Cheapest electricity tariff for storage heaters in the UK
Find the best-value tariff for storage heaters based on your meter type (Economy 7, Economy 10 or standard). Get a whole-of-market comparison with clear caveats, costs and eligibility checks.
- Understand whether Economy 7/Economy 10 can reduce your heating costs (and when it won’t)
- See realistic example costs for low- and high-usage homes with storage heaters
- Compare tariff types (single-rate vs multi-rate vs smart time-of-use) with pitfalls to avoid
Prices vary by region, payment method, meter type and eligibility. Examples on this page are estimates to help you decide what to check before you switch.
Fast answer: what’s usually cheapest for storage heaters?
For most UK homes with storage heaters, the “cheapest electricity tariff” is the one that gives you the lowest total annual cost based on your split of day vs night usage (and your meter type). In practice:
If you have Economy 7
Often best with a competitive Economy 7 tariff if you can shift a meaningful share of electricity to night (storage heating + hot water).
If you have Economy 10
You may benefit from more off-peak hours, but there are fewer suppliers and sometimes higher day rates. Availability varies by region/meter.
If you’re on a single-rate meter
A single-rate tariff can be cheaper if you use lots of electricity in the day and can’t reliably charge the heaters overnight.
Key takeaway: Economy 7 isn’t automatically cheaper for storage heaters. The “win” depends on (1) your night usage percentage, (2) the tariff’s day/night unit rates, and (3) the standing charge. We show a simple break-even method below.
- What to check first
- Your meter type (E7/E10/smart), your current day/night split (from bills), and whether your storage heaters actually charge overnight.
- What “cheapest” means here
- The estimated annual cost for your usage pattern in your region, including standing charges, not just the lowest headline night rate.
Compare storage-heater tariffs (whole of market)
Tell us a few basics and we’ll match you with tariffs that fit your meter type and usage pattern. If you’re not sure whether you’re Economy 7, choose “Not sure” and we’ll help you identify it.
Good to know: If you have a complex set-up (e.g. two meters, a heat-only meter, or restricted hours), tariff availability can be narrower. We’ll flag this in the results so you don’t waste time switching to a tariff you can’t join.
Before you start (2-minute prep)
- Your postcode (prices vary by region and network area)
- Whether you have a smart meter, Economy 7 or Economy 10 (or you’re not sure)
- Your approximate annual electricity use (or your most recent bill)
- Your payment preference (Direct Debit is often priced differently to prepayment)
Get your quote
How to choose the cheapest tariff for storage heaters
Storage heaters are designed to charge using cheaper off-peak electricity and release heat during the day. That means your ideal tariff depends less on “who has the lowest price” and more on how your home uses electricity.
1) Confirm your meter set-up
Look for two readings on your bill (often labelled Rate 1 / Rate 2, Day / Night, or Normal / Low). If you have separate heating controls, you may have a dedicated or restricted meter arrangement.
2) Estimate your day vs night usage split
If your storage heaters and hot water run overnight, a larger share of your annual kWh should fall into off-peak. A rough starting point is 35%–60% off-peak for storage-heater homes, but it can be much lower if you use lots of daytime appliances or top-up heating during peak hours.
3) Compare on total annual cost (not just night rate)
Multi-rate tariffs can have higher day unit rates and sometimes higher standing charges. The cheapest option is the one that wins once you multiply each rate by your likely kWh at that time.
4) Check eligibility and practicalities
Some tariffs require a smart meter (especially time-of-use). Prepayment pricing can differ. Economy 10 availability is limited. If you rent, confirm you’re allowed to switch and who is responsible for any meter work.
Quick break-even check (simple method): Economy 7 tends to beat a single-rate tariff when the extra you pay in daytime is outweighed by the savings at night, after standing charges. If the day rate is much higher and your off-peak share is low, a single-rate can be cheaper overall.
