Energy tariffs with cheap night rates for smart meters
A practical UK guide to night-rate and time-of-use tariffs (including EV and heat pump options), how smart meters enable them, and how to check if you’ll genuinely benefit.
- Understand the difference between Economy 7, Economy 10 and modern smart time-of-use tariffs
- See who cheap night rates suit (and who they often don’t)
- Compare tariff types, risks (price caps, standing charges) and how to switch safely
Estimates only. Tariffs, eligibility and times vary by supplier, region and meter setup. Always check the tariff facts before you switch.
Fast answer: what are “cheap night rate” smart meter tariffs?
In the UK, cheap night-rate tariffs are usually either:
Traditional multi-rate (Economy 7 / Economy 10)
Two (or more) electricity unit rates: a cheaper off-peak/night rate and a higher day rate. Historically linked to storage heaters, but still used for EV charging and overnight appliances.
Modern smart time-of-use (TOU)
Rates vary by time and sometimes day (e.g., cheap overnight window, peak evening rate). These rely on smart meter half-hourly readings and can suit EVs, heat pumps, and flexible use.
Key point: a cheaper night rate only helps if you can shift enough electricity into the off-peak window. If most of your use stays in the day/evening, you can pay more overall (especially if the daytime unit rate or standing charge is higher).
Key takeaways (quick checklist)
- Best fit if you can reliably run high-use loads overnight (EV charging, immersion heater, storage heating, some heat pump setups, dishwasher/washing machine where safe).
- Be cautious if you’re in a small flat, work from home with daytime use, or can’t shift usage (day rates can outweigh night savings).
- Check your meter: not all smart meters are configured for multi-rate/TOU correctly, and some properties still have legacy Economy 7 wiring.
- Always compare the whole bill: standing charge + day rate + night rate + peak windows (if any) + exit fees.
Find a tariff with a cheap night rate (whole of market)
Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to available UK domestic tariffs that may include off-peak/night rates (including Economy 7/10 and smart time-of-use options, where eligible).
What you’ll need: your postcode and a rough idea of whether you have a smart meter. If you’re currently on Economy 7, your bill often shows separate day/night usage.
How night-rate tariffs work (plain English)
- 1) Your meter records usage by time
- Smart meters can send readings automatically. For TOU tariffs, you typically need to allow half-hourly readings so the supplier can bill you by time period.
- 2) The tariff sets different unit rates
- You might get a cheap overnight window, but a higher daytime or peak evening rate. Standing charges still apply.
- 3) You save (or lose) based on when you use power
- Savings are not guaranteed. It depends on your load shifting and how the supplier prices the day/peak periods.
Get your energy quote
We’ll use your details to contact you about suitable domestic energy options. You can ask specifically about night-rate and smart meter tariffs.
Night-rate tariff types you’ll see in the UK (and what to watch)
Economy 7
Typically ~7 hours of cheaper electricity overnight. Times vary by region and meter setup.
- Common with storage heaters
- Often two readings: day + night
- Day rate can be notably higher
Economy 10
Cheaper electricity for ~10 hours split across day/night (varies a lot by area).
- Less common than Economy 7
- Can suit some heating patterns
- Switching options may be limited
Smart TOU (EV / heat pump / tracker-style)
Multiple price bands (off-peak, day, peak). Requires smart meter readings configured for time-based billing.
- Great if you can automate load shifting
- May include sharp peak rates
- Some tariffs require apps/devices
Smart meter tip: if you have a SMETS1 meter, it may need to be enrolled into the smart network to keep “smart” functionality after switching. If you have SMETS2, switching is typically smoother, but always confirm with the new supplier.
