A night rate tariff is not automatically cheaper. It is only cost-effective if your household's electricity usage pattern matches the tariff structure. This guide explains exactly how night rate electricity works, who it benefits, and how to compare correctly.
Instead of paying one flat rate:
Cheaper rate during off-peak (night) hours
Higher rate during daytime (peak) hours
The intention is to encourage electricity use when national demand is low and reward households that can shift usage to night-time.
Night rate tariffs are a type of time-of-use tariff.
On a typical night rate tariff:
Times vary by supplier and region
Electricity used outside the night window is usually more expensive than on a standard tariff — this is where many households go wrong.
Designed for storage heaters, immersion heaters, all-electric homes
Better for EV charging, batteries, flexible households
Modern tariffs are more precise but require more active management.
If less than this, night rate tariffs often become poor value. The higher daytime rate quickly outweighs night-time savings.
If your usage pattern does not change, switching to a night rate tariff can increase your bill — even if the night rate looks very cheap.
Standing charges apply regardless of when you use electricity.
⚠️ Some night rate tariffs:
When comparing tariffs, standing charges must be included in the total annual cost, not looked at separately.
Night rate tariffs only work when behaviour matches the tariff design.
✓ Flexible night-rate tariffs
✓ Half-hourly pricing
✓ EV & battery optimisation
✓ Traditional night rate
✓ Fixed 7-hour window
⚠️ Less flexible
Without a smart meter, your options are usually limited to traditional Economy 7 tariffs.
UtilityKing compares night rate tariffs using realistic usage splits, not assumptions.
Depends on supplier and meter. Typical windows are 6–8 hours overnight, commonly midnight-7am or 12:30am-7:30am.
Yes. Economy 7 or a smart meter is usually required for night rate tariffs.
Economy 7 is one type of night rate tariff, but not the only one. Modern smart tariffs offer more flexibility.
Yes — if most of your usage happens during the day, the higher daytime rate can outweigh night savings.
Yes — night rate tariffs are one of the cheapest ways to charge an EV at home, often 6p–10p per kWh.
Yes, but the high daytime rate may conflict with solar generation. Compare carefully.
Night rate electricity tariffs are powerful when used correctly — and expensive when used incorrectly. In 2026, they are excellent for EVs, batteries, and flexible homes, but risky for passive or low-usage households.
🌙 NIGHT RATE VERDICT
See whether off-peak pricing actually saves you money • Smart meter ready • Economy 7 compatible