Page last updated on 14th April 2026
Getting cheaper
off-peak energy is easier than you think
With a smart meter, you could get cheaper off-peak energy by changing when you use your energy. And this isn't just overnight — off-peak energy is available at different times, like during the day or at weekends. Just get a smart meter and choose a flexible scheme or tariff. Request your smart meter below or read on to learn more.
Use your energy flexibly – and get rewarded
Some energy suppliers are now offering flexible schemes and tariffs (also known as time-of-use tariffs) to their customers. These reward you for using energy at off-peak times. You can only access all the benefits of these new flexible schemes or tariffs if you have a smart meter. If you’re able to move some of your energy use, you could benefit from cheaper electricity or other rewards.
Making energy changes is easier than you think
Use the delay button
on your washing machine,
tumble dryer or dishwasher
to avoid peak times
.
Batch cook extra meals
at times when energy
is cheaper
.
Shift home energy uses
like vacuuming, ironing or charging your electric vehicle during off-peak times
.
How to get cheaper off-peak energy?
Get a smart meter
They enable you to access flexible schemes or tariffs
Find a tariff that works
Check your supplier's website to find out what flexible schemes or tariffs are available to you
Start saving
Plan ahead to use high energy appliances during off-peak times from the flexible scheme or tariff you’ve chosen
What are the benefits of using energy flexibly?
Get rewarded with flexible schemes
Some energy suppliers offer flexible schemes which reward customers for moving their energy use. This might mean cheaper electricity on certain days. Or rewards for using less energy at certain times.
Save money with flexible tariffs
There are also flexible tariffs, sometimes called time-of-use or off-peak tariffs. These tariffs charge less to use energy at certain times. They can help you save money on energy bills.
Support our energy system
By using energy flexibly, you can help to balance supply and demand in our energy system. Having more balance in the energy system means less pressure on the system at peak times. It can also prevent energy being wasted.
Better for the environment
Using energy at off-peak times can also be better for the planet. It helps make the most of cleaner, renewable energy – like wind and solar. Small changes in when you use electricity can help support a greener, cleaner energy system for everyone.
You will need a smart meter to access the full benefits of flexible schemes and tariffs.
This is because, for you to take part in these schemes, your supplier needs to know when you use energy. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters can automatically send meter readings as often as every half an hour. This allows your supplier to charge for energy use at different times of day, or on different days. If you don’t already have one, your energy supplier should be able to install a smart meter for you. Click here to go to your supplier's smart meter page, where you can request one at no extra cost.
Don't just take our word for it...
"We are getting half price electricity one day a week, and money back for using less energy at certain times. What’s not to like?"
Mike
"I have to say my smart meter has saved me a lot of money! It's helped me access cheaper rates with my supplier."
Alan
"Smart meters enable time-of-use tariffs, this means we can charge our car when demand for energy is lowest and therefore cheapest."
Marilyn
Common Myths
Is electricity cheaper at night?
It is only cheaper to use electricity at night if you are signed up to a specific tariff that charges a lower price for electricity at night. Examples of these kinds of tariffs include Economy 7 tariffs, or EV tariffs for those with electric vehicles.
If you are a on a fixed or standard variable tariff, the price you pay for energy used at night will not be different from the price you pay for energy used during the day. This means it will not be cheaper for you to use electricity at night.
Talk to your energy supplier to find out what kind of tariff you are currently on.
To access the full benefits of flexible schemes and tariffs, you will need a smart meter.
When is the cheapest time to use electricity?
The cheapest time to use electricity at home depends on what kind of tariff you are on. Flexible tariffs offer cheaper rates for electricity at off-peak times, when there is less demand.
But, if you are not on a flexible tariff, you will pay the same price for electricity at any time of day.
Off-peak electricity times are when there is less demand for energy, like at night, weekends or certain times of the day. On certain tariffs, energy might also be cheaper if there is a lot of energy being generated. For example on very windy or sunny days.
When is the best time to run appliances to save energy?
The appliances you use will need the same amount of energy whenever you use them. But if you are on a flexible scheme or tariff, it may be cheaper to run appliances at certain times of day, or on certain days.
The best time to use appliances to save money will depend on what kind of tariff you are on. For many dual-rate or time-of-use tariffs, such as electric vehicle tariffs, electricity will be cheaper at night. If you are signed up to an flexible scheme with your energy supplier, your energy supplier will let you know when cheaper energy prices, or rewards for reduced energy use, will apply.
Remember, you will need a smart meter working in smart mode to take part in flexible schemes. You will also need a smart meter for most flexible tariffs. Click here to find your supplier's smart meter page, where you'll be able to request your own, at no extra-cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a smart meter?
For you to take part in energy flexibility schemes, your supplier needs to know when you use energy. The same is true for time-of-use tariffs. Meter readings from a traditional meter don't tell your supplier when you used the energy. Smart meters can automatically send meter readings as often as every half an hour. This allows your supplier to charge for energy use at different times of day, or on different days.
What if I can't move my energy use?
It is your choice which tariff you're on, and you don't have to take part in energy saving schemes. When you get a smart meter, the price you pay for energy will not change, unless you choose to change tariff. Your supplier cannot switch your tariff without you knowing. Not every household suits time-of-use tariffs and not everyone can use energy flexibly. Many people will always need to use electricity at certain times. For example, for cooking and for heating their homes in winter. If you prefer not to shift your energy use at this time, you may want to choose a fixed or standard variable tariff where energy costs are the same at all times of the day.
Why do we need energy flexibility?
Time-of-use tariffs and energy flexibility schemes can promote a more even spread of energy use throughout the day. This could help to reduce demand for energy at peak times. And it could help us to make more use of home-grown renewable energy at other times. At the moment, we often increase our use of fossil fuels when there is more demand for energy. This is to ensure we can all use energy when we need it. If we can reduce demand during peak times, and move demand to when there's lots of renewable energy, we could use more home-grown, renewable energy. This way, we could reduce our fossil fuel use and help Great Britain's energy security in the long-term.
Click here to find out more about how smart meters help our nation
Is it cheaper to use energy at night?
It is only cheaper to use electricity at night if you are signed up to a specific tariff that charges a lower price for electricity at night.
When is energy cheapest?
The cheapest time to use energy at home depends on what kind of tariff you are on. Time-of-use tariffs offer cheaper rates for energy at off-peak times, when there is less demand. But, if you are not on a time-of-use tariff, you will pay the same price for energy at any time of day.
When are peak electricity times?
Typical peak times are between 4pm and 7pm Monday to Friday. Off-peak times include during the night and at weekends, when there is normally less demand for energy.
Click here for more information on peak and off-peak energy times
Flexible schemes and tariffs available to selected customers from selected suppliers. Eligibility and availability vary. Consumer action required.
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