Energy tariffs with free electricity hours in the UK
Compare whole-of-market deals that offer discounted or free off-peak electricity hours. Tell us a few details and we’ll help you find a tariff that fits your usage (EV charging, heat pump, storage heaters and more).
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (electricity & dual fuel)
- Check free / low-rate hours, standing charges and peak rates side-by-side
- Switch online in minutes — no guesswork, clear unit rates
Home energy only. Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. Always check the full tariff information before switching.
Compare UK tariffs offering free or discounted electricity hours
“Free electricity hours” tariffs typically give you a set window (often overnight or weekends) where the unit rate is reduced — sometimes marketed as “free” for energy used in that period. They can work well if you can shift usage (EV charging, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion heater), but the overall value depends on peak rates, standing charge and your household pattern.
Quick tip: If you can move at least 20–35% of your electricity use into the low-rate window, these tariffs are often worth a closer look. If most of your usage stays at peak times, a standard fixed or SVT-style tariff may be cheaper overall.
Not sure? Use the form below — we’ll help you compare your likely costs based on how you use energy at home.
Important: “Free hours” doesn’t always mean your whole bill is free for that period. Some tariffs set the unit rate to £0/kWh in the free window; others apply a very low rate or offer bill credits. You still usually pay a standing charge, and peak unit rates may be higher.
What are “free electricity hours” tariffs?
In the UK, “free electricity hours” is a marketing label for tariffs that provide time-of-use pricing. Your electricity unit rate changes depending on the time (and sometimes the day). During the promotional window, electricity may be priced at £0/kWh or a significantly reduced rate, while the rest of the time is charged at a higher standard rate.
These tariffs are most commonly available with smart meters because suppliers need half-hourly readings to bill accurately by time band. Some households also qualify with certain multi-rate meter setups, but smart meter eligibility is the norm.
Typical “free” windows
- Overnight off-peak hours (often aligned with EV charging)
- Weekend blocks (useful for laundry, batch cooking)
- Occasional “bonus” sessions (varies by supplier)
What stays payable
- Standing charge (usually daily)
- Peak/off-peak unit rates outside the free window
- Sometimes an exit fee (on fixed terms)
Because structures differ, the safest way to judge value is to compare the effective cost for your home: how much you’ll use during the discounted hours versus the peak hours.
Who benefits most from free electricity hours?
If you can control when you use power, time-of-use tariffs can reduce costs without changing how much energy you use overall. Here’s who they typically suit.
EV owners
Charging overnight or in a weekend window can materially reduce your pence-per-mile. Look for tariffs with a long enough off-peak period for your typical top-up.
Heat pumps & electric heating
If you can pre-heat your home or run hot water at low-rate times (where appropriate), you may reduce peak consumption — but always prioritise comfort and safe settings.
High-use households
Families who do multiple appliance cycles can shift washing/drying/dishwashing into discounted hours to reduce the average unit cost.
Home battery / storage
Charging a battery in low-rate hours and using it during peak can smooth costs. Check any export/solar arrangements and the supplier’s terms.
Flexible routines
If you can run heavy appliances later in the evening/overnight, you may benefit even without an EV.
People who like transparency
These tariffs reward deliberate use. If you track usage and adjust habits, you’re more likely to see savings.
May not suit: households who use most electricity at breakfast and early evening (peak windows), or anyone who can’t shift flexible loads. In those cases, a competitive fixed tariff can be simpler and cheaper.
How free electricity hours tariffs work (and what to compare)
A good comparison looks beyond the headline and checks the full pricing structure. Use the checklist below when reviewing offers.
- Identify the discounted window(s). Note the exact times and whether they change seasonally or by day.
- Check peak unit rates. Some tariffs offset “free” periods with higher peak pricing. Your real cost depends on your usage split.
- Compare standing charges. Standing charge differences can outweigh unit-rate benefits, especially in low-consumption homes.
- Confirm meter requirements. Many time-of-use deals require a smart meter set to send readings.
- Review term length and exit fees. Fixed tariffs may have exit fees; variable tariffs may change prices.
- Consider dual fuel vs electricity-only. If gas is separate, ensure your combined cost still makes sense.
