Economy 7

It featured a seven-hour night rate some 20 per cent cheaper than most night-time tariffs, made possible by economies in the night-time operation of the system.In more recent years the difference between day and night rates has become smaller, with a reduction of about 33%[2] (though dependent on the supplier).

Appliances such as night storage heaters and hot water boilers are often on a separate circuit which is only switched on only when the night rate is activated, however any electrical appliance on an ordinary circuit during this period also runs at the lower rate of billing.

Some appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines include timers to allow them to be set to run during times when the night rate is active, but are connected to a normal circuit.

In newer houses, a digital meter automatically switches to record both ranges.

The specific times when Economy 7 applies vary between different regions, seasons, and sometimes individual meters.