Energy tariffs with free electricity evenings in the UK
Compare whole-of-market evening-free electricity tariffs for your home. Check if you’ll really save based on when you use power — and switch in minutes with EnergyPlus.
- Whole-of-market comparison (not just a small panel)
- Find tariffs with “free evening” windows (where available)
- See unit rates, standing charges and T&Cs side-by-side
- Switch online — no sales calls required
Home energy only. Availability depends on supplier, region and meter type. “Free” periods usually mean a zero unit rate during set hours; standing charge and other unit rates still apply.
Compare free evening electricity tariffs — and check if you’ll actually save
“Free electricity evenings” tariffs can work brilliantly for some households — but they’re not automatically cheaper. Most deals offset the free window with higher prices at other times, plus the usual standing charge. The key is matching the tariff to your usage pattern.
Use the form to compare whole-of-market options for your home. We’ll show tariffs that include evening free periods where available, alongside standard fixed and variable options, so you can choose what’s best for your budget.
Tip: You’ll usually get the best value if you can shift high-use activities into the free window (e.g., washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, EV charging where permitted).
If you can’t move much usage, a low unit rate fixed tariff may be better than a “free evenings” plan.
What you’ll need (takes about 60 seconds)
- Your postcode (for regional pricing)
- Rough annual usage or a recent bill (helpful, not essential)
- Whether you have a smart meter (if you know)
Get your personalised comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll match you to available home energy tariffs, including evening-free offers when they exist for your area and meter type.
Not sure if you have a smart meter?
No problem — we can still compare. Some free evening tariffs require half-hourly capable meters (typically smart), but we’ll show alternatives if you’re not eligible.
Is a free electricity evenings tariff right for your home?
These tariffs can be a good fit when your household can shift usage into the evening window. Below are the most common scenarios we see across UK homes.
Families with evening routines
If your laundry, cooking, and device charging happens after work/school, you may be able to time appliances into the free window.
High electricity use homes
Homes with tumble dryers, electric showers, or heavy entertainment/IT use can benefit if a meaningful slice of usage is moved to evenings.
Smart home / automation users
Timers, smart plugs, and appliance delay-start settings make it easier to capture “free” periods without lifestyle disruption.
EV owners (sometimes)
Some households can align charging with evenings — but many EV tariffs focus on overnight. Always check restrictions and rates outside the free window.
Flats and smaller homes
If you mainly use electricity in the evening anyway, you might gain from the free period — but watch for higher standing charges and peak rates.
When it may not suit
If you’re home all day (or use lots of power at breakfast and daytime), higher daytime unit rates can outweigh the evening benefit.
How “free electricity evenings” tariffs work (plain English)
A free evenings tariff typically sets your electricity unit rate to £0.00 per kWh during a defined evening window (for example, a few hours in the evening). Outside that window, the unit rate may be higher than a standard tariff. You’ll almost always still pay a standing charge every day.
Important: “Free” usually applies to the unit rate only, during specific hours. It doesn’t remove the standing charge, and it doesn’t necessarily make your overall bill lower.
What to check before switching
1) The free window times
Evenings can mean different hours depending on supplier. Confirm the exact start and end times — and whether weekends differ.
2) The unit rates outside the window
Compare the standard unit rate(s) you’ll pay the rest of the day. A higher daytime rate can cancel out the free hours.
3) Standing charge and fees
Standing charges vary by region. Also check exit fees if it’s a fixed term, and whether payment method affects price.
A quick way to estimate if it’s worth it
If you can move 20–30% of your electricity usage into the evening-free window, you’re more likely to see savings — but the exact break-even depends on your current tariff, your region, and the supplier’s pricing structure.
If you’re not sure, use the comparison form and we’ll help you compare like-for-like.
Tariff types, meter requirements, and what “whole-of-market” means
Evening-free tariffs are usually part of a broader set of time-of-use products. Some require a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings. Others work on more traditional setups. Here’s a practical guide.
Whole-of-market comparison — what you get with EnergyPlus
More than just “headline free hours”
We focus on total cost: unit rates, standing charges, term length, exit fees (if any), and any usage conditions — not just the free window.
Options when free evenings aren’t available
If evening-free tariffs aren’t offered in your region or for your meter, we’ll show strong alternatives (fixed, variable, or other time-of-use options).
Costs, savings and common mistakes to avoid
When people search for “free electricity evenings UK”, they often expect the whole evening to be free or the entire bill to drop overnight. In reality, savings depend on how you use energy and what you pay outside the free window.
Mistake: ignoring standing charge
A tariff with a higher standing charge can erase gains, especially for low-usage homes. Always compare total annual cost, not just the “free” headline.
Mistake: not shifting usage
If your biggest loads (laundry, cooking, showers) aren’t moved into the free window, you may pay more due to higher daytime rates.
Mistake: comparing the wrong meter setup
Some deals are time-of-use and rely on smart readings. If your meter can’t support it, your options change — we’ll help you identify what’s compatible.
Practical ways to make free evenings work
Shift the biggest loads first
- Dishwasher and washing machine on delay-start
- Tumble dryer cycles timed to the free window
- Device charging (phones, tablets, laptops)
- Batch cooking where practical (electric ovens/hobs)
Keep an eye on safety and noise
- Use manufacturer guidance for unattended appliances
- Be considerate in flats (noise from washers/dryers)
- Don’t overload sockets or use damaged extension leads
- Check supplier terms for any excluded uses
Regional pricing note (UK): Standing charges and unit rates differ by electricity region (and can vary by payment method). That’s why we ask for your postcode.
Want to get started? Compare free evening tariffs now.
FAQs: free electricity evenings tariffs
Are free electricity evenings tariffs really free?
Usually the electricity unit rate is set to zero during specific evening hours. You still pay the standing charge, and you’ll pay the normal (often higher) unit rate outside the free window. Always check the tariff’s terms and rates.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes — many evening-free products are time-of-use and work best with smart meters. However, eligibility varies by supplier. If you’re unsure, use the comparison form and we’ll show what’s available for your setup.
Will I save money compared with my current tariff?
You may save if you can move enough electricity use into the free evening window. If most of your usage is outside that window, you could pay more. The best approach is a like-for-like comparison using your postcode and approximate usage.
What appliances benefit most from the free evening hours?
High-consumption appliances you can time easily — such as a tumble dryer, dishwasher, washing machine, or batch cooking — typically offer the biggest benefit. Device charging helps too, but it’s usually a smaller portion of total consumption.
Can I combine free evenings with a gas tariff?
Many suppliers offer dual fuel, but not all time-of-use electricity tariffs pair with every gas product. We’ll show available combinations where possible, and also compare electricity-only options if that’s better value.
How long does switching take in the UK?
Switching times vary, but many supplier switches complete within a few working days. You won’t lose supply — your energy continues as normal during the switch.
Why homeowners use EnergyPlus
When a tariff has a “free evenings” headline, the details matter. Our aim is to make it easy to compare the full cost and switch with confidence.
Clear comparisons
We focus on the numbers that affect your bill: standing charge, unit rates and tariff terms — not just marketing labels.
Home energy specialists
Guidance built for UK households — including meter types, time-of-use tariffs, and region-by-region pricing differences.
Switching made simple
A quick form is all it takes to get started. If evening-free isn’t best for you, we’ll show alternatives that may reduce your annual cost.
“The comparison made it obvious that ‘free evenings’ wasn’t the cheapest for us — we switched to a lower unit rate tariff instead.”
— UK homeowner, online comparison
“I liked seeing the standing charge and daytime rate next to the free hours. Switching was straightforward.”
— UK customer, tariff switch
Ready to check free evening electricity tariffs in your area?
Submit your details once and we’ll show available home energy tariffs — including evening-free deals where they exist — so you can choose with confidence.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- UK postcode-based pricing
- Fast switching, no disruption to supply
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