Compare tariff options for storage heaters
This table helps you choose the right type of electricity tariff for storage heating. The cheapest supplier for you will depend on your region, meter type and how much you use at night.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | What to check before switching |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 (two-rate) | Homes that can shift a big share of use overnight (storage heating + hot water). | Day rate can be higher; peak-time top-up heating can be expensive. | Night hours in your area (times vary); whether your heaters actually charge at night. |
| Economy 10 (multi-block off-peak) | Some storage-heater homes that benefit from off-peak blocks across day/evening. | Limited tariff availability; can be harder to find competitive deals. | Supplier support for E10 in your region; how your meter records readings. |
| Single-rate (one unit price) | Homes with low night usage or lots of daytime consumption. | You lose off-peak advantage; storage heaters may cost more to run overall. | Whether moving off E7/E10 affects your heater/hot water controls or meter set-up. |
| Smart time-of-use (TOU) | Very flexible households that can schedule heating/water and heavy use to cheap windows. | Prices vary by time; costly peak slots; requires engagement and usually a smart meter. | Smart meter compatibility, tariff rules, and whether you can automate usage reliably. |
Decision checklist: likely to suit you if…
- Your storage heaters charge mainly overnight (not daytime “boost” use).
- You can run hot water and other big loads off-peak (e.g. immersion heater, washing machine).
- You know your approximate day/night split (or can estimate from your bill).
- You’re happy to avoid heavy electricity use in the most expensive hours.
It may not suit you if…
- You’re home all day and do most usage during peak daytime hours.
- Your heaters are rarely set to store heat overnight (or you use panel heaters instead).
- You have a complex meter (restricted meter/teleswitch legacy) and supplier options are limited.
- You’re on prepayment and have fewer tariff choices in your area.
Meter times vary: Economy 7 off-peak hours are not the same everywhere and can shift with daylight saving. Always confirm your off-peak times via your supplier or meter documentation before relying on a schedule.
Two realistic cost scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show how the same home could pay more or less depending on the tariff and how much electricity is used off-peak. They are illustrative estimates, not quotes.
Scenario A: Flat with storage heaters (good off-peak usage)
- Annual use: 3,200 kWh
- Off-peak share: 55% night / 45% day
- Assumed standing charge: 60p/day (≈ £219/year)
| Tariff | Rates used (example) | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | Day 30p/kWh, Night 12p/kWh | ≈ £859/year |
| Single-rate | 26p/kWh | ≈ £1,051/year |
In this pattern, the cheaper night rate outweighs the higher day rate.
Scenario B: House with storage heaters (low off-peak usage)
- Annual use: 6,000 kWh
- Off-peak share: 25% night / 75% day
- Assumed standing charge: 60p/day (≈ £219/year)
| Tariff | Rates used (example) | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | Day 32p/kWh, Night 13p/kWh | ≈ £2,051/year |
| Single-rate | 27p/kWh | ≈ £1,839/year |
Here, the high day usage means Economy 7 can cost more overall, even with cheaper nights.
Assumptions used in scenarios: Example unit rates and standing charges for illustration only; they vary by region, supplier, payment method and tariff. We haven’t included discounts, bundled services, or cashback. Exit fees may apply on fixed deals.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (storage heater tariffs)
People often end up on a pricier deal because one detail is missed: meter compatibility, off-peak times, or the way storage heaters are actually used in the home.
1) Off-peak hours aren’t universal
Economy 7 timings vary by region and meter set-up. If your heater charges outside the cheap window, you may pay peak prices while thinking you’re on “night rate”.
2) Higher day rate can wipe out savings
If you’re home in the day, use an electric shower, cook a lot on electricity, or run a tumble dryer often, your day-rate spend can dominate your bill.
3) “Cheapest night rate” isn’t the same as cheapest bill
Standing charges and day rates matter. Always compare on estimated annual cost using your day/night kWh.
4) Economy 10 availability is limited
Not all suppliers support Economy 10 everywhere. If you have an E10 meter, check tariff compatibility before starting a switch.
5) Smart meter & time-of-use: great when managed, risky when not
Time-of-use tariffs can be excellent for shifting load, but peak slots can be expensive. Make sure you understand the price bands and can stick to them.
6) Exit fees and fixed-term rules
Some fixed tariffs include exit fees. Also check how long the price is fixed for and what happens when it ends (rollover tariff, notice period).
