Compare Economy 7 Tariffs quotes (UK)

Smarter night-time energy for lower bills

Economy 7 can cut costs if you shift usage into seven off-peak hours. We explain how it works, the 40% rule of thumb, supplier differences, and when a single-rate deal is better. Use this guide to choose with confidence.

The right tariff hinges on when you use power, not just price per kWh.

Is this you?

Economy 7 tends to suit households that can move a meaningful share of usage overnight - think storage heaters, immersion heaters, dishwashers on timers, or electric vehicle charging. If your home is busy during the day or you work from home with high daytime consumption, the higher day rate may outweigh any night-time savings.

The essentials, clearly explained

Economy 7 basics

• Seven cheaper night hours, typically sometime between 10:30pm and 8:30am.
• Requires a dual-rate or smart meter to track day and night separately.
• Night rate is lower than standard tariffs; day rate is usually higher.

Key terminology

• Off-peak window - the set seven hours when cheaper rates apply. Times vary by region and supplier.
• Dual-rate meter - records consumption in two registers: day and night.
• Smart meter - automatically switches rates and sends accurate readings.
• Single-rate tariff - one price per kWh at all times.

What determines value

• Usage split - the share of power used at night vs day. Around 40% or more at night is the common threshold for savings.
• Supplier pricing - night rates often around 7p to 12p per kWh; day rates often around 25p to 30p per kWh. Exact prices vary and change.
• Flexibility - fixed off-peak windows may not align with your routine.

Bold but simple rule: if you cannot push enough usage into the night window, a single-rate deal may be cheaper overall.

Your choices at a glance

Below is an illustrative comparison. Check live quotes before deciding.

Notes

• Times for off-peak access differ by region. Confirm your exact hours.
• The energy price cap limits average unit costs overall, not each time band specifically. Suppliers can set different day and night rates within the cap rules.
• If you already have storage heaters or an EV, an Economy 7 plan can materially cut costs by shifting load.

Pounds and pence - impact, returns, and risks

Potential savings

• If at least 40% of your electricity is used at night, savings can be significant versus a single-rate plan.
• Households with storage heating or EV charging often exceed this threshold.

What can go wrong

• High daytime usage can erase all night-time gains because the day rate is materially higher than single-rate tariffs.
• Off-peak hours may not match your schedule, leading to unplanned day-time consumption.

Price cap context

• The price cap applies to typical overall use, not to the individual day or night rate. Suppliers have latitude to set each band, so comparisons remain essential.

Bottom line

• Model your usage. A small shift in the day-night split can flip the outcome from saving to overspend.

Who qualifies and what you need

• Metering - you need a dual-rate or smart meter. Smart meters make switching between rates automatic and billing accurate.
• Property type - Economy 7 is common in homes with electric heating, immersion tanks, or EV chargers.
• Behavioural fit - you should be comfortable scheduling appliances for the night window and limiting peak-day usage where possible.
• Tenancy or ownership - renters may need landlord permission to change meters or tariffs.

Eligibility test - quick self-check

• Can you run laundry, dishwashers, or water heating overnight safely?
• Do you have storage heaters or an EV you can charge off-peak?
• Can you keep daytime consumption relatively modest?

If you answer yes to most, Economy 7 is worth a quote.

Set-up guide - practical steps

1. Check your current meter type and readings.
2. Find your regional off-peak window hours.
3. Analyse last 12 months of usage patterns.
4. Estimate your night share versus daytime use.
5. Compare live Economy 7 quotes side by side.
6. Model bills using your actual usage split.
7. Confirm meter exchange or smart setup if needed.
8. Schedule appliances and EV charging for off-peak.

Trade-offs to weigh

Pros

• Lower unit rates for seven night hours.
• Works well for EV charging and storage heating.
• Encourages energy-efficient, load-shifting habits.

Cons

• Higher day rates can offset savings quickly.
• Fixed off-peak window may be restrictive.
• Requires compatible metering and some lifestyle adjustments.

Considerations

• Safety first - only run appliances at night if manufacturer guidance permits and with suitable precautions.
• Regional variations in off-peak times can affect suitability.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Assuming the price cap makes all Economy 7 deals equal - it does not. Always compare the specific day and night rates.
• Overestimating your night usage - track it. A realistic 30% night share might not be enough to save.
• Ignoring standing charges - factor them into total cost.

Tip: Build a simple spreadsheet using your last bills to test different splits, such as 30%, 40%, and 50% night usage.

If Economy 7 is not a fit

• Single-rate tariffs - one unit price all day. Better for high daytime users.
• Economy 10 - ten off-peak hours across day and night for more flexibility, where available.
• Time-of-use smart tariffs - dynamic rates that reward shifting load to cheaper periods.

A quick comparison of alternatives may reveal similar or better value without strict overnight reliance.

FAQs

Q: What hours count as off-peak on Economy 7? A: It varies by supplier and region, typically seven hours between late evening and early morning. Check your meter label or supplier confirmation.

Q: Do I need a smart meter for Economy 7? A: Not always. A traditional dual-rate meter works, but smart meters simplify switching and ensure accurate billing and automatic readings.

Q: What is the 40% rule? A: If at least 40% of your electricity is used at night, Economy 7 is often cheaper. Below that, a single-rate tariff may cost less overall.

Q: How does the price cap affect Economy 7? A: The cap controls average costs for typical use, not each time band. Suppliers can set day and night rates as they wish within cap constraints.

Q: Is Economy 7 good for EV owners? A: Yes. Charging overnight at lower rates can materially reduce running costs, provided daytime usage stays modest.

Q: Can I switch back if it does not suit me? A: Usually yes, but meter changes can take time. Check any exit fees or installation charges before switching.

What to do now

• Gather your last 12 months of usage and estimate your night share.
• Compare live Economy 7 quotes alongside single-rate options using trusted tools like UKPower.
• If the maths works, arrange a smart meter and set timers for off-peak appliances.

Strong hint: revisit your usage after one month to confirm you hit your target night share.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and is not personalised advice. Prices change frequently. Always verify rates, off-peak hours, standing charges, exit fees, and meter requirements with your chosen supplier before switching.