Best Electricity Tariff for Battery Storage UK — Every Supplier Compared

The tariff you choose has a large effect on what a home battery can save. With over a dozen time-of-use tariffs available across UK suppliers, finding the best one isn't straightforward.

In this guide, we compare every major UK tariff that works with battery storage — not just Octopus. We compare their rates, spreads and charging windows, explain why some tariffs dramatically outperform others, and help you pick the right one for your situation.

How Battery Tariff Savings Work

A home battery saves money through energy arbitrage — charging when electricity is cheap (off-peak) and discharging when it's expensive (peak). The bigger the gap between these two rates, the more you save.

The amount a battery can shift depends on its selected capacity, usable depth, charge window, household demand and conversion losses. Use the calculator with the product and tariff you are considering rather than treating a full daily cycle as guaranteed.

Tariff Rates Compared

All 12 tariffs compared by price spread and charging window. Rates are typical national averages at the time of writing — use our savings calculator for region-specific figures.

We do not show a fixed saving per tariff: what a battery saves depends on the model, the load it can serve through your chosen connection, your usage and current rates. Use the calculator to compare tariffs for your home.

Tariff-by-Tariff Breakdown

1Octopus Agile — Highest Potential

Octopus Agile uses half-hourly variable pricing that changes daily based on wholesale energy markets. During overnight hours (typically 1am–5am), rates regularly drop to 5–8p/kWh, while evening peaks can hit 30–50p/kWh.

This creates the largest spread of any tariff — sometimes 30p+ per kWh. The catch? Rates are unpredictable. Some days the spread is tiny; others it's enormous. Best suited to households comfortable with variability.

EDF GoElectric 35 — Best Fixed-Rate Tariff

EDF's newest tariff launched in April 2026 with a 6.49p/kWh off-peak rate and a generous 7-hour overnight window (11pm–6am). That is a long charging window.

The spread is about 22p per kWh shifted — and unlike Agile, it is predictable. You know exactly what you'll pay every night. This makes it the best fixed-rate tariff currently available for battery owners.

Economy 7 — The Universal Option

Here's the option most people overlook: Economy 7 is available from every single UK energy supplier, and switching to it is free. You don't need to change supplier, you don't need special equipment — just call your supplier and ask.

With typical rates of ~6p/kWh overnight and ~30p/kWh during the day, the spread is ~24p per kWh shifted, with a 7-hour charging window. It's the most accessible, lowest-friction way to start saving with a battery.

E.ON Next Drive — Strong All-Rounder

E.ON's Next Drive tariff offers 7.5p/kWh from midnight to 6am — a generous 6-hour window with a competitive rate. The spread is about 20p per kWh shifted.

It's a straightforward, no-surprises tariff that works well for anyone already with E.ON or looking for a reliable fixed-rate option.

Octopus Go — The Popular Choice

The most popular battery tariff in the UK, Octopus Go offers 7.5p/kWh from 00:30 to 04:30. The 4-hour window is shorter than most competitors, so check whether your chosen battery can charge within it.

The spread is about 17p per kWh shifted. It is not the widest spread, but its simplicity and Octopus's excellent app and customer service make it the easiest to live with.

Scottish Power EV Saver

Scottish Power's EV Saver offers 8.5p/kWh from midnight to 5am — a competitive off-peak rate. The spread is about 19p per kWh shifted. Designed for EV charging but works perfectly for home batteries.

British Gas Battery Tariff

British Gas's dedicated battery tariff gives you half your standard rate overnight — typically around 12.5p/kWh. While the off-peak rate is higher than competitors, it's still significantly cheaper than the 25.5p peak rate, a spread of about 13p per kWh shifted.

It's the easiest option for existing British Gas customers who don't want to switch supplier, but you'd save considerably more by switching tariff or supplier.

OVO Charge Anytime

OVO's smart-managed tariff charges your battery during the cheapest periods automatically. At 14p/kWh off-peak, it's one of the more expensive "cheap" rates, giving a spread of about 13p per kWh shifted. The smart management is convenient but the economics don't match competitors.

Octopus Flux — Best for Solar Owners

Flux is in a category of its own. The off-peak rate (14p) is high and the window (3hrs) is short, but it offers premium export payments of 24p/kWh during peak hours. If you have solar panels, you can earn money by exporting stored solar energy during the evening peak.

For grid-only battery use the spread is about 20p. Solar households should model import savings and export earnings together.

What About Standard Flat-Rate Tariffs?

If you're currently on a standard flat-rate tariff (most UK households are), a battery won't save you money through arbitrage — because you pay the same rate day and night. There's no spread to exploit.

But here's the good news: switching to Economy 7 is free and available from every supplier. You don't need to change supplier, and there are no special requirements. Just call your energy company and ask to switch. Then use the calculator to estimate what a battery could save.

How to Choose the Right Tariff

Try Our Calculator

Want exact savings for your usage level and region? Our savings calculator models Economy 7 savings for any household. For supplier-specific estimates, try:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special tariff for a home battery?

No. Any tariff with different day and night rates works. Economy 7 is available from all major UK suppliers and is free to switch to. Specialist tariffs like Octopus Go or EDF GoElectric offer better rates but aren't essential.

Can I switch tariffs after getting a battery?

Yes. Most suppliers allow tariff switching with no exit fees. You can start with Economy 7 and switch to a specialist tariff later if a better option becomes available.

Do I need a smart meter?

For Economy 7 you need a meter that can record two rates (most E7 meters already do). For specialist tariffs like Octopus Go or Agile, a SMETS2 smart meter is required. Smart meter installation is free from all UK suppliers.

Will tariff rates change?

Yes — rates change periodically (typically quarterly). However, the spread between off-peak and peak rates has remained consistently large because it reflects the genuine cost difference of generating electricity at different times. Recheck your estimate when rates change.

Is it worth switching supplier for a better tariff?

Often yes. A wider spread means more saving per kWh shifted — for example about 22p on EDF GoElectric 35 versus about 13p on the British Gas Battery Tariff. Compare both in the calculator.