Energy tariffs with free weekday electricity in the UK
Compare whole-of-market energy deals that offer free electricity on weekdays (usually in set hours). Tell us a few details and we’ll help you check availability, compare the real unit rates, and see if you could save at home.
- Check whether “free weekday electricity” tariffs are available in your area and on your meter type
- See the full picture: standing charge, peak unit rates, off-peak rates and any time windows
- Find out who benefits most (EV charging, washing, dishwashing, hot water and heating patterns)
- Switch with confidence using a UK comparison service that looks across the market
Home energy only. Availability and “free” time windows vary by supplier and region; unit rates and standing charges apply outside the free period.
Compare free weekday electricity tariffs (whole-of-market)
“Free weekday electricity” tariffs can look great on paper — but the value depends on when you use power and what the supplier charges outside the free hours. EnergyPlus helps you compare the effective cost by looking at the full tariff structure: standing charge, peak rates, off-peak rates and any time-of-use windows.
Fill in the form to check availability for your postcode and meter type. If you’re not sure what you’re on today, that’s fine — we’ll still show suitable options.
What “free weekday electricity” usually means
A supplier may offer 0p/kWh electricity for a set number of hours on weekdays (for example, during the day). You still pay your standing charge, and your unit rate may be higher at other times. Always compare the whole tariff.
Already know your usage pattern? Jump to Costs & savings check to see what to look for.
Get quotes & check eligibility
Complete the form — we’ll match you to relevant tariffs, including time-of-use deals where available.
Who benefits most from free weekday electricity tariffs?
These tariffs can be cost-effective if you can shift a meaningful chunk of your electricity use into the “free” window — without pushing up peak-time usage or comfort costs elsewhere.
Households home on weekdays
If someone’s regularly at home (remote work, parental leave, shift patterns), it’s easier to run appliances during the free hours.
EV owners with daytime charging
If you can charge at home in the free window (and your charger schedule supports it), the maths can work well — but check peak rates carefully.
High flexible usage (laundry, dishwasher)
Batching washing/drying and dishwashing into set hours can increase the percentage of your kWh that falls into the free period.
Homes with smart controls
Smart plugs, timers, and app-controlled devices make it easier to avoid “accidental” peak usage outside the free window.
Some heat pump or immersion users
Where safe and appropriate, you may be able to schedule hot water production in the free period. Always follow manufacturer guidance.
People who want predictability
A clear free window can be simpler than multi-rate tariffs with many time bands — as long as you actually use it.
How free weekday electricity tariffs work (and what to check)
In the UK, these deals are usually a time-of-use electricity tariff. The supplier sets a specific weekday time window where the electricity unit rate is advertised as “free” (0p/kWh). Outside that window, you’ll pay the tariff’s standard unit rate (often higher than a simple tariff) plus the standing charge.
Important: “Free electricity” rarely means a £0 bill. You still pay a standing charge, and you still pay for electricity used outside the free hours. Gas (if you have it) is billed as normal.
Quick checklist before you switch
- Confirm the exact free window (days and times) and whether it changes seasonally.
- Compare the peak unit rate you’ll pay outside the free period (and any off-peak rate if applicable).
- Check the standing charge — it can outweigh savings if your usage is low.
- Look for any caps or fair-use limits (not all tariffs have them, but it’s worth checking the small print).
- Confirm meter requirements (many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter for accurate billing).
- Think about weekends — some deals are weekday-only, so weekend costs matter if you’re home more then.
What you can usually run in the free hours
Good candidates (easy to shift)
- Washing machine / tumble dryer (where safe and supervised)
- Dishwasher
- Immersion heater / hot water scheduling (where appropriate)
- EV charging (home charger with timer/schedule)
- Batch cooking (slow cooker/oven timing where safe)
Harder to shift (watch peak costs)
- Evening cooking and lighting
- Heat demand during cold snaps
- Always-on devices (routers, fridges, freezers)
- High evening entertainment usage (gaming/TV)
- Weekend-heavy household routines
How to tell if you’ll actually save
The simplest way to sense-check a free weekday electricity tariff is to estimate what percentage of your electricity use can genuinely move into the free window. Then compare the higher peak rate you may pay the rest of the time.
Rule of thumb: If you can’t shift much usage into the free hours, a standard single-rate tariff can still work out cheaper — even though it doesn’t sound as exciting.
