Best free electricity weekend tariffs UK (compare whole-of-market)
Compare UK home energy tariffs that offer free electricity at weekends (or similar “free hours” deals). Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with whole-of-market options you may be eligible for—so you can see if shifting usage to Saturday/Sunday could cut your bill.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not just a single supplier)
- Check if “free weekend” style tariffs suit your smart-meter usage pattern
- See unit rates, standing charges, and key T&Cs side-by-side
- Switch online with minimal hassle—keep your supply on throughout
Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier criteria. “Free” periods typically apply to unit rates only—standing charges still apply.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs for your home
“Free electricity weekend tariffs” are usually time-of-use deals where your unit rate drops to £0.00/kWh during set weekend hours (for example, Saturday and Sunday, or specific blocks). The trade-off is often a higher weekday unit rate and/or standing charge. EnergyPlus helps you compare the overall cost based on how you use energy—so you don’t switch to a “free” deal that costs more.
Tip: These tariffs can work well if you can move high-usage tasks to weekends—laundry, tumble drying, batch cooking, charging an EV, or running storage heaters (where suitable).
What you’ll need (takes ~2 minutes)
- Your postcode (to show tariffs available in your area)
- Whether you have a smart meter (often required for time-of-use pricing)
- Approx. annual usage in kWh (if you have it) or your typical monthly spend
- Preference for fixed vs variable, and if you want electricity-only or dual fuel
Get your free weekend tariff matches
Complete the form and we’ll show suitable UK home energy options, including weekend-free or similar time-of-use tariffs (where available).
What are “free electricity weekend” tariffs in the UK?
In the UK, “free weekend electricity” usually means a time-of-use tariff where electricity is priced at 0p per kWh for specific weekend times. Outside those times, you pay a standard (often higher) unit rate. These tariffs are designed to encourage energy use when the grid is typically less pressured.
You might also see similar variants marketed as:
- Free hours (e.g. 2–4 hours a day, sometimes on weekends)
- Off-peak rewards (discounted rates rather than fully free)
- EV-friendly tariffs (cheap overnight charging; not necessarily free weekends)
- Weekend saver tariffs (reduced weekend unit rates)
Why choose a free weekend electricity tariff?
Better value if you can shift usage
If you can move high-consumption tasks to weekends, the “free” window can offset a higher weekday rate.
Ideal for EV charging and laundry
Home EV charging, tumble drying, dishwashers and batch cooking can be timed to land in free hours (where allowed).
More control over your bill
Time-of-use pricing rewards planned consumption. If you already “do chores” at weekends, this can suit your routine.
Important: A “free weekend” tariff is not automatically the cheapest. The best deal depends on your weekday usage, unit rates, standing charges, and the exact free-time window.
How free weekend electricity tariffs work (and what to check)
- Tariff defines the free window. The supplier sets specific times (e.g. Saturday & Sunday, or particular hours). Your smart meter records half-hourly usage.
- Free usually means unit rate only. You may still pay a standing charge every day, plus any non-energy charges included in your bill.
- Weekday rate can be higher. Many deals recoup the “free” portion with a higher unit rate outside the free window.
- Supplier rules apply. Some tariffs require Direct Debit, online account management, a smart meter, or certain meter configurations.
- Saving depends on behaviour. The more of your consumption you can reliably move into free hours, the stronger the case.
Key tariff checks before you switch
- Exact free times (and whether they’re every weekend, all year)
- Unit rate outside free times (peak/standard rate)
- Standing charge (daily cost regardless of usage)
- Exit fees if it’s a fixed-term contract
- Smart meter requirement and whether your meter is compatible
- Price changes (variable tariffs can change with notice)
Quick comparison table: what “free weekends” usually mean
Will a free weekend electricity tariff actually save you money?
The honest answer: it depends on how much electricity you can move into the free window, and what you pay the rest of the time. Use this checklist to sense-check whether it’s likely to work for your home.
