Electricity-only tariffs: compare, switch and get set up

If you only pay for electricity (no gas on your bill), this guide explains your options, what affects price, and how to compare electricity-only tariffs in the UK—clearly and safely.

  • Works for prepay, credit and smart meters (terms vary by supplier)
  • Understand Economy 7/10, single-rate and EV tariffs (and who they suit)
  • See realistic cost scenarios and a checklist before you switch
Get your electricity-only quote How switching works

Prices are estimated and depend on where you live, your meter type, payment method, tariff terms and energy use. Always check the tariff information label before you switch.

Electricity-only: what it is and what to do next

An electricity-only home is one where you don’t have a gas supply (or you don’t pay a gas bill) and your heating and hot water may be electric (for example, storage heaters, panel heaters, a heat pump, or immersion). Your best tariff depends mainly on meter type (single-rate vs Economy 7/10 vs smart), how you use electricity (day vs night), and payment method (Direct Debit, on receipt of bill, or prepayment).

Key takeaway #1

If you have Economy 7/10 or storage heaters, the night rate matters as much as the headline unit rate.

Key takeaway #2

For most homes, standing charge and regional pricing make a bigger difference than small unit-rate changes.

Key takeaway #3

Switching is usually simple, but prepay, restricted meters and complex Economy 10 can limit your options.

Quick check: If you see two sets of unit rates (day/night) on your bill, you’re likely on Economy 7/10. If you see one unit rate, you’re on a single-rate tariff.

Compare electricity-only tariffs (whole-of-market)

Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with electricity-only deals that fit your meter and usage. This is designed to be trust-led: no pressure, and you can review the tariff details before you decide.

What you’ll need

  • Your postcode (pricing varies by region)
  • Meter type: single-rate, Economy 7/10, or smart
  • Approx. annual use in kWh (or a recent bill)

What we won’t do

  • We won’t guarantee savings
  • We won’t switch without your confirmation
  • We won’t hide exit fees—if a tariff has them, you’ll see it

Tenants: you can usually switch if you pay the bill. If your electricity is included in rent or supplied via a landlord arrangement, switching may not be possible.

Get your quote

We’ll use these details to contact you about electricity-only options available for your home.

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How switching electricity-only usually works

For most households, switching supplier is an admin change rather than an engineering job. Your power stays on; your meter stays in place (unless you request a change and the supplier agrees).

  1. Check your meter type and usage. Single-rate vs Economy 7/10 vs smart affects which tariffs you can join.
  2. Compare tariffs that match your meter. Look at standing charge, unit rates, tariff length, and any exit fees.
  3. Apply and confirm the switch. You’ll receive tariff documents and your start date.
  4. Take meter readings (if needed). Smart meters can submit automatically; otherwise you may be asked for a reading.
  5. Your new tariff starts. You’ll get a final bill from the old supplier and then continue with the new supplier.

Important: If you’re on prepayment or have a restricted meter (common in some flats with storage heating), switching choices can be narrower. We’ll flag where a tariff may not be compatible.

Electricity-only tariff types (UK)

Electricity-only doesn’t automatically mean “one kind of tariff”. Your meter and lifestyle determine what’s sensible.

Single-rate (standard) electricity

You pay one unit rate any time of day, plus a standing charge.

Usually suits
Most households without storage heating; people home at varied times.
Watch out for
If most of your heating is electric, single-rate can be expensive in winter.

Economy 7 (day/night)

Two unit rates: cheaper night (typically 7 hours) and higher day. Times vary by region/meter.

Usually suits
Storage heaters, immersion tanks, some EV charging—if you can shift usage overnight.
Watch out for
If you don’t use much at night, the higher day rate can outweigh savings.

Economy 10 (and other multi-rate)

More complex time bands (often split across day/night). Not all suppliers support all Economy 10 setups.

Usually suits
Some storage-heated homes that benefit from extra daytime boost periods.
Watch out for
Limited tariff availability; always confirm meter compatibility before switching.

Smart/TOU (time-of-use) and EV tariffs

Rates vary by time (sometimes half-hourly). Often requires a working smart meter and specific eligibility rules.

Usually suits
EV owners and households that can schedule appliances or heating when rates are low.
Watch out for
Peak rates can be higher; savings depend on shifting usage and the tariff’s structure.

