Best UK Time-of-Use Tariffs (2026): Compare Off-Peak Rates
Last updated: 4 May 2026
Best UK time-of-use tariffs (2026)
Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on May 2026
UK electricity prices vary by 4-7x between off-peak and peak hours on time-of-use (TOU) tariffs. Households that can shift load (EV charging, battery storage, heat pumps, dishwasher / washing machine timers) save £200-£800 per year vs standard variable tariffs.
This page compares every meaningful UK TOU tariff currently available, with off-peak rates, peak rates, and the off-peak window length.
All UK time-of-use tariffs (2026)
| Tariff | Provider | Off-peak | Peak | Off-peak window | Annual saving | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Octopus Go | Octopus Energy | 6-8p | 30-40p | 00:30-04:30 | £300-700/year | | Octopus Intelligent Go | Octopus Energy | 7-8p | 30-40p | 23:30-05:30 (extended via smar | £400-800/year | | Octopus Cosy | Octopus Energy | 12-15p | 35-50p | 04:00-07:00 + 13:00-16:00 + 22 | £200-500/year | | Octopus Flux | Octopus Energy | 15-19p | 35-45p | 02:00-05:00 | £500-1000/year | | British Gas Electric Driver | British Gas | 8.95p | 32-38p | 00:00-05:00 | £250-600/year | | EDF GoElectric | EDF | 4.5-9p | 30-37p | 00:00-05:00 | £300-700/year | | OVO Charge Anytime | OVO Energy | 7p | 32-38p | smart-scheduled by app | £350-700/year |
Which tariff is right for you?
- EV owner: Octopus Go or Intelligent Go (cheapest off-peak rate, smart-charging integration)
- Plug-and-play battery owner: Octopus Go (max price differential = max battery cycling profit)
- Heat pump owner: Octopus Cosy (3 off-peak windows tuned to heat pump efficiency curves)
- Solar + battery owner: Octopus Flux (highest export rate during evening peak)
- British Gas customer who doesn't want to switch: BG Electric Driver
- EDF customer who doesn't want to switch: EDF GoElectric
Switching considerations
- All TOU tariffs require a SMETS2 smart meter
- Switch typically completes in 5-10 working days
- No exit fees on most modern tariffs
- Verify rates on the provider's site — they update frequently
Related guides
- Plug-and-play batteries UK guide (2026)
- Energy-saving devices for UK households
- BS 7671 Amendment 4 explained
Sources
- Ofgem Time-of-Use Tariff Database
- Octopus Energy / British Gas / EDF / OVO public tariff pages
- Energy UK consumer trends report (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest off-peak electricity tariff in the UK in 2026?
Octopus Intelligent Go and EDF GoElectric currently offer the lowest off-peak rates at 4.5-8p/kWh. Octopus Go is also competitive at 6-8p with a simpler 4-hour window.
Do I need a smart meter for a time-of-use tariff?
Yes — SMETS2 smart meter required. Most UK households now have SMETS2; if you don't, your supplier will install one free.
Which tariff works best with a plug-and-play battery?
Octopus Go (6-8p off-peak vs 30-40p peak — maximum price spread). The 4-hour off-peak window is enough to fully charge a 2.5-2.6 kWh battery once per day.