Across the UK, millions of households flick on the lights, cook dinner, and catch up on laundry between 6pm and 9pm — the nation’s most expensive hours for electricity use. Known by energy analysts as the “6PM Surge,” this period drives up both demand and prices, quietly adding hundreds of pounds a year to Britain’s collective energy bills.
While most families are unaware of the timing’s impact, data from National Grid ESO shows that domestic electricity consumption more than doubles during early evening hours. From tumble dryers and ovens to kettles and televisions, simultaneous use creates pressure on the grid — and on household budgets.
As energy prices remain volatile into 2026, experts argue that small behavioural changes, combined with smarter tariff choices, could help households take control of their spending. By focusing on home energy efficiency and regularly running a compare energy deals check, families can adapt their habits to save both power and money.
The real cost of Britain’s peak hours
Electricity in the UK is priced according to demand. During periods when the grid experiences heavy load, generation costs rise, particularly when renewable supply dips and gas-fired power plants fill the gap. Between 6pm and 9pm, this dynamic creates the highest wholesale prices of the day.
Ofgem’s latest figures show that even under the price cap, households using more electricity during these peak hours spend an average of 12–15% more per month than those who shift their routines to daytime or late-night use.
For example, a household running a 3kW tumble dryer for one hour at peak time pays roughly 90p, compared with around 55p off-peak on certain flexible or time-of-use tariffs. Similar differences apply to dishwashers, immersion heaters, and electric vehicle charging. Over a full year, the difference can easily exceed £200.
Why the 6PM habit is hard to break
Even though the financial benefits of shifting consumption are clear, changing routines is difficult for most households. Early evening is traditionally when families return from work or school, prepare meals, and unwind. It’s also when many rely on electric appliances at once — lights, cookers, kettles, televisions, and heating systems all competing for power.
For those on standard variable tariffs, the extra cost is averaged into their overall rate. However, for anyone on time-of-use tariffs — including smart and flexible plans — the evening surge directly affects the price per kilowatt hour.
Experts at the Energy Saving Trust note that “habitual demand peaks” have become ingrained in UK life. The challenge is encouraging gradual changes rather than sudden shifts. Setting washing machines to run later at night, using slow cookers during the day, or charging devices overnight are small but effective steps.
The return of flexible energy tariffs
Flexible pricing, once a niche product, is now a major part of Ofgem’s future energy strategy. These tariffs reward users who move consumption away from peak times by offering lower rates during quieter periods.
While not suitable for everyone, flexible tariffs have already shown potential savings of up to £150 a year for households willing to adjust their habits. They also play a vital role in supporting grid stability as renewable generation increases.
For consumers curious about whether such plans could work for them, running a compare energy deals check through trusted sources like Free Price Compare provides a clear overview of which suppliers offer flexible options — and what hours qualify as off-peak in each region.
How modern lifestyles increase evening load
Beyond routine, technology has also changed how energy is consumed. The shift to electric vehicles, smart homes, and heat pumps has altered demand patterns across Britain. Many EV owners plug in their vehicles immediately after returning home from work — right during the peak window.
At the same time, the popularity of electric cooking appliances such as air fryers and induction hobs has risen sharply. While these devices are more efficient than traditional ovens, concentrated usage between 6pm and 9pm still compounds the national load.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), evening demand now accounts for 44% of total residential electricity use, up from 38% a decade ago. Without changes in consumer behaviour or wider adoption of flexible tariffs, this figure is expected to rise further as more homes adopt electric heating systems.
The role of smart meters and automation
Smart meters have made it easier than ever to track and shift usage. By monitoring real-time data, households can see when their energy demand spikes and how much each appliance contributes to costs. Some smart devices even allow users to schedule heavy appliances like dishwashers or heaters to run overnight automatically.
Automation is proving to be a key part of future home energy efficiency. Smart thermostats, connected plugs, and intelligent timers can all reduce waste by managing heating and power use more precisely.
The National Grid’s “Demand Flexibility Service,” which rewards households for using less electricity at peak times, saved consumers over £11 million during its 2024–25 winter trial. These initiatives highlight how collective behaviour change can directly lower both individual and national costs.
Small shifts that make a big difference
Reducing evening energy use doesn’t require drastic sacrifices. Analysts recommend a few practical strategies that deliver noticeable savings without disrupting daily life:
- Cook strategically: Batch cooking or using slow cookers earlier in the day avoids expensive oven use at night.
- Delay heavy appliances: Run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers after 9pm if your tariff allows cheaper rates.
- Dim and switch: Turn off unnecessary lights in empty rooms and use LED bulbs to cut lighting costs.
- Preheat efficiently: For homes with electric heating, preheat rooms before 6pm and retain warmth with curtains closed.
- Charge devices overnight: Many flexible tariffs offer the lowest rates after midnight, perfect for laptops and EVs.
These small adjustments can cut household electricity use by 8–12% — equating to around £150 in annual savings for the average home.
Why tariff choice matters more than ever
Even the most efficient household can’t fully escape the impact of high unit rates if they’re on the wrong plan. The Ofgem price cap provides some protection, but regional variations and supplier competition still mean wide differences in cost per kWh.
A family in the South East, for instance, may pay 32p per kWh under the price cap, while households in the North West pay closer to 29p. Fixed and flexible tariffs can offer savings below these averages, but only for those who actively review them.
Using a trusted comparison platform like Free Price Compare gives households direct access to current tariffs from multiple suppliers. A quick compare energy deals search based on postcode and annual consumption helps identify plans tailored to individual habits — particularly those with off-peak discounts.
Linking habits to future grid stability
The 6PM Surge isn’t just a household cost issue; it also affects the UK’s transition to a net-zero energy system. As more renewable energy enters the grid, demand balancing becomes crucial. Excessive evening consumption often forces suppliers to fall back on gas-powered plants, increasing emissions and costs.
Shifting usage to off-peak hours makes the grid more efficient, reduces carbon output, and supports renewable integration. Every small change at home — from better home energy efficiency to switching to time-of-use tariffs — contributes to this larger goal.
Key takeaway
The UK’s evening energy surge is more than a routine — it’s a costly habit baked into daily life. As prices remain unpredictable and the grid evolves, households that adapt early stand to benefit most.
By reviewing tariffs through tools like Free Price Compare, adopting smart heating and appliance scheduling, and improving overall home energy efficiency, British families can reduce the hidden cost of the 6PM Surge — keeping comfort without compromising affordability.
