What are Economy 7 times in the UK?Economy 7 (E7) is a time-of-use electricity tariff that offers a cheaper overnight rate for 7 hours and a higher daytime rate for the remaining 17 hours. The exact off-peak hours vary by region and sometimes by season. The most common window is midnight to 7am, but some areas use 11pm to 6am or 1am to 8am. Economy 7 off-peak hours vary by region. The most common window is midnight to 7am GMT (1am to 8am BST in summer). Check your electricity bill or contact your supplier to confirm your specific off-peak window. Economy 7 off-peak hours by region
These are typical windows — your actual window depends on your meter and supplier. Run a test appliance overnight with a smart plug to identify your exact window, or contact your energy supplier directly. Economy 7 rates vs standard rates April 2026
Is Economy 7 still worth it in 2026?Economy 7 is worth it if you can shift at least 40 to 50% of your electricity use to the off-peak window. For most households without electric storage heaters or an overnight EV charger, this is difficult. The higher daytime rate typically penalises normal usage patterns.
Better alternatives to Economy 7 in 2026
Verdict Check your off-peak window before relying on it Economy 7 times vary significantly by region and meter. Always confirm your specific window with your supplier before scheduling appliances. For EV owners, a dedicated EV tariff like Octopus Go is almost always better value than Economy 7. Frequently asked questionsHow do I know if I am on Economy 7? Your electricity meter will have two registers — one for peak and one for off-peak — usually labelled Day and Night. Your electricity bill will show two different unit rates. If you have a single rate, you are on a standard tariff. Can I switch from Economy 7 to a standard tariff? Yes, but you may need a meter change. Economy 7 uses a dual-register meter. Switching to a single-rate tariff requires your supplier to reprogramme or replace the meter. Contact your supplier for the process and any charges. Does Economy 7 work with a smart meter? Yes. Smart meters can be set up for Economy 7 or other time-of-use tariffs. A smart meter also gives you more accurate data on when you are using power, helping you optimise your usage around off-peak times. Is Economy 7 good for charging an EV? It can work if you time charging to the off-peak window. However, dedicated EV tariffs like Octopus Go (7p/kWh) typically offer lower overnight rates than Economy 7 off-peak rates, and without the higher daytime rate penalty. |
Economy 7 Times UK 2026: When Is Off-Peak Electricity?
|
|
