Documents you need for Economy 7 Tariffs (UK)

What to gather before you apply

A clear set of documents speeds up Economy 7 sign-up and avoids billing mistakes. This guide outlines exactly what suppliers ask for, why they need it, and how to avoid common pitfalls as Great Britain moves to smart, time-of-use metering.

Who benefits from this checklist

Households that run high overnight usage - for example storage heaters, immersion heaters, EV charging, or large appliances. Renters and homeowners preparing to switch supplier, verify off-peak times, or upgrade RTS meters. Solar households planning to use the Smart Export Guarantee alongside Economy 7 will also find this essential.

Key terms made simple

• Economy 7: A two-rate electricity tariff with cheaper off-peak hours, typically a 7-hour window overnight. Actual times vary by supplier and region.
• Two-rate meter: Records day and night consumption separately. Can be a traditional Economy 7 meter or a compatible smart meter configured for two rates.
• Smart meter compatibility: Not all smart meters are set for Economy 7 by default. You must confirm your device supports two-rate billing and is correctly configured.
• RTS (Radio Teleswitch): Legacy technology used to control off-peak periods for some meters and heating systems. The network is being switched off by 30 June 2025, so affected meters require upgrading.
• Time-of-use tariffs: Newer smart tariffs with varying prices across the day. Economy 7 is a simple version of time-of-use pricing.
• MPAN: Your electricity supply number found on bills. It identifies your supply point and helps confirm eligibility and meter setup.
• SEG (Smart Export Guarantee): Payments for exporting surplus electricity to the grid. Requires a smart or export meter capable of half-hourly readings.

Using the correct meter is the foundation of accurate billing and real savings.

Your document checklist - what and why

Tip: Take date-stamped photos of your meter registers before any switch or upgrade.

Picking the right path

Option 1 - Stay on Economy 7 with existing two-rate meter

• Suitable if your meter is already two-rate and correctly configured.
• Check your off-peak window and move heavy usage overnight.
• Ensure the meter is not RTS-controlled, or schedule an upgrade before 30 June 2025.

Option 2 - Upgrade to a smart meter configured for Economy 7

• Smart meters can support two-rate billing when set correctly.
• Confirm with your supplier that Economy 7 will be enabled on install.
• Benefits include automatic readings and simpler switching later in 2025.

Option 3 - Consider flexible time-of-use instead of Economy 7

• Some suppliers offer multi-period tariffs with deeper off-peak savings.
• Works best if you can automate usage or have EV charging.
• Note that Economy 7 is expected to be phased out by 2030.

Costs, impact, and what to expect

• Installation costs: Standard smart meter upgrades are typically free from your supplier. Arrange early if you have RTS equipment to avoid service disruption.
• Tariff impact: Off-peak rates are cheaper, day rates higher. Savings depend on shifting at least 30-40% of use into your off-peak window.
• Switching risks: Some suppliers may not support your current smart functions. Confirm Economy 7 compatibility before switching to avoid losing off-peak pricing.
• Future changes: With a national smart rollout targeting end-2025 and a likely Economy 7 phase-out by 2030, expect migration to newer time-of-use tariffs.

If your usage does not align with your off-peak window, a single-rate tariff may be cheaper in real terms.

Who is eligible and when

• Meter requirement: You must have a two-rate meter or a compatible smart meter configured for Economy 7. Without this, billing will be inaccurate.
• RTS meters: If you rely on Radio Teleswitch control, your meter must be upgraded by 30 June 2025 to maintain off-peak functionality and tariff eligibility.
• Regional time windows: Off-peak hours vary by supplier and location. Confirm exact times before signing to avoid unexpected charges.
• Property factors: EPCs across Great Britain now note smart meter presence, helping assess readiness for smart tariffs. New homes in England are expected to be built smart meter ready from 2025 guidance.
• Solar and export: For SEG payments, you need a smart or export meter capable of half-hourly readings. This can sit alongside Economy 7 if configured properly.

Step-by-step - from documents to live tariff

1. Check your current meter type and take clear photos.
2. Gather ID, address proof, MPAN, and latest bill.
3. Confirm off-peak hours and note storage heater timers.
4. Ask supplier to verify Economy 7 compatibility.
5. Schedule smart or RTS upgrade if required.
6. Submit documents and agree the tariff terms.
7. Record opening reads and confirm day-night labels.
8. Review first bill and correct any misallocation quickly.

Weighing it up - pros and cons

• Pros: Lower night rates, potential big savings for storage heating and EVs, automatic readings with smart meters, improved switching process as rollout completes.
• Cons: Higher day rates, variable off-peak hours by region, switching may temporarily limit smart features, RTS users must upgrade by June 2025, Economy 7 likely to phase out by 2030.
• Considerations: Your lifestyle and appliance timers must align with off-peak windows. Exporting solar and charging EVs can enhance savings if scheduled overnight.

Red flags and common pitfalls

• Assuming any smart meter supports Economy 7 - it must be configured specifically for two-rate billing.
• Missing the RTS deadline - risking loss of heating controls or off-peak eligibility.
• Not checking local off-peak hours - one-size-fits-all midnight to 7am does not always apply.
• Switching supplier without confirming support - could lose your night rate and pay more.
• Skipping meter photos - harder to fix day-night misreads later.

Alternatives worth exploring

• Single-rate fixed or variable tariffs if you cannot shift enough usage overnight.
• Time-of-use smart tariffs with deeper overnight discounts, especially for EV charging.
• Energy efficiency upgrades flagged by your EPC to reduce overall consumption.
• Load shifting tools - smart plugs, EV charge scheduling, immersion timers.

Quick answers to frequent questions

• Do I need a special meter for Economy 7? Yes - either a traditional two-rate meter or a compatible smart meter set for Economy 7.
• Will my off-peak hours be the same everywhere? No - times vary by supplier and region. Always confirm your window.
• Can I switch suppliers with a smart meter? Yes, but some smart features or Economy 7 settings may not carry over. Check before switching.
• What if I have an RTS meter? You need an upgrade by 30 June 2025 to avoid service disruption and to keep off-peak rates.
• Does an EPC affect my tariff? EPCs now note smart meter presence and give advice. It helps with readiness but does not set your tariff.
• How does solar fit with Economy 7? For SEG export payments you need a smart or half-hourly export meter. Overnight charging and daytime solar can complement each other.
• Is Economy 7 ending? Industry updates indicate phase-out by 2030. Expect a move to flexible time-of-use tariffs.

Make your next move

• Gather the documents in the checklist and photograph your meter today.
• Call your supplier to confirm Economy 7 compatibility, off-peak times, and any RTS upgrade needs.
• If you have solar or plan an EV, discuss time-of-use options that could outperform Economy 7.

A 10-minute call can prevent a year of incorrect bills.

Important notice

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute advice. Tariffs, eligibility, and meter compatibility vary by supplier and region across Great Britain. Always verify details with your energy provider before switching or upgrading.