About Tide
What is a time–of–use tariff?
A time–of–use tariff is an energy pricing plan designed to encourage consumers to shift their demand for electricity to off–peak times.
The cost per unit of energy varies depending on the time of day you us it. Typically, the cheapest time will be over night and the most expensive time will be around tea-time on a weekday.
On a traditional tariff you just pay for how many units of energy you use, a time–of–use tariff also takes into consideration when you use your energy.
What are the Tide rates and times?
Tide customers benefit most from Tide if they can significantly shift their demand for electricity to overnight use and avoid the peak time between 4pm and 8pm weekdays.
| WEEKDAY ELECTRICITY |
| Low Tide |
00:00 – 07:00 |
| Tide Weekday |
07:00 – 16:00 |
| High Tide |
16:00 – 20:00 |
| Tide Weeknight |
20:00 – 00:00 |
| WEEKEND ELECTRICITY |
| Low Tide |
00:00 – 07:00 |
| Tide Weekend |
07:00 – 00:00 |
| GAS |
| 100% Green Gas |
Same price all day |
Is there a time–of–use tariff for gas?
A time–of–use tariff rewards you for managing your electricity consumption. So, whilst you can sign up as a dual fuel customer to our Tide tariff, the rates for gas remain the same whatever the time of day.
How does shifting demand away from peak times help fight climate change?
The UK’s national grid draws electricity from a broad range of energy supplies to cope with the country’s day–to–day demands. There are some stress points during the day when demand can outstrip normal supply.
When this happens, gas or diesel–powered plants fire up to meet the demand. This adds dramatically to the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions.
By making simple changes to how and when we use our energy, we can flatten out the peaks and help to ensure that our renewable generation is able to meet as much of the UK’s demand for energy as possible.
Customer Criteria
What new equipment do I need to benefit from a time–of–use tariff?
In the first instance, Tide requires a successful connection to a SMETs 2 Smart Meter so we can retrieve half hourly data and accurately bill you for the times you are using your energy.
If you do not have a Smart Meter or are unsure if yours is compatible, we can install one for free as long as you are a 100Green customer.
In addition, it is recommended that you have access to technology that can assist you in managing your energy usage and avoid being charged the higher rates during peak times.
For example, you generate your own electricity and can store this for use when rates are higher. And/or you can store up energy from the grid overnight when rates are lower. Alternatively, Tide can help you get the most out of your electric vehicle by offering a low rate to charge your car overnight.
Do I need a Smart Meter to benefit from a time of use tariff?
Yes, Tide requires a successful connection to a SMETs 2 Smart Meter so we can retrieve half hourly data and accurately bill you for the times you are using your energy.
If you do not have a Smart Meter or are unsure if yours is compatible, we can install one for free as long as you are a 100Green customer.
If you are not yet a customer, you can sign up for one of our other tariffs and request a free Smart Meter installation. None of our tariffs have exit fees so you are able to switch to Tide as soon as we have confirmed that we are able to connect to your Smart Meter.
Energy Management
Is Tide a good tariff for electric vehicle owners?
Yes, a time–of–use tariff such as Tide can help you get the most out of your investment in an electric vehicle.
Especially if you can charge your car overnight on the cheapest rates.
How much do I have to change my energy consumption behaviours to benefit from a time–of–use tariff?
The simple answer is, the more you can use electricity during off peak times and avoid use during peak times, the more money you will save on your bill.
It’s important to remember that the highest rates are charged between 4pm and 8pm every weekday – the normal time that everyone gets home from school and work and starts using electricity. If you use very little electricity during this time, then you already have a head start.
Customers who benefit most from Tide (and we mean they really are winning) are those who have solar panels and generate their own electricity during the day to use when rates are higher. And / or can store energy purchased overnight when rates are at their lowest.
What is the difference between an Economy 7 tariff and a time–of–use tariff?
Well, technically speaking an Economy 7 (or 10) tariff is a time–of–use tariff. However, the meter does not need to be smart and there are only two rates; day and night. You tend to find 2–rate meters in properties that have storage heating and can make use of the cheaper energy overnight.
A smart time–of–use tariff is much more flexible, can be utilised by anyone with a Smart Meter and can offer users more than just two time periods. This often means that the overnight rate can be quite a bit cheaper than a 2–rate tariff can offer. If you are able to really take control of your energy usage and benefit from the lower rate times, then a smart time of use tariff can have a greater, positive impact on your energy bill (and the environment)!