Economy 7 Tariffs reviews & ratings what customers say

What UK households really think about Economy 7

A quick scene-setter

Economy 7 splits your electricity price into two windows - a cheaper night rate and a higher day rate. Used well, it trims bills. Used poorly, it raises them. We review real-world outcomes, explain the mechanics, and help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Your tariff should match your habits, not the other way round.

Who benefits most

If you can shift meaningful usage overnight - think storage heaters, hot water tanks, or charging an electric vehicle - Economy 7 can work. If you are home all day or run high-use appliances during daylight, you may pay more than on a single-rate plan.

The essentials, explained clearly

What Economy 7 actually is

Economy 7 tariffs provide cheaper electricity for roughly seven off-peak hours, typically around 00:30 to 07:30. Suppliers set exact times and rates, and daytime prices are usually higher than on standard single-rate tariffs. Households that push at least 40% of their electricity into off-peak hours can secure modest annual savings. Those with storage heaters or EVs are often best placed to benefit.

Why your usage split matters

Your savings depend on your night-to-day split. Use more at night and you pay less per kWh for that chunk. Use too much in the day and the higher day rate erodes any gains. Smart meters help by tracking your pattern and removing manual readings.

The regulatory backdrop

Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap limits overall costs but does not set the exact day or night unit rates. Suppliers can vary these, so two Economy 7 deals can look similar yet deliver different outcomes once your usage is applied.

What customers report in practice

• Positive when at least 40% of usage is off-peak
• Big wins for homes with storage heaters and EVs
• Frustrations with higher day rates for daytime-heavy users
• Mixed reviews about complexity until smart meters are installed

Table - usage patterns vs outcomes:

Short takeaway: shifting more usage at night improves your odds of saving.

Prices, trade-offs and likely returns

• Potential savings: around £33 a year at 40% night usage, rising to roughly £244 at 70% night usage.
• Risk of higher bills if you cannot reach at least 40% at night.
• Day rates are higher than standard. Occasional daytime spikes in use can wipe out gains.
• The price cap shapes overall levels but suppliers still set the day-night split, so shopping around matters.

Quote from the field:

The best results come from consistent routines - automated charging and heating overnight reduce the guesswork.

Who is a good fit

• Strong fit: households with storage heaters, immersion heaters, hot water cylinders, or EVs that can charge overnight.
• Possible fit: shift workers or households that can reliably run washing machines, dishwashers, and water heating at night.
• Poor fit: work-from-home households with high daytime usage, or anyone unable to automate overnight consumption.

Eligibility is flexible - most suppliers offer Economy 7 where a compatible meter is installed. Smart meters make management easier but are not strictly required to start.

How to get up and running

1. Check your meter supports dual-rate billing.
2. Request quotes for Economy 7 and single-rate.
3. Estimate your night usage share over a typical week.
4. Compare unit rates, standing charges and timings.
5. Install or activate a smart meter if offered.
6. Schedule EV charging and hot water overnight.
7. Shift laundry and dishwashing to off-peak windows.
8. Track results monthly and switch if savings fade.

Pros and cons at a glance

• Pros:

  • Cheaper night rate for scheduled appliances
  • Potential savings from around £33 to about £244
  • Encourages energy-efficient behaviour and automation
  • Smart meters simplify tracking and billing

• Cons:

  • Higher day rate can negate savings
  • Savings depend on consistent habits and timing
  • Tariff complexity vs simple single-rate plans
  • Supplier day-night rates vary under the price cap

Pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Underestimating daytime usage - run a usage diary for a week before switching.
• Ignoring appliance timing - use timers or smart plugs to move loads.
• Not checking the exact night window - suppliers differ slightly.
• Failing to review - revisit your plan every six months or after lifestyle changes.

Pro tip: automate everything you can. Consistency is the difference between savings and overspend.

Alternatives worth a look

• Single-rate tariffs - better for daytime-heavy households that cannot shift load.
• Time-of-use smart tariffs - more granular than Economy 7, sometimes with ultra-cheap EV windows.
• Energy efficiency upgrades - insulation, smart heating controls, LED lighting to cut total kWh regardless of tariff.

Comparison snapshot:

FAQs

• What hours count as off-peak on Economy 7?

  • Typically around 00:30 to 07:30. Your supplier confirms exact times, which can vary slightly by region and meter.

• How much can I actually save?

  • Around £33 a year at 40% night usage, rising up to roughly £244 at 70%. Below 40%, you may pay more than a standard tariff.

• Do I need a smart meter?

  • Not strictly, but smart meters automate readings and show day-night splits, making it easier to manage and verify savings.

• Does the price cap fix day and night rates?

  • No. Ofgem’s cap limits overall costs, but suppliers set day and night unit rates. This is why comparing deals matters.

• Is Economy 7 good for EV owners?

  • Yes, if you can schedule charging overnight. Paired with timers, EV charging can be the backbone of your off-peak usage.

• What if I work from home?

  • High daytime usage often suits a single-rate plan. Run the numbers based on your daytime profile before switching.

What to do next

• Check your current day-night split using a smart meter or a one-week diary.
• Compare several Economy 7 quotes against a single-rate plan.
• Set up overnight schedules for EV charging, hot water, washing and dishwashing.
• Review after one month. If savings are thin, switch back without delay.

Standout line: the right tariff is the one you can actually use.

Important notice

This guide is general information for GB consumers and not personalised advice. Tariff structures, rates and off-peak times vary by supplier and region. Always check current terms, eligibility and fees before switching, and consider seeking independent advice if unsure.