What Is Economy 7 Energy?
Economy 7 is a type of electricity tariff that offers:
Typically between 11pm and 8am, exact hours vary by region.
Standard or above-standard rates for 17 hours daily.
It was originally designed for homes that use most of their electricity at night, such as properties with storage heaters, immersion heaters, or electric-only heating systems.
In 2026, Economy 7 still exists — but it is not automatically cheaper for every household.
How Economy 7 Tariffs Work
An Economy 7 tariff splits electricity prices into two rates:
Applies for 7 hours overnight
Typically 11pm – 8am (varies by region)
Applies for the remaining 17 hours
Higher than standard tariff rates
👉 The key to saving money on Economy 7 is using at least 35–40% of your electricity at night.
Economy 7 vs Standard Electricity Tariffs
| Feature | Economy 7 | Standard Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Day rate | Higher | Lower |
| Night rate | Much lower | Same rate |
| Best for | Night-heavy usage | Daytime usage |
| Complexity | Higher | Simple |
Many households are still on Economy 7 tariffs that no longer suit their lifestyle, leading to overpayment.
Who Should Still Use Economy 7 in 2026?
Economy 7 Makes Sense For:
- Flats with electric storage heaters
- Properties without gas supply
- Homes with immersion heaters
- EV owners charging overnight
- Households using timers to control usage
Economy 7 Usually Worse For:
- Most usage during the day
- Work from home with daytime electricity use
- Homes with gas central heating
- Low overnight usage patterns
Economy 7 Savings Calculator
Estimate if Economy 7 could save you money based on your usage pattern
Economy 7 Recommendation:
Based on typical Economy 7 pricing vs standard tariffs
Common Economy 7 Mistakes That Cost Money
Staying on Economy 7 after removing storage heaters
Ignoring high day rates
Not comparing against standard tariffs
These mistakes can add hundreds of pounds per year.
Economy 7 and Smart Meters
Smart meters have made Economy 7 easier to manage.
Monitor day vs night usage precisely through apps.
Easier switching between tariff types as needed.
Some smart tariffs offer flexible off-peak hours.
Economy 7 is no longer a default "cheap" option — it's a specialist tariff.
It can still save money if your usage fits, but for many households it now costs more than standard tariffs. The only way to know is to compare properly.
Compare Economy 7 Energy Tariffs
Find out if Economy 7 is still right for your home with accurate day/night usage comparison.
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