Are ‘free electricity weekend’ tariffs worth it in the UK?
They can be—if your household can shift enough usage into the free window and the weekday rate isn’t too high. Compare whole-of-market tariffs with EnergyPlus and see if a weekend-free deal would really cut your bill.
- Check if your weekend usage is high enough to benefit (laundry, cooking, EV charging, home office).
- Understand the trade-offs: higher weekday unit rates, standing charges, and time windows.
- Get a personalised comparison for your postcode—no guesswork.
Home energy comparison for UK households. Results depend on your usage profile, tariff terms and available suppliers in your area.
Compare weekend-free tariffs the whole-of-market way
“Free electricity weekends” can look unbeatable—until you check the weekday unit rate, standing charge and the exact free-hours window. EnergyPlus helps you compare available UK home energy tariffs (including plans with weekend-free elements where offered) based on how you actually use electricity.
If you can shift power-hungry tasks into the free period (for example: washing/drying, batch cooking, heating water, charging an EV or running a heat pump more strategically), you may reduce your annual costs. If your household usage is mostly weekdays, you can end up paying more.
Tip: Have a smart meter? Your half-hourly data can make the decision clearer. If not, we’ll still estimate based on household details.
What you’ll get
- Personalised comparison for your postcode
- Clear view of unit rates vs standing charge
- Guidance on whether a weekend-free plan fits your routine
How “free electricity weekend” tariffs work (UK)
In the UK, “free electricity weekends” usually means a supplier offers 0p/kWh for electricity during specific weekend hours. Outside the free window, you pay the plan’s standard unit rate (often higher than a typical fixed/variable tariff) plus a standing charge.
These deals are typically aimed at households that can shift flexible usage to weekends. The key is that nothing is truly free—it’s a pricing structure. Whether it’s worth it depends on your consumption pattern and the tariff’s non-free rates.
The free window matters
Check the exact hours and whether it’s Saturday, Sunday or both. Some plans limit the offer to certain times.
Weekday rates can be higher
If most of your use is Mon–Fri, a higher unit rate can outweigh weekend savings quickly.
Standing charge still applies
Even with free hours, you still pay the daily standing charge (and any non-free usage).
Remember: Supplier availability and tariff features change. EnergyPlus compares what’s available for your home and postcode at the time you request quotes.
Who weekend-free tariffs can suit (and who should be cautious)
More likely to be worth it
- Weekend-heavy households (family at home Sat/Sun, lots of cooking and laundry)
- EV drivers who can charge mainly in the free window (and have a charger setup that fits the hours)
- High electricity users who can shift usage (tumble dryer, dishwasher, batch cooking)
- Flexible routines (you can plan appliance runs without inconvenience)
Be careful if you…
- Use most electricity on weekdays (home working Mon–Fri, weekday cooking and laundry)
- Have low overall usage (standing charge and higher weekday rates can dominate)
- Can’t reliably run major appliances in the free window
- Assume “free” means the same as “cheapest” without checking rates
If you’re unsure, the safest approach is to compare: a weekend-free plan vs a strong fixed tariff vs a competitive variable tariff—using your postcode and a realistic estimate of when you use power.
Quick worth-it check: the simplest way to sanity-check “free weekends”
You don’t need perfect data to spot a bad deal. Use this quick check before you switch (then confirm with a full comparison).
- Estimate your weekend share. Roughly what percentage of your weekly electricity use happens in the “free” window? Many households are under 20–30% unless they deliberately shift loads.
- Compare weekday unit rates. If the weekday unit rate is materially higher than a good fixed tariff, you’ll need a high weekend share to break even.
- Check standing charge and exit fees. A higher standing charge can reduce the benefit, especially for low-usage homes. Also confirm any exit fees on fixed plans.
- Confirm the free hours and exclusions. “Weekend” may not mean 48 hours. Check start/end times and whether the offer applies to electricity only.
If you want the most accurate answer, use your smart meter data (where available) or provide honest estimates in the comparison form above.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
Assuming 48 hours are free
Some plans offer a smaller free window. Always confirm start/end times and whether they change on bank holidays.
Not checking the weekday unit rate
A higher Mon–Fri rate can outweigh weekend savings—especially if you work from home or cook midweek.
Overestimating load shifting
It’s easy to plan “we’ll do everything on Sunday” and then forget. Be realistic about habits.
Ignoring regional pricing
Standing charges and unit rates vary by region. A deal that looks good nationally may not be best in your area.
Mixing with other time-of-use plans
If you’re comparing against EV or time-of-use tariffs, make sure you’re comparing like-for-like time bands.
Focusing only on electricity
If you’re on dual fuel, a great electricity gimmick can be offset by a poor gas rate. Compare both if relevant.
Practical move: If you’re considering a weekend-free tariff, try a “weekend shift” for two weeks first. Track what you can realistically move to Saturdays/Sundays, then compare tariffs with that assumption.
Eligibility & what to check before switching
Usually required
- Smart meter (common for time-based pricing to be applied correctly)
- Direct Debit payment method (often linked to the advertised rates)
- Online account management
Always confirm
- Exact free hours and whether both days are included
- What happens outside the free window (weekday/weekend paid rate)
- Standing charge and any tariff end date
- Any exit fees (typically on fixed plans)
EnergyPlus comparisons focus on UK home energy options. If your home has solar, a battery, a heat pump or an EV, mention it—your best tariff can differ significantly.
FAQs: free electricity weekends in the UK
Is weekend electricity really free?
It usually means the unit rate is set to 0p/kWh for a defined weekend time window. You still pay the standing charge, and you pay the plan’s unit rate outside the free window. Always check the tariff’s terms and the exact hours.
Will a weekend-free tariff reduce my bill?
It can do if you can move enough consumption into the free hours and the paid rates are still competitive. If your electricity use is mostly weekdays, a higher weekday unit rate can make you worse off.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes—because the supplier needs to measure consumption by time window to apply the free rate correctly. If you don’t have one, you may have fewer tariff options.
Are weekend-free tariffs good for EV charging?
Potentially—if your free hours align with when you can charge and you do a meaningful amount of charging at weekends. If most of your charging is overnight on weekdays, an EV-specific off-peak tariff might suit you better.
Could the standing charge cancel out the benefit?
Yes. Standing charges vary by supplier and region and can be a significant part of annual cost—especially for low-usage households. Always compare total annual cost, not just the “free” claim.
Can I switch again if it doesn’t work out?
Usually yes, but check whether the tariff is fixed and whether there are exit fees. If you want flexibility, consider a tariff without exit fees or with a shorter commitment.
Have a specific weekend-free tariff in mind? Use the comparison form and include it in your notes when we contact you.
Find out if “free weekends” would actually save you money
Get a whole-of-market comparison for your UK home—based on your postcode and how you use electricity.
- See competitive alternatives if weekend-free isn’t best
- Compare electricity-only or dual fuel
- Clear view of rates, standing charges and key terms
Ready to compare?
Takes a couple of minutes. No scripts or downloads—just your details and postcode.
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Trust note: Always verify tariff details on the supplier’s documentation before switching. EnergyPlus helps you compare options and understand trade-offs.