Top Economy 7 Tariffs providers in the UK

Find the best Economy 7 deals across Great Britain

Understanding Economy 7 is about timing your usage - and paying less when the grid is quiet.

Why it could cut your bill

Economy 7 gives cheaper night rates and higher day rates. If you can shift a good chunk of electricity use to overnight - think storage heaters, hot water, or charging an EV - it can materially cut your costs. If you mostly use power during the day, the uplift on the day rate can wipe out the gains.

Bottom line: aim for at least 40% of your usage at night to make it work.

Who benefits most

Households with electric heating systems, immersion heaters, heat pumps with storage capacity, or EVs stand to gain most. Night owls who can time washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers overnight also benefit. If you are at home during the day with high daytime usage, a single-rate plan may be better value.

The essentials - terms that matter

Economy 7 - A dual-rate electricity tariff with roughly 7 off-peak hours overnight. Times vary by region and provider.

Off-peak rate - The cheaper night price, sometimes as low as 7p-8p per kWh with competitive providers.

Peak or day rate - The higher daytime price, often around 26p-30p per kWh depending on provider and region.

Dual-rate or smart meter - Required to track day and night consumption separately. Smart meters automate the time switching and give real-time usage insight.

Price cap - A limit on typical annual costs set by the regulator. As of July 2025, the typical Economy 7 customer cap is £1,666. It does not cap the exact day or night rates - providers set those within the overall cap framework.

Night window - The hours when the cheaper rate applies. Commonly midnight to 7am, but it varies. Some areas split hours or start earlier.

Load shifting - Moving energy-intensive tasks into off-peak hours to lower the overall bill.

Who is offering strong Economy 7 rates now

Several GB providers price Economy 7 competitively, though regional variations and standing charges apply. Always confirm your local off-peak window and meter compatibility.

Snapshot of typical rates

Notes:

• Figures are indicative - check live quotes and standing charges.
• Economy 7 tariffs fall under the GB price cap for typical use, but individual rates vary.
• Northern Ireland operates separate market arrangements - check local suppliers and comparisons there.

What it could save - and the risks

Shift enough usage overnight and you could trim up to 50% from your electricity spend versus a flat-rate plan, particularly with high-load appliances or an EV. If you cannot exceed roughly 40% night-time usage, a single-rate tariff can be cheaper due to higher day prices.

Risks and trade-offs:

• Higher day rates - daytime usage adds up fast if you are at home during peak hours.
• Behaviour dependency - savings rely on consistent load shifting.
• Regional windows - off-peak times and rates vary, so routines may need adjusting.
• Standing charges - compare whole-bill costs, not just unit rates.

Can you get it - and should you

You will need either a dual-rate meter or a smart meter configured for multi-rate billing. Most major providers can install or reconfigure smart meters at no upfront cost. Tenants typically need landlord permission for meter changes. Flats and some older properties may have storage heaters tied to legacy E7 timers - check wiring before switching.

Suitability checklist:

• At least one high-load appliance you can schedule at night.
• Comfort with timer settings on washers, dishwashers, and EV chargers.
• Willingness to adapt routines - for example, heating hot water overnight.
• Understanding of your region’s off-peak window and seasonal changes.

Make the switch - step by step

1. Check your current meter - smart or dual-rate capable?
2. Gather 12 months of usage data - day vs night if available.
3. Estimate your night shift potential - target 40% or more.
4. Compare Economy 7 quotes by postcode - include standing charges.
5. Confirm off-peak hours for your region and provider.
6. Book smart meter installation or reconfiguration if needed.
7. Set appliance timers and EV charging for off-peak hours.

Advantages and drawbacks at a glance

Pros:

• Lower unit prices overnight - potential bill reductions up to 50% with strong load shifting.
• Encourages energy-efficient habits and smart scheduling.
• Works well with EVs, storage heaters, and hot water tanks.

Cons:

• Day rates can be nearly double single-rate plans.
• Savings depend on behaviour and appliance scheduling.
• Regional off-peak windows may not match your routine.

What to check before you commit

• Your actual usage split - if you do not hit 40% at night, reconsider.
• Meter readiness - ensure a smart or dual-rate meter is installed.
• Standing charges - compare the full annual cost under the price cap assumptions.
• Provider flexibility - contract length, exit fees, and smart meter support.
• Seasonal and regional time windows - confirm any clock changes or regional differences.

If in doubt, run a side-by-side bill simulation using last year’s kWh.

Alternatives if Economy 7 is not right

• Single-rate fixed or variable tariffs - simpler if your daytime use is high.
• Time-of-use smart tariffs with more granular windows - can be cheaper for EVs but require careful management and smart hardware.
• Energy efficiency upgrades - insulation, smart thermostats, and appliance upgrades reduce consumption regardless of tariff.
• Load-sharing routines - stagger appliance use to avoid peak surges even on single-rate plans.

Common questions, clear answers

Q: How do I know my off-peak hours? A: Your provider sets them and they vary by region. Check your quote or account - smart meters also confirm your active tariff times.

Q: Can I get Economy 7 without a smart meter? A: Yes, with a dual-rate meter. However, smart meters make switching between rates automatic and provide real-time data to optimise usage.

Q: Does the price cap limit my day and night rates? A: No. The cap controls typical annual costs, not specific unit rates. Providers can vary the day and night prices within that overall framework.

Q: What percentage of usage should be at night? A: Aim for at least 40% to make Economy 7 competitive versus single-rate tariffs. The more you shift, the better the outcome.

Q: Are EV owners good candidates for Economy 7? A: Typically yes. Overnight charging can soak up cheap units and deliver strong savings, especially when paired with smart scheduling.

Q: Do Economy 7 times change with seasons or clocks? A: Some regions adjust for daylight saving or have split windows. Always verify your current schedule with your provider.

Ready to compare and save

Use trusted comparison tools like UKPower and MoneySavingExpert to pull live Economy 7 quotes by postcode. Then sense-check totals against your real usage. If you are switching, Switcha can help you compare providers, arrange smart meters, and set up reminders to review annually.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal advice. Prices and tariff availability change by region and provider. Figures are indicative and subject to the GB price cap assumptions for typical use. Always verify rates, standing charges, eligibility, and contract terms before switching.