The unusual scheduling of the 2026 men's football World Cup — hosted across Canada, Mexico and the US — has prompted fresh interest in time-of-use electricity tariffs, with research suggesting that households already awake for late-night and early-morning matches could simultaneously reduce their energy costs, according to the Guardian.
How Time-of-Use Tariffs Work
Time-of-use tariffs charge different rates for electricity depending on the time of day. E.ON Next's Next Smart Saver deal, cited in the research, operates across three bands: a peak rate of 39p per kilowatt hour between 4pm and 7pm, an off-peak rate of 18p, and a super off-peak rate of 13p between 2am and 5am.
Julian Lennertz, chief commercial officer at E.ON Next, is quoted as saying: "Millions are set to be awake for night-time games, unaware it's also one of the cheapest times to use electricity."
Potential National and Household Savings
Professor Jan Rosenow of the Environmental Change Institute calculated that if households ran washing machines during the cheapest tariff rate across 35 World Cup match days — rather than at the standard price cap rate — the collective national saving would reach £93 million. Running a washing machine is described as typically accounting for 14% of a household energy bill.
At the individual level, Rosenow estimates that switching five typical daily household activities — including watching TV, ironing and using a tumble dryer — from peak to off-peak times could save households up to £230 a year compared with the price cap.
EDF's FreePhase Tariff Also Highlighted
The Guardian also reports on EDF's dynamic tariff, FreePhase, which alerts customers the day before about the next day's pricing across three bands: a green super off-peak rate from 11pm to 6am, an amber off-peak rate, and a red peak rate between 4pm and 7pm. EDF states the tariff saved customers £152 in the first five months of this year compared with a standard variable tariff.
Experts Note the Limitations
Despite the potential savings, energy experts caution that time-of-use tariffs are not suitable for everyone. According to Ofgem estimates cited in the article, only 2–3% of households are currently on such a tariff, with most of those being electric vehicle owners.
Joanna O'Loan, a knowledge manager at the Energy Saving Trust, is quoted warning: "This level of flexibility isn't possible for everyone, and without it, savings can be small, or even negative." She also notes that a smart meter is required to access newer time-of-use tariffs, as suppliers need to track when electricity is used in order to apply the correct rates.
Ben Gallizzi, an energy expert at Uswitch, adds that while interest in these tariffs is growing, "users need to watch out for the more expensive peak rates between 4pm and 7pm". He notes that households using a lot of energy during the day may not benefit.
Context: Rising Energy Costs
The renewed focus on tariff flexibility comes ahead of an increase in the energy price cap, which the Guardian reports will raise the average annual gas and electricity bill to £1,862 from July. For those seeking a fixed deal, Gallizzi points to Outfox Energy as offering the cheapest available fixed tariff at the time of writing, at £1,611 a year for the average household — £251 below the July price cap figure.
Free, impartial debt and money advice is available from StepChange, MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice.