Winter Readiness – The cheap rate.

Determining the absolute cheapest night rate for electricity in the UK is complex, as prices fluctuate and depend on a variety of factors. However, I can provide you with the most up-to-date information and highlight the tariffs and suppliers generally offering the lowest rates.

The cheapest night rates are typically found on “time-of-use” or “multi-rate” tariffs, such as Economy 7 and EV (Electric Vehicle) tariffs. These tariffs charge a lower rate for electricity used during off-peak hours (usually at night) and a higher rate during peak hours (the day).

Based on recent data from late August and early September 2025:

• For electric vehicle owners: Tariffs specifically designed for EVs often have the lowest night rates. The SO Energy: SO EV tariff was noted to have a very low overnight charging rate of 6.5p/kWh between 12 am and 5 am. Other competitive EV tariffs include E.ON Next Drive at 6.9p/kWh and Octopus Intelligent Go at 7.0p/kWh.
• For non-EV owners on Economy 7: The cheapest night rates are currently offered by Utility Warehouse, with a night rate of 6.94p/kWh. Other competitive rates are available from Octopus (13.99p/kWh) and British Gas (14.04p/kWh).

Important Considerations:

• Higher Daytime Rates: The low night rates on Economy 7 and EV tariffs come with a significant trade-off: much higher daytime rates. To genuinely save money, you must shift a substantial portion of your electricity consumption to the night-time hours. Experts often suggest that you need to use at least 40% of your total electricity at night to make these tariffs worthwhile.
• Tariff Eligibility: Many of the cheapest tariffs, especially those for EVs, have specific eligibility requirements, such as owning a smart meter or an electric vehicle.
• Geographic Variation: Electricity rates, including off-peak rates, can vary depending on your region in the UK.
• Standing Charges: When comparing tariffs, also consider the daily standing charge. A lower unit rate might be offset by a higher standing charge.

Recommendation: The best way to find the cheapest night rate for your specific situation is to use a reputable energy comparison website. These tools can provide a tailored comparison based on your location, meter type, and actual energy usage.

Will a Bigger Battery help?

There is some form of myth that having a bigger battery could help lower your energy bills. This is not really the case in winter, you would have to store months of power from summer to use in winter, which would be at least 90 times your daily use.
Your battery size should be around double your daily use of power. which will extend the life of the battery.

Will Having more solar help?

Not really, The production of solar in the deepest part of winter, is around 2 solar hours or less. Therefore you would have to capture all your solar power in a very short time, which would be a cloud gamble in any event. With the winter sun being weaker and roof mounted solar being less than ideal, you would need to have more than 75% more solar than the current size to realize the summer performance. targeted solar would help a little as would solar trackers.

Is an electric scooter an EV?

According to UK law a Scooter is classed as a EV the same as a car.

What is our view on power prices?

We have no doubt that the price of power is the UK is one which is inflated, this is a controlled price which makes it bizarre. For example most countries power prices are around £0.07 kWh which includes the services charges (standing charge to us).
We have seen prices around this and lower, but the offerings have vanished.

You will note the go to was octopus; however they have seen a increase in price. This is a common tactic where a low get in price is enabled with small rises over time, such as with internet and insurance providers who bank on you being to lazy to change or they put problems in your way.

Remember Supply and export of power can be different providers. and should help lower the cost of energy as we enter winter. Over the next month you will see a decrees in solar production by around 50% which translates to a rise in cost by 50%. – Roll on the end of February!