What is a tariff with free electricity hours?

A free electricity hours tariff gives you a set window of time where the unit rate for electricity is 0p/kWh (or heavily discounted). Outside those hours, the unit rate is usually higher than standard tariffs, so it only saves money if you can shift enough usage into the free period.

Will I actually save money on a free electricity hours tariff?

You’ll typically save money only if you can move a meaningful share of your electricity use into the free window. As a rule of thumb, the more you can shift (for example EV charging, washing/drying, dishwasher, immersion heater or storage heating), the more likely you are to beat a standard fixed or variable tariff.

How do I work out if a free-hours electricity tariff is worth it for my home?

Compare your current annual electricity cost to the estimated cost on the free-hours tariff using your typical kWh usage. Check: (1) the unit rate outside the free hours, (2) the daily standing charge, (3) how many kWh you can realistically shift into the free period, and (4) any price cap or fair use policy that may apply. If the savings from shifted kWh exceed any extra cost from higher peak rates/standing charge, it’s worth switching.

Do I need a smart meter for tariffs with free electricity hours?

In most cases, yes. A smart meter (or an eligible advanced meter) is usually needed so your supplier can measure when you use electricity and apply the free-hours price correctly. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may need to have one installed before you can join.

Who benefits most from free electricity hours tariffs?

They’re often best for households that can shift flexible consumption, such as EV owners charging at home, homes with heat pumps or immersion heaters (where safe and suitable), users of tumble dryers/dishwashers during the free window, and households that can run appliances on timers. If most of your use is fixed during daytime peak hours, savings may be limited.

Are free electricity hours tariffs good for EV charging?

They can be, if the free period aligns with when you can charge and you can schedule charging to start and stop within the free window. Check whether the tariff also increases the unit rate outside the free hours—if you do a lot of non-EV usage at peak times, it could offset EV savings.

What are the downsides of tariffs with free electricity hours?

Common downsides include higher unit rates outside the free hours, a higher standing charge, limited free-hour windows that may not suit your routine, and the need to actively manage usage with timers or smart controls. If you can’t shift enough usage, you could pay more overall than on a standard tariff.

Is there a risk of bills increasing after I switch?

Yes. If you don’t use much electricity during the free period, the higher rates outside the free window can increase your total cost. Before switching, review your usage patterns and run an estimate based on how many kWh you can genuinely move to the free hours.

How can I maximise savings on a free-hours electricity tariff?

Use appliance timers or smart plugs to run energy-heavy devices during the free window (where safe and appropriate). Schedule EV charging, delay laundry and dishwashing, and avoid high consumption outside the free period where possible. Track your consumption in your app or smart meter display so you can adjust habits quickly.

How do I switch electricity tariff with Energyplus?

To switch, choose a tariff that fits your usage pattern and complete the sign-up process. Keep a recent bill handy to confirm your current usage, meter type and address details. If a smart meter is required, you may be able to arrange installation as part of the switch. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/

What is a tariff with free electricity hours?

A free electricity hours tariff is a type of time-of-use plan where your electricity unit rate is £0 (or heavily discounted) during specific time windows (for example, overnight or a fixed block of hours). Outside those windows, the unit rate is typically higher than a standard tariff. The aim is to encourage you to shift electricity-heavy activities into the free period.

Do free electricity hours tariffs actually save money?

They can save money if you can reliably move a meaningful share of your usage into the free hours (such as EV charging, running a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, immersion heater or storage heating). If most of your usage stays outside the free window, a higher peak unit rate can offset the benefit.

Who benefits most from free electricity hours?

Households with flexible demand and high electricity use during shiftable times benefit most—especially EV owners, homes with heat pumps, storage heaters, immersion heaters, or people who can run appliances overnight or during the stated free window. Smart meter users who can track and change behaviour tend to get the best results.

What should I check before switching?

Check the exact free-hour window, the peak unit rate outside free hours, the daily standing charge, contract length, exit fees, and whether you need a smart meter. Also review your current usage patterns to estimate what percentage you can shift into the free period.

