🇬🇧 Cheapest electricity hours in the UK today
See the UK's current wholesale electricity price and the cheapest available hours today.
When is electricity cheapest in the UK?
The UK's wholesale electricity price is set on the day-ahead market and managed by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), using marginal pricing: the price is set by the most expensive generator needed to meet demand at any given moment.
The UK has significant offshore wind capacity, particularly in the North Sea and around Scotland, which can push prices down sharply — and occasionally negative — during very windy, low-demand periods. Because gas-fired power stations are usually the last plants dispatched to fill remaining demand, they frequently set the price even on hours when wind and solar supply most of the electricity, which keeps prices closely linked to gas prices overall.
Prices typically rise during the evening peak, roughly 5pm to 7pm, when demand is highest and — especially on calm winter evenings with little wind — the grid leans more heavily on gas.
The price shown here is the wholesale market price, not your retail rate. Your household bill is set by your supplier under Ofgem's price cap or your chosen tariff, and includes network charges, policy costs, and VAT on top of the wholesale energy cost.
Frequently asked questions
When is electricity most expensive in the UK?
Prices typically rise during the evening peak, roughly 5pm to 7pm, when demand is highest and gas-fired power stations — which usually set the marginal price — are running hardest, especially on calm winter evenings with little wind.
When is electricity cheapest in the UK?
Prices tend to be lowest overnight and during periods of strong wind output, particularly from offshore wind farms in the North Sea and around Scotland. On very windy, low-demand days, prices can fall sharply or even turn negative.
Is this the same price as my electricity bill?
No. This is the GB wholesale market price. Your household bill is set by your supplier under Ofgem's price cap or your chosen tariff, and includes network charges, policy costs, and VAT on top of the wholesale energy cost.
Why does gas set the UK electricity price so often?
The UK wholesale market uses marginal pricing: the price is set by the most expensive generator needed to meet demand at any given moment. Because gas-fired plants are usually the last ones dispatched to fill any remaining demand, they frequently set the price — even on hours when wind and solar supply most of the electricity.
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