Energy tariffs with cheap weekend electricity (UK guide)
Looking for lower electricity rates at weekends? Learn how “weekend saver” and time-of-use tariffs work in the UK, who they suit, and how to compare options safely.
- See if cheap weekend rates beat a standard single-rate tariff for your usage
- Understand eligibility: smart meter needs, regions, payment types and EV add-ons
- Use our checklist and examples to estimate your real-world costs before switching
Estimates only. Tariff availability and rates vary by supplier, region, meter type and eligibility. Always check tariff terms and exit fees before switching.
Fast answer: are cheap weekend electricity tariffs worth it in the UK?
They can be—if you can genuinely shift a meaningful share of electricity use into the weekend “cheap” window without paying too much extra at other times. In practice, weekend saver tariffs suit households that can run high-use appliances (washing, tumble drying, dishwasher, batch cooking) mainly on Saturdays/Sundays, and/or charge an EV at weekends.
Key point: “Cheap weekend electricity” isn’t one standard product. Suppliers define weekends and cheap hours differently (for example: all day Sat/Sun, or limited off-peak blocks). Always compare using your own usage pattern.
Quick takeaways
- Most weekend tariffs are time-of-use (TOU)—you’ll usually need a smart meter.
- Standing charges still matter—a cheap unit rate can be offset by a higher daily standing charge.
- Peak rates can be higher (often weekday daytime/early evening). If you can’t shift load, costs may rise.
- Availability varies by region, meter setup, payment method and supplier eligibility criteria.
What to check before you switch (60-second list)
- What counts as “weekend” and which hours are cheap?
- What are the weekday peak and night/off-peak rates?
- Standing charge and any exit fees if it’s fixed.
- Do you need a smart meter or specific meter configuration?
- Is it electricity-only or does it require dual fuel with the same supplier?
How cheap weekend electricity tariffs work
In the UK, “weekend saver” tariffs are usually a type of time-of-use electricity tariff. That means you pay different unit prices (p/kWh) depending on the day and/or time you use electricity. The aim is to reward customers who can use more electricity when the grid is typically less busy.
Common UK patterns you might see
Weekend off-peak blocks (e.g., a set number of hours on Sat/Sun at a lower rate). Useful if you can schedule appliances and EV charging within those blocks.
All-day weekend rate (the whole of Saturday and Sunday cheaper than weekdays). Often paired with higher weekday peak rates.
EV-focused tariffs with multiple bands (weekday peak / off-peak / weekend). Some include very low overnight rates plus separate weekend pricing.
Smart meter note: TOU tariffs typically require half-hourly readings from a working smart meter. If your meter isn’t communicating, you may not be eligible until it’s fixed.
Who cheap weekend tariffs tend to suit
- Households at home at weekends who can run appliances then
- EV owners who can do most charging on weekends (and/or overnight)
- People comfortable scheduling loads (timers, smart plugs, delayed starts)
Who they often don’t suit
- Homes with mostly weekday daytime usage (WFH with cooking/heating via electricity)
- Anyone unable to shift demand due to care needs or unpredictable routines
- Homes with high electric heating demand during weekday evenings (peak windows can be pricey)
Compare weekend tariffs (whole of market)
Tell us a few details and we’ll show estimates across available suppliers and tariff types for your postcode and meter setup.
Practical tip: estimate your “weekend share” before you compare
If you can, look at your smart meter app (or in-home display) and note how many kWh you use on a typical Saturday + Sunday versus a typical weekday. As a rough guide, weekend tariffs become more attractive when a large portion of your electricity lands in the cheaper weekend hours.
If you don’t have half-hourly data, list the appliances you can move to weekends (laundry, dishwasher, immersion heater schedules, EV charging) and estimate how many hours they run.
