Switch to a cheaper electric storage heater tariff (UK)
If you heat your home with storage heaters, the right tariff depends on your meter (Economy 7, Economy 10, smart meter or restricted meters). This guide explains your options and lets you compare whole-of-market quotes in minutes.
- Find out which storage-heater tariff types you can actually switch to (based on your meter)
- See when Economy 7/Economy 10 works — and when it can cost more
- Get a quote with clear assumptions (no savings promises)
Estimates only. Tariffs, off-peak hours and eligibility vary by supplier, meter type, region and payment method. Always check your unit rates, standing charge and any exit fees.
Fast answer: the cheapest storage heater tariff is the one your meter can support
In the UK, storage heaters are usually cheapest to run when you can charge them during off-peak hours (often via Economy 7 or Economy 10). But you can only switch to these tariffs if your electricity meter and wiring setup support them. Some homes have restricted meters (e.g. legacy “Heatwise/Total Heat Total Control/ComfortPlus” type setups) that limit your tariff choice or require a meter exchange.
If you have Economy 7
Prioritise a good night rate and check your day rate isn’t unusually high. Aim to use the majority of heating and hot water off-peak.
If you’re on a single-rate tariff
Switching to Economy 7 can help only if you can shift enough use overnight. If you mainly use power in the day, a competitive single-rate tariff may be cheaper.
If you have a restricted meter
You may need a meter exchange (often to a smart meter) to access more tariffs. This can affect how heaters/hot water are controlled—plan it carefully.
Key takeaway: Don’t pick an “Economy 7 deal” because it sounds cheaper. First confirm your meter type and whether your home can take advantage of off-peak hours. Then compare tariffs using your realistic day/night split.
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 payment method. If you’re not sure what meter you have, you can still submit—our team can help you identify it from your bill or MPAN details.
Good to know: Off-peak hours vary by region and meter configuration. Your supplier should confirm your exact off-peak times. We’ll show estimated costs based on the information you provide.
What you’ll need
- Your postcode (to match regional prices and network area)
- Email/phone (so we can send your quote and clarify meter details if needed)
- Optional: your current supplier name and whether you have Economy 7/Economy 10
How switching works (storage heaters)
- Check your meter setup: Economy 7, Economy 10, smart meter, or restricted/legacy multi-rate meters.
- Compare like-for-like tariffs: we look at day unit rate, night unit rate (if applicable), standing charge, payment method and contract length.
- Confirm any meter change: if you’re on a restricted meter, switching may require a meter exchange before you can move to standard multi-rate tariffs.
- Switch supplier: your new supplier arranges the switch. You shouldn’t lose power—your supply stays physically the same.
- Set your heating controls: storage heaters and immersion/hot water timers should be aligned to off-peak times so you actually benefit.
Important: If you change meter type or move from a restricted setup, it can affect which circuits get off-peak power (e.g. heaters/hot water). Ask your supplier what changes on the day.
Get your quote
Quick check: do you have storage heaters?
- Typical signs
- Large wall-mounted heaters, often with input/output dials; warmth stored overnight and released during the day.
- If you also have an immersion heater
- Hot water may be scheduled to heat off-peak. If it’s running in the day by mistake, it can push costs up.
Storage heater tariff types in the UK (and what you can switch to)
“Cheaper” depends on how much electricity you can use overnight and what meter you have. Here are the common setups we see in UK homes with storage heaters:
Economy 7 (two-rate)
Two unit rates: a cheaper off-peak rate for around 7 hours overnight, and a higher day rate. Best when you can run storage heaters (and ideally hot water) mostly off-peak.
- Meter: Economy 7 meter or compatible smart meter
- Watch-outs: off-peak times vary; day rate may be higher than single-rate
Economy 10 (three-rate / split off-peak)
Typically offers 10 off-peak hours split across night and sometimes daytime blocks. Useful if you need a daytime boost (varies by region and meter setup).
- Meter: Economy 10-capable meter (not available everywhere)
- Watch-outs: fewer tariffs; switching options can be limited
Single-rate (flat rate)
One unit rate all day. Can be better if you don’t (or can’t) shift usage to off-peak, or if your off-peak heating controls aren’t working properly.
