Peak and off-peak electricity hours explained

Understanding when electricity costs more or less can significantly reduce your household bills. By making a few adjustments to when you use energy, you can take control of your consumption and make a real "power play" against rising costs. This approach empowers you to optimise usage and achieve "power to play with" your energy, moving beyond scarcity.

Managing your energy costs is simpler when you understand how tariffs work. Fuse Energy provides the tools and transparency to help you make informed choices about your electricity use. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding peak and off-peak electricity

Electricity prices in the UK are not static; they fluctuate throughout the day based on demand on the National Grid. These variations are categorised into 'peak' and 'off-peak' hours, reflecting periods of high and low demand. Knowing these times is the first step to making your energy work harder for you.

What defines peak and off-peak hours?

Peak hours are typically when most people are awake and using electricity, such as weekday evenings when households are home, cooking, watching TV, and running appliances. During these times, demand on the National Grid is highest, making electricity more expensive. Conversely, off-peak hours usually occur overnight when most households are asleep and demand plummets, making electricity cheaper. Off-peak times can also include early mornings or sometimes weekends, depending on your specific tariff and supplier. It is crucial to remember that these exact timings are not universal and vary significantly.

The role of the National Grid

The National Grid balances the supply and demand of electricity across Great Britain. When demand is high, the Grid often needs to bring more expensive forms of generation online, which drives up wholesale electricity prices. When demand is low, cheaper generation sources can meet the need, leading to lower prices. This dynamic directly influences the rates energy suppliers charge, creating the distinction between peak and off-peak pricing.

How Time-of-Use tariffs work

Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs are designed to reflect these fluctuating wholesale electricity costs. They offer different unit rates for electricity at different times of the day, encouraging consumers to use power when it is cheaper.

Dual-rate tariffs: Economy 7 and Economy 10

The most common examples of ToU tariffs in the UK are Economy 7 and Economy 10. Economy 7 tariffs provide a cheaper rate for seven hours, typically overnight, and a higher rate for the remaining 17 hours. Economy 10 tariffs extend this concept, offering ten hours of cheaper electricity, often split between overnight, afternoon, and sometimes a short evening window. These tariffs are particularly beneficial for households that can shift a significant portion of their energy consumption to off-peak periods.

Benefits of a Time-of-Use tariff

The primary benefit of a ToU tariff is the potential for significant savings on your electricity bills. By strategically running high-energy appliances during cheaper off-peak hours, you can reduce your overall energy costs. This approach gives you more control over your spending and empowers you to make conscious choices about your energy usage, aligning with the idea of "power as capability."

Enabling your power play: smart meters

To fully take advantage of Time-of-Use tariffs and the savings they offer, modern metering technology is essential.

Why a smart meter is important

While smart meters greatly enhance the experience, eligibility for dual-rate tariffs depends on having a compatible meter. This can be a smart meter or a multi-register manual meter, and eligibility is also determined by the meter's Supply System Code (SSC). Smart meters automatically send your meter readings to your supplier, ensuring accurate billing for your variable rates without the need for manual submissions. This seamless data flow is key to unlocking the full potential of off-peak savings.

What if you have an older meter?

If you have an older meter, such as a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter, it is important to know that these are being phased out. The industry-wide switch-off for RTS meters began 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 your meter has been upgraded, you will be able to access modern dual-rate tariffs and benefit from the latest smart meter technology. Fuse Energy offers a digital-first experience for customers with smart meters, enabling you to make the most of off-peak electricity.

Optimising your energy usage for savings

Making a "power play" with your energy involves more than just choosing the right tariff; it requires actively adjusting your habits.

Identifying high-consumption appliances

Start by identifying the appliances in your home that use the most electricity. These typically include:

• Washing machines
• Tumble dryers
• Dishwashers
• Electric vehicle chargers
• Immersion heaters
• Storage heaters

These are the prime candidates for shifting usage to off-peak hours. The average UK home uses around 2,700 kWh of electricity per year, so even small changes can add up.

Practical strategies for shifting usage

Once you know your off-peak hours from your supplier, implement these strategies:

• Set timers: Many modern appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers, have built-in timers that allow you to schedule their operation during off-peak times.
• Charge EVs overnight: If you own an electric vehicle, charging it overnight during off-peak hours can significantly reduce your running costs.
• Pre-heat water: Use immersion heaters or storage heaters to heat water during cheaper periods, then draw on the stored hot water throughout the day.
• Batch laundry: Save up your laundry for off-peak slots to maximise the benefit.

Monitoring your savings

Regularly monitoring your energy consumption and bills is crucial to ensure you are making the most of your ToU tariff. Fuse's app, for example, provides real-time visibility into your usage, allowing you to track how your shifted consumption translates into savings. This continuous feedback loop helps you refine your habits and reinforces the reward of your "power play."

Choosing the right tariff for your home

Selecting the ideal tariff is a personal decision that depends on your household's unique energy profile.

Assessing your household's energy habits

Before switching, honestly assess how much electricity you can realistically shift to off-peak hours. If your lifestyle means you primarily use electricity during peak times and cannot easily adjust, a single-rate tariff might still be more cost-effective. However, if you have flexibility and high-consumption appliances, a dual-rate tariff could offer substantial savings.

Comparing tariff options

Once you understand your usage patterns, compare available dual-rate tariffs from different suppliers. Look beyond just the off-peak rate; consider the peak rate, daily standing charge, and any exit fees. Fuse Energy offers dual-rate tariffs for residential customers, and our 24/7 human customer support can assist you in understanding your options and optimising your energy use. This empowers you to make an informed choice and gain "power to play with" your energy.

Future of energy savings

The energy landscape is continually evolving, with smart technology playing an increasingly central role. By embracing smart meters and Time-of-Use tariffs, you are not just saving money today; you are also positioning your home to benefit from future innovations in energy management. This proactive approach ensures you remain in control, making your energy work smarter for you.

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 of under 5 minutes whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.