Best free weekend electricity tariffs UK (compare whole-of-market)
Find UK energy deals where electricity is cheaper (or potentially free) at weekends, and check if they suit your home. Compare whole-of-market tariffs with EnergyPlus and switch with confidence.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business energy)
- See if “free weekends” beat standard fixed, variable or Economy 7
- Clear guidance on eligibility, usage patterns and common pitfalls
- Quick quote form—no jargon, just relevant options
Tariff availability and “free” periods vary by supplier, region and meter type. Always check unit rates, standing charges and times before switching.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs for your home
“Free weekend electricity” tariffs can look brilliant on the surface—but the real value depends on when you use power and what you pay the rest of the week. Our whole-of-market comparison helps you check weekend deals against standard fixed tariffs, variable tariffs and other time-of-use options.
Tip: If you already run high-load appliances on Saturdays/Sundays (washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, EV charging, batch cooking), a weekend-focused tariff may suit you. If most of your usage is weekday evenings, it may not.
What you’ll need (takes ~2 minutes)
- Your postcode (to check regional pricing and availability)
- Whether you have a smart meter (often required for time-of-use tariffs)
- Rough annual usage (kWh) if you know it, or your current supplier/tariff
- Preference: fixed, variable, or happy to consider time-of-use
What are “free weekend electricity” tariffs?
A free weekend electricity tariff is usually a time-of-use energy plan where your electricity unit rate is set to £0.00/kWh (or a heavily discounted rate) during a defined weekend window—commonly part of Saturday and/or Sunday. Outside that window, the weekday unit rate and/or standing charge may be higher than on other tariffs.
In practice, these deals are best viewed as a usage-shifting tariff: you save when you move consumption to the “free” period, but you can lose money if you don’t.
Important: “Free” rarely means your whole bill is free
- Standing charge still applies daily.
- Electricity used outside the free window is charged at the standard unit rate.
- Some tariffs apply free weekends only if you have a smart meter and accept half-hourly readings.
Who benefits most from free weekend tariffs?
Homes that can shift high-load use to weekends
If you can time the dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer and batch-cooking to the free window, the savings can add up—especially for larger households.
EV drivers (where weekend charging fits)
If you mainly charge at home and can schedule charging for weekends, a free weekend window may outperform some standard EV tariffs—depending on weekday rates.
People at home on weekends
If your home is used heavily on Saturdays and Sundays (laundry, cooking, entertainment), you may naturally consume more during the free period.
Smart meter households
Most weekend offers are time-of-use tariffs that require smart metering. Without a smart meter, availability can be limited.
High usage households (when managed well)
The more electricity you can move into the free window, the more a £0.00/kWh period can offset higher weekday pricing.
Not ideal for “weekday-heavy” usage
If most of your consumption is weekday mornings/evenings (and weekends are quiet), a standard fixed or well-priced variable tariff may be better value.
How free weekend electricity tariffs work (UK)
Weekend tariffs are a type of time-of-use electricity. The supplier sets different unit rates depending on the time and day. Your smart meter records usage by time so the supplier can apply the correct rate.
1) Check the exact “free” window
Suppliers define the free period differently (e.g. all day Saturday, Saturday + Sunday, or specific hours). Always confirm the start/end time and whether it follows GMT/BST changes.
2) Compare the weekday unit rate and standing charge
Weekend deals often pair a £0.00/kWh window with higher weekday rates. The standing charge can also be higher, which matters if you use less electricity overall.
3) Plan what you’ll shift to weekends
List your high-use appliances and decide what can realistically run in the free window (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging, immersion heater where safe and appropriate).
4) Switch and schedule
Once you switch, use timers/smart plugs or appliance delay-start features to avoid drifting usage back into paid periods.
Meter note: Many free weekend tariffs require a smart meter configured for half-hourly readings. If you’re unsure, use the form in Compare & get results and we’ll show suitable options based on what you have.
Costs, rates and how to check if you’ll actually save
To judge the best free weekend electricity tariff in the UK for your home, you need to compare the full structure of the tariff—not just the free window.
| What to compare | Why it matters | Quick check |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend rate (e.g. £0.00/kWh) | Determines the maximum upside if you can move usage to weekends. | Confirm the exact hours/days and any exclusions. |
| Weekday unit rate | Often higher than standard tariffs—can wipe out weekend savings. | Compare to your current unit rate and a good fixed alternative. |
| Standing charge (p/day) | Paid every day regardless of usage—key for low-use homes. | Multiply by 365 and compare totals across tariffs. |
| Exit fees & term | If the tariff doesn’t suit you, leaving early could cost. | Check contract length and whether fees apply. |
| Payment method (Direct Debit / prepay) | Some offers apply only to certain payment types or meters. | Confirm your meter and payment method match eligibility. |
A simple way to sanity-check savings
If you can estimate how much electricity you’ll shift into the free window, you can do a quick sense-check:
Weekend savings estimate ˜ (kWh moved to free window) × (your alternative unit rate)
Then subtract any extra cost from higher weekday rates and standing charge. If you’re not sure, use our comparison form—we’ll do the calculation with real tariff data for your region.