Should I switch to a tariff with free electricity hours?

Free-hours electricity tariffs can work well in the UK if you can reliably move enough usage into the free window (and your other unit rates aren’t too high). This guide shows how to check if it’s genuinely worth it for your home.

See the break-even maths (in plain English) before you switch
UK-specific pitfalls: smart meter rules, direct debit, exit fees and regional rates
Two realistic scenarios with estimated numbers to help you decide

Get your energy quote How to decide if free hours suit you

Figures are illustrative and depend on your region, meter type, payment method and tariff terms. Always check the unit rates, standing charges and any exit fees.

Fast answer: is a free electricity hours tariff worth it?

It can be, but only if you can consistently shift a meaningful chunk of your electricity use into the free window and the paid unit rate (and standing charge) outside those hours isn’t significantly higher than an alternative tariff you could get.

Usually suits you if…

You have a smart meter and can schedule usage (washing machine, dishwasher, immersion, EV).
You’re home enough (or can automate) to use appliances in the free window.
You can shift roughly 15–30% (or more) of your electricity into the free hours.

Often not ideal if…

Your usage is mostly evenings and you can’t move it (young family routines, electric cooking at peak times).
You’re on prepayment (many of these tariffs require monthly Direct Debit).
You have storage heaters and need a dedicated off-peak setup (traditional Economy 7/10 may fit better).

Quick check (60 seconds)

Find your current unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day).
Check the free window and the paid unit rate outside it.
Estimate how many kWh you can shift into the free hours each week.
Compare annual cost (not just “free” claims).

Important: “Free hours” doesn’t mean “free electricity overall”. You still pay standing charges, and your paid unit rate may be higher. Terms vary by supplier and can change at renewal.

How to decide (UK checklist + break-even maths)

A free-hours tariff is essentially a trade: you get zero-cost kWh in a set window, but you may pay more for electricity the rest of the time (and sometimes a different standing charge).

Step 1 — Check eligibility and practical fit

Smart meter: many free-hours tariffs require a working smart meter for accurate time-of-use billing.
Payment method: commonly monthly Direct Debit; prepayment availability can be limited.
Timing: the free window may be overnight, lunchtime, weekend hours, or supplier-specific “sessions”.
Household routine: can you reliably run key loads in that window without inconvenience?

Step 2 — Estimate how much you can shift

Quick kWh guide (typical estimates):

Washing machine (40°C): 0.5–1.0 kWh
Dishwasher (eco): 0.8–1.3 kWh
Tumble dryer cycle: 2–4 kWh
EV charging (10 kWh top-up): 10 kWh

These are indicative ranges; appliance labels and smart plugs can give you a more accurate number.

Step 3 — Do the break-even check

If the paid unit rate on the free-hours tariff is higher than your alternative tariff, your shifted “free” kWh must offset that increase.

Simple rule of thumb (estimated):

Required shifted kWh per year ˜ (Extra cost from higher unit rate + extra standing charge) ÷ Alternative unit rate

We’ll show worked examples below. If your supplier’s “paid” unit rate is only slightly higher, you need to shift less. If it’s much higher, you may need to shift a lot (often easiest with EV charging).

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

Scenario A: flat (no EV), can shift laundry

Assumptions (illustrative):

Annual use: 2,900 kWh electricity
Alternative tariff: 26p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Free-hours tariff: 31p/kWh outside free hours, standing charge 55p/day
Free window: 4 hours/day (terms vary)
Shifting: 3.2 kWh/week (2 washes + 2 dishwasher eco cycles) ˜ 166 kWh/year

Estimated impact:

Higher paid rate adds ˜ 5p on most kWh. Savings from free hours: 166 kWh × 26p ˜ £43/year.

Extra cost from higher rate on remaining 2,734 kWh: 2,734 × 5p ˜ £137/year.

