Best energy tariffs with free electricity weekends UK
Compare whole-of-market energy deals and check whether a "free electricity weekend" tariff could cut your bills—especially if you can shift washing, drying, and dishwashing to off-peak times.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not just a limited panel)
- See if free-weekend offers beat standard variable and fixed deals for your usage
- Switch online in minutes with your details ready
- Support for smart meter time-of-use tariffs and EV-friendly options where available
Quotes are based on the information you provide. Availability of free-weekend tariffs varies by region, meter type, and supplier. Always check tariff rates, standing charges, and T&Cs before switching.
Compare free electricity weekend tariffs (whole-of-market)
“Free electricity weekends” tariffs are a type of time-of-use energy deal where the unit rate for electricity may be discounted during certain weekend hours (sometimes described as “free”). These tariffs can work well if you can shift high-usage activities—like laundry, tumble drying, batch cooking, and EV charging—into the offer window.
EnergyPlus helps you compare across the market and sense-check whether a free-weekend tariff is genuinely cheaper than a fixed tariff or the standard variable tariff (SVT) once you include: weekday unit rates, standing charges, offer hours and any eligibility requirements.
Before you compare, grab these details
- Your postcode (tariffs vary by region and network)
- Whether you have a smart meter (often required for time-of-use pricing)
- Approximate annual usage (kWh) or a recent bill
- Payment method preference (Direct Debit is usually cheapest)
Want to understand the trade-offs first? Jump to how free weekend tariffs work or see common costs and pitfalls.
Get your comparison results
Complete the form to see available tariffs for your home, including any free weekend electricity offers.
Tip: If you don’t have a smart meter, you can still compare fixed deals now—and check whether a supplier can install a smart meter later to unlock time-of-use tariffs.
Important: “Free” weekend electricity is rarely truly free in a simple sense. Suppliers often offset the offer with higher weekday rates and/or different standing charges. Comparing the full tariff structure is the only reliable way to see if you’ll save.
Why consider a free electricity weekend tariff?
Potentially lower bills (if you shift usage)
If weekends are your highest electricity-use time, the offer window can reduce your blended unit cost—provided weekday rates don’t wipe out the benefit.
Great for laundry, batch cooking and EV charging
Tariffs like these suit homes that can time-shift: washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, immersion heaters, and some EV chargers.
A simple stepping stone to time-of-use
If you’ve never used time-based pricing, a weekend window can be easier to manage than complex multi-rate plans.
Who it tends to suit
- Families at home on weekends
- EV owners who can schedule weekend charging
- Households with flexible laundry routines
- Smart meter customers who want time-of-use options
Who should be cautious
- Homes out all weekend (low weekend consumption)
- Anyone unable to move usage due to care needs or work patterns
- Customers with high weekday electricity demand (e.g., electric cooking/heating)
- Those on legacy multi-rate meters where eligibility may be limited
How “free electricity weekends” tariffs work
These tariffs typically provide a heavily discounted electricity unit rate during a specified weekend period (for example, a set number of hours on Saturday and/or Sunday). Outside the offer window, your electricity price may be higher than a comparable fixed tariff. Gas (if included) is usually priced separately and is not normally part of the “free” weekend benefit.
What to check before switching
- Offer hours (exact start/end times; any seasonal changes)
- Electricity unit rates inside vs outside the offer window
- Standing charge (can differ significantly by region)
- Tariff end date and what happens after it ends
- Exit fees (common on fixed deals)
- Smart meter requirement (often needed for accurate time-based billing)
- Direct Debit requirement (some offers are DD-only)
- Any fair usage policy (where applicable)
A simple way to estimate if you’ll benefit
- Check your weekend share: estimate what % of your weekly electricity you can reliably move to the offer window.
- Compare the weekday rate: if weekday unit rates are noticeably higher, savings can disappear quickly.
- Include standing charges: a higher standing charge can outweigh unit rate savings for low users.
- Look at the full year: think about winter vs summer routines and whether weekend usage stays high.
If you have (or plan to get) an EV, consider comparing free-weekend tariffs alongside EV time-of-use tariffs. Depending on your driving and charging pattern, an EV-focused tariff could be cheaper overall than a weekend-only benefit.