You’re more likely to save if…
- You can shift 20–40%+ of electricity use to weekends
- You have an EV or can run major appliances on a timer
- Your home is busy on weekends (laundry, cooking, hobbies)
- You’re comfortable avoiding heavy usage during weekday peak hours
- You have a smart meter and can view half-hourly usage
You may not save if…
- You’re out most weekends and usage is mainly Mon–Fri
- You already have a very competitive fixed tariff
- The tariff’s standing charge is noticeably higher
- Your weekday unit rate would rise a lot compared to your current deal
- You can’t reliably run appliances in the free window
Practical approach: Look at a recent bill (or your in-app usage) and estimate how many kWh you could move to Saturday/Sunday. We’ll then compare the total annual cost across available tariffs—not just the headline “free” claim.
Eligibility & requirements (UK homes)
Not every household can access weekend-free electricity deals. Eligibility is set by suppliers and can vary by region and meter setup.
Smart meter
Time-of-use pricing commonly needs a smart meter capable of recording half-hourly consumption.
Region & network
Some tariffs are only available in certain areas. Your postcode determines what you can switch to.
Payment method
Many suppliers require monthly Direct Debit for their best time-of-use deals.
If you don’t have a smart meter
You can still compare standard tariffs—and we can also show options where getting a smart meter could unlock additional time-of-use deals. If a supplier requires one, they’ll normally arrange installation after you switch (subject to availability and your property’s suitability).
Reminder: This page is for domestic/home energy. If you’re comparing for a business premise, you’ll need a business energy comparison journey.
Common mistakes to avoid with “free weekend” tariffs
Comparing only the headline “free” claim
Always compare total annual cost using realistic usage. A free window can be outweighed by higher weekday rates or standing charges.
Not checking the exact free hours
Some deals offer free electricity for specific hours, not the entire weekend. Make sure it matches when you actually use power.
Forgetting standing charges
Standing charges apply daily—even if your unit rate is 0p/kWh at weekends. Include this in your comparison.
Switching without checking exit fees
If you’re on a fixed tariff, leaving early may trigger an exit fee. Weigh that against expected savings.
Regional considerations across Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Tariff availability and pricing can vary by where you live. Here’s what can change:
Free weekend electricity tariffs UK: FAQs
Are free weekend electricity tariffs really free?
They’re typically free for the unit rate during set weekend times. You’ll usually still pay a daily standing charge, and you’ll pay the tariff’s normal rate outside the free window.
Do I need a smart meter for a weekend-free tariff?
Often, yes. Time-of-use billing usually relies on half-hourly smart meter readings. If you’re not sure, submit the form and we’ll show suitable options for your meter type and region.
What if most of my electricity use is on weekdays?
A free weekend tariff may not suit you if your weekday unit rate increases and you can’t shift usage. We’ll help you compare alternatives such as competitive fixed tariffs or other time-of-use options.
Can I get a free weekend tariff on prepayment?
Some suppliers restrict time-of-use tariffs to Direct Debit. Availability varies. Enter your details and we’ll show what’s available for your payment method.
Will switching affect my electricity supply?
No—your electricity keeps flowing. A switch is an administrative change. If you need a smart meter installed for a tariff, the supplier will arrange this separately.
How do I know which tariff is the “best”?
“Best” usually means the lowest predicted annual cost for your usage pattern, with acceptable terms (exit fees, contract length, customer service). We focus on whole-of-market comparisons so you can choose confidently.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Clear comparisons
We highlight unit rates, standing charges and key terms so “free” offers are easy to sanity-check.
Whole-of-market focus
You’re not limited to one supplier’s deals—see a wider set of options available for your postcode.
Support when switching
If you’re unsure which tariff type fits your home, we’ll help you choose based on usage—especially with time-of-use deals.
“We thought ‘free weekends’ sounded too good to be true. The comparison showed it only worked if we ran the dryer and dishwasher on Sundays—which we do. Easy switch.”
“The form took a couple of minutes and the options were explained clearly—standing charges, exit fees, the lot.”
“We didn’t have a smart meter yet. They showed us alternatives and what we could switch to once a meter is fitted.”
Testimonials are illustrative and reflect typical comparison and switching experiences; individual outcomes vary by supplier, region and usage.
Ready to see the best free weekend electricity tariffs for your postcode?
Use the comparison form to check availability and total annual cost. We’ll help you identify whether a weekend-free deal is genuinely cheaper for your home.
No interruption to supply. Standing charges apply. Terms vary by supplier.
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