Likely outcome: not worth it unless you can shift substantially more (for example, tumble drying, immersion heating, or more frequent cycles).

Scenario B: household with EV charging

Assumptions (illustrative):

Annual use: 4,600 kWh electricity (incl. EV)
Alternative tariff: 26p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
Free-hours tariff: 31p/kWh outside free hours, standing charge 55p/day
EV charging shifted into free hours: 40 kWh/week ˜ 2,080 kWh/year

Estimated impact:

Savings from free hours: 2,080 kWh × 26p ˜ £541/year.

Extra cost from higher rate on remaining 2,520 kWh: 2,520 × 5p ˜ £126/year.

Likely outcome: often worth it if you can consistently charge in the free window and the tariff’s terms fit your home.

Caveat: Some tariffs cap the number of free sessions, restrict eligibility, or vary free times. Always read the tariff information label and check whether the higher paid unit rate applies at all other times.

Compare free-hours tariffs (whole of market)

Tell us a few details and we’ll show available options for your home, including tariffs with free electricity hours (when available) and standard alternatives.

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What we compare

Trust-led: We’ll only recommend a switch when the estimated overall cost looks competitive for your details. You can review tariff terms before you proceed.

Before you start: have this handy

Your latest electricity unit rate and standing charge (bill/app)
Your annual usage (kWh) or an estimate
Whether you have a smart meter (SMETS1/SMETS2)
Any exit fees or end date if you’re on a fixed tariff

Free-hours tariff vs alternatives (what to compare)

Use this table to compare the overall deal. The headline “free” element is only one part of your yearly cost.

Feature	Free electricity hours tariff	Single-rate (standard) tariff	Time-of-use (e.g., day/night)
Best for	Homes that can shift large loads into the free window (EV, appliances, immersion).	Most households who want simplicity and predictable billing.	Homes with meaningful overnight use (EV, storage heaters, flexible routines).
Unit rate risk	Often higher outside free hours; check carefully.	Single unit rate; easier to compare.	Different rates by time; savings depend on behaviour.
Standing charge	May be similar or higher; varies by region and supplier.	Varies by region and supplier.	Varies by region and supplier.
Meter needs	Typically smart meter required.	Smart meter helpful but not always required.	Usually smart meter (or suitable multi-rate meter).
Behaviour needed	High: you must use free hours to benefit.	Low: no change needed.	Medium: shift some use to cheaper periods.

Decision checklist (printable)

Green flags (more likely to suit)

You can automate (timers, smart plugs, EV scheduled charging).
You can shift at least 1,500–2,000 kWh/year (common with EVs) or a meaningful percentage of your total.
The tariff’s paid unit rate is only slightly above alternatives you can access.
No exit fee (or you’re near the end of a fixed deal).

Red flags (double-check before switching)

Free hours are at times you can’t use (or you’d be running noisy appliances overnight).
You’d be moving only a small load (e.g., one wash per week) but paying a much higher paid unit rate.
You’re on prepayment, have an RTS meter, or your smart meter isn’t communicating reliably.
You’re planning to move home soon and a fixed-term exit fee could apply.

Tip: If you already have half-hourly smart meter data (some suppliers show it in-app), check how much you currently use in the likely free window. Then estimate what you could shift on top.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

These are the issues that most often make a free-hours tariff less competitive in practice.

1) Higher paid unit rate

If the unit rate outside free hours is significantly higher than your alternative, small amounts of “free” usage won’t compensate. Always compare the whole-year estimate.

2) Standing charge differences

Standing charges vary by region and network. Even a small increase can matter over a year. Check the p/day figure.

3) Smart meter requirements

Some tariffs need half-hourly reads. If your smart meter isn’t sending readings, billing may revert to estimates until fixed.

4) Limited free sessions / changing windows

Not all “free” offers are daily. Some are occasional events or limited per week/month. Ensure you understand the schedule and any caps.

5) Exit fees and contract end dates

Fixed tariffs may have exit fees. You’ll want to include this cost when deciding whether switching now is worth it.

