When is the cheapest time to use electricity? Off peak times for British Gas, EDF, Eon, Scottish Power and SSE

Households all across the UK are looking for ways to cut their energy bills as they face a difficult few months in the winter.

The cost of living crisis has seen energy bills skyrocket significantly compared to this same time last year. However, one easy way of saving money on your electricity is by using large appliances during off-peak hours.

Some energy providers may charge their customers less money for using their electricity at certain times of the day. This is usually during quiet periods when the majority of people use less electricity and is often referred to as a time-of-use tariff.

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However, not every supplier will charge you differently depending on your time-of-use. That's why it's important to contact your energy supplier and see if you're eligible for an off-peak hours rate - for example, if you have an Economy 7 meter or a smart energy plan.

We've broken down some of the different off-peak times available from the UK's most popular energy suppliers. Despite this, these are general times provided and your unique energy plan may be different so may be worth checking direct with your supplier.

British Gas

If your meter was installed by British Gas then you will be charged less between 12am and 7am in the winter months. During the summer months, you will be charged less between 1am and 8am.

EDF

According to EDF, you will generally get your seven hours of off-peak electricity sometimes between 11pm and 8am. However, this may be split into chunks of time.

Eon

For Eon customers, you will generally be charged less between 11pm and 8am, however this may vary depending on where you live and could instead be from 11pm to 7am or 12pm to 8am.

Scottish Power

According to Scottish Power, you will be charged less between either 12am to 7am or 12.30am to 7.30am.

SSE

SSE customers will generally be charged less between 11.30pm and 7.30am in the winter or 12.30am and 8.30am during the summer.

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