Cheapest electricity tariff for nighttime use in the UK

Quick self-check

• Do you have an Economy 7/Economy 10 meter, or a smart meter?
• Can you shift 30%+ of usage to night (rough rule of thumb)?
• Do you rely on electric heating/hot water that can run overnight?
• Are you in a region where the off-peak hours match your routine?

If you only want one answer…

Start by comparing Economy 7 (if you already have a compatible meter) and single-rate tariffs side-by-side using your postcode and estimated annual kWh. If you have an EV, also compare EV off-peak tariffs—but check the terms carefully.

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 (e.g., 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).

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).

1) 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.

2) Do I need a smart meter to get a cheap overnight tariff?

Not always. Economy 7 can work with traditional two-rate meters. However, many EV smart tariffs require a smart meter (and sometimes half-hourly readings) plus compatible charging control.

3) 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. If most of your electricity is used during the day, the higher day rate (and any differences in standing charge) can make it more expensive.

4) Can I get Economy 7 if I don’t have storage heaters?

Possibly, but it’s not automatically a good idea. Economy 7 tends to suit homes that can shift a meaningful amount of use to off-peak (timed hot water, EV charging, heavy appliances). If you can’t shift much, a good single-rate tariff may be better.

5) What if I’m on a prepayment meter?

You can still compare tariffs, but the cheapest off-peak or EV-specific deals may be limited depending on supplier and meter type. If you’re considering moving from prepayment to credit, eligibility checks may apply.

6) Can tenants switch to a night tariff?

If you’re responsible for paying the energy bills, you can usually switch. But if a meter change is required (rare for simple tariff changes), you may need landlord permission. Always keep records and ensure you can provide meter readings at switch time.

7) 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. If you only have a single-rate tariff, you may need to estimate based on habits (EV charging, timers, etc.).

8) Are there exit fees on cheap night tariffs?

Some fixed tariffs include exit fees, while variable tariffs often don’t (but can change price). Always check the tariff’s contract length, exit fees and what happens when the fix ends.

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 how maths works; they are not live market prices.
• Off-peak hours can differ based on meter time-switch settings and region; always confirm with your supplier.
• Some smart/EV tariffs may require half-hourly consumption data and app-based control, which not everyone wants.
• Quotes may differ after suppliers run credit checks (for some payment methods) or confirm meter compatibility.