- Meter: standard meter or smart meter
- Watch-outs: storage heaters may cost more if charged at peak rates
Restricted / legacy multi-rate meters
Some older systems have separate circuits and registers for heating/hot water. Names and configurations vary. These can restrict which suppliers/tariffs you can use until the meter is exchanged.
- Meter: legacy set-up (often multiple registers)
- Watch-outs: may require a smart meter exchange; check heating circuit implications
Meter tip: If your bill shows two readings (day/night) or labels like Rate 1 / Rate 2, you’re likely on a multi-rate tariff. If you’re unsure, use the quote form and we’ll help confirm what you’ve got.
Compare options: which tariff type suits storage heaters?
Use this as a decision aid before you compare quotes. Exact prices vary by supplier, region and payment method.
| Option | Best for | Main risks | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | Homes that can charge heaters + hot water overnight and keep daytime usage moderate | High day unit rate can outweigh night savings if you use lots of power in the day | Day rate, night rate, standing charge, your realistic night-use % |
| Economy 10 | Homes needing more flexible off-peak windows (where available) | Limited availability and fewer tariffs; times differ by region/meter | Exact off-peak times, meter compatibility, supplier support |
| Single-rate | High daytime usage (WFH), low ability to shift load, or storage heater controls not aligned | Storage heaters may be costly if they’re charged at peak rates | Whether heaters/hot water can be timed; compare to E7 using your real split |
| Restricted / legacy set-up | Existing wired heating circuits on older meters | Tariff choice can be restricted; meter exchange may alter heating circuit behaviour | Number of registers, MPAN details, supplier’s plan for a meter exchange |
Decision checklist (quick)
- Meter: Do you definitely have Economy 7/Economy 10, or a restricted meter?
- Usage: Can you realistically shift heating/hot water to off-peak?
- Household pattern: Lots of daytime cooking, tumble drying, WFH?
- Controls: Are your storage heaters and immersion timer set correctly?
- Payment: Direct Debit vs pay-on-receipt vs prepay (prices can differ)
- Contract: Any exit fees on your current tariff?
Who it suits / who it doesn’t
Economy 7 tends to suit:
- Storage heaters used daily in winter
- Immersion hot water heated overnight
- Households that can avoid heavy daytime electricity use
Economy 7 may not suit:
- High daytime usage (WFH, electric cooking all day)
- No ability to time hot water/heaters overnight
- Homes where day rate is significantly higher than single-rate alternatives
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show why your day/night split matters. They are illustrative estimates, not quotes.
Scenario A: storage heaters used correctly (E7 works)
- Annual use: 4,200 kWh
- Night share: 65% (2,730 kWh night / 1,470 kWh day)
- Example single-rate: 26p/kWh
- Example Economy 7: 15p night / 32p day
- Standing charge: ignored here to focus on usage split (it can change results)
Estimated annual unit-cost:
Single-rate: 4,200 × £0.26 = £1,092
Economy 7: (2,730 × £0.15) + (1,470 × £0.32) = £881
Difference: ~£211 cheaper on E7 (before standing charges and tariff specifics)
Scenario B: lots of daytime use (E7 can cost more)
- Annual use: 3,600 kWh
- Night share: 25% (900 kWh night / 2,700 kWh day)
- Example single-rate: 26p/kWh
- Example Economy 7: 15p night / 32p day
- Standing charge: ignored here to focus on usage split
Estimated annual unit-cost:
Single-rate: 3,600 × £0.26 = £936
Economy 7: (900 × £0.15) + (2,700 × £0.32) = £999
Difference: ~£63 more on E7 (before standing charges and tariff specifics)
Why we show it like this: many people only look at the night rate and miss the day rate. Your real-world savings depend on how much electricity lands in each bucket—and whether your meter is actually recording day/night correctly.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (storage heater switching)
These are the issues most likely to stop a “cheap” tariff being cheap in practice.
1) Exit fees and contract terms
Some fixed tariffs include exit fees. Check your latest bill or online account. If you’re on a deemed/out-of-contract tariff, exit fees are less common—but still confirm.
2) Standing charge differences
A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge. Always compare the full tariff structure, not just the headline rate.
