Is Electricity Cheaper at Night?

Summary

• Off-peak times are periods — usually overnight or at weekends — when demand on the national grid is lower, and some energy suppliers offer cheaper rates during these windows.

• For most UK households, off-peak hours run from midnight to 7am, but these can vary.  

• An Economy 7 tariff is a specific tariff designed for off-peak users. It gives you two different prices for electricity: a cheaper ‘night’ rate for seven hours and a slightly higher ‘day’ rate for the rest of the time.

• You’ll likely save money on an off-peak tariff if you can shift a significant portion of your energy use to the night.

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.

What is off-peak electricity?

Off-peak electricity is specific periods during the day or night when demand on the national energy grid is at its lowest. To encourage households to shift their energy use away from busy periods — like the post-work evening peak — some energy providers offer cheaper electricity rates during these quieter hours.

To access these lower rates, you usually need to be on a multi-rate tariff or a time-of-use (ToU) tariff. Unlike a fixed energy tariff, where you pay the same rate for electricity regardless of when you use it, these plans charge different prices based on the time of day.

There are three main types of off-peak tariffs:

1. Economy 7 — This gives you seven hours of cheaper electricity overnight (usually between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.). 

2. Economy 10 — Similar to Economy 7 but provides ten hours of off-peak energy, typically split between a long overnight window and a shorter period during the afternoon.

3. Smart Time-of-Use Tariffs — These modern plans use your smart meter to offer more flexible pricing. Rates can fluctuate throughout the day based on wholesale costs, sometimes changing when there’s a surplus of renewable energy (like wind or solar). This includes dedicated EV tariffs, which offer ultra-low rates for overnight vehicle charging.

By understanding how to use off-peak power, you can significantly lower your bills while also helping to balance the UK’s energy supply. In fact, research from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) found that customers on time-of-use tariffs successfully reduced their electricity demand during the evening peak by as much as 15–17%.

Is electricity cheaper at night in the UK?

Yes, electricity is often cheaper at night in the UK, but only if you’re on a time-of-use or multi-rate tariff. While most households pay a single flat rate all day, those on Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariffs enjoy significantly reduced rates during seven or ten hours of the night when demand on the grid is lower.

If you’re on a standard tariff, however, you’ll pay the same price regardless of the time, so it's worth checking our energy saving tips to find other ways to cut costs.

When is the cheapest time to use electricity?

The cheapest time to use electricity in the UK is almost always late at night or in the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and 7am. During this window, demand on the national grid drops significantly as businesses close and most people are asleep.

However, the cheapest time is no longer just limited to the middle of the night. With the rise of smart meters and renewable energy, many providers now offer cheaper windows of energy at weekends or as a secondary off-peak period in the early evening.

What are the benefits of off-peak electricity usage?

The advantages of using power during off-peak electricity times go beyond just lowering your monthly bill. By shifting your habits, you contribute to a more stable and sustainable UK energy network:

1. Reduced energy bills — The most obvious benefit is the cost savings. By moving energy-heavy tasks to the cheapest time windows, you can significantly lower your unit rates and overall spend.

2. Less strain on the National Grid — When millions of households cook and heat their homes at the same time, the grid comes under immense pressure. Shifting your usage helps balance this demand, making the whole system more efficient.

3. Lower carbon emissions — During peak hours, the UK often relies on fossil-fuel backup plants to meet demand. Off-peak hours often coincide with a higher percentage of renewable energy being available on the grid.

4. Supporting Net Zero — By choosing to use cleaner electricity when there’s more of it, you’re directly supporting the UK’s goal of reaching net zero by 2050.

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