Compare night-rate options (what matters for your bill)
Use this table to sanity-check offers. The “best” tariff depends on your usage pattern, meter setup, and whether you can shift demand into the cheapest window.
| Tariff type | Cheaper times | Typical risks | Good for | Not ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | Usually ~7 hours overnight (region/meter dependent) | Higher day unit rate; off-peak times can be inconvenient | Storage heaters, immersion heating, overnight EV charging | High daytime use, electric cooking all day, WFH-heavy households |
| Economy 10 | ~10 hours split (can include daytime slots) | Availability varies; switching choices may be narrower | Some electric heating setups needing daytime boost | If your region has limited Economy 10 support |
| Smart TOU (3+ bands) | Defined off-peak + potential peak periods | Peak pricing; requires compatible metering/consents | EV owners, flexible households, automation (timers/smart chargers) | Those unable to avoid peak periods (often early evening) |
| Single-rate standard/fixed | No special windows | Less opportunity to optimise overnight usage | Steady usage across the day; simplicity | Heavy overnight users who can exploit off-peak |
Decision checklist: is a cheap night rate likely to suit you?
Usually suits
- You can shift 25–40%+ of electricity into the off-peak window (typical rule of thumb; varies by tariff pricing).
- You have a home EV charger and can schedule charging overnight.
- You use storage heaters or an immersion heater you can run off-peak.
- You can avoid expensive peak windows (often early evening) on TOU tariffs.
Often doesn’t suit
- Most usage is daytime (WFH, electric cooking, lots of daytime laundry).
- You can’t run major loads overnight (noise, safety, tenancy rules, or no timers).
- You’re on prepayment and choices are limited (some suppliers/TOU options may not be available).
- You’re in a property with legacy wiring/meter setup that complicates switching away from Economy 7/10.
Quick test: look at your last bill (or smart meter app) and estimate what share of your electricity you can run overnight. If it’s only a small amount, a cheap night rate can still be beaten by a good single-rate tariff.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These are illustrative examples to help you understand the trade-offs. Rates are rounded and not a prediction of your quote. Standing charges and regional pricing vary.
Scenario A: EV owner who can charge overnight
Assumptions
- Total electricity use: 4,200 kWh/year
- Off-peak share on night-rate tariff: 45% (EV charging + some appliances)
- Example rates: day 30p/kWh, night 12p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
- Comparator single-rate: 26p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual unit cost
- Night-rate: (2,310 kWh × 30p) + (1,890 kWh × 12p) = £919.80
- Single-rate: 4,200 kWh × 26p = £1,092.00
If standing charges are similar, shifting a large chunk overnight can make a night-rate tariff competitive. Your result depends heavily on the day vs night gap and how consistent your charging is.
Scenario B: Daytime-heavy household (WFH)
Assumptions
- Total electricity use: 3,100 kWh/year
- Off-peak share: 15% (limited ability to shift)
- Example rates: day 32p/kWh, night 14p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
- Comparator single-rate: 27p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Estimated annual unit cost
- Night-rate: (2,635 kWh × 32p) + (465 kWh × 14p) = £908.80
- Single-rate: 3,100 kWh × 27p = £837.00
Even with a night discount, a higher day rate can make you worse off if most of your usage stays in daytime/evening.
Important: these examples compare unit costs only. Your actual annual bill also includes standing charges (and any discounts/fees). Always check your tariff information label or tariff facts.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Day rates can rise
Many night-rate tariffs “fund” the cheap off-peak by charging more in the day (or peak). If you can’t shift usage, savings can disappear.
Standing charge differences
Some tariffs have higher standing charges. Always compare total annual cost, not just the off-peak rate.
Off-peak times vary
Economy 7/10 off-peak windows vary by region and meter configuration. Some change with daylight saving time; confirm the actual hours for your meter.
Prepayment limitations
Not every supplier offers TOU or multi-rate tariffs on prepayment. If you’re on a smart prepay meter, ask what’s available before switching.
Exit fees & contract terms
Fixed deals may have exit fees. Variable deals can change with market conditions. Check the tariff end date and any fees before agreeing.
Legacy heating controls
Some homes with storage heating have separate circuits/controls linked to Economy 7. Switching tariff or meter type without checking can affect heating schedules.
