Electricity Tariff Comparison: Find the Cheapest Rate for Your Home
Most households pay 40-60% more for electricity than necessary simply because they're on the wrong tariff. Switching from a standard rate to a tailored tariff can save EUR 200-400 per year. Here's how to find the best deal for your usage pattern.
Main Electricity Tariff Types
- Standard single rate: Same price per kWh 24/7. Usually the most expensive.
- Economy 7 / Off-peak: Cheaper at night (6-8 hours), higher during day.
- Time-of-use (TOU): 3+ price tiers (peak, shoulder, off-peak) by time/season.
- Fixed rate: Price locked for 1-2 years, no surprises.
- Variable rate: Price fluctuates monthly with wholesale market.
Night-time heating users: If you use electric heating, heat pump, or charge an EV at night, Economy 7 can save 30-40% on that portion of your bill.
Tariff Comparison Example (Monthly)
| Tariff Type | Day Rate | Night Rate | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | EUR 0.28/kWh | N/A | EUR 112 |
| Economy 7 | EUR 0.32/kWh | EUR 0.18/kWh | EUR 96 |
| Time-of-use | EUR 0.35/kWh | EUR 0.16/kWh | EUR 88 |
| Fixed rate | EUR 0.26/kWh | N/A | EUR 104 |
*Based on 400 kWh/month consumption. Actual savings depend on your usage pattern and local rates.
Who Benefits From Each Tariff?
- Economy 7: Families who heat water at night, use heat pumps, or have controlled charging.
- Standard rate: Very light users (small households, second homes) where switching cost isn't justified.
- Time-of-use: Flexible schedules; can shift laundry, dishwasher, charging to cheapest hours.
- Fixed rate: Budget-conscious customers who prefer predictable bills (good for planning).
- Variable rate: Risk-tolerant households betting on falling wholesale prices (rare).
How to Calculate Your Best Tariff
- Step 1: Get your last 12 months of bills (showing kWh by time period).
- Step 2: Calculate % of usage during peak/off-peak hours.
- Step 3: Use a tariff comparison tool (e.g., energycompare.eu) to enter your usage.
- Step 4: Calculate annual cost for 3-4 tariffs.
- Step 5: Switch to the cheapest option—usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Some suppliers charge EUR 30-100 switching fees. Always subtract this from your annual savings. Also check contract length—don't lock in a bad rate for 2 years just to save EUR 10 per month.
average for households switching to off-peak tariff (typical family)
Tariff comparison is the fastest way to cut electricity costs with zero effort—no behavior change required. Review your options yearly, as rates change frequently.
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