What Is Economy 7 Electricity?
Economy 7 is a two-rate electricity tariff that charges:
Lower rates during off-peak overnight hours.
Higher rates during peak daytime hours.
It is designed for households that use a large proportion of electricity overnight, such as homes with storage heaters, immersion heaters, electric-only heating, or EV charging overnight.
Comparing Economy 7 electricity prices is essential because day and night rates vary significantly by supplier and postcode.
Economy 7 Day vs Night Rates Explained
- Apply for 7 hours overnight
- Exact times vary by region
- Lower than standard tariffs
- Apply for remaining 17 hours
- Often higher than standard tariffs
- Can wipe out night savings
To be cost-effective, most homes need to use at least 35–40% of electricity at night.
Economy 7 vs Standard Electricity: Which Is Cheaper?
| Situation | Economy 7 is Usually Cheaper | Standard Tariff is Usually Cheaper |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Pattern | Active night-time usage | Mostly daytime usage |
| Heating Type | Electric heating or EV charging | Gas central heating |
| Lifestyle | Night shift or timed usage | Work from home |
| Property Type | Flats with storage heaters | Standard gas-heated homes |
Who Should Still Use Economy 7 in 2026?
Economy 7 Works For:
- Flats with storage heaters
- Homes without gas supply
- EV owners charging overnight
- Properties with timed immersion heaters
- Night-shift households
Consider Standard Tariffs:
- Most usage during the day
- Work from home arrangements
- No longer have storage heaters
- Low overnight electricity usage
Economy 7 Savings Calculator
Check if Economy 7 could save you money based on your usage
Economy 7 Recommendation:
In 2026, the difference between cheapest and most expensive Economy 7 tariffs can exceed £400 per year.
Common Economy 7 Electricity Mistakes
Staying on Economy 7 without night-time usage
Comparing only night rates
Ignoring high day rates
Not reviewing tariffs after lifestyle changes
These mistakes can add hundreds of pounds per year.
Economy 7 Electricity and Smart Meters
Smart meters have improved Economy 7 comparisons by:
Show precise day vs night electricity consumption.
Calculate real costs based on actual usage patterns.
Some offer flexible off-peak pricing.
Economy 7 electricity can still be cheap — but only for the right households.
Many homes overpay on outdated Economy 7 tariffs while standard electricity is often cheaper for daytime users. Accurate comparison is essential.
Compare Economy 7 Electricity Prices
Find out if you're still on the cheapest option with accurate day/night usage comparison.
Contact UsOfgem Protected • Postcode Accurate • Data Secure