Are energy tariffs with free electricity weekends worth it?
Find out if “free weekend electricity” deals can really cut your bills in the UK — and compare whole-of-market tariffs with EnergyPlus in minutes.
- Check whether your household can shift enough usage to weekends
- Understand the trade-off: higher weekday rates vs “free” hours
- Compare weekend offers against fixed, variable and smart time-of-use tariffs
- Get matched to home energy deals available for your postcode
Whole-of-market comparison for home energy. You’ll see options available in your area; savings depend on usage, tariff terms and meter type.
Compare “free electricity weekends” tariffs against normal deals
Weekend-free electricity tariffs can look unbeatable — but the value depends on how much electricity you can reliably move into the free window and whether the weekday unit rate (and standing charge) is higher to compensate. The safest way to judge is to compare the total cost of a weekend deal against alternative tariffs available for your home and meter type.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service. Enter a few details and we’ll show tariffs that may include:
- Free or discounted electricity on weekends (set hours vary by supplier)
- Smart time-of-use tariffs (cheaper off-peak every day)
- Fixed-rate and variable tariffs for stable or flexible pricing
- EV / heat pump-friendly off-peak options where available
Quick rule of thumb: a “free weekend” tariff is typically only worth it if you can shift a meaningful share of your electricity use into the free period without increasing your overall usage (for example, by batch cooking, doing laundry/dishwasher runs, or charging an EV at the weekend).
Already on a weekend offer? Jump to the calculator and common pitfalls to check if it’s still the best deal for your household.
Get personalised tariff matches
Fill in the form and we’ll compare available home energy tariffs for your postcode — including weekend offers where available.
When free electricity weekends can be worth it
These tariffs aren’t automatically a bargain — but they can work well for specific households. The key is being able to shift existing usage into the weekend window (rather than using more just because it’s “free”).
You can batch energy-heavy chores
Laundry, tumble drying, dishwashing and oven use can be scheduled into the free period. If you already do these on weekends, you may benefit quickly.
You have an EV (or can charge at home)
If the free window aligns with when you can plug in, EV charging can dominate your savings. Always check any cap, eligible hours and smart-charging requirements.
You’re home at weekends
Families or home workers who use electricity consistently on Saturday/Sunday may find it easier to shift consumption without disrupting routines.
You have a smart meter (or can get one)
Most weekend/time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can record usage by time band accurately.
Your weekday usage is already low
If you’re out during the week and can keep weekday usage minimal, the higher weekday unit rate may matter less.
You can manage timing reliably
You’ll get the best results if you can consistently run appliances during the defined free hours (not just “at the weekend”).
How free electricity weekend tariffs work (UK)
A “free weekend electricity” tariff is a type of time-of-use deal. Instead of a single unit rate all week, the supplier offers a window where the unit rate is £0.00 (or heavily discounted), usually on Saturday and/or Sunday. Outside those hours, your unit rate is often higher than a standard tariff.
What to check in the tariff details
- Exact free hours: “weekend” rarely means the full 48 hours. It’s typically a defined block.
- Weekday unit rate: compare Monday–Friday and non-free hours carefully.
- Standing charge: a higher standing charge can wipe out savings for low users.
- Eligibility: smart meter requirements, credit status, and region/network constraints.
- Price protection: fixed vs variable pricing and any end date for the promotion.
Important: “free” doesn’t mean your bill is free
You still pay the standing charge and you’ll pay for usage outside the free window. If weekday prices are higher, households that can’t shift usage may pay more overall.
A practical way to decide
- Estimate your weekend-shiftable kWh: identify appliances you can run in the free period (washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, EV charging, immersion heater if electric).
- Compare weekday rates: calculate the extra you’d pay Monday–Friday compared with a standard tariff.
- Add standing charges: include these for a true like-for-like annual cost comparison.
- Test a “realistic behaviour” scenario: don’t assume perfect shifting every week.
- Compare against alternatives: a good fixed tariff or an off-peak nightly tariff may outperform weekends-only “free”.
Tip: If you have half-hourly data via a smart meter, you can often see exactly how much electricity you use on weekends vs weekdays. That makes the decision far more accurate.
Weekend tariff value calculator (simple check)
Use this quick method to sanity-check whether a free electricity weekend tariff could beat a normal tariff for your home. You don’t need perfect numbers — a range is enough to avoid switching to a worse deal.
Step 1: Estimate shiftable weekend usage
Add up the kWh you can move into the free window each weekend:
| Appliance | Typical kWh per use | Weekend uses |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine (40°C) | ~0.6–1.0 | e.g. 2 |
| Tumble dryer | ~2.0–4.5 | e.g. 1 |
| Dishwasher | ~1.0–1.5 | e.g. 2 |
| Oven batch cooking | ~1.5–3.0 | e.g. 1 |
| EV charging (varies) | ~10–40+ | e.g. 1 |
If you can shift X kWh/weekend, that’s roughly X × 52 kWh per year potentially at £0.00 (or discounted).
Step 2: Compare the “give-back” on weekdays
Weekend deals often have a higher unit rate outside the free window. Estimate the annual extra you’ll pay:
Extra weekday cost (approx.) = (Your annual kWh outside the free window) × (Weekend tariff unit rate - Alternative tariff unit rate)
Then add standing charges (standing charge difference × 365). If the weekend savings are greater than these extras, the tariff may be worth it.
