Best free weekday electricity tariffs UK (compare whole-of-market)
Looking for UK electricity tariffs with free weekday electricity (or “free hours” on weekdays)? Compare whole-of-market deals in minutes with EnergyPlus. We’ll help you understand who these tariffs suit, the real costs, and whether you could save by shifting usage to the free window.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (not business)
- See if “free weekday” offers beat standard and time-of-use tariffs
- Personalised results based on your postcode, meter and usage
Free electricity offers are typically limited to set weekday hours and may come with higher unit rates outside the free window. Always compare the full tariff details and your likely usage pattern.
Compare the best free weekday electricity tariffs in the UK
“Free weekday electricity” tariffs (sometimes called free hours or weekday saver tariffs) offer a set window of zero unit-rate electricity on weekdays. They can work well if you can move energy-hungry tasks—like washing, dishwashing or EV charging—into the free period.
But the headline “free” doesn’t tell the whole story. Many deals offset the free window with a higher unit rate outside the offer hours, and all tariffs still include a daily standing charge. EnergyPlus helps you compare across the market with your postcode, meter type and realistic usage pattern in mind.
Quick definition
A free weekday electricity tariff is a time-based tariff where the unit rate is reduced to £0.00 during specified weekday hours (for example, 3–4 hours). Outside those hours, the unit rate may be higher than a standard single-rate tariff.
Get your best matches
Fill in the form to compare whole-of-market home electricity deals, including any weekday free-hour options available for your meter.
Who free weekday electricity tariffs are best for
These tariffs can be excellent in the right household—and poor value in the wrong one. Use the checklist below before you switch.
Households that can shift usage
If you can reliably run appliances during the free weekday window (washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer), you’re more likely to benefit.
EV owners or battery users
A short “free hours” window can be valuable if you can charge an EV, home battery, or run immersion heating at the right time.
People at home on weekdays
If you work from home, are retired, or have someone home during weekdays, it’s easier to move consumption into the free period.
Not ideal if you’re out all day
If the free window falls when the house is empty, you may pay more due to higher unit rates at your usual usage times.
Not ideal for high evening use
If most usage is 5–10pm (cooking, heating, showers), a free daytime window may not offset a higher evening unit rate.
Works best with planning
Set timers, use delay-start functions, and plan laundry/dishwasher cycles to make the free hours count without changing your lifestyle too much.
How “free weekday electricity” tariffs work (and what to watch for)
Free weekday electricity tariffs are a form of time-of-use pricing. Your electricity unit rate changes depending on the time and day. The “free” element normally applies to a fixed weekday time window (set by the supplier), not whenever you choose.
1) Check your meter compatibility
Many free-hour tariffs require a smart meter or half-hourly readings. Some may be unavailable on prepayment.
2) Know the free window
The free period is usually specific weekday hours. Weekends may be standard rate (or separate rates).
3) Compare the full pricing
Outside the free window, unit rates can be higher. Standing charge always applies.
4) Estimate your shiftable usage
Savings depend on how much you can move into the free hours—not on your total consumption alone.
Common features you’ll see in tariff terms
| Feature | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Free hours window | A set block of time on weekdays when the unit rate is £0.00. | If it doesn’t align with your routine, the tariff may not pay off. |
| Peak / off-peak rates | Different unit rates outside the free period, sometimes split into multiple bands. | High peak rates can outweigh “free” savings if you use most power evenings. |
| Standing charge | A daily charge for being connected to the network. | You pay this regardless of how much electricity you use—even during “free” hours. |
| Exit fees / fixed term | Some tariffs lock you in for 12+ months and may include exit fees. | Flexibility matters if prices fall or your usage changes. |
| Smart meter requirement | Tariff may need half-hourly reads to apply time-based pricing accurately. | If you can’t get a smart meter, the tariff may be unavailable. |
Important: “free” isn’t the same as “cheapest”
A tariff can include free weekday hours and still cost more overall if your day-to-day usage is mostly outside the free period. Comparing your expected annual cost is the safest way to judge value.
What to check before switching to a free weekday electricity tariff
Tariff details (the bits that affect your bill)
- Exact free weekday hours and whether they change seasonally
- Unit rate(s) outside the free window (peak/off-peak/mid-rate)
- Standing charge (can vary by region and network)
- Contract length and whether there are exit fees
- Payment method (Direct Debit may have different pricing)
Your home setup (the bits you can control)
- Meter type: smart / standard / Economy 7 / prepay
- Shiftable usage: laundry, dishwasher, EV charging, immersion heating
- Timers and delay-start options on appliances
- Safety: avoid running tumble dryers unattended if you’re out
- Routine: can you realistically use the free window most weekdays?
