If you’ve ever looked at your energy bill and wondered whether shifting your electricity use to the evening could save you money — you’re not alone. With rising energy prices and increased awareness of smarter usage habits, many UK households are exploring whether electricity is cheaper at night and if a time-of-use tariff like Economy 7 might be worth it.
Electricity providers often charge different rates depending on the time of day. This is known as a time-of-use tariff, where rates are lower during off-peak hours — typically at night — when demand on the National Grid is lower. These are sometimes referred to as night rates for electricity or off-peak rates.
Under most off-peak plans, electricity is cheaper between 10pm and 8am, though this can vary by supplier. During peak hours, rates rise due to higher demand. The idea is to spread energy usage more evenly across the day, relieving pressure on the grid and rewarding off-peak consumption with lower prices.
One of the most well-known time-based tariffs in the UK is the Economy 7 plan. With this setup, users benefit from seven hours of reduced electricity rates at night, usually scheduled between midnight and 7am or 11pm to 6am.
Economy 7 tariff prices are lower during night-time hours, but daytime rates tend to be higher than on standard single-rate tariffs. If you’re considering switching, it’s important to calculate how much of your usage can be shifted to those cheaper hours.
To decide if Economy 7 suits your lifestyle, think about your habits. Do you run your washing machine or charge your electric car overnight? Then you might benefit. It's worth performing an economy 7 rates comparison with your current plan to see potential savings.
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In the UK, electricity is typically cheapest during off-peak hours, often between 11pm and 8am depending on the supplier. Time-of-use tariffs like Economy 7 offer lower rates during these hours for small households that use more energy at night.
Before making the switch, consider the benefits and drawbacks of night rates:
If you’re on or considering an Economy 7 plan, here’s how to make the most of it:
Switching makes the most sense for households that can shift a significant portion of electricity usage into the off-peak window. A good rule of thumb is that at least 40% of your energy should be used during off-peak hours for the tariff to be cost-effective.
So, is electric cheaper at night? For many UK new homes — yes, but only if you can change your usage habits and choose the right tariff. Comparing Economy 7 rates and understanding the pros and cons of off-peak plans is the first step toward smarter energy savings.
Ready to explore your options? Use a trusted energy comparison site to compare Economy 7 rates and see if switching could save you money. It might just be the easiest way to cut your energy bill overnight — literally!
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