What is a free electricity weekend tariff?

A free electricity weekend tariff is an energy plan where the unit rate for electricity is discounted to £0 (or close to £0) during set weekend hours (e.g., Saturday/Sunday, often in a defined time window). Outside those hours, the unit rate and/or standing charge may be higher. Whether it saves you money depends on how much of your usage you can shift into the ‘free’ period.

Are free weekend electricity deals actually cheaper in the UK?

They can be cheaper if you move enough electricity use into the free weekend window (for example, washing, tumble drying, dishwashing, batch cooking and EV charging). If most of your usage remains on weekdays, a higher weekday unit rate or standing charge can outweigh the weekend benefit. Comparing your typical weekend vs weekday usage is the best way to judge value.

How do I know if I’ll save money on a weekend-free tariff?

Estimate (or check your smart meter/app data) how many kWh you can shift to the free period, then compare the increased cost of electricity outside the free window (and any standing charge changes) against the value of the free kWh. As a quick rule: the more flexible your schedule and the higher your weekend consumption, the more likely you are to save.

Do I need a smart meter for free electricity weekends?

In most cases, yes. Weekend-free tariffs typically require a smart meter to measure half-hourly (or time-based) usage so the supplier can apply the free rate during the correct hours. If you don’t have a smart meter, check eligibility and installation options before switching.

What appliances are best to run during the free weekend period?

High-consumption, flexible loads give the biggest benefit—such as EV charging, tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, electric ovens for batch cooking, immersion heaters (if safe and appropriate), and other heavy-use appliances. Always follow manufacturer guidance and avoid running appliances unattended if it’s not recommended.

Is EV charging a good match for free weekend electricity?

Yes—EV charging can be one of the highest electricity uses in a home, and shifting charging to the free weekend window can significantly reduce costs. Check the exact free hours and ensure your charger schedule matches them. If you also need cheap weekday overnight charging, compare against EV-specific time-of-use tariffs.

What should I check before switching to a free weekend tariff?

Check: (1) the exact free weekend hours and any exclusions, (2) weekday unit rates and standing charges, (3) contract length and exit fees, (4) whether prices are fixed or variable, (5) smart meter requirements, and (6) how you’ll shift usage (appliance timers, EV charger schedules). If you want help choosing, compare options at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Can I combine free weekend electricity with solar panels or a battery?

Often, yes—but the savings depend on your setup. If you have solar, you may already generate power during the day, and a battery can shift energy into evenings. A weekend-free window may be most useful for topping up the battery or running high loads when solar is low. Always compare export rates and any tariff restrictions.

Are there any downsides to free electricity weekends?

Potential downsides include higher weekday unit rates, higher standing charges, limited free-hour windows, and needing to change habits to benefit. Some households also find that concentrating usage into weekends isn’t practical. The key is to verify that your overall monthly cost will drop, not just your weekend cost.

Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends in the UK

Compare whole-of-market tariffs that offer free electricity at weekends (or similar off-peak incentives) and see if they suit your household. Tell us a few details and we’ll help you check availability, costs and likely savings.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
Check whether “free weekend” style deals are available for your postcode
Understand rates, standing charges and smart meter requirements before you switch
Quick form—no jargon, just clear options

Compare free weekend tariffs How free weekend energy works

Not all suppliers offer free-weekend-style incentives in all regions. We’ll show what’s available for your home and help you compare total costs—not just the headline offer.

Compare energy tariffs with free electricity weekends (UK homes)

“Free electricity weekends” tariffs are typically designed to encourage you to move more of your usage to specific weekend hours (for example, afternoons or evenings). The offer can be valuable for households that can shift electricity-heavy activities—like laundry, dishwashing, EV charging or batch cooking—into the free window.

However, the headline free period is only part of the story. The rest of the week may have a higher unit rate or standing charge, which can reduce or remove the benefit if your usage pattern doesn’t match the tariff design. That’s why a whole-of-market comparison and a quick sense-check of your routine matters.

Tip: If you can move around 15–30% of your electricity use into the free weekend hours, these deals can be worth exploring. If most of your usage is weekday daytime, a standard fixed tariff or an Economy 7-style option may be better value.

Get your comparison

Complete the form and we’ll match you with available home tariffs—including weekend incentive offers where available.

What you’ll need (optional but helpful): your latest electricity usage (kWh), your current tariff name, and whether you have a smart meter (or can get one installed).

Who free weekend electricity tariffs are best for

These tariffs aren’t one-size-fits-all. They tend to work best when your household can reliably use more electricity during the free window—without increasing overall consumption.

Busy households at weekends

If you do laundry, tumble drying, dishwashing, cooking and cleaning on Saturdays/Sundays, you can shift real kWh into the free period.

EV owners (with smart charging)

If your car is home on weekends, charging in the free hours can make a noticeable difference—especially if you can schedule it automatically.

Homes with high electric loads

Electric showers, immersion heaters, heat pumps or electric cooking can benefit if you can time usage to the weekend offer window.

Flexible routines

If you’re happy to run appliances later in the day or batch tasks together, you’re more likely to beat a simple fixed tariff.

Smart meter households

Most “free hours” deals require half-hourly readings. With a smart meter, you can also see when your savings are real.

People who want simplicity

A clear “free window” can be easier to follow than complex time-of-use pricing—provided you still check total weekly cost.

How “free electricity weekends” tariffs work (and what to check)

In the UK, weekend-free offers usually come as a variant of a time-of-use tariff. You get a specific period where your electricity unit rate is heavily discounted (sometimes shown as £0.00/kWh for the promotional window). Outside that window, you pay a standard or higher unit rate. The overall value depends on your usage pattern across the full week.