If you’d rather not calculate it yourself, use the comparison form and we’ll help you find options that align with your routine and meter setup.
Costs & savings: how to judge if a free-hour tariff is worth it
The question isn’t “Are the hours free?” — it’s “Is my overall bill lower once peak pricing and standing charges are included?” Use this practical method.
Step 1: estimate your “shiftable” usage
- EV charging (kWh per week)
- Washing machine / tumble dryer cycles
- Dishwasher cycles
- Hot water (immersion) or home battery charging
Step 2: compare like-for-like
- Same region & payment method
- Include standing charge
- Check both peak and off-peak rates
- Review any discounts/credits terms
A simple rule of thumb
If your peak rate is materially higher than a standard tariff, the “free” window needs to cover enough of your total consumption to compensate. The more you can reliably move to the discounted hours, the stronger the case.
Want an evidence-based comparison? Submit your postcode and we’ll show the costs that matter: peak, off-peak/free hours, standing charge and contract terms.
Eligibility: can I get a tariff with free electricity hours?
Availability depends on supplier coverage, your region, and your metering. Most households can still compare, but time-of-use “free hour” deals often have specific requirements.
Smart meter
Many time-of-use tariffs require a working smart meter capable of half-hourly readings.
Payment method
Some deals are available only on Direct Debit. Options may be limited if you prefer prepayment.
Property & wiring
If you have storage heaters or an older multi-rate setup, you may have additional meter considerations.
Not sure what meter you have? That’s common. Start the comparison anyway — we’ll surface tariffs appropriate to your setup and show what needs a smart meter.
Common mistakes when choosing a “free hours” energy tariff
Free electricity hours can be genuinely helpful — but only if you compare the full picture. These are the errors that most often lead to higher bills.
1) Looking only at the “free” headline
Always check peak unit rates and standing charges. A higher peak rate can cancel out the off-peak benefit.
2) Overestimating how much you’ll shift
If you can’t consistently run appliances in the discounted window, savings may not materialise. Be realistic about routines.
3) Forgetting the meter requirement
Some time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter and permissions for half-hourly data.
4) Not checking contract flexibility
Exit fees and long fixed terms can reduce your options if a better deal appears later.
If you want a straightforward recommendation based on your household pattern, get your quotes here.
FAQs: free electricity hours tariffs (UK)
Are free electricity hours really free?
It depends on the tariff. Some set the unit rate to £0/kWh in a defined window, while others use a very low rate or provide credits. Standing charges usually still apply, and peak rates may be higher.
Do I need a smart meter?
Most time-of-use “free hours” tariffs require a smart meter so the supplier can bill accurately by time band. If you don’t have one, you may still be able to switch, but you might need a smart meter installation to access those specific deals.
Can I get free hours on a dual fuel tariff?
Often the “free hours” feature applies to electricity only. You can still take gas from the same supplier (dual fuel) or keep gas separate — the best choice depends on the combined cost.
What if I don’t have an EV?
You can still benefit if you shift flexible loads (laundry, dishwasher, hot water, home battery charging). EV owners often see the biggest impact, but they’re not the only ones.
Will switching affect my supply?
No — the physical energy supply stays the same. Switching changes who bills you and what rates you pay. If you’re on a smart-meter time-of-use tariff, ensure your meter setup supports the pricing bands.
How quickly can I switch?
Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances, but many UK switches complete within a few working days. If a smart meter installation is needed, this can take longer.
Still unsure? Share your postcode and usage and we’ll show suitable options.
Trusted comparison for smarter home energy choices
People use EnergyPlus to compare clearly, understand the trade-offs, and switch with confidence — especially when tariffs have more complex pricing like time-of-use/free-hour deals.
“The comparison made it obvious that the ‘free’ tariff wasn’t best for us. We chose a cheaper fixed rate instead.”
“I needed a tariff that worked with overnight charging. The time windows and rates were laid out clearly.”
“Quick form, helpful follow-up and no confusing jargon. Switching was straightforward.”
Transparency matters: We focus on showing the rates that drive your bill — standing charge, peak and off-peak/free-hour pricing, contract terms and eligibility.
Ready to check free-hour tariffs for your postcode?
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