Weekend electricity tariffs: what you’re comparing (and what to look for)
Use this table to understand the main tariff structures that can produce cheaper weekend electricity. Names vary by supplier, but the mechanics are broadly similar.
| Tariff type | How the “cheap weekend” part works | Typical requirements | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend saver TOU | Lower p/kWh on Saturday/Sunday (all day or defined blocks). Higher weekday peak rate is common. | Usually smart meter; sometimes direct debit; regional availability varies. | If your weekday use is high (WFH/cooking), the higher peak rate can outweigh weekend savings. |
| EV smart tariff (multi-band) | Very low off-peak windows (often overnight) + separate weekend pricing. Some give extra low rates when the car is charging. | Smart meter; sometimes compatible EV/charger/app; specific billing setup. | Peak rate can be significantly higher; cheap rate may only apply under certain conditions. |
| Economy 7 / multi-rate | Cheaper rate for set night hours (not specifically weekend). Can still help if you run weekend loads overnight. | Multi-rate meter; night hours set by your meter/teleswitch configuration. | Day rate can be higher; not designed for “cheap weekend daytime”. |
| Single-rate (standard) | No weekend discount; same unit rate all week. | Works with most meter types; easiest to understand. | If you can shift a lot of usage, TOU/weekend tariffs may be cheaper overall (but not always). |
Decision checklist: should you choose a weekend tariff?
Good fit if you can say “yes” to most
- I can move laundry/dishwasher to weekends reliably
- I can avoid heavy use in weekday peak hours (often late afternoon/evening)
- I have (or can get) a working smart meter
- I’m happy to use timers/scheduling
- I understand the higher peak rate risk
Consider alternatives if these apply
- My biggest usage is weekday daytime (WFH + electric cooking/heating)
- I can’t control when I use electricity (care needs, shift work, young children)
- I’m on prepayment and have limited tariff choice in my area
- I rent and can’t change the meter yet
- I’d rather pay a predictable single rate
Tariff names vary. Some suppliers market “weekend” benefits as part of EV tariffs or smart bundles. EnergyPlus compares the underlying rates and standing charges so you can judge the overall cost.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
Weekend tariffs can be great when they match your real usage. These are the most common reasons people don’t get the outcome they expect.
1) Standing charge erodes the savings
A tariff can advertise a low weekend unit rate but still be expensive overall if the daily standing charge is higher than alternatives. Always compare total estimated annual cost.
2) Peak rates bite (weekday afternoons/evenings)
Some TOU tariffs make weekday peak electricity noticeably more expensive. If you cook, do laundry, or charge devices heavily in peak windows, your bill can rise even with cheaper weekends.
3) Eligibility constraints
Common constraints include needing a communicating smart meter, specific payment method (often direct debit), and supplier availability in your region. Some EV tariffs also require a compatible charger/app.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show the direction of travel when weekend usage is high vs low. They are illustrative estimates only (rates and hours vary by supplier and region).
Scenario A: Weekend-heavy household (no EV)
- Annual electricity use (assumption):
- 3,200 kWh
- Usage split (assumption):
- 35% weekend cheap window, 55% weekday standard, 10% weekday peak
- Weekend TOU example rates (assumption):
- Weekend 18p/kWh, Weekday 26p/kWh, Peak 40p/kWh, Standing charge 55p/day
- Single-rate comparison (assumption):
- 28p/kWh, Standing charge 53p/day
Estimated annual electricity cost: Weekend TOU ˜ £946 vs single-rate ˜ £984 (difference ˜ £38/year).
Calculation uses kWh split × unit rates + standing charge × 365. Your exact split and rates will differ.
Scenario B: Weekday-heavy household (WFH), little load shifting
- Annual electricity use (assumption):
- 3,200 kWh
- Usage split (assumption):
- 15% weekend cheap window, 65% weekday standard, 20% weekday peak
- Same example rates:
- Weekend 18p/kWh, Weekday 26p/kWh, Peak 40p/kWh, Standing charge 55p/day
- Single-rate comparison:
- 28p/kWh, Standing charge 53p/day
Estimated annual electricity cost: Weekend TOU ˜ £1,052 vs single-rate ˜ £984 (difference ˜ +£68/year).
This is the common pitfall: cheap weekends don’t compensate for higher weekday peak use.
Other UK exclusions & “gotchas” to check
- Fixed-term exit fees: some weekend/EV tariffs are fixed; leaving early may cost money.
- Prepayment availability: TOU options are more limited on prepay. Your options can be narrower depending on supplier and meter setup.
