What is a free evening electricity tariff?

A free evening electricity tariff is a time-of-use plan where electricity used during a defined evening window is billed at 0p/kWh (or heavily discounted), while electricity used at other times is charged at a higher day/standard rate. The best value comes when you can shift a meaningful portion of your usage (e.g., cooking, laundry, dishwashing, EV charging) into the free period. Always check the exact free-hours window, any standing charge, and the unit rates outside the free period before switching.

Who benefits most from free evening electricity in the UK?

These tariffs typically suit households that can reliably shift high-consumption activities into the evening, such as running a tumble dryer, washing machine, dishwasher, home battery charging, or EV charging. They may also help families who are home and active in the evening and can schedule appliances for the free period. If most of your usage is daytime, the higher non-free rates may reduce or eliminate savings.

Do I need a smart meter for a free evening electricity tariff?

In most cases, yes. Free-evening and other time-of-use tariffs typically require a smart meter so your supplier can measure when you use electricity and apply the correct rates. If you do not have a smart meter, check eligibility requirements before applying.

How can I maximise savings on a free evening tariff?

To maximise savings, move as much flexible usage as possible into the free evening window. Common high-impact actions include running the dishwasher and washing machine in the free period, pre-heating/cooking in a planned slot, charging an EV or home battery (if you have one), and using timers or smart plugs so appliances run automatically during the free hours. Also reduce daytime peaks where the unit rate may be higher.

Can I use gas on a free evening electricity tariff?

Yes. Many households keep gas for heating/hot water and use a time-of-use electricity tariff for power. Your eligibility and rates depend on the supplier and whether you take electricity-only or dual fuel. Always compare your combined annual costs (gas + electricity) when deciding.

What should I check before switching to a free evening electricity deal?

Check: (1) the exact free-evening time window and whether it varies by day, (2) unit rates outside the free period, (3) standing charge, (4) contract length and exit fees, (5) whether a smart meter is required, and (6) any fair-use or eligibility rules. A tariff is only a good deal if your real usage pattern makes it cheaper overall.

How do I compare free evening electricity tariffs accurately?

Compare tariffs using an annual cost estimate based on your kWh usage split by time (evening window vs other hours). If you have a smart meter, review your half-hourly or hourly usage to estimate what percentage you can shift into the free period. Then compare total yearly cost including standing charges, not just the headline free rate.

How do I switch electricity tariffs through Energy Plus?

You can compare electricity options and start a switch online via Energy Plus. Use your postcode and current usage (or a recent bill) to see suitable tariffs, then follow the guided steps to apply. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/

Energy tariffs with free evening electricity (UK)

Q: Are free evening electricity tariffs really free?

The evening unit rate during the promotional window can be 0p/kWh, but the tariff may compensate with a higher unit rate at other times and/or a higher standing charge. It can still save you money if you regularly use a significant share of electricity during the free window. Compare the full tariff costs for your usage pattern rather than focusing only on the free rate.

Compare whole-of-market energy deals that offer cheaper (or free) electricity in the evenings. Tell us a few details and we’ll help you find the best-fit tariff for your home and usage.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business)
See whether “free evening” offers really beat standard tariffs
Ideal for EV charging, laundry, dishwashers and batch cooking
Quick form — no call required, unless you ask for help

Compare free evening tariffs How “free evenings” work

Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. “Free” periods usually come with higher day rates — we’ll help you check the maths.

Compare energy tariffs with free evening electricity

“Free evening electricity” tariffs (sometimes marketed as free hours or free electricity periods) can be a good fit if you use a meaningful chunk of power in the evening — for example, running appliances after work, charging an EV, or heating water on an immersion. But these deals can also come with higher unit rates outside the free window, so it’s important to compare properly.

EnergyPlus is a UK home energy comparison service. We’ll help you check whether a free evenings tariff is genuinely cheaper for your usage pattern, based on your postcode and household details.

Tip: If your evening usage is low, a standard fixed tariff (or a sharper tracker, if suitable) can beat “free” offers. The right answer depends on your when as much as your how much.

What you’ll need

Postcode (to match your local network and available suppliers)
Your contact details (so we can send results and help if you request it)
Optional: a recent bill or your estimated annual usage (for more accurate comparisons)

Get your free evening tariff comparison

Fill in the form and we’ll match you with relevant UK home energy tariffs — including free evening electricity deals where available.

Postcode

First name Surname

Email Telephone (optional)

By submitting, you agree we can use your details to provide your comparison and contact you about your quote. You can opt out at any time.

