Economy 7 Tariffs discounts, perks & promo tips

Get cheaper night rates without nasty daytime surprises

Why Economy 7 deserves a closer look

Economy 7 offers lower electricity prices for seven night-time hours, typically around 00:30 to 07:30 UTC. If you can shift meaningful usage into those hours, it can reduce bills. If you cannot, higher day rates may erase any gain. The trick is matching the tariff to your lifestyle and meter.

Key point: Cheap nights only pay if your days are controlled.

Who benefits most - and who should pause

Households with electric storage heaters, hot water cylinders, or regular EV charging are best placed to benefit. Night cycles charge up when power is cheaper, then release energy during the day. If you are at home using major appliances mostly in daylight, you may find standard single-rate tariffs more predictable. Renters with limited control over meters or heaters should check meter type and lease constraints before switching.

Terms to know before you compare

• Economy 7: A dual-rate electricity tariff with seven cheaper off-peak hours overnight and a higher daytime rate.
• Off-peak window: Often set near 00:30 to 07:30 UTC. Windows vary by supplier, meter, and region.
• Day rate vs night rate: You pay different unit prices by time of day. Day is usually higher than a standard tariff, night is lower.
• Dual-rate meter: Records day and night consumption separately. A smart meter can handle this too.
• Ofgem price cap: Limits the overall cost for a typical user on default tariffs. Suppliers can vary day and night unit rates as long as the total compliant bill remains under the cap.
• Storage heaters: Charge overnight using cheaper electricity and release heat through the day.
• Load shifting: Moving energy-hungry tasks to cheaper hours, like laundry, dishwashers, immersion heating, and EV charging.

Why these matter

• Tariff viability depends on how much you can shift. If most of your usage is daytime, the higher day rate can offset savings.
• Smart meters simplify switching and provide half-hourly reads, improving billing accuracy for dual-rate plans.
• The price cap shapes overall costs but does not fix your exact day-night split, so supplier comparison remains essential.

Picking the right route

Compare the main choices

Supplier variation still matters

Under the price cap, suppliers set different day-night unit prices and standing charges. The mix can change the breakeven point for your household. Always compare based on your actual split of day versus night usage.

Pounds and pence - what to expect

• Savings potential: If you push a substantial share of usage overnight, typical annual savings could be up to around £45 compared with a like-for-like default, though outcomes vary by usage and supplier.
• Daytime penalty: Expect a higher day unit rate than on single-rate plans. If your mornings and evenings are heavy-use periods outside the off-peak window, costs can rise.
• Price cap reality: The Ofgem cap restrains total default tariff costs, but the internal day-night prices and standing charges are not identical across suppliers.
• Risk factors: Changing routines, guests, or working from home can push usage into peak hours. Winter heating patterns matter more for all-electric homes.

If you cannot reach a meaningful night-time share, Economy 7 can become more expensive than a single-rate.

Can you get it - and what you need

• Meter requirements: You need a dual-rate meter or a smart meter configured for multi-rate. Without it, billing cannot separate day and night units.
• Property suitability: Homes with storage heating or hot water cylinders on timers gain more. Gas-heated homes with light electric use often see limited benefit.
• Regional factors: Off-peak windows and network profiles vary slightly by region and meter settings.
• Tenancies: Seek consent for meter exchanges. Landlords may prefer standard meters, so discuss before committing.

Quick self-check

• Do you have or want a smart meter set to dual-rate?
• Can you run laundry, dishwashers, immersion heating, and EV charging at night?
• Are you comfortable scheduling appliances and using timers reliably?

How to switch in seven sensible steps

1. Download smart meter data or read recent bills.
2. Estimate your day versus night usage split.
3. Compare suppliers by unit rates and standing charges.
4. Confirm off-peak window for your meter and region.
5. Arrange smart or dual-rate meter configuration with supplier.
6. Set appliance timers and EV schedules to off-peak.
7. Track the first three bills and adjust usage.

The case for and against

Advantages

• Lower unit prices for seven hours at night
• Works well with storage heaters and EVs
• Encourages energy efficiency and better scheduling

Drawbacks

• Higher daytime unit rates can offset savings
• Requires meter capability and disciplined routines
• Off-peak windows vary, complicating planning

The win comes from consistency - small nightly habits add up.

Red flags before you sign

• Misaligned lifestyle: If you are mostly home and active during the day, savings are unlikely.
• Hidden costs: Standing charges and day rates differ widely. Look beyond headline night prices.
• Meter constraints: Not all smart meters are enabled for dual-rate without reconfiguration.
• Winter reality: Longer dark hours can shift more heating and lighting to peak times if storage settings are wrong.

If Economy 7 is not a match

• Economy 10: More off-peak hours in split blocks - helpful if some daytime flexibility exists.
• Single-rate fixed tariffs: Stable pricing and simpler budgeting if you cannot shift usage.
• Time-of-use EV tariffs: Some suppliers offer ultra-cheap short night windows suited to drivers.
• Energy efficiency upgrades: Insulation, LED lighting, smart thermostats and better appliance scheduling reduce total consumption regardless of tariff.

Common questions, clear answers

• Will the price cap protect me from bill spikes? It limits typical default tariff costs overall, but day-night rates and standing charges still vary by supplier.
• Do I need a new meter? You need a dual-rate setup. A smart meter can be configured for Economy 7, or a dual-register meter can be installed.
• What if my off-peak window differs? Windows vary by meter, supplier, and region. Always confirm the exact hours before switching and set timers accordingly.
• How much usage should be overnight to win? As a rule of thumb, the more the better. If you can shift a meaningful fraction of heavy tasks, savings become more likely.
• Is it good for gas-heated homes? Benefits are smaller. Without electric heating or an EV, there may be limited night usage to shift.
• Can I change back if it disappoints? Yes, but meter changes and billing cycles can take time. Keep records and check exit terms.

Make the most of the night hours

Schedule high-draw appliances to run after the off-peak window starts. Use smart plugs or built-in timers and charge EVs overnight. Review your first few statements to ensure the day-night split is working in your favour. If not, compare suppliers again - rate mixes change.

Quick optimisation checklist

• Timer set for immersion heater and storage heaters
• Laundry and dishwasher queued after off-peak starts
• EV charge limit and schedule enabled
• Smart meter in-home display monitored monthly

Important information

This article provides general guidance only. Supplier pricing, off-peak windows, and eligibility vary. Ofgem’s price cap may change. Always check your meter capability, contract terms, and personal usage before switching. If unsure, seek personalised advice.