Off-peak electricity time explained

Off-peak electricity tariffs offer cheaper rates during specific periods of lower demand, typically overnight or at certain times during the day. For UK homeowners, understanding and utilising these tariffs can significantly reduce overall electricity bills. By strategically shifting high-usage activities to these cheaper times, you can gain more control over your energy costs.

Making the most of off-peak electricity can help you save money and use energy more efficiently. Fuse Energy offers dual-rate variable tariffs designed to provide flexibility and help you manage your energy consumption smartly. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

What is off-peak electricity?

Off-peak electricity refers to periods when the demand on the National Grid is lowest, leading to reduced prices for consumers. Conversely, "on-peak" or "peak" times are when electricity demand is highest, and rates are consequently more expensive.

Understanding peak and off-peak periods

Electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day because the cost to generate and supply power changes with demand. Peak hours typically occur when most people are at home, such as in the morning when getting ready for work or school, and in the evening between 4pm and 7pm when activities like cooking and heating are common. During these times, demand is high, making electricity more expensive to produce and, therefore, more costly for consumers.

Off-peak hours are the opposite: times when grid demand drops significantly, usually overnight when most of the country is asleep. This lower demand often allows for cheaper generation, and suppliers pass these savings on to customers.

The benefits of off-peak rates

The primary benefit of off-peak rates is the potential for direct savings on your electricity bills. By using electricity during these cheaper periods, you can reduce the running costs of energy-intensive appliances. This is particularly advantageous for households with electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, or storage heaters, which can consume a large amount of electricity. Shifting your usage can lead to meaningful savings, with off-peak electricity potentially being significantly cheaper than peak rates.

How off-peak tariffs work in the UK

In the UK, off-peak tariffs operate by charging different rates for electricity depending on the time of day it is used. To access these varied rates, you need a compatible electricity meter and a multi-rate tariff.

Economy 7: the traditional off-peak tariff

Historically, Economy 7 was the primary off-peak tariff in the UK. It provides seven hours of cheaper electricity, typically overnight, in exchange for a higher daytime rate and often higher standing charges. The exact seven-hour window can vary by supplier and location, and depends on meter configuration.

Economy 7 tariffs require a special meter that records day and night usage separately. While beneficial for homes with storage heaters or hot water tanks that can charge overnight, it is crucial to use a significant portion of your electricity during the off-peak hours to make it cost-effective. If you do not shift enough usage, the higher daytime rates can negate any savings.

A significant development for Economy 7 customers is the ongoing phase-out of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which controls some older meters. The RTS signal began its phased shutdown on 30 June 2025. If you have an RTS meter, your energy supplier should contact you to arrange a free upgrade to a smart meter, as your heating or hot water supply could be disrupted otherwise.

Modern dual-rate variable tariffs

Modern dual-rate variable tariffs, often enabled by smart meters, offer more flexible off-peak periods compared to the rigid structure of Economy 7. These tariffs can adapt to grid conditions, with electricity prices changing throughout the day based on demand. Some modern tariffs might offer cheaper overnight charging for electric vehicles, lower weekend rates, or other dynamic discounts.

These tariffs align with a vision of energy abundance, allowing you to strategically use energy when it is cheaper and more plentiful. Rather than simply encouraging you to "use less", modern dual-rate tariffs empower you to manage your energy consumption smartly, making the most of lower-cost periods. Fuse Energy's dual-rate variable tariffs are designed to provide this flexibility, offering a modern alternative to legacy systems like Economy 7.

The role of smart meters

Smart meters are essential for accessing the most flexible and modern dual-rate variable tariffs. They automatically send readings to your energy supplier, allowing for accurate billing based on when you use electricity. This precise tracking enables suppliers to offer tariffs with varying prices throughout the day, which would be impossible with traditional meters.

If you have a manual (non-smart) meter, you are eligible for a free smart meter upgrade once your supply has switched in with Fuse. This upgrade is crucial for unlocking the benefits of modern time-of-use tariffs, and you can learn more about the process of a smart meter installation.

Finding your off-peak times

Knowing your specific off-peak hours is key to maximising savings. These times are not universal and can vary significantly.