What to compare (not just the headline “free”)
| Tariff element | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Free window | Defines when your unit rate is 0p/kWh. | Weekday times, exclusions (bank holidays), and whether it’s consistent year-round. |
| Peak unit rate | Often higher to fund the free period. | Compare to your current unit rate, especially evening consumption. |
| Standing charge | A daily cost you pay regardless of usage. | If it’s high, you may need higher usage (or bigger shifting) to benefit. |
| Off-peak rate (if any) | Some tariffs combine free hours with other cheaper hours. | Check the schedule and whether your usage fits it (e.g., overnight EV charging). |
| Exit fees & contract terms | Can affect flexibility if the tariff doesn’t suit you. | Confirm length, exit fees, payment method rules and any introductory pricing. |
A practical mini-calculation
1) Estimate shiftable usage
List what you can run in the free window (e.g., EV charging, laundry, dishwasher, hot water). Add up the kWh for those activities over a typical week.
2) Compare to total usage
If you can move, say, 25–40% of your electricity into free hours, the tariff may compete well — but only if the peak unit rate and standing charge aren’t too high.
Want us to do the comparison properly using real tariff rates? Use the form above to see offers available for your postcode.
Eligibility and setup (UK homes)
What you’ll typically need
- Residential supply (this page is for home energy, not business)
- Compatible meter — many time-of-use tariffs work best with a smart meter
- Ability to shift usage into weekday daytime hours
- Online account access (some deals are app-based or online-only)
Things that can limit availability
- Region and network — tariff availability and rates differ across Great Britain
- Meter configuration (single-rate vs multi-rate; smart meter mode)
- Prepayment — some specialist tariffs may not be offered on all payment methods
- Existing complex tariffs — switching may require a meter reconfiguration
If you’re unsure about your meter type or whether you have Economy 7 / time-of-use billing today, don’t worry. Enter what you know in the form and we’ll guide you through relevant options.
Common mistakes to avoid
Focusing only on the free hours
A 0p window can hide a higher peak rate. Compare the full costs based on when you actually use electricity.
Underestimating standing charges
If your home uses relatively little electricity, the standing charge can dominate your bill and reduce any benefit.
Not planning weekend usage
Many people are home more on weekends. If the tariff is weekday-only, weekend peak rates may matter a lot.
Forgetting heating is often gas
If most of your home energy cost is gas (boiler heating), a free-electricity window may have limited impact overall.
Running appliances unsafely
Cost-saving should never compromise safety. Only run appliances unattended if the manufacturer guidance supports it.
Assuming one tariff suits every home
Household routines vary. A tariff that’s ideal for an EV driver may be poor value for a low-usage flat.
FAQs: free weekday electricity tariffs
Is free weekday electricity really 0p?
During the stated free period, the unit rate may be 0p/kWh. You still pay the standing charge, and you still pay the standard unit rate at other times. Your total bill depends on your overall usage and timing.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many time-of-use tariffs rely on smart meter readings to accurately apply different rates at different times. Some suppliers may offer alternatives, but availability varies.
Will it help if I work in an office all week?
It can, but it’s less likely. If most of your electricity use happens in the evenings, you may not take advantage of the weekday free window and could end up paying a higher peak rate.
Are these tariffs available across the UK?
Availability and pricing vary by region and supplier. You can check what’s available for your home by entering your postcode in the form on this page.
Can I get free weekday electricity on a dual fuel tariff?
Some suppliers may offer electricity time-of-use features alongside gas, but the “free” element typically applies to electricity only. Comparing the full dual fuel cost is important.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. In the UK, switching supplier doesn’t interrupt your electricity or gas supply. The change is handled in the background, and you’ll be informed of key dates.
If you’d rather not guess, we can help you compare properly. Check tariffs and availability using your postcode.
What customers like about comparing with EnergyPlus
Switching is easier when the information is clear. Here’s what people typically tell us matters most when comparing time-of-use and “free hours” tariffs.
“I assumed free electricity meant a cheaper bill, but the comparison made it obvious when it would and wouldn’t work for us.”
“The postcode check was quick and the tariff breakdown helped me avoid a high standing charge.”
“Helpful for understanding time windows and whether my smart meter setup was compatible.”
Trust and transparency
- Whole-of-market comparison approach (where available)
- Tariff features explained in plain UK English
- Focus on real-world costs: standing charge + unit rates + time windows
Ready to see if free weekday electricity is worth it for your home?
Use your postcode to check which tariffs are available and compare the full costs — not just the headline “free” hours.
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