Prefer to understand the deal first? Jump to how free evening electricity tariffs work and the key pitfalls to avoid.

Important: Energy tariffs and incentives change frequently. We’ll show what’s available for your postcode and meter setup at the time you compare.

Who are free evening electricity tariffs best for?

These tariffs are designed to shift energy use into a specific evening window. If you can move flexible usage into that period, the savings can be meaningful — but only if the rest of your day rate doesn’t wipe out the benefit.

EV owners & home chargers

If you typically charge your EV after work, free evenings can reduce the cost per mile — especially for higher-mileage drivers and larger batteries.

High evening appliance use

Dishwasher, tumble dryer, electric cooking, gaming/PCs and electric showers add up. Concentrating these in the free window can make the deal work.

Homes that can shift demand

Households able to schedule laundry, batch cooking, and charging devices in the evening window generally get the best results.

Smart meter households

Many time-based tariffs require a smart meter (or are easiest to manage with one). We’ll help check what you’re eligible for.

Electric heating add-ons

Immersion heaters and some heat pump setups can be scheduled. If you can store hot water, you may benefit from the cheaper period.

People who love clarity

A fixed “free evening” block can be simpler than dynamic half-hourly rates, while still rewarding you for shifting usage.

Not sure? Complete the comparison form and we’ll check free-evening options alongside standard tariffs so you can see the difference side by side.

How “free evening electricity” tariffs work

In the UK, suppliers sometimes offer tariffs where electricity is priced at £0 for a fixed evening window (or deeply discounted). Outside of those hours, the unit rate and/or standing charge can be higher. The key is whether your shiftable evening usage is large enough to offset the higher costs the rest of the day.

Supplier sets a free (or discounted) time block — often a predictable evening window.
Your smart meter records usage by time so the supplier can bill the correct rate.
Daytime/off-window rates apply at other times (including overnight unless stated).
You shift flexible consumption (EV charging, appliances, hot water) into the free period.
Your total bill depends on your pattern, not just the headline “free” message.

What to check before switching

1) The rates outside the free hours

A “free evenings” tariff can have a higher standard unit rate. If you use lots of electricity during the day (WFH, electric cooking, kids at home), it may cost more overall.

2) Standing charge

Standing charges vary by region and tariff. A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher daily standing charge — especially in lower-usage homes.

3) Your evening load (kWh)

The bigger the kWh you can move into the free window, the better. EV charging can be the tipping point that makes these tariffs worthwhile.

4) Eligibility & meter setup

Some suppliers require a smart meter, certain payment methods, or specific meter configurations. We’ll help you identify what’s compatible in your postcode area.

Want to go straight to options? Use the comparison form and we’ll prioritise tariffs that match your goals (free evenings, cheaper off-peak, or lowest overall cost).

Free evening electricity vs other tariff types

If you’re searching for energy tariffs with free evening electricity in the UK, it helps to compare them against alternatives that also reward time-shifting.

Tariff type	How it prices electricity	Best for	Watch-outs
Free evening electricity	£0 (or very low) during a set evening window; standard rate outside it	EV charging after work, appliance-heavy evenings	Higher day rate/standing charge can cancel savings
Off-peak / Economy-style	Cheaper overnight block; higher day rate	Night-time EV charging, storage heaters (where applicable)	Timing varies; may need specific meter setup
Fixed tariff	Single unit rate (plus standing charge) for a set term	Budget certainty, simpler billing	May include exit fees; no special time rewards
Tracker tariff	Price follows a published rate (often daily)	People comfortable with price movement	Not price-capped like a fixed deal; can rise
Time-of-use (TOU)	Multiple rates by time (sometimes half-hourly)	Tech-savvy households optimising usage times	Complex; peak periods can be pricey

EnergyPlus can compare free evening electricity tariffs alongside fixed, tracker and time-of-use alternatives so you can choose the best overall value — not just the most eye-catching headline.

Will you actually save? A quick checklist

Use this checklist to sense-check whether a free evening tariff is likely to work for your home. If you’re unsure, complete the comparison form and we’ll do the deeper calculation.