Check the free window: Confirm the exact days and times (e.g. Saturday & Sunday, specific hours). Make sure it matches when you can actually use electricity.
Compare total unit rates: Look at the unit rate outside the free window and the standing charge. A higher weekday unit rate can cancel out the weekend benefit.
Confirm smart meter & readings: Many offers require half-hourly data. If you don’t have a smart meter, check whether installation is required.
Review contract terms: Fixed-term vs variable, exit fees, and whether the free weekend offer is promotional (time-limited).
Sense-check your habits: Identify appliances you can time to weekends without increasing overall use (e.g. avoid “free power splurges”).

Practical examples of weekend shifting: run the washing machine + dryer back-to-back, charge your EV, do batch cooking, heat water (where safe and appropriate), and use timers/smart plugs to stay within the free window.

Costs, savings and what to compare (beyond the headline)

A “free weekend” can be genuine value—but only if you compare the whole tariff. Use the checklist below to spot deals that look good on paper but cost more across the week.

What to compare	Why it matters	What to look for
Standing charge	A higher daily charge can reduce savings even if some hours are free.	Compare against your current tariff and other fixed deals in your region.
Weekday unit rate	Many homes use most electricity Mon–Fri.	If it’s materially higher, you’ll need substantial weekend shifting to win.
Free window rules	Not all “weekend” offers mean 48 hours free.	Exact hours, cap/fair usage policies, and whether it applies to electricity only.
Smart meter requirement	Time-based billing typically needs half-hourly readings.	Confirm if you need a smart meter and whether installation is included.
Exit fees / term length	Switching again later may cost more if you’re locked in.	Check contract length and any early termination charges.

A quick savings sense-check

Estimate how many kWh you can realistically move into the free weekend window. If you can’t shift much, a lower all-day unit rate might cost less overall.

Don’t forget gas (if dual fuel)

Weekend-free offers are usually electricity-focused. If you also have gas, compare dual-fuel totals—not just the electricity headline.

Eligibility and availability in the UK

Availability of free weekend electricity tariffs can vary by supplier, region and metering setup. The quickest way to confirm is to check by postcode and meter type.

Smart meter

Often required for half-hourly billing. If you don’t have one, some suppliers may request installation as part of the switch.

Payment method

Some tariffs are best-priced with Direct Debit. If you prefer prepayment, options may be more limited.

Regional pricing

Unit rates and standing charges can differ across Great Britain due to network costs. Always compare using your actual postcode.

Northern Ireland: The energy market operates differently compared with Great Britain. If you’re in NI, tell us in your enquiry and we’ll advise what comparisons are possible.

Common mistakes with free weekend energy deals

Focusing on the “free” and ignoring weekdays

If your weekday unit rate is higher, you may pay more overall. Compare the weekly total cost using your typical usage split.

Assuming you’ll change habits (but not doing it)

Savings rely on behaviour. If you won’t run appliances in the free window, a lower flat-rate tariff is often better.

Treating it like unlimited free power

The goal is shifting use, not increasing it. Using extra electricity just because it’s free can raise bills elsewhere (and isn’t great for the environment).

Not checking how gas is priced

If you’re dual fuel, a poor-value gas rate can offset electricity savings. Always compare combined costs.

FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs

Are free electricity weekends really free?

“Free” usually means the unit rate for electricity during the specified weekend window is discounted—sometimes to £0.00/kWh. You’ll still typically pay a standing charge, and electricity used outside the free window is charged at the tariff’s standard rate.

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

Often, yes. Time-of-use billing typically needs half-hourly readings. If you don’t have a smart meter, check whether the supplier requires installation as part of the deal.

Will this work with an electric vehicle (EV)?

It can. If your EV is usually at home at weekends and you can schedule charging during the free hours, you can shift meaningful kWh. Always compare the weekday rate too, especially if you also charge midweek.

Is a free weekend tariff better than Economy 7?

They’re different. Economy 7 provides cheaper electricity overnight every day (with a higher daytime rate), whereas weekend-free deals focus on a weekend window. Which is better depends on when you use electricity (and your heating/hot water setup).

Can I switch if I’m renting?

In many cases, yes—if you pay the energy bills and your tenancy allows you to choose a supplier. If a smart meter is required, you may want the landlord’s awareness before installation.

How long does switching take?

Switching is often completed within a few working days, but timings vary by supplier and meter setup. Your supply won’t be interrupted during the switch.

Want a quick answer for your home? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you confirm whether weekend-free style tariffs are available where you live.

Why households use EnergyPlus

When a tariff has a headline perk (like free weekend electricity), it’s easy to miss the details that affect your bill. We focus on total cost, fit for your routine, and clear next steps.

“The free weekend idea sounded great, but EnergyPlus helped me check the weekday rate and standing charge. I ended up with a tariff that actually reduced my monthly cost.”

Homeowner, Greater Manchester

“Quick comparison and clear explanation of smart meter requirements. No pressure—just options that fit our weekend routine.”

Tenant, London

“We charge our EV mainly on Saturdays and Sundays. The comparison made it obvious whether the free hours would cover most of our charging.”

EV driver, West Midlands

Trust check: Always confirm tariff terms directly with the supplier before switching. We help you compare and understand the trade-offs so you can make an informed decision.

Ready to check free weekend electricity deals for your postcode?

Get a whole-of-market comparison for your home. We’ll help you see whether a weekend-free style tariff genuinely lowers your bill—based on your region, meter setup and likely usage pattern.

Whole-of-market comparison (where available)
Clear breakdown of rates and key terms
Designed for UK households, not businesses

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Updated on 7 Jan 2026