Off-Peak Electricity Explained: Why Power Is Cheaper at Night

If you're a UK business looking to reduce energy costs, understanding off-peak electricity is essential. Energy prices fluctuate throughout the day—and if you’re paying standard peak rates 24/7, you could be missing out on substantial savings. In this guide, we’ll explain how off-peak electricity works, why it's cheaper at night, and how to find bespoke business electricity deals that match your usage.

What Is Off-Peak Electricity?

Off-peak electricity is power that’s used during low-demand hours—typically overnight or early morning—when energy is cheaper to supply. During these hours, many business energy suppliers near you offer reduced rates to encourage usage and balance the national grid more efficiently.

Whether you're a café closing late, a manufacturer running machinery overnight, or a business charging electric vehicles after hours, switching to an off-peak-friendly plan can result in significant cost reductions.

When Is Electricity Cheapest in the UK?

In most cases, off-peak hours fall between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am, but this can vary based on supplier and tariff. Common off-peak tariffs include:

• Economy 7 – Offers a reduced electricity rate for a continuous 7-hour window overnight, ideal for those who use more energy after dark.
• Economy 10 – Provides 10 hours of discounted electricity, typically split between night-time and early morning hours, perfect for homes and businesses with flexible usage patterns.
• Smart Time-of-Use Tariffs – Flexible pricing that adapts to real-time demand.

If you're currently evaluating business electricity prices, compare off-peak rates to standard fixed-rate contracts—you may be surprised at the difference.

Why Is Electricity Cheaper at Night?

The answer is simple: lower demand. During the day, national electricity usage peaks as businesses and homes operate at full capacity. At night, usage drops dramatically, and power stations are under less strain.

To encourage energy consumption during these quieter periods, suppliers reduce rates. This shift helps minimise peak-time surges, reduces carbon emissions, and keeps the system balanced. Many bespoke business electricity tariffs are designed to reward those who can operate flexibly during these lower-cost periods.

How to Make the Most of Off-Peak Energy Rates

The below mentioned process if you maintain you can take full advantage of cheaper off-peak hours

• 1. Switch to a Smart or Off-Peak Tariff Use a trusted business energy comparison site like UtilityFix to compare business electricity prices from top-rated UK suppliers. We'll help you find the best bespoke business gas price or electricity plan tailored to your usage patterns.
• 2. Automate Your Energy-Heavy Tasks Use timers or smart plugs to run appliances like commercial dishwashers, washing machines, and heating systems during off-peak times.
• 3. Charge EVs OvernightHave a company electric vehicle? Charging it overnight could save you significantly under an off-peak electricity tariff.
• 4. Install a Smart Meter Track your usage in real-time to understand when and where you're using electricity—and shift habits accordingly.

Is Off-Peak Electricity Right for Your Business?

If your business operates during unconventional hours, or you have flexibility to shift usage to night-time, you’re an ideal candidate for an off-peak tariff. From industrial warehouses to local bakeries, many UK SMEs could benefit from a tailored, bespoke business electricity deal.

Final Thoughts: Get a Cheap Energy Quote Tailored to You

At UtilityFix, we specialise in helping UK businesses secure the most competitive gas and electricity contracts. Whether you're looking for a cheap energy quote, comparing business electricity prices, or searching for business energy suppliers near me, our expert team will match you with the right solution.

👉 Get your bespoke business quote now – quick, free, and no obligation.

📩 Questions? 📞 08000129731 Reach us at marketing@utilityfix.co.uk