Plain English
EDF smart tariff glossary
Plain-English definitions for FreePhase, smart meters, time-of-use rates, electricity regions, standing charges and Economy 7.
- Amber period
The FreePhase off-peak periods from 6am to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm in UK local time. The applicable unit price depends on whether the plan is Dynamic or Static.
Related: FreePhase, Time-of-use tariff
- Dynamic rate
A rate that can be revised frequently using a published market-linked method. FreePhase Dynamic assigns prices to fixed Red, Amber and Green schedules and may revise those prices daily.
- Economy 7
A dual-register electricity arrangement with separate day and night prices. Actual switching times depend on the meter and region, so they should be checked rather than assumed.
Related: Multi-rate meter, off-peak
Sources: EDF Energy: Economy 7: what it is and how to change it
- Electricity pricing region (GSP)
One of 14 Great Britain electricity regions used to publish location-specific tariff rates. A postcode can be mapped to a region without being stored by this site.
Related: Standing charge, Unit rate
- Free electricity period
A period published at exactly 0p/kWh. On FreePhase Dynamic it appears as a 0.000p price; it is different from a monthly promotional credit or merely a very cheap rate.
- FreePhase
EDF’s smart time-of-use tariff family. Both versions use fixed Red, Amber and Green daily schedules; Dynamic prices may change daily while Static unit rates stay fixed for the plan term.
Related: Dynamic rate, Time-of-use tariff
- Green period
The FreePhase super off-peak period from 11pm to 6am in UK local time. Green is the lowest scheduled band, but it is not automatically free.
- Half-hourly data
Electricity readings divided into 30-minute settlement periods. EDF says FreePhase requires a working smart meter that can provide half-hourly readings.
Related: Smart meter, Time-of-use tariff
- Multi-rate meter
A meter or configuration that applies separate registers or prices at different times, such as Economy 7. It is not the same thing as three-phase electrical supply.
Related: Economy 7, Time-of-use tariff
Sources: EDF Energy: FreePhase smart time-of-use tariff; EDF Energy: Economy 7: what it is and how to change it
- Red period
The FreePhase peak-price period from 4pm to 7pm in UK local time. Households considering FreePhase should assess how much demand they can genuinely move away from it.
Related: FreePhase, Time-of-use tariff
- Smart meter
A meter capable of sending readings remotely. Access to a smart tariff can additionally depend on working communications, half-hourly consent and the supplier’s eligibility checks.
Related: Half-hourly data, Time-of-use tariff
Sources: EDF Energy: FreePhase smart time-of-use tariff; EDF Energy: Electric vehicle tariffs
- Standing charge
A daily charge applied separately from electricity use. A low unit-rate period does not remove the standing charge unless the tariff explicitly says so.
Related: Unit rate, Electricity pricing region (GSP)
Sources: Ofgem: Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges
- Time-of-use tariff
A tariff with different unit prices at different times. Prices may follow fixed bands, change periodically or be linked to a published market formula.
- Unit rate
The price of each kilowatt-hour of electricity, usually shown in pence per kWh. It does not include the daily standing charge.
Related: Standing charge, Free electricity period
Sources: Ofgem: Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges
See these terms in context in the EDF off-peak guide and methodology.