--- title: "Off-peak electricity times explained" description: "Off-peak electricity times offer cheaper rates. Learn how time-of-use tariffs work, identify your cheaper hours." url: "https://www.fuseenergy.com/blog/off-peak-electricity-time" updated: "2026-10-17" --- # Off-peak electricity times explained Off-peak electricity offers cheaper rates during periods of lower grid demand, providing a clear path to reducing your household energy bills. By understanding when these cheaper times occur and how to shift your energy usage, you can unlock significant savings and take greater control over your energy costs. This guide will walk you through how off-peak tariffs work, how to identify your specific cheaper hours, and practical steps to maximise your savings. Understanding off-peak electricity times is key to managing your energy costs effectively. Fuse Energy helps UK homeowners make the most of these opportunities with clear information and smart technology. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to see how Fuse can help you take control of your energy. ## What are off-peak electricity times? Off-peak electricity refers to periods when demand on the National Grid is typically lower, leading to reduced prices for consumers. These periods usually occur during the night, early morning, or sometimes in the middle of the day, depending on your specific tariff and supplier. Conversely, "peak" times are when electricity demand is highest, such as early mornings and evenings when most people are at home using appliances. ### Understanding peak and off-peak periods The UK's electricity grid experiences fluctuations in demand throughout the day and night. During peak hours, when many households are using energy simultaneously (e.g., cooking dinner, watching TV, charging devices), the demand on the grid is high. Off-peak hours are the opposite: demand is lower, typically overnight when most people are asleep and businesses are closed. Your energy supplier sets specific peak and off-peak windows for your tariff. ### Why electricity is cheaper off-peak Electricity is cheaper off-peak because there is less strain on the National Grid. Energy generators can often produce electricity more efficiently and at a lower cost when demand is stable and predictable. To encourage consumers to spread their energy usage more evenly throughout the day and night, suppliers offer lower rates during these quieter periods. This helps balance the grid, reduces the need for expensive peak-time generation, and ultimately benefits consumers who can adapt their habits. ## How time-of-use tariffs work Time-of-use (ToU) tariffs are designed to reflect the varying cost of electricity throughout the day. Instead of a single flat rate, you pay different prices for electricity depending on when you use it. These tariffs are key to accessing off-peak savings. ### Dual-rate variable tariffs explained A dual-rate variable tariff is a common type of ToU tariff that features two distinct rates: a higher rate for peak usage and a lower rate for off-peak usage. These tariffs are "variable" because the rates can change quarterly, typically in line with the energy price cap set by Ofgem. Unlike older fixed-rate tariffs, variable tariffs usually have no end date and no exit fees. To benefit from a dual-rate variable tariff, you need a compatible meter, such as a smart meter or a multi-register manual meter. ### Smart meters and off-peak rates Smart meters play a crucial role in enabling modern ToU tariffs. They automatically record your electricity consumption at different times of the day and send these readings directly to your supplier. This eliminates the need for manual meter readings and ensures you are billed accurately for your peak and off-peak usage. Without a smart meter or a multi-register meter, your supplier cannot accurately differentiate between your peak and off-peak consumption, making dual-rate tariffs inaccessible. ### Legacy tariffs versus modern options Historically, tariffs like Economy 7 or Economy 10 offered cheaper night rates. These older tariffs typically used a specific type of meter (often a Radio Teleswitch Service, or RTS, meter) that switched between rates based on a radio signal. Modern dual-rate variable tariffs, often enabled by smart meters, offer more flexibility and can have different off-peak windows than their legacy counterparts. The RTS system for legacy meters began being phased out on 30 June 2025, meaning these older meters will need to be replaced with smart meters to continue accessing time-of-use rates. ## Finding your specific off-peak hours Off-peak hours are not universal; they vary by energy supplier, tariff, and even region. Knowing your specific off-peak window is essential to maximising your savings. ### Checking your energy bill and supplier app The most reliable way to find your exact off-peak hours is to check your energy bill or your energy supplier's app or online account. Your bill should detail your tariff name and the specific unit rates for different times of the day. Many suppliers, including Fuse Energy, provide this information clearly within their customer apps, allowing you to monitor your usage and see when cheaper rates apply. ### The importance of your meter type Your meter type directly impacts your ability to access and benefit from dual-rate tariffs. If you have a smart meter that is actively communicating with your supplier, it will automatically record your usage across peak and off-peak periods. If you have an older, multi-register manual meter, you might still be able to access dual rates, but you will need to provide manual readings for each register. A standard single-rate manual meter, however, cannot differentiate between peak and off-peak usage, meaning you will not be eligible for these tariffs until you upgrade your meter. ### Regional variations in energy pricing Energy prices, including off-peak rates, can vary across different regions of the UK. This is due to factors such as the local grid Supply Point (GSP) group and the costs associated with maintaining and operating the regional distribution networks. While