Explore our smart time-of-use tariffs
Smart time-of-use tariffs are shaping the future of energy. Pay less for energy at certain times of day. If you charge an EV, use a heat pump, generate and export electricity from solar or can shift when you use energy, our smart tariffs could help you save.
Benefits of our smart time-of-use tariffs
Use electricity when prices are lower
Great for customers with EV's, solar panels, solar batteries or anyone who can shift when they use their electricity
Range of tariffs to suit your home set up and lifestyle
EV tariffs
Charge your EV for less with cheaper overnight electricity
Why choose an EV tariff?
Save money with 7 hours of lower electricity rates overnight
Fixed rates for simple, predictable costs
Works with any electric car or charger
Ideal for:
Homes with an electric vehicle and a smart meter
FreePhase
Use electricity when it’s cheapest with smart time-of-use pricing
Why choose a FreePhase tariff?
Three pricing periods each day – red, amber and green
Choose fixed daily rates or rates that change daily
Enjoy occasional periods of free electricity(1)
Ideal for:
Homes with a smart meter, that can shift electricity use away from peak times (4pm-7pm)
Other smart time-of-use tariffs we offer
Designed around how you power your home
Whether you generate your own electricity or use electric heating, we have smart tariffs designed to work with the technology in your home.
Solar tariffs
Make more of your solar energy. Our solar tariffs are designed for homes with solar panels, helping you get greater value from the energy you generate and use.
Heat pump tariffs
Designed for homes with a heat pump. Boost your heat pump during off-peak rates to save even more to make the most of your heating system.
What is a smart time-of-use tariff?
A smart time-of-use tariff gives you different electricity prices at different times of the day. When demand is lower, electricity can cost less. When demand is higher, prices can be higher.
With a smart tariff, you can save by using more electricity during lower-cost periods. This could include charging an EV overnight, running your heat pump at certain times, or using appliances when electricity is cheaper.
Most smart time-of-use tariffs need a smart meter so your electricity use can be measured throughout the day.
You might also hear time-of-use tariffs referred to as TOU tariffs. While tariffs work in different ways, they all aim to reward customers who can be flexible about when they use energy.
Key takeaway
Use energy when prices are lower, and you could pay less for the electricity you use.
How smart time-of-use tariffs work
Smart tariffs
Work with your smart meter to track your peak and off-peak electricity use. Giving customers access to tariffs with flexible pricing options.
Off-peak hours
Electricity can cost less during quieter times of day, such as overnight or outside peak evening hours (4-7 pm every day).
More flexibility
Shift when you use your electricity during the day, such as EV charging, laundry or heating, to cheaper times and make more of your energy.
Is a smart tariff right for me?
Smart time-of-use tariffs can work well if you're able to be flexible about when you use electricity. The more energy you can use during lower-cost periods, the more you can benefit.
A smart tariff could be a good fit if you...
✓ Charge an EV at home
✓ Use a heat pump
✓ Have solar panels or a home battery
✓ Can be flexible about when you use electricity
✓ Have a smart meter
You may benefit less if you...
• Use most of your electricity during peak times
• Can't easily change when you use energy
Ready to switch to a smart time-of-use tariff
Here are three things you need to be able to switch to a smart time-of-use tariff
1. A working smart meter
Or be happy to have one installed.
Book a smart meter install.
2. Send 30 min reads
Your smart meter needs to send us meter reads every 30 mins.
Update your settings in MyAccount or via our App under 'smart meter data preferences'
3. Pay by Direct Debit
Paying by Direct Debit means payments are simple, automatic and hassle-free
How to switch to a time-of-use tariff
- Choose your smart tariff
Select the smart time-of-use tariff that's right for your home - Get your quote and switch to EDF
We'll help you complete your switch and set up your new account - We'll connect to your smart meter
To make sure your smart tariff works correctly, we'll first place you on our standard tariff while we check your smart meter can send us the information we need - We'll move you to your chosen smart tariff
Once everything is connected, we'll switch you to the smart tariff you selected - Start making the most of off-peak rates
We'll usually move you onto your chosen smart tariff within 5 days of your switch completing
Got questions about time of use tariffs?
We've got the answers
Are time-of-use tariffs the same as smart tariffs?
Time-of-use tariffs are nothing new; they were first introduced in 1978 for customers who used electricity to heat their homes with old-fashioned night storage heaters. Meaning they could cheaply charge their heaters at night and then release the heat stored during the day, when rates were higher.
Since then, time-of-use tariffs have evolved to reflect how customers use their electricity today. Our smart tariffs reward you for using electricity at quieter times of day. Simple changes, like running your dishwasher overnight or setting your washing machine on a timer, can help you make the most of cheaper electricity and save on your energy bills.
Do you need a smart meter to be eligible for a smart tariff?
Smart tariffs offer different electricity rates at different times of day, so we need a smart meter to understand when you're using energy. Your smart meter automatically sends us regular readings, allowing us to accurately apply the right rates and bill you based on your electricity use.
This helps you make the most of cheaper off-peak rates and any savings available through your tariff.
Are time-of-use tariffs cheaper?
Smart time-of-use tariffs can help you save money if you're able to use more electricity during off-peak hours, when rates are often lower.
They're particularly useful if you have an EV, heat pumps or smart tech, where you can schedule them to run when electricity costs less. Some smart tariffs, such as FreePhase, offer free electricity during periods of excess electricity on the grid.
Are time-of-use, smart, three phase and multi rate tariffs the same?
No. While these terms are related, they don't all mean the same thing.
A smart tariff uses data from your smart meter and may offer different electricity rates depending on when you use energy.
A time-of-use (ToU) tariff is a type of smart tariff that charges different rates at different times of day, such as peak and off-peak periods.
A multi-rate tariff also offers different rates at different times, but doesn't always require a smart meter. Economy 7 is a common example.
A three-phase supply isn't a tariff at all. It's a type of electricity connection often used by properties with higher energy demands, such as larger homes, farms or businesses.
If you're looking for a tariff that rewards you for using electricity at certain times of day, a smart time-of-use tariff could be the right option for you.
Why choose EDF for your smart tariff?
Great service
Our customers rate us 'excellent' on Trustpilot
Range of smart tariffs
Our team of energy experts creates tariffs for modern living, EVs, heat pumps, and solar. Plus FreePhase for customers who can flex their electricity use during the day.
Cleaner electricity
Our smart time-of-use tariffs are backed by zero-carbon electricity we generate ourselves.(2)
Exclusive offers
Sign up as an EDF customer and unlock exclusive offers to help you save even more cash and carbon!
And, don't forget, you can earn money each time you refer a friend to join EDF!