Meter note: If your property has a legacy “restricted” setup (sometimes labelled Heatwise or similar), you may need a compatible tariff or a meter change. A meter exchange can take time and may not be free.

Which electricity-only tariff is likely to suit you?

Use this as a practical decision aid. It won’t replace a proper quote (rates vary by region and supplier), but it helps you avoid common mismatches—especially with Economy 7/10.

Tariff type Best when… Less suitable when… What to check
Single-rate Your usage is mostly daytime/evening and you don’t rely on storage heaters. You have heavy overnight use you could shift (or storage heating that charges at night). Standing charge, unit rate, exit fees, payment method discounts.
Economy 7 At least a meaningful share of use is overnight (often linked to heating/hot water/EV charging). You’re home all day with lots of daytime electric heating/cooking and little night use. Night hours for your meter, day vs night unit rates, how your heaters/hot water are wired.
Economy 10 Your property’s heating system is designed around E10 time bands. You’re considering a supplier that doesn’t support your exact meter/time setup. Supplier support for your E10 configuration, readings registers, and any metering restrictions.
Smart / TOU / EV You can shift usage to cheaper periods (e.g., EV charging overnight or timed appliances). Your biggest usage is at peak times and you can’t change when you use energy. Smart meter requirement, peak/off-peak windows, eligibility rules, and how prices can change.

Decision checklist (before you switch)

  • Meter type: single-rate, Economy 7/10, smart, or restricted?
  • Payment method: Direct Debit vs prepay vs pay on receipt of bill (prices can differ).
  • Standing charge: compare alongside unit rate (it’s paid regardless of usage).
  • Exit fees: common on fixed deals—check if they apply and when.
  • Tariff length: fixed vs variable; how and when rates can change.
  • Support for your setup: storage heaters, multi-rate registers, smart meter connectivity.

Who electricity-only tariffs are best for

  • Homes without a gas supply (all-electric heating/hot water)
  • Flats with communal heating but individual electricity bills
  • EV owners looking for TOU/EV-friendly options (if eligible)

Who should double-check first

  • Restricted/multi-register meters (compatibility varies)
  • Tenants where electricity is included in rent
  • Anyone in debt with a current supplier (switching rules can apply)

Two realistic cost scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how tariff structure changes the maths. They are illustrative and not a prediction of your bill. Rates vary by region, supplier, and payment method.

Assumptions used in both scenarios: 365 days/year. Standing charge applied daily. VAT included where applicable in domestic energy pricing. Your supplier may round figures on bills.

Scenario A: Flat with storage heaters (Economy 7-style use)

A 1–2 bed flat using 4,200 kWh/year. Around 45% of usage is overnight (storage heaters + hot water).

  • Standing charge: 55p/day
  • Economy 7 unit rates (illustrative): Day 32p/kWh, Night 15p/kWh
  • Single-rate unit rate (illustrative): 28p/kWh
Option Energy cost (kWh) Standing charge Estimated total
Economy 7 (2,310×32p) + (1,890×15p) ˜ £1,022 0.55×365 ˜ £201 ˜ £1,223/year
Single-rate 4,200×28p ˜ £1,176 0.55×365 ˜ £201 ˜ £1,377/year

In this example, Economy 7 is lower because a large chunk of usage lands on the cheaper night rate. If the night share dropped, the result could flip.

Scenario B: Home with daytime use (little overnight shifting)

A small household using 3,200 kWh/year. Only 15% is overnight.

  • Standing charge: 55p/day
  • Economy 7 unit rates (illustrative): Day 32p/kWh, Night 15p/kWh
  • Single-rate unit rate (illustrative): 28p/kWh
Option Energy cost (kWh) Standing charge Estimated total
Economy 7 (2,720×32p) + (480×15p) ˜ £942 0.55×365 ˜ £201 ˜ £1,143/year
Single-rate 3,200×28p ˜ £896 0.55×365 ˜ £201 ˜ £1,097/year

Here, single-rate is lower because most usage is charged at the higher Economy 7 day rate. The “best” tariff depends on your day/night split.

Tip: If you’re not sure about your split, look for two readings on your bill (often labelled Day/Night) or check your online account. A smart meter can also help you understand when you use most energy.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (electricity-only)

Electricity-only comparisons can go wrong when key details are missed. These are the issues we see most often, and how to avoid them.