Checking your current tariff

You can usually determine if you are on an off-peak tariff by checking your electricity bill for different rates for day and night usage. Your energy supplier's online account or app should also provide details of your current tariff type and its associated peak and off-peak hours. If you are unsure, contacting your energy provider directly is the best way to confirm your exact times.

How off-peak hours are determined

Off-peak hours vary depending on your supplier, the specific tariff, your meter type, and even your location within the UK. For Economy 7, the seven hours of cheaper electricity are typically overnight, but these can shift with seasonal clock adjustments. Modern dual-rate tariffs may have more dynamic or multiple off-peak windows throughout the day and night.

Maximising your savings with off-peak electricity

To genuinely benefit from off-peak tariffs, you need to actively shift your energy consumption. According to Ofgem, the average UK home uses around 2,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year1. By moving a significant portion of this usage to cheaper times, you can make a noticeable difference to your bills.

Shifting high-usage activities

The biggest savings come from moving your most energy-intensive tasks to off-peak periods. This includes activities like:

• EV charging: Electric vehicles are a prime candidate for off-peak charging, as they consume a lot of power and can often be scheduled to charge overnight. You can find more information on EV charging at home.
• Laundry and dishwashing: Washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers are high-energy appliances that often have delay-start functions, allowing you to set them to run during off-peak hours.
• Hot water heating: If you have an immersion heater or electric hot water tank, scheduling it to heat water overnight can be very effective.
• Charging home batteries: If you have a home battery storage system, you can charge it during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest, then use that stored energy during peak times.

Appliances best suited for off-peak use

Appliances with timers or smart features are ideal for off-peak usage. This includes:

• Electric vehicle chargers
• Washing machines and dishwashers with delay-start functions
• Tumble dryers
• Storage heaters
• Smart plugs for other appliances, allowing you to schedule their operation

It is important to note that while running appliances overnight can save money, you should avoid setting washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers to run while you are asleep due to potential fire risks.

Monitoring your usage

Smart meters and their accompanying in-home displays or apps are invaluable for monitoring your energy consumption. They provide real-time data on how much energy you are using and when, allowing you to track your shift to off-peak times and see the impact on your bills. This data helps you identify patterns and adjust your habits to maximise savings, and can help you with understanding your energy bill.

Switching to an off-peak tariff

If you believe an off-peak tariff could benefit you, understanding the switching process and requirements is essential.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a dual-rate tariff, you need a meter that can record peak and off-peak consumption separately. This could be a multi-register (dual-rate) dumb meter or, more commonly for modern flexible tariffs, a smart meter. Smart meters are crucial for the most advanced time-of-use tariffs.

The switching process

Switching to an off-peak tariff typically involves:

1. Checking your current meter: Determine if you have a compatible meter (smart or multi-register). If you have an older RTS meter, your current supplier will need to replace it with a smart meter before you can switch to a modern off-peak tariff.
2. Researching tariffs: Look for dual-rate variable tariffs from suppliers in your region.
3. Evaluating your usage: Consider how much of your energy consumption you can realistically shift to off-peak hours.
4. Initiating the switch: Contact your chosen supplier to begin the switching process.

If you are on a fixed-term tariff with your current supplier, you might incur an exit fee if you switch more than 49 days before your contract ends. However, if your contract ends within 49 days, you can switch without penalty.

Considerations before you switch

Before switching to an off-peak tariff, weigh the potential benefits against some common pitfalls:

• Higher peak rates: While off-peak rates are cheaper, the daytime rates on dual-rate tariffs are often higher than standard single-rate tariffs. If you cannot shift enough usage, your overall bill might increase.
• Standing charges: Some off-peak tariffs may have higher daily standing charges.
• Exact off-peak hours: Ensure you know the precise off-peak hours for your chosen tariff and that they align with your lifestyle. These hours can vary and may change with seasonal clock adjustments.
• Meter compatibility: Confirm your meter is compatible. If you need a smart meter, ensure it is installed and functioning correctly to take advantage of the tariff's features.

By carefully considering these factors and actively managing your energy use, you can make off-peak electricity work for you, transforming how you power your home and reducing your energy costs.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. If you do not have a smart meter, Fuse Energy can upgrade your non-smart meter, completely for free. This can make it easier to track spending and make informed decisions about your energy use. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.