Page last updated on 13th January 2026
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Get rewarded for using your energy flexibly
With a smart meter, you could get rewarded by your energy company for changing when you use your energy – like doing your laundry or batch cooking at off-peak times when others are using less. Request your smart meter below or read on to learn more.
You can only access all the benefits of these new flexible tariffs and schemes if you have a smart meter.
Use your energy flexibly – and get rewarded
Some energy suppliers are now offering time-of-use tariffs and flexibility schemes to their customers. These reward you for using energy at different 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.
Changing when you use your energy is easier than you think:
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| Use the delay button on your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher to avoid peak times |
Batch cook extra meals when energy is cheaper |
Shift other home energy uses like vacuuming, ironing and charging your EV, to off-peak times |
Energy flexibility: what does it mean to use energy flexibly?
In Great Britain, our energy system is always balancing supply (how much energy is produced) and demand (how much energy is needed). Energy flexibility is how we can change supply and demand, to help keep the balance in the energy system. Changing demand could involve moving energy use away from peak times.
For example, doing household chores that use a lot of energy at different times of day, or on different days. It could also mean using more energy when more renewable energy is available, such as on very windy or sunny days.
Use your energy flexibly – and get rewarded
Some energy suppliers are now offering time-of-use tariffs and flexibility schemes to their customers. These reward you for using energy at different 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.
Changing when you use your energy 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
when energy is cheaper
.
Shift other home energy uses like vacuuming, ironing and charging your EV, to off peak times
.
What are the benefits of using energy flexibly?
Get rewards with energy saving rewards schemes
Some energy suppliers offer energy saving 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 time-of-use-tariffs
There are also time-of-use tariffs, sometimes called off-peak tariffs. These tariffs charge less to use energy on certain days, or at certain times. These tariffs can help you save money on energy bills.Â
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.
You will need a smart meter to access the full benefits of flexible time-of-use tariffs and energy flexibility schemes.
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 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
Use your energy flexibly – and get rewarded
Some energy suppliers are now offering time-of-use tariffs and flexibility schemes to their customers. These reward you for using energy at different 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.
Changing when you use your energy is easier than you think:
Use the delay button
Use the delay button on your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher to avoid peak times
Batch cook
Batch cook extra meals when energy is cheaper
Shift other home energy uses
Shift other home energy uses like vacuuming, ironing and charging your EV, to off peak times
How to use energy flexibly: our tips for shifting your energy use
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Know your peak and off-peak energy times
If you're signed up to an energy saving scheme, or a time-of-use tariff, you'll need to know your peak and off-peak times. Most time-of-use tariffs offer cheaper energy at off-peak times. Energy saving schemes might offer rewards for using more energy during off-peak times, or less energy during peak times. Check with your supplier for the specific terms of your scheme or tariff.
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Check which appliances use the most energy
To have the biggest impact, and make the biggest savings, you'll need to know how much energy you're using. Knowing which appliances use the most energy can help you decide how to move your energy use. For example, washing machines and ovens tend to use a lot of energy. You can find out how much energy your appliances use with help from in-home display from your smart meter.
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Make sure you're set up with a smart meter
You will need a smart meter to take part in flexible energy schemes. Your smart meter will need to be working in smart mode and sending readings every half an hour. Your energy supplier should be able to install a smart meter for you at no extra cost.
Using energy flexibly: frequently asked questions
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.
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. Time-of-use tariffs offer cheaper rates for electricity 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 electricity at any time of day.
Off-peak electricity times are when there is less demand for electricity, such as at night. 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 time-of-use tariff or energy flexibility scheme, 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 energy saving 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 energy flexibility schemes. You will also need a smart meter for most time-of-use tariffs. Get ready to take part by booking your smart meter installation today. Enter your energy supplier’s name in the box below to get started.
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.
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. Click the 'Continue reading' button above to learn more.
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. Click the 'Continue reading' button above to learn more.
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.
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