Cheapest electricity tariff for nighttime use in the UK
The cheapest way to power your home overnight is a tariff built for off‑peak use — Economy 7, Economy 10 or an EV smart tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go. With the Ofgem price cap having risen to £1,663/yr, shifting more usage into the cheap night window (and locking a fixed deal) is one of the few levers left to cut your bill.
- Which night tariffs are cheapest in 2026 — and the off‑peak share you need to come out ahead
- August 2026 day vs night rates, eligibility (meter type, region, payment method) and the watch‑outs
- Compare whole‑of‑market night tariffs for your exact postcode and usage
Estimates only. Availability and off‑peak hours vary by supplier, region, and meter type. Always check tariff terms and your annual cost before switching.
Fast answer: what’s the cheapest tariff for night-time electricity?
The cheapest electricity tariff for nighttime use in the UK depends on how much power you can shift overnight and which meter you have. In short:
- Charging an EV? A dedicated EV smart tariff (Intelligent Octopus Go, Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric, E.ON Next Drive) is almost always cheapest — overnight rates advertised from around 7p/kWh, far below the 26.11p single-rate cap.
- Storage heaters or timed hot water? Economy 7 (or Economy 10) usually wins, with a cheap ~7-hour night rate in the low-to-mid teens p/kWh in exchange for a higher day rate.
- Mostly daytime use and no EV? A competitive single-rate fixed tariff is often cheaper overall — and fixing now also shields you from the 1 July cap rise.
EV / off-peak smart tariffs
Lowest overnight prices of all (from ~7p/kWh) for scheduled charging. Best for EVs and homes that can run big loads in a set window. Usually need a smart meter and compatible charger/app.
Economy 7 / Economy 10
Best fit if you use a lot of electricity overnight (storage heaters, immersion on a timer). Cheap night rate, higher day rate. Economy 10 adds afternoon/evening off-peak blocks but is harder to find.
Single-rate fixed
If overnight use is modest, a competitive single-rate fix can be cheaper overall than a two-rate plan with a costly day rate — and it locks your price against the 1 July cap rise.
Quick self-check
- Do you have an Economy 7/Economy 10 meter, or a smart meter?
- Can you shift 35%+ of usage to night (rough rule of thumb)?
- Do you charge an EV, or rely on electric heating/hot water that can run overnight?
- Do the off-peak hours in your region match your routine?
If you only want one answer…
Have an EV? Compare EV smart tariffs first. Otherwise compare Economy 7 (if you already have a compatible meter) and a single-rate fix side by side using your postcode and estimated annual kWh, and pick on lowest estimated annual cost.
Best cheap-night tariffs in the UK (2026)
These are the tariff structures that consistently deliver the cheapest overnight electricity. Headline night rates are advertised prices and change frequently — always confirm the current rate, off-peak hours and eligibility for your postcode before switching.
| Tariff | Typical off-peak window | Advertised night rate | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Octopus Go | 6 hours overnight (commonly 23:30–05:30), plus smart-scheduled charging slots | From around 7p/kWh | EV owners with a compatible car/charger who let the supplier schedule charging |
| Octopus Go | Fixed ~4-hour night window (commonly 00:30–05:30) | Low single-digit to low-teens p/kWh | EV owners who prefer a simple fixed cheap window without smart control |
| EDF GoElectric | Off-peak block overnight (window varies by version) | Low overnight rate; higher peak rate | EV drivers wanting an alternative supplier with a defined cheap window |
| E.ON Next Drive | ~7-hour overnight window | From around 7p/kWh | EV owners wanting a longer cheap window across more of the night |
| Economy 7 | ~7 hours overnight (region/meter dependent) | Low-to-mid teens p/kWh (day rate above single-rate) | Storage heaters, timed immersion, heavy night appliance use; no smart meter required |
| Economy 10 | ~10 off-peak hours split across night, afternoon and evening | Low-to-mid teens p/kWh (limited availability) | Homes with electric heating needing daytime top-up blocks, not just overnight |
Compare night tariffs for your home (whole of market)
Night-time pricing is sensitive to postcode, meter type and payment method. Use the form to get a tailored comparison and see which tariff type is likely to be cheapest for your usage pattern — and how it stacks up against the £1,663 cap that takes effect.
What you’ll get
- Estimated annual costs for single-rate vs Economy 7-style options (where available)
- Visibility of key terms such as standing charge, unit rates, contract length and exit fees (if any)
- Clear notes on eligibility (smart meter/EV requirements, payment method, region)
Before you compare, gather:
Your annual kWh (electricity) if you have it — from your bill or online account.
Meter type (single-rate, Economy 7, smart) and whether you’re credit or prepayment.
Get your night tariff quotes
Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with suitable tariffs. (No savings guarantees — quotes are estimates and terms vary.)
Two realistic examples (with numbers)
These scenarios show why the cheapest night rate isn’t always the cheapest overall. Figures are illustrative and will vary by supplier, region and time of year.
