Best UK energy tariffs with free electricity hours (what to check first)

Free-hours tariffs can cut costs if you can shift usage (EV charging, laundry, heating) into the free window. This guide explains how they work in the UK, who they suit, typical terms, and how to compare offers safely.

  • Understand the difference between "free" hours and discounted off-peak rates
  • Check eligibility: meter type, region, payment method, exit fees and "baseline" unit rates
  • See two realistic scenarios with numbers and a comparison table to help you decide
Get your energy quote How free-hours tariffs work

Estimates only. Availability, prices and free-hour windows vary by supplier, region and meter type. Always check the tariff information label and your personal projection before switching.

Fast answer: are free electricity hours tariffs worth it?

They can be worth it in the UK if you can reliably move a meaningful share of your electricity use into the free window (for example EV charging, dishwasher, washing machine, immersion heater, or heat-pump hot water). The catch is that many free-hours tariffs have a higher paid unit rate (and sometimes a higher standing charge) outside the free period.

Best for

  • EV owners who can charge in the free window
  • Households with smart meters and shiftable loads
  • People happy to automate usage (timers/smart plugs)

Usually not for

  • Homes without a smart meter (often required)
  • Low electricity users (benefit can be small)
  • People who can’t use electricity during the free hours

Quick checks (60 seconds)

  • Free window: which hours and which days?
  • Paid unit rate: is it higher than a standard tariff?
  • Exit fees: fixed term or flexible?

Important: “Free electricity hours” typically apply to the unit rate only. You’ll normally still pay the standing charge every day, plus any usage outside the free window at the tariff’s paid rate.

How free electricity hours tariffs work (UK)

Free-hours tariffs are a type of time-of-use offer. Instead of one unit price for every kWh, the supplier sets a £0.00 unit rate for a limited time window, then charges a standard (often higher) unit rate outside that window.

Typical UK features to look for

Free window
Often overnight or weekend blocks. Some tariffs offer a few hours a day; others offer longer windows on selected days. Times can be fixed or vary by supplier rules.
Eligibility
Many require a smart meter. Some are aimed at EV owners, but not always. Availability can vary by region and meter configuration.
What’s actually “free”
Usually the electricity unit rate for that time only. Standing charges still apply, and gas is separate unless you’re on a dual fuel bundle.
Payment method
Direct Debit is most common. Prepayment and Pay on Receipt may have fewer options or different pricing.

Practical tip: If the free hours are overnight, check whether your appliances can be scheduled safely (e.g., EV charger scheduling, heat pump timers). If you can’t shift usage, a “free” window may not offset a higher day rate.

What you should collect before comparing

  • Your postcode (regional pricing varies)
  • Meter type: smart, standard, or Economy 7/10
  • Payment method: Direct Debit / Prepayment / Pay on Receipt
  • Estimated annual usage (kWh) or a recent bill
  • When you can use electricity: overnight, weekday daytime, weekends

If you’re renting: You can usually switch supplier if you pay the bill, but check your tenancy and any landlord arrangements for embedded networks or sub-meters.

Compare free-hours tariffs across the market

Use EnergyPlus to compare deals available for your home. We’ll show options based on your region, meter type and payment preferences, including tariffs with free electricity hours (where available).

  1. Enter your details and we’ll match tariffs for your property.
  2. Review the unit rates, standing charge, free window and any exit fees.
  3. If you switch, the new supplier normally handles the changeover (no engineer visit in most cases).

Prefer to learn first? Jump to the comparison table and decision checklist.

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Trust note: We’ll use your details to provide your comparison results and, if requested, contact you about your quote. Always review tariff terms before switching.

Compare free-hours tariffs: what matters (not just the headline)

Suppliers label these tariffs differently, so compare on the underlying costs and rules. The table below shows the key decision points to check on the tariff information label and personal projection.

What to compare Why it matters Good sign Watch out for
Free-hours window You only benefit if you can use electricity during those hours (and on the correct days). Clear times/days; aligns with your routine. Limited days; changing times; exclusions for certain meters.
Paid unit rate (outside free hours) Many free-hours tariffs recover costs with a higher paid rate. Paid rate is competitive vs standard tariffs. High day rate can erase savings if you can’t shift usage.
Standing charge You pay it daily regardless of usage; it can be a big factor for low users. Similar to other tariffs in your region. Higher standing charge reduces benefit of “free” hours.
Meter & read type Time-of-use billing usually needs half-hourly capable smart readings. Smart meter supported; clear consent process. Not compatible with your meter; complex reconfiguration.
Exit fees & term Leaving early can cost money; important if prices change. No/low exit fees or short commitment. High exit fees per fuel; long fixed terms without flexibility.

Decision checklist: who it suits

  • You can shift at least ~20–30% of your electricity into the free window (often easier with an EV or electric hot water).
  • You have (or can get) a smart meter and are comfortable with time-of-use billing.
  • You can use automation (EV schedules, appliance timers) to avoid “missing” the free period.
  • You’ve checked the paid rate + standing charge is not uncompetitive for the rest of your usage.

Decision checklist: who it doesn’t

  • Your biggest electricity use is during peak day/evening hours and can’t be moved.
  • You’re on a meter setup that doesn’t support the tariff (or you don’t want a smart meter).
  • You’re considering it purely for “free electric” but your paid unit rate is materially higher than other tariffs.
  • You may move home soon and the tariff has exit fees or restrictive terms.

