Next Smart Saver: the tariff that could help you save on your energy bills.

The energy landscape has shifted. Collectively, we’re looking for smarter ways to manage energy costs, which no longer solely depends on paying a flat rate each day. This is where our Next Smart Saver tariff comes in.

You may have heard the buzz around smart tariffs, but perhaps you’re wondering if they’re worth it? We’re here to go over the facts and explore how matching your routine to the grid’s rhythm could unlock cheaper electricity.1

Explaining our Next Smart Saver tariff.

Next Smart Saver is an electricity tariff designed for households that like a little flexibility. With ‘time of use’ (TOU) energy tariffs like this one, the cost of electricity changes depending on when you use it, instead of one flat price throughout the day.

This all ties back to the national grid capacity. We're able to give you cheaper rates during ‘off-peak’ times. There’s also more renewable energy available in the grid during ‘off-peak’ and ‘super off-peak’ times, so it benefits more than just your pocket.

Think of TOU tariffs like booking a holiday. If you travel at ‘off-peak’ times, you’ll find a bargain, but expect higher prices at popular times. If you’re willing to push chores like the ‘big wash’ day to ‘off-peak’ or ‘super off-peaks’ times, you could see the benefits in your next energy statement.

Key features of Next Smart Saver.

With Next Smart Saver, you’ll get:

• Lower prices at ‘off-peak’ and ‘super off-peak’ times.

• A monthly Direct Debit payment option.

• Online account management.

• No exit fees.

‘No exit fees’ means if you don't like it – no problem! You can switch back to a standard variable tariff (SVT) or a regular fixed tariff at any time without a fee.

How is Next Smart Saver different from a Standard Variable tariff?

There are a couple of requirements before you get started. You’ll need to have a working smart meter, or be up for having one installed. You’ll also need to agree to us collecting data from your smart meter every half hour.

There are a few differences between TOU (aka, Next Smart Saver) and standard variable tariffs. Let’s take a look:

Standard variable tariff.

The main difference with a SVT is that it’s linked to the energy price cap set by the UK regulator, Ofgem. The price cap was set up by the government in 2019 to protect customers on energy tariffs with a standard variable rate. It’s updated every three months, meaning the price you pay per unit of energy can change four times a year.

Next Smart Saver tariff.

On the Next Smart Saver, electricity isn't one flat price. Instead, it varies depending on the time of day (from ‘peak’ to ‘super off-peak’), which we’ll explore in more detail next.

How to save: navigating ‘off-peak’ and ‘super off-peak’ hours.

So, how does our Next Smart Saver tariff actually help save you money? Well, it all comes down to the three zones of the day. To make it work, you just need to watch the clock.

‘Off-peak’ (5am - 4pm and 7pm - 2am).

This covers 16 hours of the day. During these times, your electricity unit rate is discounted compared to the standard variable tariff. It’s ideal for when you’re working from home, cooking lunch, or relaxing in front of the TV later in the evening.

‘Super off-peak’ (2am – 5am).

This is the main window for making savings. ‘Super off-peak’ offers the lowest rates on the tariff. So, delay timers to run your washing machine and dishwasher and charge your EV all while you sleep. H3: ‘Peak’ (4pm – 7pm).

‘Peak’ is like rush hour on the roads – it’s when grid demand is highest. Rates in this three hour window are significantly higher. To help save you money, avoid running heavy appliances like tumble dryers, EV chargers, and electric ovens during this window.

Don’t worry, we'll get in touch regularly to let you know how you're doing on the tariff, including a breakdown of your usage in each time zone. We’ll also give you tips to help you to shift your energy use if needed.

What are the benefits of choosing the Next Smart Saver?

Why should you consider making the switch? It’s about more than just pennies – it’s about giving you control of your energy choices.

Your could unlock cheaper electricity.

With this tariff, you have two cheaper ‘off-peak’ periods of electricity a day, plus a ‘super off-peak’, and a ‘peak’ period. So you could clock up smart savings by running your larger appliances during ‘off-peak’ times.

Get better bill control.

You can take control of your energy costs by shifting your electricity use away from the ‘peak’ times to fit around your lifestyle. Whether that’s popping a wash on in the evening or charging your devices overnight.

Work towards sustainability.

You’ll be helping the UK reach net zero by reducing reliance on gas powered electricity. It also comes with a one-off donation to the Woodland Trust, helping to restore the UK's ancient woodland.2

The smart meter connection.

The clue is in the name. To access the Next Smart Saver, you will need to have a working smart meter. The reason? It’s so we can take ‘half-hourly’ readings.

Old style analogue meters aren’t able to take time into account. meaning they can’t tell if you used electricity at 3am (when it’s cheap) or 5pm (when it’s pricey). A smart meter tracks usage every 30 minutes, ensuring you get every penny of discount you’ve earned by shifting your habits.

If you don’t have a smart meter yet, it’s not a problem. We can usually install one at no extra cost when you switch. It’s a quick upgrade that helps you see exactly what you are spending. Book a smart meter appointment.

Simple payment methods and take control with the app.

To unlock these competitive rates, you’ll need to pay by fixed monthly Direct Debit and manage your account online. By opting for paperless billing and using the E.ON Next app, you gain visibility over your energy.

You can track your energy use trends in real-time, check your latest bills, and see exactly where your money goes.

It puts the control firmly in your hands. Plus, you can use the app to manage both your home and business energy accounts.

Exploring real world savings with Next Smart Saver.

Savings with Next Smart Saver really depend on your energy habits. Let's compare two households.

The ‘smart-shifters’ couple.

They use this time of use tariff to their advantage. For a start, they use timers to run the dishwasher, washing machine, and tumble dryer at 3am (the ‘super off-peak’ window).

Plus, they cook using the microwave or a slow cooker, using cheaper day rates.

The result: By using ‘super off-peak’ hours and avoiding ‘peak’, they’re using electricity at a lower price.

The ‘Peak-heavy’ family.

They get home at 4pm most days, crank up the electric oven and run the washing machine at the same time. Then, they use the tumble dryer when the dishwasher is on.

They perform all of these high energy chores during the expensive 4pm - 7pm ‘peak’ window.

The result: Unless they shift their energy use to after 7pm, they could actually end up paying more than on a standard plan. On a TOU tariff, it’s important to take advantage of those off-peak windows to make new energy work for you.

Learn more about whether a time of use tariff is right for your needs.

Ready to switch to Next Smart Saver?

If you’ve decided that you’re ready to switch, you won’t need to spend hours on the phone to get a quote. Just have a recent bill or your annual energy use handy to ensure your quote is accurate.

We’ll handle the switch, contact your old supplier (if you’re leaving them), and get everything set up!

See prices

• 1. Next Smart Saver, a fixed term tariff that offers off-peak electricity rates (5am-4pm, 7pm-2am) 20% cheaper than E.ON Next standard variable tariff, and super off-peak rates (2-5am) 7 days a week. T&Cs apply.
• 2. E.ON Next Energy Limited will donate a minimum of £500,000 to the Woodland Trust, over three years of partnership, in order to support the restoration of ancient woodlands. The Woodland Trust is a company limited by guarantee (Company Number: 1982873) and a registered charity (Charity Number England and Wales: No. 294344, Scotland No. SC038885) whose registered office is at Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL.