Cheapest overnight electricity tariff for UK homes (how to find it)
Overnight rates can be genuinely low — but only if your meter type, heating setup and usage pattern match the tariff. This guide explains what “cheapest” really means in the UK and how to compare night-rate deals safely.
- Clear explanation of night-rate tariffs (Economy 7/10, smart time-of-use, EV tariffs)
- Realistic example costs with assumptions (so you can sanity-check quotes)
- What to watch for: standing charges, peak rates, eligibility and meter changes
Estimates only. Rates vary by region, meter, payment method and supplier. Always check tariff T&Cs and exit fees before switching.
Fast answer: what’s the cheapest overnight electricity tariff in the UK?
For most UK homes, the lowest “overnight” unit rate tends to come from either:
Smart time-of-use tariffs
These offer very cheap off-peak windows (often 4–6 hours). Best when you can shift a lot of usage to set times (EV charging, battery, immersion heater).
Economy 7 / Economy 10
Traditional “day/night” tariffs for homes with two-rate meters and (often) storage heaters. Night can be cheaper, but day rates and standing charges may be higher.
Key takeaways (UK-specific)
- Region matters: unit rates and standing charges vary by distribution area (not just supplier).
- Meter matters: Economy 7/10 needs a compatible meter; time-of-use tariffs usually need a smart meter with half-hourly reads.
- Eligibility matters: some EV-style tariffs require an EV, a charger, or proof of ownership; others don’t.
- Payment method matters: direct debit vs prepayment can change what’s available and the price.
If you want the best odds of a good deal
- Work out what % of your electricity can realistically move overnight.
- Check your meter type (single-rate, Economy 7/10, or smart).
- Compare tariffs using annual cost, then check the off-peak window fits your routine.
Compare overnight tariffs for your home (whole of market)
Tell us the basics and we’ll show you estimated yearly costs and the best-matching overnight options for your postcode, meter and payment type.
Overnight tariff types (what you’ll see when comparing)
- Economy 7 (two-rate)
- Usually 7 cheaper hours overnight. Night hours vary by region and meter settings. Typically suits storage heaters, immersion heating, EV or battery charging overnight.
- Economy 10 (two/three-rate)
- 10 cheaper hours split across day/night (varies). Often linked to specific heating setups. Can be harder to switch from and not offered by all suppliers.
- Smart time-of-use (TOU)
- Off-peak is at set times (e.g., 00:00–05:00). You usually need a smart meter that can send half-hourly readings. Great for flexible demand, but peak pricing can be higher.
- EV-focused tariffs
- Often a TOU tariff with a very cheap overnight window designed for charging. Some are EV-only; others are open to non-EV homes. Always check eligibility and the peak unit rate.
How to decide if an overnight tariff will actually cut your bill
As a rough guide, overnight tariffs often work best when you can shift 30–40%+ of electricity into the off-peak window (more if day rates are much higher).
Economy 7 times can differ by area and meter configuration (and can change with daylight saving on some setups). Smart TOU windows are usually fixed in the tariff.
Standing charges and peak rates can outweigh a cheap night rate if most of your use is still in the day.
Get your tailored comparison
We’ll use your details to match you with suitable tariffs. You’ll be able to review prices and key terms before you switch.
Compare overnight tariff options (what usually changes)
Use this table to shortlist the right type of tariff before you compare exact prices. The best choice depends on how much you can run overnight and when the off-peak window applies.
| Tariff type | Typical off-peak window | Meter requirements | Main upside | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | 7 hours overnight (times vary) | Two-rate meter (or smart set to 2-rate) | Good match for storage heating / immersion / EV | Day unit rate can be noticeably higher |
| Economy 10 | 10 hours split across day/night | Specific multi-rate setup (varies) | More off-peak hours can help electric heating users | Not widely available; switching can be trickier |
| Smart TOU | Fixed cheap slots (often 4–6 hours) | Smart meter + half-hourly reads (usually) | Very low off-peak possible if you can shift load | Peak rates can be high; needs active management |
| EV-focused | Often overnight + sometimes extra cheap periods | Smart meter; sometimes EV/charger requirements | Designed for cheap, predictable overnight charging | Eligibility checks; may not suit non-EV households |
Quick decision checklist
- Best suited to you if: you can run high-load devices overnight (EV, storage heaters, immersion, home battery) and you’re happy to schedule usage.
- Usually not suited if: you’re home all day with most usage in peak hours, you can’t shift heavy loads, or you rely on electric cooking/heating at peak times.
- Check before switching: off-peak hours, unit rates (day and night), standing charge, tariff length, exit fees, and whether a smart meter/half-hourly readings are required.
Two realistic examples (with numbers)
These examples show why the cheapest night rate isn’t always the cheapest overall. Figures are illustrative and exclude standing charge to keep the comparison clear.
Assumptions: 3,600 kWh/year total. 45% off-peak (1,620 kWh). 55% peak (1,980 kWh).
Tariff 1 (single-rate): 26p/kWh all day ⇒ £936/year
Tariff 2 (TOU): 10p off-peak, 32p peak ⇒ (1,620×£0.10)+(1,980×£0.32)= £795.60/year
Result: TOU wins because a large share shifts overnight.
