EnergyPlus · May 2026

Cheap night-rate smart meter energy tariffs UK (May 2026)

Cheap night-rate tariffs reward homes that can shift load to off-peak hours — EV charging, immersion timers, storage heating, dishwashers, washing machines, batteries. In May 2026 the cheapest UK overnight rates sit around 5–10p/kWh, vs ~25–28p/kWh average on flat-rate tariffs. This page covers the leading SMETS2-only night tariffs and how to pick one.

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Editorial information, not financial advice. Prices and policy can change — always confirm against the supplier and Ofgem.

Cheap night-rate smart meter tariffs — May 2026

All modern cheap-night tariffs require a SMETS2 smart meter. The cheapest in May 2026: Intelligent Octopus Go (~7p/kWh, 23:30–05:30), EDF GoElectric Overnight (~9p/kWh, 7-hour window), OVO Charge Anytime (dynamic ~7–10p/kWh for compatible chargers), and modern Economy 7 successors via Eon Next, So Energy and others. The right choice depends on whether you have an EV and how much load you can shift.

Quick checklist (May 2026):

  • Intelligent Octopus Go: ~7p/kWh off-peak; requires EV + OCPP charger.
  • EDF GoElectric Overnight: ~9p/kWh for 7 hours; no EV needed.
  • OVO Charge Anytime: dynamic 7–10p/kWh window for EV charging.
  • Modern Economy 7 alternatives: cheaper night unit rate; smart meter required.
Last updated
May 2026
Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Audience
UK households & small businesses

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Cheap night-rate smart meter energy tariffs (May 2026)

A clear, current overview to help you choose with confidence.

Why night tariffs matter in 2026

Wholesale overnight prices are far below daytime prices. Suppliers pass that through as cheap night rates — but only on SMETS2 meters that can report half-hourly data.

Economy 7 successors

Old Economy 7 meters used a mechanical clock and fixed 7-hour off-peak window. Modern SMETS2 versions allow dynamic windows and per-supplier customisation, often with better rates.

EV-specific vs all-purpose

Intelligent Octopus Go and OVO Charge Anytime route the cheap rate only when the EV charges (with smart scheduling). Whole-home night tariffs apply the cheap rate to all overnight use.

The peak-rate trap

Peak rates on TOU/EV tariffs are higher than the cap. The saving comes from shifting load, not running peak loads at the same level as before.

Compare like-for-like

May 2026 cheap-night tariffs for a SMETS2 home using 4,500 kWh/year electricity, 35% overnight.

What to compare Typical range (May 2026) Notes
Intelligent Octopus Go ~7p/kWh off-peak, ~30p peak EV + OCPP charger required.
EDF GoElectric Overnight ~9p/kWh for 7 hours No EV required.
OVO Charge Anytime Dynamic ~7–10p/kWh EV with compatible charger.
Modern Economy 7 successor ~12–15p/kWh night Multi-supplier; no EV required.
Standard flat-rate fix ~24p/kWh all day Reference comparison.

How to pick a cheap night-rate smart meter tariff (May 2026)

  1. 1. Check your meter type

    SMETS2 required. SMETS1 may work if HAN-upgraded. Request a SMETS2 upgrade from your supplier if needed.

  2. 2. Map your night-use share

    From your smart meter app — what percent of kWh happens between 23:00 and 06:00?

  3. 3. Identify shiftable loads

    EV, storage heater, immersion, washing/drying, dishwasher, battery.

  4. 4. Decide EV-specific vs all-purpose

    Have an EV? An EV tariff likely wins. Otherwise an overnight all-purpose tariff.

  5. 5. Compare via the form

    Get personalised quotes for your postcode and meter type.

  6. 6. Schedule your appliances

    Set washing/drying timers, EV charging windows, battery charge schedules to match off-peak.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The most frequent issues we see when households and businesses act on what looks like a good deal.

  • Signing up without a SMETS2 smart meter — all cheap-night tariffs need one.
  • Choosing an EV-specific tariff when you can't shift enough load to offset the peak rate premium.
  • Forgetting that not all SMETS1 meters work in TOU mode — check whether yours is HAN-enabled.
  • Running washing/drying at peak by habit — schedule them to overnight to capture the savings.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cheap-night-rate tariff?

A time-of-use tariff that charges a lower rate for electricity used during an off-peak window — typically overnight. Reduces the cost of shiftable loads like EV charging, storage heating, immersion timers and overnight appliances.

Do I need a smart meter?

Yes. All modern cheap-night tariffs in May 2026 require a SMETS2 meter (or HAN-enabled SMETS1). Installation is free from your supplier.

How is this different from old Economy 7?

Old Economy 7 used a mechanical timeswitch and 7-hour overnight window with fixed rate. Modern versions use smart-meter data, support dynamic windows, and offer cheaper off-peak rates.

Which is the cheapest cheap-night tariff in May 2026?

Intelligent Octopus Go at ~7p/kWh off-peak is the lowest headline rate, but it's EV-restricted. For non-EV homes, EDF GoElectric Overnight at ~9p/kWh is the cheapest open-access option.

Can I use a cheap-night tariff for storage heating?

Yes. SMETS2 night tariffs work with electric storage heaters as long as the heater charges during the off-peak window. Modern timeswitched storage heaters can be scheduled.

What about solar export?

Cheap-night import tariffs run independently of Smart Export Guarantee tariffs. You can pair, for example, Intelligent Octopus Go (import) with Octopus Outgoing Fixed (export).

Are there exit fees?

Most cheap-night tariffs from Octopus, EDF and OVO have £0 exit fees. Always confirm in the tariff information document before signing.

How much can I save?

Vs a flat-rate cap-linked tariff, typical savings are £150–£700/year depending on your kWh and how much you shift to off-peak. EV homes save the most.

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Page governance

Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Last updated
May 2026

How we keep this page current

We refresh this page each month against the latest Ofgem cap, supplier tariff changes and current scheme guidance. Worked numbers are illustrative; quotes you receive via the comparison form are personalised to your meter and postcode.

Editorial independence: our priority is clarity and like-for-like comparison. Where commercial relationships exist, options are still presented on suitability and the information available at the time.

Reputable UK sources we reference

If you spot anything that looks out of date (a rule change, a new scheme), please contact EnergyPlus so we can review and update this page.

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Updated on 31 May 2026