Nearly 19 million households in the UK may be paying more than necessary for electricity by failing to use cheaper off-peak rates, according to new research from E.ON Next. The findings reveal widespread confusion about when electricity is cheapest, with 34% of people unaware they could pay less by using electricity at different times of day. Only half of Britons (50%) say they understand what off-peak electricity actually means.
A further 38% find time-of-use tariffs too complex, stating it is difficult to remember off-peak hours, which puts them off using such tariffs altogether (88%). In response, E.ON Next is helping customers understand potential savings. Households have already saved over £1.5 million by shifting electricity use outside peak hours on its Next Smart Saver tariff.
New data from the energy provider shows that switching electricity behaviour from peak to off-peak hours can lead to significant savings. For example, the average cost of running a tumble dryer and a washing machine falls by 55% respectively.
Expert Comment
Julian Lennertz, Chief Commercial Officer at E.ON Next, said: “With household bills still under pressure, it’s understandable households remain concerned about their energy costs, which is why we’re committed to helping people save money through small changes. Our customers have collectively saved over £1.5 million so far on Next Smart Saver, proving that smarter energy use can make a real difference to household bills. And sometimes the change is surprisingly simple. Running your washing machine or tumble dryer outside peak hours could cut electricity costs by more than half.”
Next Smart Saver Tariff Details
E.ON Next’s Next Smart Saver tariff allows customers to take advantage of cheaper prices when they use electricity at off-peak times. While charging a higher price during ‘peak’ hours, the tariff offers lower rates during defined ‘off-peak’ and ‘super off-peak’ hours:
- Off-peak (5am-4pm and 7pm-2am): Two lower-cost periods ideal for using large appliances like washing machines or dishwashers at 17.71p/kWh.
- Super off-peak (2am-5am): The cheapest rate, ideal for charging electronic devices at 14.33p/kWh.
- Peak (4pm-7pm): A higher-cost period reflecting national energy demand at 39.20p/kWh.
Energy Saving Habit Switch Ups to Save Money on Your Bills
Here are some tips to help you save:
- Shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours: Run washing machines and dishwashers during off-peak hours.
- Time when you heat water: If you have an immersion heater, set it to heat during off-peak (or super off-peak) hours rather than during the day.
- Charge devices in the evening: Charge phones, laptops and power banks during off-peak hours for small savings that add up over time.
- Batch cook your meals: Prepare meals in advance during off-peak hours using the oven, slow cooker or air fryer.
- Avoid peak-time tumble drying: Tumble dry clothes during off-peak hours (during the day) or air dry them for even more savings.
- Pre-cool or pre-heat your home: If you use electric heating or air conditioning, run it slightly more during off-peak hours to reach the desired temperature.
- Install smart plugs or timers: Automate appliances to switch on during off-peak windows so you don’t have to remember.
- Reduce standby waste: Even on off-peak rates, wasted electricity is still wasted money. Turn off unused devices at the mains.
- Track your usage patterns: You don’t need to change everything at once. Track your patterns and make small changes where you can.
- Install a smart thermostat or radiator valves: Smart heating controls can automatically adjust your heating to align with cheaper off-peak rates and give you more precise control over temperatures in each room, helping you avoid wasting energy.