3) Wrong day/night split
If your quote assumes 60% off-peak but your household only achieves 20–30%, you can pay more. If you’re unsure, start with a conservative estimate.
4) Off-peak times aren’t universal
Economy 7 times vary by region, meter and whether clocks change with BST/GMT. Ask your supplier to confirm your exact off-peak window in writing.
5) Restricted meter complications
A meter exchange can broaden tariff choice, but it can also change how heating/hot water circuits are controlled. Plan for re-timing heaters and immersion.
6) Prepayment availability
Not every multi-rate tariff is available on prepay, and pricing can differ. If you’re on prepayment, compare only tariffs you can actually access.
Practical check for storage heaters: If your heaters feel cold by evening, you may be topping up with peak-rate panel heaters or boost settings. That can change which tariff is best. Consider your real behaviour in winter when comparing.
FAQs: switching storage heater tariffs in the UK
How do I know if I’m on Economy 7?
Your bill usually shows two readings (day/night) or “Rate 1” and “Rate 2”. Your meter may also have two registers you can scroll through. If you share your postcode and contact details via the form, we can help confirm what you’re on before you switch.
Can I switch from Economy 7 to a single-rate tariff?
Often, yes—but it depends on your meter and supplier. Some Economy 7 meters can remain in place with billing set to single-rate; other situations may involve a meter exchange (especially with restricted/legacy setups). Always confirm whether any meter work is required and whether it affects your heating circuits.
Is Economy 10 cheaper than Economy 7?
Not automatically. Economy 10 can provide more off-peak hours (often split), which may help if you need daytime off-peak heating. However, it’s not available everywhere, and there may be fewer tariffs to choose from. Compare the full rates and your likely usage pattern.
Will I need a smart meter to get a cheaper storage heater tariff?
Not always. Many homes can switch supplier with an existing Economy 7 meter. But if you have a restricted or legacy multi-rate meter, a smart meter exchange can increase your tariff options. Availability and suitability depend on your property and network area.
Can I stay on Economy 7 if I move home?
It depends on the new property’s meter. If it has an Economy 7 or compatible smart meter, you can usually choose an Economy 7 tariff. If it’s single-rate (or a restricted setup), you may have different options. When you move, take meter readings and check the meter type early.
Do storage heaters have to charge at night?
Storage heaters are designed to charge off-peak. If they’re charging during the day, costs can rise quickly. Check your controls (input/output), timers, and whether your off-peak supply to the heating circuit is working. If you’re unsure, ask your supplier to confirm your off-peak hours and meter configuration.
Can I switch if I’m in debt to my current supplier?
Sometimes. Rules differ depending on whether you’re on credit or prepayment and the size of the debt. If you’re struggling, it’s worth getting impartial help and checking your options before switching.
How long does switching take?
Switching supplier is typically completed in days rather than weeks for most standard setups, but it can take longer if there’s a meter exchange or your meter type needs specialist handling. Your supply shouldn’t be interrupted.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page details
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: April 2026
How we assess “cheaper” for storage heater tariffs
We focus on what changes the bill most for storage-heater homes:
- Meter compatibility: whether you can access single-rate vs Economy 7/10 tariffs without a meter exchange
- Tariff structure: day unit rate, night unit rate(s), standing charge, contract length, and payment method pricing
- Household usage profile: especially your estimated off-peak share (for many storage-heater homes this is the deciding factor)
- Practical constraints: off-peak hours vary; restricted meters may limit supplier choice; heating controls must be aligned
Assumptions and limitations (read this before acting)
- Estimates, not guarantees: example calculations use illustrative unit rates and ignore standing charges to highlight the day/night split effect.
- Regional variation: prices and off-peak times vary by electricity distribution region and meter configuration.
- Meter time-switch behaviour: some meters may not automatically adjust for BST/GMT; always confirm off-peak times with your supplier.
- Restricted meters: a meter exchange may be required and can affect heating/hot water control. Consider getting advice before consenting to changes if you rely on off-peak circuits.
Ready to check cheaper storage heater tariffs?
Get a quote based on your meter type and usage. If your setup is complicated (restricted meters), we’ll flag it early so you can avoid switching to an unsuitable tariff.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes. Availability varies by supplier and meter type.
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