Eligibility checklist (UK homes)
Not every supplier offers free weekend electricity in every region, and some plans have strict requirements. Use this checklist before you switch.
You’ll usually need
- Smart meter (or willingness to have one installed)
- Ability to accept time-of-use billing and half-hourly reads
- Home (domestic) supply address in Great Britain (availability can differ by region)
- Direct Debit payment for certain suppliers
Worth double-checking
- Whether the tariff is electricity-only or available as dual fuel
- Your meter type: single-rate, Economy 7, prepay—eligibility varies
- Any export considerations if you have solar panels (supplier rules differ)
- Contract term, price review dates and any exit fees
Not sure what meter you have? It’s common. Submit your postcode in the quote form and we’ll show what’s typically available for your area and setup.
Common mistakes when choosing a free weekend tariff
Focusing on “free” and ignoring weekday rates
A higher weekday unit rate can outweigh weekend savings. Always compare the full weekly cost against a strong fixed alternative.
Not checking the weekend time window
Some tariffs define weekends narrowly (e.g. specific hours). If your usage falls outside, you’ll pay the standard rate.
Assuming it replaces Economy 7 automatically
Economy 7 is a different structure. If you have storage heaters or rely on night rates, make sure a weekend-only incentive won’t increase costs.
Underestimating standing charge impact
If you’re a low-use household, standing charge differences can be more important than unit rates.
Forgetting to schedule appliances
Without timers/delay start, usage creeps back into paid periods and the tariff underperforms.
Choosing a tariff you can’t stick to
The best tariff is the one that fits your routine. If weekend shifting is unrealistic, a straightforward fixed tariff can be safer.
Free weekend electricity tariffs UK: FAQs
Are free weekend electricity tariffs really free?
The weekend unit rate may be free during a stated window, but you’ll still pay your daily standing charge and any electricity used outside the free period. The key is whether weekend savings outweigh higher weekday prices.
Do I need a smart meter for a free weekend tariff?
Often, yes. Most time-of-use tariffs rely on smart meter readings to apply different rates at different times. If you don’t have one, we can still compare what’s available—some suppliers may offer alternatives.
What if my weekends are quiet but weekdays are busy?
A free weekend plan is less likely to suit you, because you’ll pay the standard unit rate for most of your usage. In that case, a competitive fixed tariff (or a different time-of-use tariff) can be better value.
Can I get free weekend electricity on a prepayment meter?
Sometimes, but availability is typically more limited and depends on the supplier and your meter type. Use the comparison form to see what’s available for your postcode.
Is a free weekend tariff better than Economy 7?
It depends on your home. Economy 7 is designed for heavy night-time usage (often storage heaters). A weekend-focused tariff can be excellent for weekend-heavy routines or weekend EV charging, but can be poor if you need cheap overnight electricity mid-week.
How quickly can I switch?
Switching times vary by supplier and your circumstances. If you’re currently in a fixed contract, check for exit fees and your end date before moving.
Want tailored advice? Start with your postcode in the quote form and we’ll focus on tariffs that match your meter and region.
What EnergyPlus customers say
Real experiences vary by home and tariff choice, but these are the outcomes people typically report when comparing time-of-use options with clear rate breakdowns.
“I liked that the comparison showed the weekend window and the weekday costs together. It stopped me picking a deal that looked ‘free’ but wasn’t cheaper overall.”
“We moved laundry and dishwasher runs to Sunday and it made the biggest difference. The form was quick and the options were easy to compare.”
“I needed something that worked with my smart meter and EV charging. I could see the trade-off between weekday unit rates and the weekend benefit.”
Trust & transparency
- Whole-of-market comparisons focused on UK domestic energy
- Clear breakdown of unit rates, standing charges and tariff terms
- Guidance designed to help you choose what fits your usage
Ready to check the best free weekend electricity tariffs in your area?
Submit your postcode and meter details to see whole-of-market options and whether a weekend deal beats your current tariff.
- No confusing rate tables—just the key costs that affect your bill
- Options matched to your region and meter type
- Switch when you’re confident it’s right for your home
Get your quote
Start with your postcode—results are tailored instantly.
Energy comparisons are for domestic customers. Availability varies by supplier and location.
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