You’re more likely to save if…

You can move 2–6+ kWh most evenings into the free window
You have an EV or large evening electricity load
Your daytime electricity use is moderate (not heavy all-day)
You’re on a relatively expensive standard variable or older fixed tariff
You can schedule appliances (timer, smart plugs, EV charger schedule)

You’re more likely to overpay if…

You use most electricity during the day (WFH, electric cooking, constant heating)
You only use a little power in the evening (low kWh to “make free” meaningful)
The tariff has a high standing charge in your region
You can’t shift usage (no timers, no flexibility, noisy appliances at night)
You’re attracted by “free” but haven’t checked the off-window unit rate

Practical example: If you charge an EV for ~10 kWh in the free window a few times a week, that can outweigh a slightly higher daytime unit rate. If you don’t have EV charging (or other heavy evening usage), a competitive fixed tariff may be better.

Eligibility and set-up (UK homes)

Do you need a smart meter?

Often, yes. Time-based billing is normally supported by a smart meter. If you don’t have one, you may still be able to switch, but tariff availability can be more limited.

Does it vary by region?

Yes. Standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain regions (and supplier availability can differ). Your postcode is essential for accurate results.

Single-rate vs multi-rate meters

Some households have meter configurations associated with off-peak tariffs. We’ll help identify options that match your current set-up and whether changing is worthwhile.

Renters and flats

You can usually switch energy supplier if you pay the bills, even in rented homes. If you’re on prepayment or have complex metering, choices may be narrower — we’ll flag what’s available.

If you’d like, complete the form and include a telephone number — we can help you interpret your tariff options and confirm whether a smart meter is required for the deals you’re considering.

Common mistakes when choosing a free evening tariff

Only comparing the “free” headline

The real cost is your total bill. Check the unit rate and standing charge outside the free period.

Not measuring evening usage

If you don’t know roughly how many kWh you use in the evening, it’s easy to overestimate savings. Smart meter apps can help.

Forgetting gas and dual fuel

Some households prefer dual fuel for convenience, but the best electricity deal might come from a different supplier than gas. Whole-of-market comparison helps.

Safety note: If you plan to run appliances later in the day, follow manufacturer guidance and avoid leaving high-heat appliances unattended.

FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs

Are free evening electricity tariffs really free?

The electricity used within the specified evening window may be priced at £0, but the rest of your consumption is charged at the tariff’s rates. Many deals balance the free period with higher rates at other times, so the best approach is to compare your expected total cost.

Do I need a smart meter for free evening electricity in the UK?

Many time-based tariffs require a smart meter because billing depends on when you use electricity. If you don’t have one, you may have fewer options. Use the form and we’ll help identify compatible tariffs.

Can I get free evening electricity on prepayment meters?

Availability is often more limited on prepayment. Some suppliers offer time-based options, but eligibility can depend on your meter type and whether it’s smart. We’ll show what’s available for your postcode.

Is it better than Economy 7 or off-peak overnight tariffs?

It depends on when you use power. If your big load is overnight (for example, EV charging after midnight), an overnight off-peak tariff can be stronger. If you mostly use electricity after work, free evenings may suit better.

Will switching affect my supply or cause downtime?

No. In Great Britain, switching supplier doesn’t change the physical supply to your home. Your electricity and gas keep flowing as normal; only billing and tariff terms change.

How do I know if the free window matches my routine?

Look at the typical times you run heavy appliances. If you can reliably schedule usage into the free period (e.g., EV charger timers, delayed-start on appliances), you’ll benefit more. We’ll help you compare deals with windows that fit your habits.

Have a specific tariff in mind? Submit the form and mention it when we contact you — we can sense-check it against alternatives.

What households say about comparing with EnergyPlus

Real outcomes depend on availability and your usage pattern. Here’s what customers value when they compare time-based tariffs like free evenings.

“The ‘free’ deal wasn’t actually cheapest for us.”

We thought free evenings would be a no-brainer. Comparing properly showed a lower overall fixed tariff worked better with our daytime usage.

— Homeowner, South East

“Perfect for EV charging after work.”

We schedule charging and the dishwasher in the evening window. The comparison made it easy to see the overall impact.

— EV driver, West Midlands

“Clear explanation of standing charges and rates.”

I didn’t realise how much standing charge varies by region. Seeing it broken down helped us choose confidently.

— Tenant, Yorkshire

Trust markers: Whole-of-market comparison approach • UK-focused guidance • Transparent checks beyond headline offers.

Ready to check free evening electricity deals in your area?

Submit your details and we’ll compare UK home energy tariffs — including free evening electricity where it’s available — and help you choose the best value for your usage.

Start comparison Read FAQs

EnergyPlus is a comparison service. Tariff availability and rates depend on your postcode, meter type and supplier criteria. Always review tariff terms before switching.

Back to Energy Cost Saving Advice

Updated on 9 Jan 2026