the principle of cheaper off-peak electricity remains consistent, the exact rates you pay might differ from someone on the same tariff in another part of the country. ## Maximising savings: shifting your energy usage Once you know your specific off-peak hours, the next step is to strategically shift your energy-intensive activities to these cheaper periods. This can lead to noticeable reductions in your electricity bills. ### Identifying high-consumption appliances Start by identifying the appliances in your home that use the most electricity. Common high-consumption items include: * Washing machines and tumble dryers * Dishwashers * Electric ovens and hobs * Electric vehicle (EV) chargers * Immersion heaters and electric showers * Storage heaters The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, according to Ofgem's medium typical domestic consumption value (TDCV), so understanding where your household's energy goes is the first step to making smart changes. ### Practical tips for off-peak usage * **Laundry and dishwashing**: Use timers on your washing machine, tumble dryer, and dishwasher to run cycles overnight or during your specific off-peak window. * **Charging devices**: Charge your mobile phones, laptops, and other gadgets during off-peak hours. * **Immersion heaters**: If you have an electric immersion heater, set it to heat water during off-peak times. * **Storage heaters**: These are designed to charge up during cheaper night rates and release heat throughout the day. Ensure they are correctly programmed. > **What is a time-of-use tariff?** > > A time-of-use tariff charges different rates for electricity based on the time of day, with cheaper prices during off-peak hours when demand on the grid is lower. This encourages consumers to shift their energy use, helping to balance the grid and reduce overall costs. ### Electric vehicle charging and off-peak benefits Electric vehicle (EV) charging is one of the most significant opportunities for off-peak savings. Charging an EV can consume a substantial amount of electricity, so doing it during off-peak hours can drastically reduce your running costs. Many smart EV chargers can be programmed to automatically charge your vehicle when electricity is cheapest. While Fuse's specific EV tariff was withdrawn from sale on 1 July 2026, customers can still benefit from charging their EVs during the off-peak window of a dual-rate variable tariff. For guidance on setting up your home charging, explore our EV charger installation guide. ## Smart meters: your gateway to off-peak savings Smart meters are fundamental to accessing and fully benefiting from modern time-of-use tariffs. They provide the data and control necessary to make informed decisions about your energy usage. ### Benefits of a smart meter for time-of-use tariffs A smart meter automatically sends accurate readings to your supplier, ensuring you are billed correctly for your peak and off-peak consumption. This eliminates estimated bills and provides you with real-time data on your energy usage, often accessible through a supplier's app. This transparency empowers you to see the impact of shifting your usage and adjust your habits for maximum savings. If you need a smart meter, you can learn more about [smart meter installation](https://www.fuseenergy.com/blog/smart-meter-installation). ### Getting a free smart meter upgrade If you currently have a manual meter, getting a smart meter is a straightforward process. Many energy suppliers offer free smart meter upgrades. For instance, Fuse Energy offers a free smart meter upgrade for customers with manual meters once their supply has switched in. This ensures you can access dual-rate variable tariffs and take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity. ### Addressing legacy meter challenges For those with older meters, particularly RTS meters, an upgrade is becoming essential. The RTS system, which controls older multi-rate meters, began being phased out on 30 June 2025. If you have an RTS meter, your current supplier will eventually replace it with a smart meter. Once you have a smart meter, you will be able to switch to modern dual-rate tariffs and benefit from off-peak rates. ## Taking control of your energy bills Understanding and utilising off-peak electricity times is a powerful way for UK homeowners to gain control over their energy bills. It is about making smarter choices, not necessarily using less energy overall. ### Empowering your energy choices By shifting your energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours, you are not just saving money; you are actively participating in a more efficient energy system. This approach aligns with a vision of having more power to play with, optimising your usage for abundance rather than focusing on scarcity. It puts you in the driver's seat, allowing you to make informed decisions that benefit your household budget and the wider grid. ### Fuse Energy's approach to off-peak tariffs Fuse Energy empowers UK homeowners to unlock cheaper electricity by providing clear guidance on off-peak times and enabling access to dual-rate variable tariffs through smart meter technology. Fuse's approach is about rebuilding the energy system with modern solutions, offering dual-rate variable tariffs that reward smart usage. Through the Fuse app, customers gain transparency and control, monitoring their usage and managing their off-peak strategy to optimise their bills. This allows you to make the most of your energy, rather than feeling constrained by it. Ready to take control of your energy usage and bills? Fuse Energy offers straightforward dual-rate variable tariffs designed to reward smart energy habits, alongside 24/7 human customer support. Switching is quick and easy, helping you unlock cheaper electricity and a more efficient home. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy abundant [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/mission). --- Rates, availability, and regional off-peak windows change. Check the source page for current terms. **Disclaimer** For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.