Understanding off-peak electricity times

Off-peak electricity tariffs offer cheaper unit rates during specific, lower-demand periods, typically overnight. This allows you to significantly reduce your household electricity bills by shifting high-consumption activities. This guide will help you understand how these tariffs work, identify options for your home, and maximise your savings.

What is off-peak electricity?

Off-peak electricity refers to periods when demand on the National Grid is lower, usually during the night. Energy suppliers offer reduced rates during these times to encourage consumers to spread out their energy usage. This helps to balance the grid and make better use of available generation capacity.

Understanding peak versus off-peak hours

Electricity tariffs typically divide the day into "peak" and "off-peak" periods. Peak hours are when electricity demand is highest, such as early mornings and evenings when most people are at home, cooking, and using appliances. During these times, electricity unit rates are higher. Off-peak hours, conversely, are periods of lower demand, often overnight, when rates are significantly cheaper. This pricing structure reflects the real-time cost of generating and supplying electricity.

The benefits of off-peak tariffs

The main benefit of an off-peak tariff is the potential for substantial savings on your electricity bill. Off-peak rates can be significantly lower than peak rates, potentially by a substantial margin, depending on the tariff and supplier. By consciously shifting activities like charging an electric vehicle (EV), running your washing machine, or using your dishwasher to these cheaper hours, you can make your energy budget go further. This approach challenges the traditional "use less" narrative, instead empowering you to use more energy during abundant, cheaper periods.

How off-peak tariffs work in the UK

In the UK, off-peak tariffs operate by charging different rates for electricity consumed during designated time slots. To access these tariffs, you need a specific type of electricity meter that can record your usage across these different time bands.

The role of your electricity meter

While smart meters offer greater flexibility and access to a wider range of modern tariffs, eligibility for dual-rate tariffs depends on your meter's configuration. Some traditional multi-register meters can also access off-peak tariffs. Smart meters automatically send readings to your supplier, allowing for accurate billing based on your usage during different time periods. Traditional multi-register meters, such as those used for Economy 7, also track usage across different rates, but smart meters often provide access to a wider range of modern, flexible tariffs. If you don't have one, you might consider a smart meter installation to unlock these options.

Typical off-peak electricity times

Traditional Economy 7 tariffs typically offer a seven-hour window of cheaper electricity overnight. The exact timings can vary by supplier and even by region, so it's important to check your specific tariff details. Modern smart tariffs can offer more flexible off-peak windows, sometimes extending beyond the traditional seven hours or occurring at different times of the day, depending on grid demand.

Types of off-peak tariffs

The UK energy market offers a variety of off-peak tariffs, ranging from older, established options to newer, more dynamic plans enabled by smart meter technology.

Traditional Economy 7 and Economy 10

Economy 7 is the most well-known traditional off-peak tariff, providing seven hours of cheaper electricity overnight. It was originally designed for homes with electric storage heaters and hot water tanks that could charge up during the night. Economy 10 tariffs offer ten hours of cheaper electricity, usually split into periods during the night, afternoon, and evening. While these tariffs can still offer savings, their fixed time slots might not suit everyone's lifestyle.

Modern smart tariffs and EV tariffs

Modern smart tariffs offer greater flexibility than their traditional counterparts. Enabled by smart meters, these tariffs can have more dynamic off-peak windows and potentially lower rates. While dedicated EV tariffs were previously available, many suppliers now offer dual-rate variable tariffs that provide cheaper electricity rates for several hours overnight. These are designed to make charging electric vehicles more affordable and often integrate with smart charging solutions, further optimising costs.

Finding your specific tariff details

To find out your exact off-peak times and rates, you should check your electricity bill or contact your energy supplier directly. Your bill will usually detail your tariff name, unit rates for different periods, and the specific hours that apply to your off-peak rate. Ofgem regulates energy suppliers in Great Britain, including rules around tariffs and smart meter installations. For more help, learn about understanding your energy bill.

Maximising your savings with off-peak electricity

Once you're on an off-peak tariff, the key to saving money is to actively shift your energy-intensive activities to the cheaper hours.

Shifting high-consumption appliances

Consider running appliances that use a lot of electricity during your off-peak window. This includes:

• Washing machines and dishwashers: Many models have timers that allow you to set them to start automatically overnight.
• Tumble dryers: These are significant energy users, so scheduling them for off-peak hours can lead to considerable savings.
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging: If you have an EV, charging it overnight at home during off-peak hours is one of the most effective ways to reduce your running costs.
• Storage heaters and hot water tanks: If your home uses these, ensure they are set to heat up during the cheaper off-peak period.

The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, according to Ofgem.1 By shifting even a portion of this usage to off-peak times, you can make a noticeable difference to your bills.

Smart home technology and automation

Smart home devices can help automate the process of shifting usage. Smart plugs can turn appliances on and off according to your tariff times, while smart EV chargers can optimise charging based on the cheapest rates. Many modern appliances also come with built-in smart features, allowing you to schedule their operation through an app.

Calculating your potential savings

To estimate your potential savings, first identify your current high-usage appliances and how much electricity they consume. Then, compare your current peak and off-peak rates with your potential new tariff's rates. By estimating how much of your usage you can realistically shift to off-peak hours, you can project your annual savings. Remember to factor in any potentially higher peak rates that might come with an off-peak tariff.

Is an off-peak tariff right for you?

An off-peak tariff isn't for everyone, but for many UK homeowners, it offers a clear path to lower electricity bills.

Assessing your energy usage habits

An off-peak tariff is most beneficial if you can genuinely shift a significant portion of your electricity consumption to the cheaper hours. If you're rarely home during the day, or if you have an EV, it's likely a good fit. However, if your lifestyle means you use most of your electricity during peak daytime or early evening hours and cannot easily adjust, a single-rate tariff might be more cost-effective, as some off-peak tariffs come with higher peak rates.

Considerations before switching

Before switching, always compare the peak rates of the off-peak tariff with your current single-rate tariff. Sometimes, the higher peak rates can outweigh the savings from the off-peak period if you don't shift enough usage. While smart meters offer the most flexibility, ensure your meter is compatible with dual-rate tariffs. This could be a smart meter or a traditional multi-register meter, as eligibility is determined by your meter's configuration.

What to do if you have an RTS meter

If you have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter, you'll need to upgrade to a smart meter to access modern off-peak tariffs. The RTS system, which controls these legacy meters, is being phased out across the industry, with the switch-off beginning on 30 June 2025. Your current energy supplier is responsible for replacing your RTS meter with a smart meter, usually at no cost to you. Once you have a smart meter, you can then explore the full range of flexible off-peak tariffs available.

Frequently asked questions about off-peak electricity

Is electricity cheaper at night?

Yes, electricity is generally cheaper at night in the UK if you are on an off-peak tariff. These tariffs offer lower unit rates during specific overnight hours when demand on the grid is at its lowest. If you are on a standard single-rate tariff, the price per unit remains the same regardless of the time of day.

When is the cheapest time to use electricity?

The cheapest time to use electricity depends entirely on your specific off-peak tariff. For traditional Economy 7, this is typically a seven-hour window overnight. However, the exact times vary, so checking your bill or supplier's details is crucial. Modern smart tariffs can offer more varied and flexible off-peak periods, so checking your bill or supplier's details is crucial.

How do I find my off-peak times?

The easiest way to find your specific off-peak times is to check your latest electricity bill. It will usually state your tariff name and the hours that apply to your peak and off-peak rates. Alternatively, you can log into your online energy account or contact your energy supplier directly, providing your address and account details.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you're 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 don't 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.

References

1. Ofgem. Review of Typical Domestic Consumption Values