Octopus Agile Best Times to Use Electricity
Octopus Agile is a variable rate tariff where prices change every 30 minutes based on wholesale electricity costs.
This guide shows you the best times to use electricity on Agile and how to maximise your savings.
Agile best times (typical patterns)
- Cheapest: 1am–5am (often below 10p/kWh)
- Good value: 10am–4pm on sunny/windy days
- Avoid: 4pm–7pm (can exceed 35p/kWh)
- Bonus: Plunge pricing can go negative (you get paid!)
Check your region's energy mix before deciding when to use power
View live UK carbon intensity data
How Octopus Agile pricing works
Unlike standard tariffs with fixed rates, Agile prices are set daily at 4pm for the next day. They change every 30 minutes and reflect wholesale electricity costs.
This means when there is high wind or solar generation, prices drop significantly. During peak demand (typically 4pm–7pm), prices rise.
Price cap protection
Agile has a price cap of 100p/kWh, so you are protected from extreme spikes.
Best times to use electricity on Agile
While exact times vary daily, these patterns are typically the cheapest times:
Overnight (1am–5am)
Consistently the cheapest period. Perfect for EV charging, storage heaters, and running appliances on timers.
Mid-day (10am–4pm)
Often cheap on sunny or windy days when renewable generation is high. Check daily prices.
EV charging on Octopus Agile
EV owners can save £200–£400 per year by charging during cheap overnight slots. Most EVs can be scheduled to charge automatically.
Typical EV charging savings
Charging at 5p/kWh vs 30p/kWh = 83% saving on fuel costs
Learn more about when to run appliances for maximum savings.
Plunge pricing: Get paid to use electricity
During periods of very high renewable generation and low demand, Agile prices can go negative. This means you get paid to use electricity.
Plunge pricing typically occurs on sunny, windy afternoons or overnight. Use a smart meter to track these events.
You could be overpaying for energy
Based on your usage and location, you may be able to save £100–£400/year
Is Octopus Agile right for you?
Good for
- • EV owners who can charge overnight
- • People who work from home
- • Those with flexible schedules
- • Smart home enthusiasts
Less ideal for
- • Fixed daily routines
- • High usage during peak hours
- • Those who prefer price certainty
Start Saving on Your Energy Bills Today
- Find the cheapest times to use electricity
- Get alerts when energy is cheapest
- Save £200–£400 per year