Scenario A: EV charging + some night load
- Household
- 2-bed home, EV charged mostly overnight
- Annual electricity
- 3,600 kWh total
- Night share
- 45% off-peak (1,620 kWh)
- Illustrative rates
- Single-rate: 26p/kWh. Two-rate: 10p night, 30p day. Standing charge ignored for simplicity.
The night-heavy household saves roughly £180/yr on unit costs even with a higher day rate — and more if the EV rate is nearer 7p.
Scenario B: Mostly daytime usage
- Household
- 1-bed flat, no EV, typical working-from-home mix
- Annual electricity
- 2,500 kWh total
- Night share
- 20% off-peak (500 kWh)
- Illustrative rates
- Single-rate: 26p/kWh. Two-rate: 10p night, 30p day. Standing charge ignored for simplicity.
Here a cheap night rate barely breaks even — once the higher standing charge on some two-rate tariffs is added, single-rate usually wins.
Night-time tariff types compared (UK)
Use this table to shortlist the right tariff type before you request quotes. Exact prices and availability vary by supplier, region and meter setup.
| Tariff type | Best for | Meter/eligibility | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV off-peak / smart charging | EV owners who can schedule charging overnight (cheapest headline rates) | Usually needs a smart meter; may require compatible EV/charger/app; sometimes direct debit only | Off-peak window may be short; day/peak rate can be higher; may involve smart control terms |
| Economy 7 (two-rate) | Storage heaters, timed hot water, heavy night appliance use | Economy 7 meter or compatible smart meter; off-peak hours set by region/meter config | Higher day rate; off-peak times may not match your routine; standing charge still applies |
| Economy 10 (limited) | Electric heating setups needing more off-peak blocks across the day | Specialist meter setups; availability can be limited | Harder to find tariffs; switching can be more complex; timings vary widely |
| Single-rate (fixed) | Most households, especially if usage is mainly daytime | Works with almost all meters and payment methods | No special cheap night rate; less optimal for heavy night/EV loads |
Decision checklist: who night tariffs suit
- You can reliably run high-load appliances overnight (EV charging, washing/drying, dishwasher).
- You have electric heating/hot water that can be timed (storage heaters, immersion heater).
- You’re comfortable planning usage around fixed off-peak windows.
- You’ve checked that the day rate + standing charge won’t wipe out the benefit.
Who it often doesn’t suit
- Low-usage homes where the standing charge dominates the bill.
- Homes that can’t shift enough usage off-peak (most usage is cooking, daytime heating, home working).
- Anyone unsure of their off-peak hours or with a lifestyle that makes overnight running impractical.
- Prepayment customers where the best off-peak options may be more limited (availability varies).
How to maximise your cheap night hours
A night tariff only pays off if you actually shift load into the off-peak window. The more of your annual kWh you move below the day rate, the bigger the gap versus the £1,663 single-rate cap. Practical ways to lift your off-peak share:
Time your big loads
Use delay-start timers on the dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer so they run inside the off-peak window. Charge your EV and any e-bike/tool batteries overnight too.
Heat water and storage on the cheap rate
Set your immersion heater and storage heaters to charge overnight. A hot-water tank effectively stores cheap night energy for daytime use.
Add a home battery (if you can)
A home battery charges at the night rate and powers your home through the expensive day — effectively buying most of your electricity at the off-peak price. Pairs well with solar.
Confirm your off-peak hours
Off-peak windows differ by region, meter and tariff (Economy 7 is ~7 hours; EV tariffs can be 4–7 hours). Check the exact times on your tariff so you schedule loads correctly — and watch how your meter handles the clock change.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (read before switching)
Night tariffs can be excellent when they fit — but there are a few UK-specific details that commonly catch people out.
1) Off-peak hours aren’t universal
Economy 7 is usually around 7 hours overnight, but the exact times can depend on your region, meter settings and sometimes daylight saving changes. Always confirm the hours on the tariff or with the supplier.
2) Higher day rate can dominate
If your cooking, showers and heating happen mostly in the day, a two-rate tariff can increase your bill even with a very cheap night rate.
3) Standing charge matters more than you think
Some tariffs have a higher standing charge. For low users, that can wipe out unit-rate savings. Compare estimated annual cost, not just p/kWh.
Meter & switching considerations
- Economy 7 meter: usually straightforward to stay on a two-rate tariff; switching to single-rate may require meter reconfiguration in some cases.
- Smart meter: can support a wide range of tariffs, but some smart/EV tariffs require half-hourly data and specific setup.
- Prepayment: availability can be more limited; check eligibility early.
- Tenants: you can usually switch if you pay the bills, but check your tenancy agreement and notify your landlord if needed (especially if there’s an in-home display/meter access issue).
EV tariff fine print to watch
- Cheap rates may apply only during a specific window (e.g., 4–6 hours).