If you’re unsure, use the comparison form and we’ll match tariffs that fit your meter and highlight any “free hours” options you may be eligible for.
Savings examples: when free weekday electricity can pay off
Your savings depend on how much electricity you can move into the free weekday window. The examples below are illustrative only (tariff rates vary by supplier, region and time). The goal is to show the logic you should use when comparing.
| Scenario | What you shift into free hours | Why it can work | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| WFH household | 2–4 appliance cycles per week (wash/dry/dishwasher) | Regular weekday routine makes it easy to use the free window consistently | If you forget and run appliances outside the window, costs can rise |
| EV charging | Top-up charging during free hours (where compatible with your charger/timers) | High-kWh loads benefit most from “£0.00 unit rate” windows | Free window may be too short for your typical charge needs |
| Low daytime occupancy | Very little | May still help if you can automate loads with timers | Higher peak/evening rates could outweigh the “free” benefit |
| Home battery | Charge the battery during free hours; use stored energy later | Can extend the value of a short free window into the evening | Battery round-trip losses and tariff complexity—compare carefully |
Tip: track your usage for a week
If you have a smart meter app or in-home display, note when your highest usage occurs. If most of your kWh is evenings and weekends, a free weekday daytime window may not be the best choice.
Eligibility and regional considerations (UK)
What can affect availability
- Your region (standing charges and rates vary by distribution network)
- Meter type (smart meter often preferred for time-based pricing)
- Payment method (some deals are Direct Debit only)
- Tariff withdrawal (suppliers can close tariffs to new customers)
Your current supply
- Fixed vs variable: check exit fees and end dates before switching
- Economy 7: compare carefully—multi-rate tariffs can be better for night usage
- Prepayment: choice can be more limited; we’ll show what’s available
- Debt on meter: may restrict switching until resolved (supplier rules vary)
Enter your postcode in the comparison form and we’ll filter tariffs by region and meter compatibility.
FAQs: free weekday electricity tariffs
Are free weekday electricity tariffs really free?
The electricity unit rate may be £0.00 during a specific weekday time window, but you’ll still pay the standing charge. Outside the free window, unit rates can be higher than standard tariffs.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many time-of-use and free-hour tariffs require half-hourly readings to apply the correct rates. If you don’t have a smart meter, we’ll still show compatible options.
Are free hours available every weekday?
It depends on the supplier and tariff. Some include Monday–Friday only; others specify certain weekdays. Always check the tariff schedule and any exclusions.
What if I use most electricity in the evening?
A free weekday daytime window may not help much if your heaviest usage is after work. In that case, other time-of-use options (or a competitive single-rate fixed tariff) may be cheaper overall.
Can I switch back if it doesn’t suit me?
You can usually switch again, but fixed terms can include exit fees. Before you commit, compare the total expected annual cost and check contract terms.
Will a free weekday tariff affect my gas?
Some offers are electricity-only; others can be taken as dual fuel. If your home uses gas, comparing dual fuel vs separate suppliers can help you find the best overall value.
Want personalised help? Start with the tariff comparison form and we’ll surface deals that match your meter and household profile.
Why homeowners use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market approach
We focus on comparing the tariff details that matter—rates, standing charges and restrictions—so you can make an informed choice.
Clear, UK-specific guidance
Energy pricing is regional and meter-dependent. We help you understand what applies to your postcode and setup.
Fast switching journey
Start with a quick form fill and we’ll guide you to suitable options, including any weekday free-hour tariffs available to you.
“The explanation of free hours vs peak rates helped me avoid a deal that looked great on the surface.”
— Homeowner, Greater Manchester
“Easy to compare tariffs for my postcode and smart meter. I found a better fit for my weekday routine.”
— Customer, Kent
Testimonials shown are representative customer statements and may be edited for clarity.
Ready to see if a free weekday electricity tariff is right for you?
Compare whole-of-market home electricity tariffs for your postcode and meter type. We’ll highlight any weekday free-hour deals and help you judge the true cost.
- Postcode-based rates and standing charges
- Options for smart, standard, Economy 7 and prepay (where available)
- Designed for UK households
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