What are ‘free electricity evenings’ tariffs?

‘Free electricity evenings’ tariffs are time-of-use energy deals where the unit rate for electricity drops to £0.00 (or a heavily discounted rate) during a defined evening window. You still usually pay a daily standing charge, and you’ll pay the normal unit rate outside the free period. Always check the exact free hours and any exclusions in the tariff terms.

Are free evening electricity tariffs actually cheaper overall?

They can be cheaper if you can shift a meaningful share of your electricity use into the free evening window (for example, cooking, laundry, dishwashing, EV charging, or running appliances). If most of your usage stays outside the free hours, higher daytime unit rates can outweigh the benefit. Comparing the total annual cost using your kWh usage is the best way to judge savings.

What time are ‘free electricity evenings’ in the UK?

Free evening hours vary by supplier and tariff (for example, a set window such as 7–10pm). The exact times are defined in the tariff’s contract and may differ by region or meter type. Confirm the free window before you switch so you can plan when to run high-usage appliances.

Do I need a smart meter for a free electricity evenings tariff?

In most cases, yes. Smart meters (or compatible time-of-use meters) are typically required so your supplier can accurately measure when you use electricity. If you don’t have one, some suppliers will arrange installation as part of the switch, but availability and timing can vary.

Can I get free evening electricity if I’m on prepayment?

It depends on the supplier and tariff. Some time-of-use deals are available to prepayment customers, but others may be credit-meter only. If you’re on prepayment, check eligibility carefully and confirm how rates are applied during the free window.

Is free electricity really free—what’s the catch?

The ‘free’ part usually refers to the electricity unit rate during a specific time window. You’ll still normally pay a standing charge, and unit rates outside the free hours can be higher than standard tariffs. Some tariffs may also be fixed-term with exit fees. Always review the full pricing and terms before switching.

Who benefits most from free electricity evenings tariffs?

Households that can shift usage into the evening window benefit most—such as families who run the dishwasher or washing machine after dinner, people with electric vehicles charging in the evening, or homes that can schedule appliance use. If you’re rarely home in the evening or already use most electricity earlier in the day, savings may be limited.

What appliances should I run during the free evening window to save the most?

To maximise savings, shift higher-consumption activities into the free period where safe and practical—e.g., tumble dryer, washing machine (on a supervised cycle), dishwasher, electric oven use, immersion heater (if suitable), and EV charging. Avoid unsafe practices such as running appliances unattended or charging unsuitable batteries.

How can I compare the best UK energy tariffs with free electricity evenings?

Compare (1) the free hours, (2) the unit rate outside the free window, (3) the standing charge, (4) tariff length and exit fees, and (5) eligibility (smart meter, payment method, region). For accuracy, estimate how many kWh you can move into the free hours and compare total annual cost rather than just the headline ‘free’ offer.

How do I switch to a free evening electricity tariff?

Choose a suitable tariff, apply with your details (address and current supplier), and your new supplier will handle the switch. There’s usually no interruption to supply. If a smart meter is required, you may need to book an installation. To explore options and learn how to maximise savings, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice/best-uk-energy-tariffs-with-free-electricity-evenings.

Best UK energy tariffs with free electricity evenings

Compare whole-of-market evening free electricity deals and see what you could pay for the rest of your usage. Get matched to tariffs that fit how your household uses energy.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
Check eligibility: smart meter, region, usage times
See the unit rates and standing charges that apply outside the “free” window
Fast quote — no obligation to switch today

Get my free evening tariff results How free evenings work

EnergyPlus is a comparison service. Availability varies by supplier, meter type, and postcode. Always check full tariff terms before switching.

Get matched to evening “free electricity” tariffs (whole-of-market)

Evening free electricity tariffs can be great value for households that run energy-hungry appliances later in the day — but only if the unit rate and standing charge outside the free window still stack up. Use the form to see suitable options for your postcode and household.

Tip: Have a smart meter? You’ll usually see the widest range of evening and time-of-use tariffs. If you don’t, we’ll still show standard single-rate options so you can compare fairly.

What you’ll need

Your postcode (to check supplier availability and regional charges)
Rough idea of your usage times (do you run laundry/dishwasher in the evening?)
Optional: your email and phone if you want help completing a switch

Start your comparison

What is a “free electricity evenings” tariff?

A free electricity evenings tariff is a type of time-of-use energy tariff where electricity used during a defined evening window is billed at a promotional rate — sometimes £0 per kWh for that period — while electricity used outside that window is charged at the tariff’s normal unit rate. Gas (if included) is usually charged as normal.

The “free” period is specific

The evening window can vary by supplier and product (e.g., 7–11pm). You’ll want the hours to match your real routine.

Rates can be higher outside the window

Some tariffs offset “free” evening usage with a higher day rate or standing charge. Compare total cost, not headlines.

A smart meter is often required

Many evening free electricity deals need a working smart meter to accurately track usage by time band.

Who are free electricity evenings tariffs best for?

These tariffs tend to work best when you can shift flexible usage into the evening window without affecting comfort. If most of your electricity use is during the day, a standard single-rate tariff may still be cheaper overall.