Safety note: Only run appliances overnight if it’s safe to do so and you follow manufacturer guidance. Avoid running high-risk appliances unattended.
Before you switch: what to check on your bill or smart meter app
- Meter type: smart (SMETS1/SMETS2) or traditional Economy 7 meter.
- Current tariff: single-rate vs multi-rate (day/night) and whether your night usage is meaningful.
- Payment method: direct debit, standard credit, or prepayment (availability can differ).
- Rates & fees: day, night, peak (if any), standing charge, exit fees.
- Eligibility: some EV tariffs require a registered EV or compatible smart charger/app; check terms.
FAQs
Do I need a smart meter to get a cheap night rate?
Not always. Economy 7/10 can work on traditional multi-rate meters. However, many newer time-of-use tariffs (with multiple bands) typically require a smart meter and half-hourly readings.
What are the actual Economy 7 night hours?
It depends on your region and meter configuration. Many are overnight, but the exact hours can vary and may shift with daylight saving time on some setups. Your bill, meter display, or supplier should confirm the times for your specific meter.
Can I switch from Economy 7 to a normal single-rate tariff?
Often yes, but it depends on your meter and wiring. Some Economy 7 setups may need a meter configuration change (or meter exchange) to bill correctly on a single rate. Always ask the supplier whether a meter change is required and whether there’s any cost or appointment involved.
Will a cheap night rate help if I have solar panels?
Potentially, but it’s not automatic. Solar generates mainly in daylight; a night-rate helps if you can charge a home battery (if you have one) or run loads overnight. You’ll want to compare your export payments, day import rate and night import rate as a whole package.
Do time-of-use tariffs affect the Ofgem price cap?
The Ofgem price cap applies to certain default tariffs (including standard variable tariffs) and sets limits based on typical consumption, but TOU structures can differ. The practical takeaway: don’t assume “capped” means cheapest for your usage pattern—compare estimated annual costs and unit rates by time band.
Can tenants get night-rate smart tariffs?
If you pay the energy bill and can choose the supplier, you can usually switch. If you’re in a sub-metered situation or bills are included in rent, you may not be able to. Also check whether you’re allowed to install an EV charger or smart controls if a tariff requires it.
Do I have to share half-hourly smart meter readings?
Many TOU tariffs require half-hourly data to bill you accurately by time band. You can ask the supplier what level of data is required and what options you have. Always read the tariff terms before agreeing.
What if my smart meter stops being smart after switching?
Some older SMETS1 meters previously lost smart features when switching, though this has improved as more are enrolled into the smart network. If readings stop sending automatically, you can usually submit manual reads and ask your supplier about restoring smart functionality.
Trust, methodology and sources
Editorial details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- March 2026
How we assess “cheap night rate” tariffs
This guide focuses on what UK households need to make a good decision, not on promoting a single supplier. When we talk about whether a night-rate tariff could be “good value”, we look at:
- Total cost factors: unit rates (day/night/peak), standing charge, and any fees.
- Usage fit: whether typical household loads can realistically be shifted into the off-peak window.
- Eligibility constraints: smart meter requirements, half-hourly data, EV/charger requirements, payment methods (direct debit vs prepay), and regional availability.
- Switching practicality: legacy Economy 7/10 setups, meter configuration changes, and the risk of being billed on the wrong register if misconfigured.
Limitations: Tariff availability and rates change frequently, and suppliers can update terms. Always confirm your exact unit rates, off-peak times and any peak periods on the tariff information label before you agree.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on energy markets, price cap and consumer rights.
- Citizens Advice: Energy — practical help on bills, switching and complaints.
- GOV.UK: Smart meters — overview of smart meters and how they work.
Ready to check whether a cheap night rate will actually suit your home?
Get a whole-of-market quote and ask us to prioritise tariffs with off-peak windows that match your routine (EV charging, heating, or flexible appliances).
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