.
- GOV.UK: Find an energy certificate (EPC) — useful for understanding home efficiency before changing heating or adding EV charging.
- Ofgem: Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — export tariff rules and eligibility basics.
Ready to check the best TOU tariff for your postcode?
We’ll compare whole-of-market home energy options and highlight TOU tariffs that match your meter setup and likely usage pattern.
Back to Solar Energy