Good fit

Households that do washing, tumble drying, dishwashing or batch cooking in the evening
Homes that can schedule EV charging or home battery charging (where supported by the tariff)
Families who are typically out during the day and use more electricity after work/school
Smart-meter households wanting to optimise running costs

May not suit

Homes with high daytime electricity use (home working, electric cooking at lunch, etc.)
Properties where big loads must run overnight (you may prefer night-rate or EV-focused tariffs)
Anyone unable to change routines — the “free” hours may go unused
Households sensitive to standing charges (some evening deals can be higher)

Reality check: “Free evenings” isn’t automatically the cheapest option. The best tariff is the one with the lowest expected annual cost for your usage pattern and meter setup.

How free electricity evenings tariffs work (simple steps)

You’re billed by time band. Your smart meter records usage in half-hourly (or similar) intervals.
The supplier applies the promo window. Electricity used during the evening “free” hours is charged at the promo rate.
Everything else uses the standard rate(s). Daytime/overnight usage is billed at the normal unit rate, plus the daily standing charge.
Monthly direct debit is estimated. Your supplier will estimate payments based on expected usage — your actual bill depends on what you use.

What to check before you switch

Item	Why it matters	What to look for
Evening window	You only benefit if your big loads run inside it.	Hours (e.g., 7–11pm), days of week, and any exclusions.
Standard unit rate	Most of your usage may still be outside the free period.	p/kWh outside the window; check if it changes by season/time.
Standing charge	A higher standing charge can wipe out savings.	p/day and whether it differs by region.
Exit fees / term	You may want flexibility if rates change.	Contract length, exit fees, and switching rules.
Smart meter requirement	Time-of-use billing needs accurate interval data.	Whether a SMETS2 meter is needed; what happens if comms drop.

If you’re not sure how much electricity you use in the evening, don’t worry — we can still show you options, and you can sanity-check them against your last few bills or smart meter app data.

How to compare evening free electricity tariffs the right way

When people search for the best UK energy tariffs with free electricity evenings, they often compare only the headline “free” promise. A better approach is to compare the expected total cost based on your usage.

1) Estimate evening vs non-evening use

Think in blocks: cooking, laundry, tumble dryer, immersion heater, EV charging. If you can move these into the evening window, you’re more likely to save.

2) Compare standing charges by region

Standing charges differ across the UK. Your postcode helps determine what you’ll actually pay day-to-day.

3) Check the non-free unit rate

If the day rate is higher, you’ll need enough evening usage to make the maths work. This is where many comparisons go wrong.

Practical shortcut: If you currently have a smart meter, check your half-hourly usage for a typical week. If a meaningful share of your kWh sits in the evening “free” window, evening tariffs are worth a closer look.

Evening tariff checklist (to avoid costly surprises)

Use this checklist when reviewing any free electricity evenings offer. It’s designed to stop you switching to a tariff that looks good on paper but costs more in reality.

Tariff terms

Exact free hours (start/end) and whether they change at weekends
Whether the promo is electricity-only and how gas is priced
Contract length and exit fees (if any)
Any fair usage limits or restrictions noted in the tariff info

Your home setup

Smart meter installed and communicating (often required)
Heating type (electric heating can raise daytime use)
Appliances you can schedule safely (dishwasher, washing machine)
Your typical occupancy (daytime at home vs out)

Quick saving idea: shift 2–3 appliances to the free window

If you can consistently run laundry and dishwashing in the evening free hours, you may reduce your billed kWh without changing your overall energy use — but the day rate still needs to be competitive.

Ready to check your postcode?

Compare free evening tariffs Read FAQs

FAQs: free electricity evenings tariffs in the UK

Are free electricity evening tariffs really free?

They can be free during a defined time window, but you’ll still pay for electricity outside that period plus the daily standing charge. Always check the standard unit rate and standing charge to see your likely total cost.

Do I need a smart meter?

Often, yes. Time-of-use billing generally relies on smart meter readings. If you don’t have one, you may be limited to standard single-rate tariffs — but we’ll still show you what’s available for your postcode.

Can I use free evening electricity for EV charging?

Sometimes. If the evening window lines up with when you charge and the tariff terms allow it, it can help. If you typically charge overnight, an EV-focused night-rate tariff may be a better match.

Will switching affect my supply?

No. Your gas and electricity keep flowing as normal. Your supplier changes behind the scenes. Timelines can vary, and you’ll receive confirmations from the supplier you switch to.

What if my evening usage changes?

If you stop using electricity during the free window, you could end up paying more than on a standard tariff. That’s why it’s worth choosing a plan where the non-free unit rate remains competitive.

Is EnergyPlus whole-of-market?

EnergyPlus compares across a broad range of UK home energy options and helps you identify tariffs that fit your meter type, region and usage patterns. Availability can vary by supplier and postcode, so results are always personalised.

Still unsure? Use the quote form and we’ll guide you through the key numbers to check.

Why households use EnergyPlus

“I thought ‘free evenings’ would be a no-brainer, but EnergyPlus helped me compare the day rate properly. I switched with confidence.”

— Homeowner, Greater Manchester

“Clear options for my postcode and a simple explanation of how the evening window works. The form took a minute.”

— Tenant, Bristol

“We shifted dishwasher and laundry to the evening window. It’s not magic, but it’s helped reduce our billed units.”

— Family household, West Yorkshire

Trust markers to look for on any tariff

Clear pricing: unit rates and standing charges shown upfront
Tariff terms: contract length, exit fees, and promo window clearly defined
Meter compatibility: whether a smart meter is required for time-of-use billing

Find the best free evening electricity tariff for your postcode

Get personalised results based on your region, meter type and household routine — and see whether a free evenings deal beats a standard tariff.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026