Step 3: Make the comparison real
- Use your current bill to estimate annual kWh.
- Assume you miss the free window some weeks (holidays, busy weekends).
- Include seasonal changes (more laundry, cooking, lighting in winter).
Prefer a personalised comparison? Use the form above and we’ll match options for your postcode.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
The biggest risk with free weekend electricity tariffs is paying more overall because the non-free rates are higher. Watch for these issues before you switch.
1) Free hours don’t match your routine
If the free period is a limited block (for example, evenings only), you may struggle to fit EV charging or appliance loads into it.
2) Higher standing charge for low users
If you live alone or have low electricity use, standing charge differences matter a lot. Always compare the annual cost, not just unit rates.
3) You shift less than expected
A plan that relies on perfect behaviour every week is fragile. Build in a buffer and check if the deal still works with 60–80% of your “ideal” shifting.
4) Heat is mostly gas (so savings are limited)
If you heat your home with gas, weekend electricity discounts won’t touch the largest part of many households’ winter bills.
A quick “worth it” checklist
| Question | If “Yes” | If “No” |
|---|---|---|
| Can you shift at least a chunk of usage into the free window? | Weekend tariff may be strong | Higher risk of paying more |
| Do you have (or can you get) a smart meter? | More tariffs available | Options may be limited |
| Is the standing charge comparable to alternatives? | Easier to save | Low users may lose out |
| Is weekday unit rate only slightly higher than alternatives? | Free period has room to win | Needs heavy weekend shifting |
UK considerations: region, meter type and household setup
Your region and network costs
Electricity standing charges and unit rates can vary by region (due to distribution network costs). A weekend tariff that looks good in one area may be less competitive in another — which is why postcode-based comparison matters.
Smart meter vs traditional meter
Most free weekend electricity tariffs require half-hourly readings from a smart meter. If you don’t have one, check whether the supplier will install it and whether your property has suitable signal/coverage.
All-electric homes and heat pumps
If your home is all-electric (or uses a heat pump), your usage is higher and more seasonal. A weekends-only free window may not align with heating needs. Compare against broader off-peak tariffs too.
Prepayment meters
Some specialist tariffs may not be available on prepay, or may require smart prepayment. If you’re on prepay, it’s still worth comparing — availability varies by supplier and meter type.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs
Are free electricity weekend tariffs really free?
They can be free in the sense that the unit rate for electricity during certain weekend hours is £0.00. You still pay the standing charge, and you still pay for electricity used outside the free window. Some tariffs may also have conditions around smart meter readings and qualifying hours.
Do I need a smart meter for weekend-free electricity?
In most cases, yes. Time-of-use pricing typically requires a smart meter to measure consumption within the specified free or discounted time bands.
Will a free weekend tariff save money if I don’t have an EV?
It can, but it depends on how much electricity you can move into the free hours. Without EV charging, savings often come from running appliances (laundry, dishwasher, cooking) at the right time — which may be modest compared to the uplift in weekday rates.
Is it better to choose a fixed tariff instead?
A competitive fixed tariff can be better if you can’t reliably shift usage, want simpler billing, or the weekend deal’s weekday rates/standing charge are higher. The best choice is the one with the lowest expected annual cost for your usage pattern.
Can I run storage heaters or an immersion heater on the free window?
Sometimes, depending on your setup and controls. Be careful: if you increase overall usage (for example, heating more water than you need because it’s “free”), you might not save. Always compare the whole bill impact.
How do I compare weekend tariffs properly?
Compare the estimated annual cost including standing charges, and model your realistic weekend shifting. If you have half-hourly data, use it to estimate how much usage will actually fall into the free period. Or use the EnergyPlus form to compare tariffs available in your postcode.
Trusted comparison for UK households
Switching is a financial decision — you need clarity on what you’ll pay outside the “free” hours. EnergyPlus focuses on making comparisons understandable, postcode-specific and based on how people actually use energy at home.
“Helped me spot the catch”
“I nearly switched to a weekend-free tariff, but the weekday rates would have cost us more. The comparison made it obvious.”
Homeowner, England
“Found a better fit for our routine”
“We do most chores on Saturday and charge the car on Sunday. The suggested options suited our usage pattern.”
Family household, Scotland
“Simple and postcode-specific”
“Rates were different from what I’d seen online. Entering my postcode gave realistic options for my area.”
Flat owner, Wales
What you can expect from EnergyPlus
- Whole-of-market approach focused on home energy
- Comparisons based on your postcode and availability
- Clear explanation of tariff structures (weekend-free, off-peak, fixed, variable)
See if a free weekend tariff beats your current deal
Get a postcode-based comparison across UK home energy tariffs — including weekend-free electricity offers where available — and choose the option that matches your real usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- Check fixed, variable and time-of-use options
- Designed for households (not business energy)
If you’re unsure how much you can shift to weekends, compare both types — we’ll help you make the call.
Before you switch
Have your latest bill to hand so you can estimate annual kWh. For smart-meter homes, your supplier app may show weekend vs weekday usage.
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