- Complex rate windows: “Weekend” may mean only certain hours. Set a reminder to avoid accidental peak usage.
- Gas bundling: some deals look best only if you take gas with the same supplier. Compare dual fuel vs separate suppliers carefully.
- Smart meter data consent: TOU billing relies on more frequent readings; ensure you’re comfortable with how your data is used.
Safety reminder: If you’re shifting usage, use appliances safely (avoid running tumble dryers unattended; follow manufacturer guidance). Savings aren’t worth added risk.
Simple ways to increase weekend (or off-peak) usage without discomfort
- Batch cook on weekends and reheat midweek (microwave/air fryer use is usually modest)
- Run dishwasher and washing machine on delay timers during the cheap window
- If you have an EV, schedule charging to match cheap periods and set a maximum charge limit
- If you have an immersion heater, use a timer—but only if it’s appropriate for your hot water system
FAQs: cheap weekend electricity tariffs in the UK
Do I need a smart meter for weekend electricity tariffs?
Usually, yes. Most weekend saver tariffs are time-of-use and require half-hourly readings from a smart meter. Some multi-rate setups exist, but true “weekend pricing” is typically delivered via smart metering.
Is weekend electricity cheaper everywhere in the UK?
No. Tariffs and rates vary by region (your local electricity network area), supplier, and meter type. Even when a supplier offers a weekend saver tariff nationally, the prices (including standing charges) can differ by postcode.
What hours count as “weekend” on these tariffs?
It depends on the supplier. Some define it as all day Saturday and Sunday; others use specific off-peak blocks (for example, a set number of hours). Always read the tariff information and check whether Friday night or Sunday night is included.
Can I get cheap weekend rates on prepayment?
Sometimes, but choice is usually more limited. Prepayment customers may have fewer time-of-use options depending on supplier and meter capability. If you’re considering switching, compare what’s actually available for your exact meter and payment method.
Will I definitely save money with a weekend saver tariff?
No—there’s no guarantee. Savings depend on your usage pattern, the exact rate windows, standing charge, and how much electricity you use during weekday peak hours. It’s common for weekend tariffs to be cheaper only if you can shift a meaningful share of usage.
Can I switch back if it doesn’t work out?
In most cases, yes, but check for exit fees if you chose a fixed-term tariff. Variable tariffs usually have no exit fees, but rates can change. When comparing, look at contract length, fees, and the process for changing tariff within the same supplier.
Does having solar panels or a battery change the best choice?
It can. If you generate or store electricity, your import needs may be lower at certain times. A weekend saver might help if you still import lots at weekends, but many solar/battery homes benefit more from tariffs designed around export payments and off-peak charging. Compare using your actual import/export pattern where possible.
Is cheap weekend electricity the same as Economy 7?
Not necessarily. Economy 7 is usually a day/night split with a cheaper night rate for a set number of hours—regardless of weekend. “Weekend” tariffs specifically discount weekend periods and may also have separate peak and off-peak bands.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist (UK domestic tariffs)
- Last updated
- March 2026
How we assess “cheap weekend electricity” tariffs
We focus on what affects your bill and eligibility in the UK, rather than marketing labels. When we compare weekend/TOU tariffs, we look at:
- Rate structure: weekend/off-peak/peak unit rates and the exact time windows
- Standing charge: daily charge and how it compares in your region
- Eligibility: smart meter requirement, payment method, and any bundled requirements (e.g., EV/charger compatibility)
- Contract terms: fixed vs variable, exit fees, and conditions for switching tariff later
- User fit: whether typical households can realistically shift usage into the cheaper window
Limitations: This guide is educational and not personal financial advice. Rates change, and some tariffs are available only to existing customers or in limited regions. Always confirm the tariff information and your eligibility with the supplier before you switch.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — consumer guidance and rules around billing, switching and smart meters.
- Citizens Advice: Energy — practical help on tariffs, bills, and what to do if things go wrong.
- GOV.UK: Smart meters — overview of smart meter rollout and how they work.
Ready to check if a weekend tariff suits your home?
Compare whole-of-market options for your postcode and meter type, then decide based on total estimated cost—not just the weekend unit rate.
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