What are DUoS red, amber and green time bands?

DUoS red, amber and green are time bands used in distribution network unit charges. They distinguish periods with different rates, rather than your entire electricity price. National Grid Electricity Distribution lists the bands in Annex 1 of its regional statements [S1]. Check your network area, tariff and supply contract before rescheduling charging. Checked October 2026.

Last checked 19 October 2026

What do DUoS colour bands mean for your site?

DUoS red, amber and green are time bands used to apply different Distribution Use of System unit charges. DUoS funds use of the local electricity distribution network. Its colour-banded energy rates sit alongside other charging components [S1].

Why it matters for your site: flexible vehicle charging could move electricity use between differently priced network periods. First establish whether your supply contract passes through those differences.

Red generally represents the higher-priced period, amber the intermediate period and green the lower-priced period in the published import tables [S1], [S2]. These are network charges, not a complete retail electricity price or a signal about electricity’s carbon intensity.

Where do you find your site’s timetable?

Your distribution network operator (DNO) runs the local network. Use its charging statement for the relevant year and your tariff identifier. The East Midlands and West Midlands statements each put the low- and high-voltage designated-property tables in Annex 1 [S1], [S2]. UK Power Networks publishes separate statements for its network areas [S3]. Do not copy another site’s schedule without checking these details.

The half-hourly metering and DUoS guide covers the wider bill. Use business electricity prices as market context, rather than your site’s network rate card.

Could charging during green periods change your bill?

Ask your supplier to explain the relevant contract clauses and identify which charges vary with timing. Then test a schedule against vehicle departures and site capacity.

For an illustration, assume you move 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh), a unit of energy, from a period costing 5p more per kWh under your contract. Variable-cost difference = 100 × £0.05 = £5. Both inputs are assumptions, not published rates. Fixed charges remain separate [S1]. Include any extra operating costs before budgeting a benefit.

Next step

Use the cut-energy-costs hub and site check to prepare your schedule, then get matched with an installer that covers your area.

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