Off-peak electricity tariffs cost up to 60% less than standard rates – here is how the numbers compare for 2026.
An off-peak electricity tariff charges a lower rate for power used during set hours, usually overnight. The standard daytime rate in 2026 under the Ofgem price cap is around 30p per kWh (Ofgem, 2026). A typical off-peak rate is approximately 12p per kWh, which is a saving of 60%.
Off-peak electricity tariffs cost up to 60% less than standard rates in 2026, with typical rates around 12p per kWh. Economy 7 can save up to £650 yearly if you shift most usage to overnight hours.
- Off-peak rates are around 12p per kWh, 60% less than standard 30p.
- Economy 7 offers 7 overnight cheap hours, typically saving up to £650 yearly.
- Economy 10 provides 10 cheap hours across 3 windows, saving up to £500 yearly.
- Time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Agile adjust rates every 30 minutes.
- Check your heating and appliance usage before switching to an off-peak tariff.
- Off-peak electricity tariffs cost up to 60% less than standard rates – here is how the numbers compare for 2026.
- Off-peak tariff models – Economy 7 and Economy 10 compared side by side
- Quick numbers – off-peak tariff costs, savings, and time windows for 2026
- The direct answer – an off-peak electricity tariff is a time-of-use plan that charges lower rates during set off-peak hours, typically overnight, to shift energy use away from peak demand
- Eligibility and how to verify an off-peak tariff installer – MCS and TrustMark certification for heat pumps
- Cost comparison – off-peak vs standard rates for heating a home in 2026
- How off-peak tariffs affect heat pump running costs – the 2026 numbers
- How to switch to an off-peak tariff – supplier options and steps for 2026
If you heat your home overnight and use 10 kWh of electricity, the cost on a standard rate is £3.00. On an off-peak rate, the same 10 kWh costs £1.20. That is a saving of £1.80 per night, or £657 per year if you heat this way every day. The exact saving depends on your household’s energy use and your specific tariff rates.
Off-peak tariff models – Economy 7 and Economy 10 compared side by side
Economy 7 provides 7 hours of cheaper electricity each night, typically between midnight and 7am GMT or BST. Economy 10 offers 10 hours of cheaper electricity, split across three windows: usually 3 hours in the afternoon, 2 hours in the evening, and 5 hours overnight.
The key difference is that Economy 10 adds cheaper afternoon and evening slots, which can be useful if you want to run appliances during the day. However, the off-peak rate on Economy 10 is typically 1 to 2p per kWh higher than Economy 7 (Ofgem, 2026). This means Economy 7 is usually the better choice if you can shift most of your heating and heavy usage to overnight hours. Economy 10 suits homes that cannot avoid some daytime electricity use.
Quick numbers – off-peak tariff costs, savings, and time windows for 2026
| Tariff model | Off-peak hours | Typical off-peak rate (p/kWh) | Typical peak rate (p/kWh) | Estimated annual saving vs standard single-rate tariff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy 7 | 7 hours overnight | 12 | 30 | Up to £650 |
| Economy 10 | 10 hours (split across 3 windows) | 13–14 | 30 | Up to £500 |
| Time-of-use (e.g., Octopus Agile) | Varies by day and season | 5–15 (variable) | 30–50 (variable) | Depends on usage pattern |
| Standard single-rate tariff | N/A | 30 | 30 | Baseline (no saving) |
Figures are based on Ofgem price cap data for 2026 and typical supplier tariff tables (Ofgem, 2026). Actual savings depend on your home’s heating system, insulation, and how much electricity you shift to off-peak hours.
An off-peak electricity tariff is a time-of-use plan that charges lower rates during set off-peak hours, typically overnight, to shift energy use away from peak demand
An off-peak electricity tariff is a time-of-use plan that charges lower rates during set off-peak hours, typically overnight, to shift energy use away from peak demand. The lower rate, around 12p per kWh in 2026, applies only during those hours. The peak rate, around 30p per kWh, applies at all other times (Ofgem, 2026).
