Is Electricity Cheaper at Night? A Guide to Off-Peak Hours
Maybe you’ve heard that using electricity at night could be cheaper, but you're not quite sure how it all works. Is electricity cheaper at night UK? The truth is, electricity prices aren’t always fixed—they can vary depending on demand. Since demand tends to drop during the night, these off-peak hours often come with lower rates, making it possible to save on your energy bills.
In this article, we’ll break down off-peak electricity hours and why nighttime usage can lead to savings. You’ll find out how to make the most of these lower rates, and a few extra tips to cut costs further. Let’s get started!
What Are Off-Peak Electricity Hours and Rates?
Off-peak electricity hours refer to times when power demand is lower, usually between 10 pm and 8 am. Many energy suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs, which charge different rates depending on when electricity is used. During off-peak hours, rates drop because fewer people are using power, leading to cheaper electricity at night. These rates are much lower than the higher rates charged during peak hours, typically from 8 am to 10 pm.
Is Electricity Less Expensive at Night?
A common question many people ask is, "Is it cheaper to use electricity at night?" In many cases, the answer is yes—especially if you're on a time-of-use tariff. Electricity demand drops during the night, which often leads to lower rates during these off-peak hours.
In the UK, energy plans like Economy 7 and Economy 10 are designed around this concept, making nighttime the cheapest time to use electricity. Economy 7 offers seven hours of cheaper electricity, usually between 10 pm and 5 am, while Economy 10 provides ten hours spread across off-peak periods throughout the day and night. These tariffs encourage households to shift energy use away from peak times, helping to reduce pressure on the national grid and lower energy costs.
If you're on a plan that includes off-peak pricing, using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, or charging electronics during these cheaper hours can lead to noticeable savings over time.
Who Benefits Most from Nighttime Electricity Discounts?
Nighttime electricity discounts are especially helpful for households that use a lot of energy during off-peak hours. This includes anyone who regularly runs appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, or dryers overnight, or charges devices such as smartphones, laptops, or even electric vehicles while they sleep. Homes with electric night storage heaters can also see significant savings by shifting energy use to these cheaper hours.
Businesses can benefit too, particularly those that operate or use equipment outside of peak times. Off-peak rates can lead to lower energy bills for companies with flexible working hours or overnight operations. When exploring business energy plans, it's smart to check if the supplier offers off-peak pricing to take full advantage of this cheap night time electricity.
How Can You Maximize Savings with Nighttime Electricity Rates?
Now that electricity is cheaper at night, let’s look at how you can take full advantage of these cheap night rate electricity rates. Here are some tips to help you save on electricity bills:
1. Run Appliances at Night
Schedule high-energy appliances, like washing machines or dishwashers, to run during off-peak hours. This way, you’re using electricity when it’s cheaper, helping you avoid paying higher rates during peak times.
2. Charge Devices Overnight
Plug in your phones, laptops, power banks, and even electric vehicles after peak hours to take full advantage of cheaper rates. It’s a simple way to save on your electricity bill without changing your daily routine too much.
3. Choose the Right Tariff
If you’re not on a time-of-use plan, check if switching to a tariff like Economy 7 or Economy 10 makes sense for your lifestyle.
4. Monitor Your Electricity Usage
To save money, it's important to monitor home electricity usage. A smart meter helps by tracking your overall energy consumption in real time, while smart plugs show how much power specific appliances use. By keeping an eye on your usage, you can schedule appliances to run during off-peak hours and reduce unnecessary energy waste.
Other Ways to Cut the Electricity Cost
In addition to utilizing cheaper energy at night, there are several other effective ways to reduce your electricity costs. Here are some practical suggestions that can help lower your overall electricity bill:
1. Consider Solar Energy
Beyond off-peak hours, another effective way to reduce your energy bill is to invest in solar power. Using a solar generator and installing solar panels allows you to generate your own electricity and lower energy bills.
Plus, through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), any extra electricity you generate but don’t use can be sold back to the grid, earning you money. Backed by the government, the SEG scheme encourages homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying real savings.
2. Use a Portable Power Station
If you live in an apartment or don’t have space for solar panels, a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station can help cut electricity costs. Charge the power station at night during off-peak hours when rates are lower, then use the stored energy to run appliances like a heater, dishwasher, or TV during peak times. With an expandable capacity of 3.6–25kWh and 3600W–7200W AC output that supports 99% of home appliances, it offers flexibility and power when you need it most.
3. Adjust Your Meter for Daylight Saving Time Changes
Daylight Saving Time (DST) alters the time of day, causing off-peak hours to shift when the clocks change in March and October. Failing to adjust your meter or schedule could result in using electricity during peak hours, which are more expensive and could raise your bill.
4. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Look for appliances with high energy ratings. They may cost a bit more upfront, but they use less power over time, helping you save money in the long run.
5. Unplug Devices When Not in Use
Even when turned off, many devices still draw power. Unplug chargers, TVs, and kitchen gadgets when you’re not using them, or use a smart power strip to cut off power automatically.
6. Lower the Thermostat
Turning your thermostat down to just one degree can reduce heating costs significantly. Try layering up with warm clothes and using blankets to stay cozy without overworking your heating system.
7. Insulate Your Home
Good insulation keeps heat in during winter and out during summer, so your home stays comfortable with less effort from your heating or cooling system. Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
Conclusion
Is electricity cheaper at night? Yes, using electricity at night during off-peak hours (usually 10 pm to 8 am) can significantly reduce your energy costs. Off-peak rates are lower because demand is lower, and many energy suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10.
To maximize savings, run energy-intensive appliances like dishwashers and washing machines at night, use energy-efficient appliances, and consider smart home devices to automate scheduling. Additionally, investing in solar energy can further reduce your reliance on the grid and save money in the long term. Take the next step today by exploring solar energy options and start saving!
FAQs
What time of day is the cheapest electricity?
The cheapest electricity is usually available during off-peak hours, which typically fall at night between 10 pm and 8 am when demand is lower. Many energy suppliers offer reduced rates during these times. So, using electricity is cheaper at night. Running energy-intensive appliances at night during off-peak hours can help you save significantly on your electricity bill.
How to get off-peak electricity?
To get off-peak electricity, check with your energy supplier about time-of-use tariffs. These tariffs offer lower rates during off-peak hours, typically at night. You may need to install a smart meter to monitor and benefit from these reduced rates.
What are peak hours to avoid electricity?
Peak hours to avoid electricity usage are typically during the day when demand is highest, usually from 8 am to 10 pm. These hours often coincide with work hours and evening activities. To save on energy bills, it's best to use electricity outside these peak periods.