- Some deals require the supplier to control charging via an app/charger integration.
- There may be higher peak/day rates or conditions for receiving the lowest price.
- Check for exit fees and contract length if it’s a fixed tariff.
Common mistakes
- Comparing tariffs by night rate only (ignoring day rate + standing charge).
- Assuming your off-peak hours match a friend’s (they can differ by region/meter).
- Switching to Economy 7 without changing habits (no timers, no scheduled charging).
- Not checking how the tariff handles daylight saving time (some meters shift, others don’t).
Get free solar & battery installation quotes
A home battery lets you store cheap off-peak electricity and power your home through the pricey daytime hours. Compare quotes from vetted local solar & battery installers — then lock in the best night tariff above.
FAQs: cheapest night-time electricity tariffs (UK)
1) What is the cheapest night-time electricity tariff in the UK right now?
For EV owners, a dedicated EV smart tariff (such as Intelligent Octopus Go or E.ON Next Drive) is usually cheapest, with overnight rates advertised from around 7p/kWh — well under the 26.11p single-rate cap. If your overnight load is storage heating or hot water rather than an EV, Economy 7 is normally the cheapest structure. Rates change often, so compare current prices for your postcode.
2) What time is “night rate” on Economy 7?
It’s commonly around 7 hours overnight, but the exact times depend on your meter configuration and region. Some meters also handle daylight saving changes differently. Check your bill for rate times or ask your supplier to confirm your off-peak window.
3) Does the current price cap affect cheap night tariffs?
The cap rise (to £1,663/yr, +13.5%) only applies to Standard Variable tariffs — including the standard Economy 7 variable rates. Roughly 40% of accounts on fixed deals are unaffected until their fix ends. Fixed and EV smart tariffs are priced separately, so a good fix can sit well below the current cap.
4) Should I fix my tariff under the current price cap?
If a fixed deal’s estimated annual cost is at or below your projected cap cost, fixing now locks you in below the +£221 Standard Variable rise. Also take a meter reading on 30 June so usage up to that date is billed at the cheaper pre-rise cap. Check for exit fees so you can still switch if a better night tariff appears.
5) Do I need a smart meter to get a cheap overnight tariff?
Not always. Economy 7 can work with traditional two-rate meters. However, most EV smart tariffs require a smart meter (and sometimes half-hourly readings) plus compatible charging control.
6) Is Economy 7 always cheaper if I use electricity at night?
No. Economy 7 can be cheaper overall only if enough of your usage is off-peak — roughly 35–40%+ as a rule of thumb. If most of your electricity is used during the day, the higher day rate (and any difference in standing charge) can make it more expensive.
7) Will electricity prices fall later in 2026?
Not on current forecasts. Ofgem next reviews the cap on 1 October 2026, and Cornwall Insight currently projects roughly £1,701–£1,747 (analyst range)/yr for that period (typical-use basis) — broadly flat on July rather than a fall. Treat any prediction as an estimate; nothing is confirmed until Ofgem announces it.
8) How do I know how much electricity I use at night?
If you have a two-rate meter, your bill often shows separate day and night readings (or Rate 1/Rate 2). Smart meter users may see half-hourly usage in their supplier app. On a single-rate tariff you may need to estimate based on habits (EV charging, timers, storage heaters).
How we assess “cheapest night-time tariff” (methodology)
What “cheapest” means here
We focus on what most households actually need: the lowest estimated annual cost for a given usage pattern — not just the lowest off-peak unit rate. We consider:
- Day + night unit rates (where applicable)
- Standing charges (which vary by region and tariff)
- Tariff type: single-rate, Economy 7/10, and EV/off-peak smart structures
- Eligibility constraints (meter type, payment method, smart/EV requirements)
Assumptions and limitations
- Examples on this page use illustrative rates to demonstrate the maths; they are not live market prices. The 26.11p/kWh single-rate figure is the Ofgem price cap.
- Advertised night rates (e.g. ~7p EV tariffs) change frequently — always confirm the current rate and off-peak hours.
- Off-peak hours can differ based on meter time-switch settings and region; always confirm with your supplier.
- Some smart/EV tariffs require half-hourly consumption data and app-based control, which not everyone wants.
- Quotes may differ after suppliers run credit checks or confirm meter compatibility.
Editorial trust signals
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Rates verified
- July 2026 (Ofgem price cap)
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — the price cap and guidance on the energy market and consumer protections.
- Citizens Advice: Energy — practical switching help and billing issues.
- GOV.UK — general consumer and cost-of-living information.
We aim to keep this page accurate and up to date. Tariff terms change frequently; always review the supplier’s tariff information before agreeing to a switch.
Ready to find the best night tariff for your postcode?
Compare EV smart, Economy 7 and single-rate plans with a clear view of estimated annual cost, key terms and eligibility — and beat the £1,663 cap before it took effect on 1 July.
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