Typical tariff components (what you’ll see on your quote)
| Component | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend promo rate | Discounted unit rate during defined weekend hours | Your savings depend on how much electricity you can shift into these hours |
| Standard unit rate | Your price per kWh outside the offer window | A higher weekday rate can outweigh weekend discounts |
| Standing charge | Daily fixed cost (electric and/or gas) | Especially important for low-usage homes and small flats |
| Tariff type | Fixed, variable, or time-of-use structure | Impacts price certainty and how your bill changes over time |
| Exit fee | Cost to leave a fixed tariff early (if applicable) | Matters if you expect to switch again soon |
Costs, savings and common mistakes to avoid
The best free electricity weekend tariff is the one that lowers your total annual cost for your home—not the one with the biggest headline discount. Use the points below as a quick checklist before you commit.
Where people expect savings (but don’t get them)
- Not using enough electricity in the offer window: if only a small portion of your usage lands on the weekend, savings are limited.
- Overlooking weekday rates: higher Monday–Friday unit rates can increase bills if you’re home during the week.
- Ignoring standing charges: a higher daily charge can negate unit rate improvements.
- Assuming gas is included: most “free weekend” deals apply to electricity only.
How to maximise value (safely)
- Schedule appliances: use delay-start where available, but avoid running unattended tumble dryers if that’s unsafe for your home.
- Batch high-load tasks: laundry, dishwasher, and cooking can be grouped into the weekend window.
- Track your usage: smart meter apps can show whether your behaviour matches the tariff design.
- Compare like-for-like: check your annual cost vs fixed tariffs with similar contract length.
Regional considerations across the UK
Energy prices vary by electricity distribution region and gas network, so the same tariff name can cost more or less depending on where you live. Standing charges can differ materially across regions, which is why postcode-based comparison is essential.
Quick self-check: is a free weekend tariff right for you?
Yes, if you can move 25–40%+ of weekly electricity into weekend hours.
Maybe, if your weekend usage is moderate and weekday rates are only slightly higher.
No, if you’re out most weekends or your weekday electricity demand is high.
Not sure? Use the form above and compare your total yearly cost across tariff types.
FAQs: free electricity weekends tariffs
Are free weekend electricity tariffs really free?
Usually, the weekend unit rate is heavily discounted (sometimes presented as “free”), but suppliers may balance this with higher rates at other times. Always compare the total projected cost using your household usage pattern.
Do I need a smart meter?
Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can measure electricity used during the offer hours. If you don’t have one, you can still compare fixed tariffs now and check smart meter eligibility with the supplier.
Is gas included in the free weekend offer?
Generally no—these offers are usually designed around electricity usage times. If you’re comparing dual fuel, ensure the gas unit rate and standing charge remain competitive.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your energy supply continues as normal during a switch. Your new supplier handles the process, and you’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier.
Can renters switch to a free weekend tariff?
In many cases, yes—if you pay the energy bill and your tenancy allows you to choose the supplier. If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord/letting agent.
What if the tariff has exit fees?
Exit fees can apply on fixed tariffs. If you expect prices to change or you may switch again soon, compare with no-exit-fee options and factor the fee into your decision.
Still deciding? Go back to compare and see your personalised results or read costs and common mistakes.
Why compare with EnergyPlus?
Whole-of-market approach
Compare tariffs across the market to help you find the best fit for your home, including time-of-use options where available.
Built for real households
We focus on total cost and suitability—unit rates, standing charges, contract terms, and your ability to use the weekend window.
Clear switching journey
Simple form, straightforward results, and a switch process designed to minimise hassle and reduce uncertainty.
What customers value
- Being able to compare without guessing the fine print
- Seeing whether “free” promos actually reduce yearly costs
- Finding alternatives when a weekend tariff isn’t available in their area
Trust indicators
- UK-focused comparisons and postcode-based pricing checks
- Tariff suitability prompts for smart meter and payment type
- Transparent reminders to consider standing charges and weekday rates
Short customer testimonials
“The comparison made it obvious that the weekend deal wasn’t cheaper for us once weekday rates were included.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“We found a tariff that worked better with our routine and switched quickly.”
— Renter, Greater London
“Helpful to compare standing charges by postcode—made a bigger difference than I expected.”
— Couple, South Wales
Testimonials are illustrative of customer experiences and may not represent typical outcomes.
Ready to see if free weekend electricity will save you money?
Compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs and check what’s available for your postcode. We’ll help you evaluate weekend offers against fixed and variable alternatives—so you can choose based on total cost, not headlines.
No disruption to supply when you switch. Tariff availability varies by region and meter type.
What you’ll need
- Postcode
- Smart meter status
- Payment preference
- Email for results
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