Understanding off-peak electricity times.
Could you pay less for your electricity simply by changing when you use it? Many of us pay a flat rate for our energy, but there's a smarter way to manage your bills which is where off-peak electricity comes in. It's all about making your electricity work harder for you, especially during specific, cheaper hours.
We're here to help you understand how off-peak electricity works, how it can benefit your home, and how our innovative tariffs are designed to put you in control of your energy use and costs.
What is off-peak electricity?
Off-peak electricity is when you pay a different amount for your electricity depending on the time of day. For example, you might pay 20p for every unit of electricity you use during the day and 10p during the night. The idea is simple: off-peak electricity will be cheaper, so it makes sense to use energy during these times if you can. This is often when demand on the national grid is lower, making it the cheapest time to use electricity.
Most customers only have a single rate for their electricity, meaning they pay the same for each unit of electricity they use, regardless of the time. However, if you have an Economy 7 meter, Economy 10 meter, or a different type of meter with multiple reading screens and are on a corresponding tariff, you could be benefiting from off-peak electricity. Smart meters are essential for modern off-peak tariffs, often called time of use tariffs, as they accurately track your energy use throughout the day. This precise tracking means you can truly make the most of off-peak electricity times across the UK.
You'll know if you have an Economy 7 meter because your electricity bill will show two separate sets of meter readings, as well as different unit rates for day and night. Look closely at your bill for phrases like "day rate" and "night rate" or "peak" and "off-peak."
Do I need to pay two rates for my electricity?
This depends on when and how you use your energy. While the off-peak rate is generally lower than a single rate tariff, the day rate on a multi-rate tariff is usually more expensive. This is why understanding your habits is important. Is electricity cheaper at night? Yes, usually, but you need to weigh this against the daytime cost.
Off-peak electricity and Economy 7 meters are particularly helpful if you use at least 30% of your electricity at night, on things like storage heaters, electric vehicle charging, or running large appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. If you don’t find yourself using that much energy during those specific off-peak electricity times, then you'd probably be better off with a single rate tariff. If you have a smart meter, you can use your energy usage data to see if you're consistently using more energy at night than during the day, helping you decide if an off-peak tariff is right for you. Your smart meter provides valuable insights into your household's unique off-peak electricity consumption.
Is off-peak electricity right for my lifestyle?
Thinking about moving to an off-peak tariff? Consider your daily routine. Do you work from home and use a lot of electricity during the day? Or are you out during the day and tend to run appliances in the evenings or overnight?
Off-peak tariffs are particularly good if you can:
Charge an electric vehicle overnight.
Run storage heaters during the night to warm your home for the next day.
Use your washing machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher on a timer during off-peak hours.
Have a hot water cylinder that can be heated overnight.
If these scenarios sound like your household, exploring off-peak electricity times in the UK could lead to significant savings.
Potential benefits of off-peak electricity.
Using electricity during off-peak times offers many advantages, going beyond just saving money.
Reduced energy bills.
The most direct benefit is the potential for savings on your electricity bills if you can move a your usage to cheaper off-peak electricity times. This is especially good for households that use a lot of electricity overnight, such as those with storage heaters or electric vehicles. By aligning your heavy energy use with when electricity is cheaper at night, you directly reduce your outgoings. This means more money in your pocket each month.
Environmental impact and grid stability.
By shifting demand to off-peak periods, you can contribute to a more efficient and sustainable energy system by reducing peak demand stress on the national grid, which can sometimes reduce the need for less efficient or carbon-intensive power sources to be brought online.
Greater control and awareness of your energy use.
Moving to an off-peak tariff often means you become more aware of when you're using energy. This increased awareness can lead to smarter habits, as you actively look for chances to shift consumption to cheaper off-peak hours. With a smart meter, you get real-time insights into your energy use, empowering you to make informed decisions and truly take control of your energy spending. This isn't just about saving money; it's about becoming an active participant in managing your home's energy footprint.
Explore our off-peak and time of use tariffs.
We offer a range of tariffs designed to help you make the most of off-peak electricity, allowing you to take control of your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. These tariffs are specifically built for modern lifestyles and the evolving energy landscape, making it easier than ever to benefit from off-peak electricity times in the UK.
Check out our smart tariffsDo I need an Economy 7 meter to get off-peak electricity?
You'll need a meter which can do more than one rate, such as an Economy 7 meter, to benefit from traditional off-peak electricity times. This will allow your electricity supply to switch between the two rates. However, it's important to note that modern time of use tariffs, including those for electric vehicles or heat pumps, almost always require a smart meter for accurate tracking and billing. These smart meters are more advanced and can handle more complex rate structures than older Economy 7 meters, offering greater flexibility in accessing off-peak electricity.
When are my off-peak electricity times?
The exact off-peak electricity times vary depending on your meter type and your specific tariff. However, for traditional Economy 7, it's normally a 7-hour window between 11 pm and 8 am, for example 11 pm to 6 am. Specific tariffs such as our Next Drive and Next Pumped have their own defined off-peak times that can vary slightly to best suit the needs of EV charging or heat pump operation. Knowing exactly when electricity is cheaper at night is key to making the most of your savings.
If you’re not sure when your off-peak rate starts, the best thing to do is to get in touch with your energy supplier. They can provide you with the precise schedule for your meter and tariff. This information is also usually detailed on your energy bill.
Can I switch to a single rate with an Economy 7 meter?
Yes, if you no longer want to have more than one rate for your meter, you can switch to a single rate tariff. This is helpful if you’ve changed when you’re using your electricity and an off-peak tariff no longer suits your consumption patterns. Your household habits change over time, and your energy tariff should be able to adapt with you.
If you’re on a fixed tariff, you may have to wait until the end of your term to switch without incurring exit fees. However, if you’re on a variable tariff, you may be able to switch straight away. Always check your contract terms or speak to your supplier for clarity.
Will my smart meter work with off-peak rates?
Yes, absolutely! Your smart meter will be able to handle multiple rates, which is essential for modern time of use tariffs like Next Drive, Next Pumped, and Next Smart Saver. Smart meters provide crucial information for off-peak electricity because they automatically record your energy consumption at different times of the day, sending this data directly to us. This means you don't have to manually submit readings for peak and off-peak periods, making the process smooth and accurate.
If you choose for your smart meter to send half-hourly data then you’ll get the most accurate usage between your peak and off-peak electricity times. This detailed data helps you pinpoint exactly when you're using energy, allowing for even better use of your energy during cheaper periods. You can switch to half-hourly data through your online account, giving you an excellent view of your energy consumption and helping you discover the cheapest time to use electricity for your specific needs.
Can you get off-peak gas?
No, energy suppliers can only do peak and off-peak rates for electricity. You’ll always be charged a single rate for your gas supply, regardless of the time of day or night. This is because gas supply and demand work differently to electricity.
Explore all smart and time of use tariffs
Understanding and using time of use tariffs is key to making the most of your savings with off-peak electricity. These tariffs offer different rates for electricity based on the time of day, encouraging you to use energy when demand is lower and prices are cheaper. They're designed to help you be more efficient and save money by making the most of off-peak electricity times across the UK.
For a comprehensive overview of all our smart and time of use tariffs, designed to help you make the most of off-peak electricity times, visit our dedicated smart time of use tariffs page.