If you’re in a rented home: You can usually switch supplier if you pay the bills, but you should check your tenancy agreement. You generally can’t be charged for switching, and you should avoid meter alterations without permission.
Practical tips to get the most from storage heaters
- Set the input/charge correctly so you store enough heat overnight (but not too much on mild days).
- Avoid frequent “boost” use (often peak-rate) unless needed.
- Time hot water heating (if you have an immersion heater) to off-peak where possible.
- Check your meter clock after clock changes; some meters don’t change automatically.
FAQs: storage heaters and cheap electricity tariffs
Is Economy 7 always the cheapest for storage heaters?
No. Economy 7 is often good value when you can shift a large share of your usage to off-peak. If most of your electricity is used during the day (or you regularly use daytime “boost”), a single-rate tariff may be cheaper overall.
How do I know if I’m on Economy 7?
Check your bill for two electricity unit rates and two readings (often “Rate 1” and “Rate 2”). Your meter may also show two registers. If you’re unsure, we can still compare options—choose “Not sure” in the quote form and provide a recent bill if asked.
What are Economy 7 hours in the UK?
There isn’t one national set of hours. Off-peak times vary by region and meter configuration, and can be affected by daylight saving. Your supplier or your meter documentation can confirm the exact times for your property.
Can I switch supplier if I have Economy 10?
Often yes, but options can be limited because not every supplier supports Economy 10 in every region. When comparing, you need to filter for tariffs that support your meter set-up; otherwise a switch may fail or you could be moved onto a different billing arrangement.
Will a smart meter get me a cheaper tariff for storage heaters?
A smart meter can open up access to some time-of-use tariffs, but it doesn’t automatically mean cheaper bills. The value depends on whether you can reliably move usage into cheaper windows and avoid expensive peak rates.
What if my storage heaters aren’t charging at night?
First check your heater settings (input/output) and your off-peak times. If the supply to the heaters is not switching to off-peak as expected, it could be a control issue (timer/consumer unit) or an old meter arrangement. In that situation, focusing on the “cheapest Economy 7 tariff” may not help until the system is working correctly.
Are there special tariffs just for storage heaters?
In practice, storage heaters usually rely on multi-rate tariffs like Economy 7/Economy 10 or certain time-of-use options. Some homes also have legacy “restricted meter” arrangements. Availability depends on your meter and network area.
Can I move from Economy 7 to a single-rate tariff?
Sometimes, yes—but it depends on your meter and how your heating/hot water circuits are set up. If you have a dedicated off-peak supply feeding your heaters, changing the tariff may require changes to metering or wiring. Always confirm what will happen before you agree to switch.
Do prepayment customers get the same Economy 7 deals?
Not always. Prices and availability can differ for prepayment meters versus Direct Debit. If you’re on prepayment, it’s still worth comparing, but filter results for your payment method and meter type.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page ownership
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- April 2026
How we assess “cheapest” for storage heaters
We focus on total estimated annual cost for a household’s usage pattern, not a single headline unit rate. For storage heaters, the key variable is how much electricity falls into off-peak.
- Inputs we consider: meter type (single/E7/E10/smart TOU), region, payment method, unit rates (day/night), standing charge, fixed vs variable term, exit fees (where applicable), and eligibility requirements (e.g. smart meter).
- What we avoid: promising savings or naming one supplier as universally “cheapest”. The best tariff can change with usage, location and market pricing.
- Limitations: Off-peak time windows vary and can be complex (especially on legacy arrangements). Some specialist meters/tariffs have restricted availability. Your actual bill depends on your readings and supplier billing.
Editorial note: If you’re unsure about your meter set-up or you’re getting confusing day/night readings, it’s worth confirming with your supplier before switching—this can prevent failed switches and billing issues.
Independent UK sources we use
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) – guidance on energy switching, standards and consumer protections.
- Citizens Advice: energy – practical advice on bills, meters and resolving supplier issues.
- GOV.UK – official government information on energy support schemes and household guidance (where applicable).
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