1) Standing charge surprise

Two tariffs with similar unit rates can differ a lot once you add the standing charge. This matters most for low usage homes.

2) Economy 7 times aren’t universal

Night-rate hours depend on your meter setup and region (and can shift with clock changes). Always confirm the actual times.

3) Restricted meters limit choice

Some electric-heated flats have special metering. Not every supplier supports it, and switching may require a meter exchange.

4) Prepayment tariffs vary

Availability and pricing can differ for prepay. If you’re considering changing meter type, check any costs and credit checks.

5) Fixed deals can have exit fees

Fixed tariffs may charge if you leave early (often waived if you’re moving home—terms vary). Check before you commit.

6) EV/TOU eligibility rules

Some EV tariffs require a smart meter, a compatible charger/app, or specific billing settings. Always read the tariff details.

If you’re in supplier debt: there can be restrictions on switching in certain circumstances. If this applies to you, check guidance before applying so you don’t get stuck mid-process.

Electricity-only FAQs (UK)

Is electricity-only more expensive than gas?

Often, electricity costs more per kWh than gas, so all-electric homes can have higher running costs—especially if heating and hot water are electric. The right tariff (for example Economy 7 with storage heating, or a suitable smart/TOU tariff) can help, but outcomes vary by home, insulation and usage patterns.

Can I get Economy 7 if I’m currently on single-rate?

Sometimes. Economy 7 typically requires a compatible meter configuration. Some suppliers can arrange a meter change (timescales and any charges vary). It’s worth doing only if you can reliably shift enough use to the night rate.

How do I know if I have Economy 7 or Economy 10?

Check your bill for two (or more) unit rates and separate readings/registers (often labelled Day/Night). Your meter may also show multiple registers (for example “Rate 1” and “Rate 2”). If you’re unsure, your supplier can confirm your meter type.

Do electricity-only tariffs differ by postcode?

Yes. Domestic electricity pricing can vary by region (linked to the local electricity distribution area), and standing charges can differ too. That’s why a postcode is needed to show realistic options.

Can I switch electricity supplier if I’m renting?

Usually yes, if you’re responsible for paying the electricity bill. If electricity is included in rent, supplied through a landlord/management company arrangement, or part of a communal system, switching may not be possible. If in doubt, check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord/agent.

Will my power go off when I switch?

No—switching supplier is usually an administrative change. Your electricity supply continues as normal. You may be asked for a meter reading around the switch date (unless your smart meter submits it automatically).

What if I’m on prepayment—can I still compare and switch?

Often yes, but the range of available tariffs may be smaller, and some suppliers have extra requirements. If you’re considering moving from prepay to credit, check whether a credit check is needed and whether there are any meter-change costs.

What are exit fees and should I avoid them?

Exit fees are charges for leaving a fixed tariff early. They’re not always bad—sometimes a fixed deal with an exit fee can still suit you—but you should only choose one if you’re comfortable with the commitment and understand the conditions (including moving home rules).

Trust, editorial standards and how we assess electricity-only options

Page ownership

Last updated
March 2026

How we assess “best” for electricity-only

We focus on fit rather than hype. When comparing electricity-only tariffs, we look at:

  • Meter compatibility: single-rate, Economy 7/10, smart/TOU, restricted meters
  • Total estimated cost: unit rates + standing charge (not unit rate alone)
  • Tariff terms: fixed vs variable, price change rules, contract length
  • Fees and friction: exit fees, payment method constraints, prepay limitations
  • User reality: whether typical households can actually shift usage to benefit

Limitations and caveats (transparent methodology)

  • Regional variation: Electricity distribution regions can change standing charges and unit rates, so national “average” figures may not match your postcode.
  • Metering complexity: Economy 10 and restricted meters can have unique time bands and wiring, which affects compatibility and outcomes.
  • Behaviour matters: Time-of-use and Economy 7 benefits depend on when you use electricity (not just how much).
  • Supplier eligibility: Some tariffs require a smart meter, online billing, or specific payment methods (typically Direct Debit).
  • Illustrative scenarios: The example calculations on this page use simplified rates to explain the mechanics; your quote may differ.

Sources (UK)

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Updated on 22 Mar 2026