Written by David Walter, Chief Commercial Officer
9 oct 2024 - When it comes to lowering your energy bills, timing can be everything. So, is electricity cheaper at night? For many households, the answer is yes — and taking advantage of off-peak electricity times could be your key to cutting costs and using energy more efficiently.
Whether it’s charging your electric vehicle or running energy-hungry appliances, shifting your usage to off-peak hours can make a big difference. But when exactly is the cheapest time to use electricity? Let's dive into the world of off-peak energy and how you can make the most of it.
Off-peak electricity times refer to periods when demand on the energy grid is lower — typically late at night and in the early morning. Energy providers offer reduced rates during these hours, encouraging households to use electricity when the grid is less busy. By doing so, you can tap into significantly cheaper power.
The exact off-peak hours can vary depending on where you live, your energy provider, and the tariff you’re on. For example, if you’re on an Economy 7 tariff, you get seven hours of cheaper electricity overnight, often between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Scheduling your usage for these hours is when electricity is cheapest and can help lower your overall bills.
The million-pound question: when is electricity cheapest? For most, it’s during those off-peak times at night. If you're on a time-of-use tariff like Economy 7 or Economy 10, the cheapest time to use electricity will be those designated hours when demand is at its lowest.
For example, electric vehicle owners can charge their cars overnight, and homeowners can run dishwashers or washing machines during those off-peak hours to take advantage of the lower rates. By shifting just 40% of your energy usage to off-peak times, you could see noticeable savings on your monthly bill, according to National Energy Action.
While off-peak times offer cheaper electricity, electricity peak hours are when energy usage spikes, and rates tend to be higher. These peak times usually fall between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., as households across the country power up their ovens, turn on the heating, and use their appliances. During these hours, the grid is under more pressure, leading to higher costs.
By understanding peak and off-peak hours, you can strategically adjust your energy usage to avoid the higher costs and make the most of cheaper periods.
When you switch your energy, broadband, and mobile with UW, you don't just get £100 off your bill - you also unlock:
One simple bill (because life’s complicated enough)
Award-winning UK customer service
More savings every month
Your local UW Partner will sort it all for you. No stress, just savings and more savings.
The legal bit
£100 bill credit: Must be a new homeowner customer who signs up via a UW Partner on or after 04/02/25 taking at least three eligible services. See full terms and conditions here.
Absolutely — but only if you’re on the right tariff. Households on time-of-use tariffs like Economy 7 or Economy 10 enjoy reduced rates during the night. These plans are specifically designed for those who can shift their energy use to the hours when demand is low.
To truly save, it’s essential to make a conscious effort to use electricity at night. Running your appliances overnight or charging your electric vehicle during off-peak hours will allow you to benefit from lower rates. Otherwise, you won’t see much of a difference in your energy bills.
Lowering your electricity bill isn’t the only benefit of using power during off-peak electricity times. By shifting your energy use to times when the grid isn’t under heavy demand, you’re helping reduce strain on the system. This leads to a more efficient energy network and contributes to lower carbon emissions.
Additionally, many off-peak hours coincide with the availability of renewable energy sources like wind power. By using electricity when it’s cheaper and cleaner, you’re doing your part to support the UK’s goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
If you want to make the most of cheaper electricity rates at night, there are a few easy ways to adjust how and when you use power.
Smart technology can help you effortlessly manage your energy use. Smart thermostats, smart plugs, and other smart home devices can be programmed to operate only during off-peak hours, allowing you to automatically save money without thinking twice.
In the UK, it’s estimated that 39% of households use smart devices at home in 2024, with over one in five homes having smart thermostats.
Integrating these devices into your home can be a simple yet effective way to maximise savings without sacrificing convenience. Plus, many smart home apps even allow you to control devices remotely, so you can ensure you’re saving energy no matter where you are.
Running appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and electric vehicle chargers during off-peak hours is one of the easiest ways to cut your energy bills. You can also charge smaller devices like phones and laptops during these cheaper periods.
Various household tasks can be completed overnight or in the early morning, like:
Laundry
Dishwashing
Charging electric vehicles (EVs)
Charge electronic devices like phones and laptops
Heat water (if you have a water storage tank)
If you’re on a flat-rate tariff and want to start reaping the rewards of off-peak energy, switching to a time-of-use tariff is one of the easiest ways to save money. Here are two popular off-peak tariffs to explore:
Economy 7 or Economy 10 – Economy 7 offers seven hours of reduced rates, and Economy 10 provides ten hours. Don’t forget that you’ll need a smart meter to be able to sign up for an Economy 7 or 10 tariff.
EV tariff – If you own an electric car and charge it at home, you could also benefit from an EV tariff, which offers cheaper off-peak rates specifically for charging vehicles. Explore our EV tariff options here and start saving.
To get the most out of off-peak electricity, it’s essential to keep an eye on your energy usage patterns. A smart meter can provide real-time data on when you’re using the most power and help you make adjustments to use more energy during off-peak hours.
Learn all about how smart meters work here.
If you’ve already signed up for an off-peak tariff and use a smart meter but want to find more ways you can make changes to reduce your gas or electricity usage, discover energy-saving tips around the home here.
Using high-energy appliances like washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers during off-peak hours is an excellent way to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.
Other appliances like ovens, stoves, and computers can also use significant amounts of power, especially if used frequently, but it’s harder to switch their usage to off-peak periods as they’re generally used during waking hours. Read all about which home appliances use the most electricity here.
It depends on the tariff you’re on. Some time-of-use tariffs offer reduced rates during the weekend, particularly for those on Economy 10 or special weekend tariffs, but this isn’t the case across the board. It’s worth checking your plan to see if you can use cheaper electricity on weekends.
You can usually tell if you’re on an off-peak tariff by checking your electricity bill. You're likely on a time-of-use tariff if you see different rates for day and night usage.
You can also contact your energy provider for confirmation. If you’re a UW customer, you can log into your account to view your current energy tariff type.
The Demand Flexibility Service is an initiative designed by the 'National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO)' to help balance electricity supply and demand, particularly during peak usage.
It encourages customers to reduce their electricity consumption during these periods by offering incentives like discounts or rebates, which energy suppliers supply. The DFS is especially useful during times of high national demand, such as cold weather or unexpected energy supply shortages.
To be eligible for off-peak tariffs, you’ll need a smart meter or an Economy 7 meter so your energy supplier can change your rate based on the time of day. However, other factors, like your location, may affect whether you can take an off-peak electricity tariff, so it’s best to speak to your provider to check if you qualify.
At UW, we offer a range of competitive energy tariffs to suit your household and lifestyle. Whether you're looking to lock in with a fixed-rate tariff or want a flexible variable-rate option, we’re here to help.
Discover all our energy deals today.
Which? Recommended Provider for Energy Companies in 2025
Uswitch Best Value for Money in 2024
Uswitch Best Customer Service in 2024
UK’s top energy supplier for customer service and complaints by citizens advice bureau
Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot
Nobody likes having high energy bills – we can all agree on that. Which is why knowing how to be more efficient and reduce your usage is super important.
23 July 2024 - Whether you want to reduce your utility bills or contribute to a greener planet, adopting energy-efficient habits can make a significant difference. At UW, we're committed to helping you achieve these goals.
