Is Electricity Cheaper at Night? A Guide to Saving on Your Energy Bills
You've just finished dinner, the laundry's piled up, and you're wondering: should I wait until later tonight to run the washing machine? If you've ever asked yourself, “Is electricity cheaper at night?” you're not alone — and the answer could lead to real savings on your bill. We'll explore why nighttime rates exist, which tariffs offer them, and how to take advantage without changing your routine too drastically.
What Are Peak and Off-Peak Electricity Times？
Peak and off-peak electricity times are defined periods during the day when electricity prices vary based on national demand.
In the UK, peak hours generally run from 7 am to 10:30 pm, when homes and businesses consume the most energy. Off-peak hours, typically from 11 pm to 6 am, occur during times of low demand. Energy suppliers use these distinctions to offer varied pricing structures, encouraging consumers to shift their usage to quieter periods. This helps balance the load on the national grid and allows you to potentially lower your electricity bill by simply adjusting when you use power-hungry devices.
So, if you're curious whether is electricity cheaper at night in UK households, the answer is often yes—especially if you're on a time-of-use plan or equipped with smart appliances to schedule usage efficiently.
Why Is Nighttime Electricity Often Cheaper?
It is cheaper to use electricity at night for one key reason: demand drops significantly during the late hours. Unlike daytime, when households, schools, offices, and industries are all active, night sees a significant dip in overall consumption.
To keep power stations running efficiently 24/7, suppliers offer lower rates to encourage off-peak usage. This benefits both sides—providers maintain stable output without waste, and consumers enjoy reduced rates. Additionally, as the UK transitions to more renewable energy, off-peak pricing aligns with periods when excess wind energy is available overnight, making it a greener option as well.
What Are Time-of-Use Tariffs?
Because suppliers charge less when demand is low, many now offer “time-of-use tariffs” that let you lock in those off-peak prices—here are the most common plans in the UK:
Economy 7
This Economy 7 tariff gives you seven hours of cheaper electricity at night, usually between 12 pm and 7 am. It requires a special Economy 7 meter and works well if you use storage heaters or run appliances like washing machines overnight.
Economy 10
Economy 10 offers ten hours of off-peak electricity, spread across both night and a few daytime slots (e.g., late evening, early morning, and afternoon). It's ideal for homes needing intermittent heating, such as those with underfloor heating systems.
EV Tariffs
Electric Vehicle (EV) tariffs are tailored for EV owners. Providers like Octopus Energy and EDF offer ultra-low rates overnight, perfect for charging vehicles between midnight and 5 am. These plans often require a smart meter and may include perks like 100% renewable energy.
Agile & Tracker Tariffs
These dynamic tariffs, such as Octopus Agile, offer rates that change hourly based on wholesale market prices. While more complex, they can result in huge savings if you can monitor and adjust usage frequently.
Is a Time-of-Use Tariff Right for You?
Choosing a time-of-use tariff depends on your lifestyle, appliances, and flexibility. These plans can save you money—but only if your energy habits match the tariff structure.
Consider the following:
Do you have storage heaters or electric water tanks?
Are you home during the day or at night?
Can you run your dishwasher, washing machine, or EV charger during off-peak hours?
If your answer is yes to most of these, a plan like Economy 7 or an EV tariff could help reduce your electricity bills by shifting usage away from higher-rate peak periods.
So, if you've ever asked is electric cheaper at night, the answer is yes—particularly when your usage patterns align with lower-rate hours.
How Can You Maximize Savings with Nighttime Electricity?
To take full advantage of nighttime electricity rates, it's essential to strategically manage your appliance usage and upgrade where needed.
1. Automate Appliance Scheduling: Most modern washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers come with delay-start functions. Schedule them to run after 11 pm to capitalise on less expensive electricity rates at night.
2. Use Storage Heaters Efficiently: Storage heaters can charge during the night and release warmth during the day. Ensure your controls are optimised and thermostats are correctly calibrated to avoid unnecessary energy waste.
3. Install a Smart Meter: Smart meters help track your electricity usage in real time. Some plans, like Agile tariffs, require them. They also provide insights that make it easier to shift usage patterns effectively.
4. Charge EVs Overnight: If you drive an electric vehicle, charging it during off-peak hours can slash your running costs. For example, charging a Tesla Model 3 overnight on an EV tariff can cost under £5, compared to £15 during peak times.
5. Avoid Peak Surges: If you're on a dynamic pricing plan, avoid using large appliances during national demand surges (early evenings) when electricity rates can spike significantly.
For UK homeowners seeking to further reduce costs and maximise savings, the EcoFlow STREAM Series Solar Plant offers an ideal solution.
By seamlessly integrating solar energy storage with time-of-use strategies, the STREAM Series provides a way to harness excess solar power during the day and use it efficiently during low-cost nighttime hours. With AI-driven management, it optimises energy use based on your specific tariff rates, ensuring maximum savings. The system also allows you to store up to 11.52 kWh, capturing midday energy to reduce costly peak-time imports. Coupled with its smart monitoring features, the EcoFlow STREAM Series helps you take full control of your energy use, aligning perfectly with off-peak charging plans.
EcoFlow STREAM Series Solar Plant
Conclusion
So, is electricity cheaper at night? In many cases, yes—especially if you're on a time-of-use tariff like Economy 7 or an EV plan. By understanding peak and off-peak times, choosing the right tariff, and shifting your electricity use, you can unlock significant savings. Whether you're heating your home, charging an EV, or simply running your washing machine, making the most of nighttime electricity is a smart, budget-friendly move.
FAQs
What time of day is the cheapest electricity?
In the UK, the cheapest electricity typically occurs between 11 pm and 6 am, depending on your tariff. Time-of-use plans like Economy 7 or EV tariffs specifically offer lower night rates during this off-peak window.
Can you still get cheaper electricity at night?
Yes, you can. Many UK providers still offer Economy 7, Economy 10, and EV-specific tariffs that charge less for electricity used during off-peak hours. You'll need the appropriate meter and plan to access these rates.
Who has the cheapest night rate of electricity?
Providers like Octopus Energy, E.ON Next, and EDF frequently offer some of the most competitive night rates, especially for EV owners. Rates vary, so always compare current offers via comparison sites or supplier tools.
Is electricity cheaper at night so energy?
Yes, because nighttime demand is lower, energy suppliers reduce rates to encourage usage. This helps balance grid loads and improves overall efficiency, making it a cost-effective time to run high-energy appliances.