EDF Energy Economy 7: How It Works & Who Benefits

Economy 7 is a type of electricity plan that gives you lower rates at night when demand is low. This plan is great for people who can use power during these off-peak hours. It works well for those with storage heaters, electric vehicles, and appliances that operate overnight.

What is Economy 7?

Economy 7 is an electricity tariff with two different rates. The rates change depending on the time of day.

• A lower night rate for seven hours of electricity during off-peak hours.
• A higher day rate for the other hours.

This tariff is good for customers who use appliances, hot water systems, and storage heaters at night.

What are the Economy 7 Hours?

The specific hours of cheaper electricity vary based on your energy supplier and how your meter is set. For EDF Energy’s Economy 7 plan, these hours usually happen from 11 PM to 6 AM, but they can change depending on your location.

Economy 7 vs Standard Electricity Tariffs

Who Benefits from Economy 7?

Economy 7 is best suited for customers who:

• Have storage heaters or hot water tanks that fill up overnight.
• Own an electric vehicle and can charge it at night when rates are lower.
• Can move 50% or more of their electricity use to the night rate.
• Use appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during the night.
• Want to benefit from EV tariffs made for electric car owners.

How to Check If You Have an Economy 7 Meter

To use Economy 7, you need either a smart meter or a special meter that tracks different electricity rates for day and night. You can find out what type of meter you have by checking for two sets of numbers on your electricity bill.

How to Read an Economy 7 Meter

1. Press the display button to see different readings.
2. Find two readings marked Rate 1 and Rate 2.
3. Rate 1 is usually the day rate, while Rate 2 shows the night rate.

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Economy 7 and Electric Vehicles

For electric car owners, EDF’s Economy 7 tariff offers good savings. This plan lets you charge your EV at a lower rate during the night.

Example EV Charging Cost

Customers can save money and use low-emission energy by charging an electric vehicle during off-peak hours.

Economy 7 and Renewable Energy

EDF Energy helps renewable energy by putting money into solar panels, wind farms, and Hinkley Point C nuclear power. Customers who use Economy 7 can lower their carbon footprint even more. They can do this by using electricity when demand is lower. This is when more renewable energy is available.

Economy 7 and Energy Tariffs

EDF Energy has several types of tariffs. They include single-rate, dual-rate, and EV tariffs. Customers can compare these options to find out which one is best for their needs.

Comparing Economy 7 with EV Tariffs

Customers who rent electric cars might notice that EV tariffs offer better savings compared to regular Economy 7 tariffs.

How to Switch to Economy 7

If you want to change to Economy 7, do these steps:

1. Look at your energy account or get in touch with EDF Energy to see if you are eligible.
2. If needed, set up an installation for a smart meter.
3. Change your electricity use to take advantage of the cheaper economy night rate.

Economy 7’s Role in the Electric Future

As the UK moves to an electric future, Economy 7 supports climate change goals. It encourages using electricity during off-peak times. This helps lessen the load on the power grid. It also helps include energy sources that produce less pollution.

Are there any disadvantages or limitations of EDF Energy Economy 7?

EDF Energy Economy 7 has lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. However, there are some limits. People may not save money if they can’t move their energy use to these times. This plan is better for those with storage heaters or electric boilers. It is not as helpful for others.

Correct as of 05 March 2025

FAQ’s About EDF Economy 7

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