This structure encourages households to run high-energy appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and electric heating during cheaper periods. It does not change your electricity supply or quality. It only changes when you are charged different rates.
Eligibility and how to verify an off-peak tariff installer – MCS and TrustMark certification for heat pumps
To use an off-peak tariff effectively with a heat pump, the installer must be MCS-certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) and registered with TrustMark. MCS certification confirms the installer meets industry standards for heat pump design and installation (MCS, 2026). TrustMark registration provides consumer protection and a route for complaint resolution (TrustMark, 2026).
For the meter itself, no separate installer certification is needed. If you are switching from a standard single-rate meter to an Economy 7 or Economy 10 meter, your energy supplier handles the meter swap. You do not need to find a separate contractor for the meter change. You can check your current meter type by looking at the display: a single-rate meter shows one reading, while a multi-rate meter shows two or three readings.
Cost comparison – off-peak vs standard rates for heating a home in 2026
A typical 3-bedroom home uses around 10 kWh of electric heating per day, according to DESNZ data (DESNZ, 2026). On a standard single-rate tariff at 30p per kWh, that heating costs £3.00 per day. If you shift the same 10 kWh to off-peak hours at 12p per kWh, the cost drops to £1.20 per day.
This is a saving of £1.80 per day, or £657 per year. The actual saving may be lower if you cannot shift all your heating to off-peak hours. Homes with good insulation and a heat pump that runs overnight will see the largest savings. Homes with older storage heaters that cannot be timed precisely may see smaller savings.
How off-peak tariffs affect heat pump running costs – the 2026 numbers
A heat pump with a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 3.5 produces 3.5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity it uses. The SCOP is the average efficiency across a whole heating season. MCS data for 2026 shows a typical SCOP of 3.5 for modern air-source heat pumps (MCS, 2026).
On an off-peak tariff at 12p per kWh, the cost per kWh of heat delivered is 12p divided by 3.5, which equals 3.4p. On a standard rate at 30p per kWh, the same heat costs 30p divided by 3.5, which equals 8.6p per kWh. This is a 60% reduction in running cost. Off-peak tariffs make heat pumps significantly cheaper to run than gas boilers, which cost around 6–7p per kWh of heat in 2026.
How to switch to an off-peak tariff – supplier options and steps for 2026
Most major suppliers offer off-peak tariffs. British Gas, EDF, Octopus Energy, and E.ON all provide Economy 7 or time-of-use plans (Ofgem, 2026). Switching to an off-peak tariff usually requires a meter upgrade if your home does not already have a multi-rate meter.
The steps are straightforward. First, check your current meter type by looking at the display or asking your supplier. Second, compare tariff rates on a price comparison site such as Uswitch or MoneySavingExpert. Third, contact your chosen supplier to request the switch. The supplier will arrange a meter installation if needed, and the switch typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. You do not need to change your electricity wiring or your appliances. how to read your electricity meter If you are unsure about your current tariff, your supplier can confirm it over the phone. best time to run appliances on Economy 7
Frequently Asked Questions
An off-peak electricity tariff charges a lower rate for power used during set hours, usually overnight. In 2026, typical off-peak rates are around 12p per kWh compared to standard 30p per kWh (Ofgem, 2026).
You can save up to £650 per year with Economy 7 if you shift most heating and heavy usage to overnight hours. The exact saving depends on your household's energy use and your specific tariff rates (Ofgem, 2026).
Economy 7 is usually better if you can shift most usage to overnight, as its off-peak rate is 1–2p per kWh cheaper. Economy 10 suits homes that cannot avoid some daytime electricity use (Ofgem, 2026).
Economy 10 provides 10 hours of cheaper electricity split across three windows: typically 3 hours in the afternoon, 2 hours in the evening, and 5 hours overnight. Exact times vary by supplier (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Contact your current supplier or use a comparison site to check available off-peak tariffs. You may need a smart meter or a specific meter for Economy 7 or 10 (Ofgem, 2026).