6) Not ideal for electric heating patterns

If you rely on storage heaters or complex multi-rate setups, a dedicated tariff (e.g., Economy 7/10-type) may be more appropriate than a free-hours offer.

Safety note: If you plan to run appliances overnight, follow manufacturer guidance, ensure good ventilation, and avoid using tumble dryers unattended where you’re not comfortable doing so.

Common mistakes we see

Mistake: Comparing only the “free hours” headline.
Better: Compare annual cost using your kWh and standing charge.

Mistake: Assuming you’ll shift usage but never changing habits.
Better: Set timers/schedules first, then switch once you’re confident.

Mistake: Forgetting exit fees on a current fixed deal.
Better: Check your end date and any fee (often listed on your bill/app).

FAQs

Do I need a smart meter for free electricity hours?

Often, yes. Time-based billing usually relies on smart meter readings. Some suppliers may not offer free-hours tariffs without one, or may require half-hourly data.

Are free-hours tariffs the same as Economy 7?

Not necessarily. Economy 7 typically has a cheaper night rate and a more expensive day rate (two rates). Free-hours tariffs may offer zero-cost electricity for certain hours but a single (often higher) paid rate the rest of the time, or other structures.

Will I definitely save money if I have an EV?

No. EVs can make these tariffs more viable because you can shift lots of kWh, but savings depend on your paid unit rate, standing charge, how often you charge, and whether the free window matches your charging routine.

Can renters switch to a free-hours tariff?

Usually yes, if you pay the energy bills and the account is in your name. You may need the landlord’s permission for some meter changes, and you’ll want to consider contract length if you might move soon.

Do free-hours tariffs work with solar panels and a battery?

They can, but it’s more complex. If you already use daytime solar, your grid import might be lower, so the “free hours” may be less valuable. A home battery may let you charge during free hours and use later, but check tariff terms and any export arrangements.

What if I can’t always use the free window?

Then the tariff may be less suitable. The risk is paying a higher unit rate outside the window without getting enough “free” kWh to offset it. Consider a standard single-rate tariff or a simpler time-of-use plan.

Can I switch back if it doesn’t work out?

In most cases you can switch again, but check for any exit fees and whether you’re in a fixed term. Switching suppliers typically takes a few working days, but timings can vary.

Are free-hours tariffs available everywhere in the UK?

Availability can vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method. Postcode-level checks are important because standing charges and some tariff availability differ by area.

If you’re unsure: compare a free-hours tariff against at least one good-value single-rate tariff, using the same annual kWh estimate. That’s usually the clearest answer.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page governance

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: March 2026

How we assess whether “free hours” is worth it

We focus on estimated annual cost rather than headline features. Our approach:

Establish a baseline: current/alternative single-rate unit price (p/kWh) + standing charge (p/day).
Model the free-hours tariff: paid unit price outside the window + standing charge + free kWh within the window.
Estimate shifted consumption: based on realistic, repeatable behaviours (scheduled EV charge, appliance cycles).
Calculate trade-offs: savings from free kWh vs extra cost on paid kWh (and any standing charge difference).
Add switching frictions: check for exit fees, fixed-term commitment and eligibility constraints.

Limitations: Supplier terms and prices change. Free windows can differ by product and may be subject to conditions. Appliance kWh figures vary widely. Use this guide as a decision framework, then confirm exact rates and terms before switching.

Independent UK sources we reference

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) – guidance on switching and consumer protections.
Citizens Advice: energy advice – practical help on bills, tariffs and complaints.
GOV.UK: energy – official government information on energy-related topics.

We recommend checking supplier tariff information labels and your own bill for your exact rates and contract terms.

Ready to check if free hours will actually save you money?

Compare available UK tariffs for your postcode, including free-hours options where eligible, and review the estimated annual cost before you switch.

Get your energy quote Re-check the key takeaways

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Updated on 15 Mar 2026