Assumptions: 2,900 kWh/year total. 15% off-peak (435 kWh). 85% peak (2,465 kWh).
Tariff 1 (single-rate): 26p/kWh ⇒ £754/year
Tariff 2 (E7/TOU): 12p off-peak, 31p peak ⇒ (435×£0.12)+(2,465×£0.31)= £816.70/year
Result: Cheap night doesn’t help enough; peak dominates.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK households)
Night-rate deals can be excellent — but these are the most common reasons people end up paying more than expected.
1) Standing charge outweighs the gain
Some tariffs have higher daily standing charges. If your usage is low, standing charge can dominate your bill, reducing the benefit of a cheap night rate.
2) Off-peak hours don’t match your routine
Economy 7 off-peak times can be set by your meter configuration and region. If your high usage happens outside the cheap window, costs rise quickly.
3) You’re not eligible (or need a meter change)
Some TOU/EV tariffs require a smart meter and half-hourly readings. Economy 7/10 typically needs a two-rate setup. Not all properties can be switched immediately.
Tariff terms to check before you switch
- Exit fees: fixed deals often have them; variable tariffs usually don’t.
- Price changes: variable tariffs can change with notice; fixed tariffs lock unit rates for the term.
- Direct debit assumptions: quotes often assume monthly direct debit; paying on receipt or prepay may differ.
- Two-rate billing: confirm how readings are recorded (Rate 1/Rate 2) and when off-peak applies.
Practical ways to make overnight rates work harder
- Use timers/smart plugs for dishwasher, washing machine and dryer (where safe and manufacturer-approved).
- If you have an EV, set charging to start within the off-peak window (many chargers and cars support scheduling).
- For immersion heating, consider a timer and only heat what you need (avoid heating a full tank every night).
- If you have storage heaters, review input/output settings and make sure charging aligns with off-peak hours.
FAQs: overnight electricity tariffs in the UK
What time is “off-peak” on Economy 7?
There isn’t one universal time. Economy 7 is 7 cheaper hours overnight, but the exact window depends on your region and how your meter is configured. Your supplier can confirm your off-peak times, and they may appear on your bill or online account.
Do I need a smart meter for the cheapest overnight tariffs?
Often, yes — particularly for smart time-of-use and many EV-style tariffs that require half-hourly readings. Economy 7 can work with older two-rate meters, though many households now have smart meters configured to bill day/night rates.
Can I get an overnight tariff if I’m on a prepayment meter?
It depends. Some suppliers offer multi-rate or smart tariffs on prepay, but availability can be more limited than monthly direct debit. If you’re prepay and want overnight rates, check eligibility first and compare the full price (including standing charge).
Will an overnight tariff reduce my bill if I don’t have an EV?
Sometimes. If you can shift meaningful usage to off-peak (e.g., storage heaters, immersion heating, a home battery, or regular overnight appliance cycles), it can help. If most of your electricity use is daytime/evening, a single-rate tariff may be better overall.
Can I switch from Economy 7 back to a normal single-rate tariff?
Usually yes, but you may need your meter reconfigured (or in some cases replaced) so you’re billed on a single rate. Your supplier (or new supplier) can explain what’s required and whether any appointment is needed.
Are overnight tariffs affected by the Energy Price Cap?
The Ofgem price cap limits the rates suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs for typical customers, but it doesn’t mean every tariff will be “cheap”, and it doesn’t set one national price. Multi-rate and time-of-use pricing can still vary by region, meter type and tariff structure.
What if my off-peak hours seem to change when the clocks change?
Some Economy 7 setups can appear to shift with daylight saving time depending on the meter’s internal clock and configuration. If your off-peak period doesn’t match what you’ve been told, ask your supplier to confirm the exact hours and how your meter is set.
How do I compare fairly if I don’t know my day vs night usage?
Start with your bill: Economy 7 users typically see separate day/night kWh totals. If you’re single-rate now, estimate what you can move (EV miles, battery size, immersion heater schedule) and compare annual costs under a few realistic “overnight share” assumptions (e.g., 20%, 35%, 50%).
Trust, methodology and sources
Page oversight
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: June 2026
How we assess “cheapest overnight tariff”
We focus on what UK households actually need to decide:
- Whole-bill impact: we prioritise estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charge) over headline off-peak rates.
- Eligibility checks: meter type (single-rate vs multi-rate), smart meter/half-hourly requirements, and payment method availability.
- Practical fit: off-peak windows, ability to shift load, and household use cases (EV, storage heating, immersion, home battery).
- Risk flags: exit fees, high peak unit rates, and tariffs that only work if you hit a narrow usage pattern.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (energy regulator: price cap, switching rules and consumer protections)
- Citizens Advice energy guidance (practical consumer advice on tariffs, bills and switching)
- GOV.UK (general guidance on energy support and consumer information)
Ready to check the cheapest overnight options for your postcode?
Compare whole-of-market tariffs with clear key terms. You’ll see estimated costs before you decide — no misleading “headline rate only” shopping.
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