Tip for Economy 7/10 customers: Some free-hours tariffs are separate from Economy 7/10 (discounted off-peak), and some may not be compatible. Compare the total annual cost, not just the headline feature.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

The “free” part is only valuable if it changes your actual bill. Here are the most common gotchas we see when people compare free-hours tariffs.

1) Higher paid unit rate outside the window

Some tariffs price the non-free hours above standard variable/fixed tariffs. If most of your usage stays in paid hours, your total cost can rise.

2) Free hours apply to electricity only

Gas pricing is separate. If you’re comparing dual fuel, check the combined annual projection rather than assuming the “deal” covers both fuels.

3) Standing charges still apply

Standing charges are paid daily even if you use nothing during the free window. For low users, the standing charge can dominate.

4) Eligibility and meter constraints

Time-of-use billing often requires smart readings. Some households with complex meter setups may need changes before they can join.

Two realistic scenarios (illustrative numbers)

These examples are not quotes. They show how the maths can work. We assume electricity only, same standing charge across tariffs for simplicity, and that the household can actually shift usage.

Scenario A: EV owner who shifts a lot

  • Annual electricity: 4,500 kWh
  • Shifted into free hours: 1,500 kWh (EV charging + appliances)
  • Paid unit rate on free-hours tariff: 30p/kWh
  • Standard tariff unit rate: 26p/kWh

Estimated unit-cost comparison:
Standard: 4,500 × £0.26 = £1,170
Free-hours: (4,500-1,500) × £0.30 = 3,000 × £0.30 = £900
Illustrative difference: about £270/year before standing charges.

Scenario B: Smaller flat, limited shifting

  • Annual electricity: 2,000 kWh
  • Shifted into free hours: 300 kWh
  • Paid unit rate on free-hours tariff: 30p/kWh
  • Standard tariff unit rate: 26p/kWh

Estimated unit-cost comparison:
Standard: 2,000 × £0.26 = £520
Free-hours: (2,000-300) × £0.30 = 1,700 × £0.30 = £510
Illustrative difference: about £10/year before standing charges, meaning any higher standing charge/fees could wipe out the benefit.

Quick “red flag” list

  • Free period is when you can’t run key loads (e.g., daytime only while you’re out).
  • Exit fees per fuel that feel high for your likely move/switch timeline.
  • Paid unit rate is significantly above comparable tariffs in your region.
  • You’re unsure whether your meter supports half-hourly/time-of-use billing.

Safe approach: Ask, “If I didn’t use the free hours at all, would this tariff still be acceptable?” If the answer is no, you’re relying heavily on perfect behaviour.

FAQs: free electricity hours tariffs (UK)

Do I need a smart meter for a free-hours tariff?

Often, yes. Many free-hours/time-of-use tariffs rely on smart meter readings to apply different unit rates by time. Some households may be eligible with certain meter setups, but it varies by supplier.

Are the “free hours” every day?

Not always. Some tariffs offer free electricity on specific days (for example weekends) or specific hours only. Always confirm the days and times in the tariff terms.

Is electricity genuinely £0 during the free window?

Typically the unit rate is £0 for that time window. You’ll still pay the standing charge, and any usage outside the window is charged at the paid unit rate. Terms vary.

Can I use free hours to run a washing machine or dishwasher overnight?

Usually yes, if your free window is overnight and your appliances have delay-start functions. For safety, follow manufacturer guidance and avoid unsafe practices (e.g., overloaded extension leads).

Do free-hours tariffs work with solar panels and battery storage?

They can. A battery may let you store energy during free hours (or other low-cost periods) and use it later, depending on system setup and export arrangements. Check how your tariff treats import vs export, and whether there are any restrictions.

Will I lose my supply if I switch?

In most cases, no. Switching supplier is usually administrative and doesn’t require an engineer visit. Your new supplier typically manages the transfer, but timelines can vary.

Are free-hours tariffs good for prepayment meters?

Options may be limited. Many specialist time-of-use/free-hours products are aimed at smart credit meters with Direct Debit. If you’re on prepayment, compare what’s available for your meter type and consider total annual cost.

What if I move home during a fixed tariff?

Some fixed tariffs have exit fees if you leave early. If you’re likely to move, check the exit fee rules and whether the supplier can transfer the tariff to your new address (not always possible).

If you’re unsure, compare using a like-for-like annual projection and then sanity-check: free hours benefit minus any higher paid rate, standing charge or exit fees.

Trust, methodology and sources

Editorial trust signals

We aim to explain how free-hours tariffs work in practice, the trade-offs to check, and the UK-specific factors that change what you’ll pay (meter type, payment method and region).

How we assess “best” for free-hours tariffs

Because availability and pricing change by postcode and customer profile, we don’t name a single universal “best” tariff. Instead, we assess tariffs using criteria that predict value for most households:

  • Total estimated annual cost (unit rate(s) + standing charge), not just the free window.
  • Free window usefulness: hours/days and whether they match common shiftable loads.
  • Eligibility clarity: meter requirements, regional restrictions, payment method constraints.
  • Risk factors: exit fees, fixed-term length, complexity (hard to predict bills without monitoring).
  • Transparency: clear tariff labels, projections, and accessible terms.

Limitations: The scenarios on this page use simplified assumptions and ignore standing charge differences in the worked examples. Your actual costs depend on your region, consumption profile and the exact tariff rules.

Independent UK sources we reference

For tariff-specific details, always rely on the supplier’s tariff information label/personal projection and your own usage pattern.

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026