Best energy tariffs with free electricity evenings (UK)
A practical UK guide to “free evening electricity” tariffs: how they work, who they suit, and how to compare the true cost (standing charge, day rate, peak windows and eligibility).
- Check whether the “free” hours match when you actually use power (cooking, laundry, EV, heat pump).
- Understand the trade-off: higher unit rates and/or standing charge outside the free window.
- Compare on your own usage pattern, meter type and payment method—terms vary by supplier and region.
Estimates only. Availability and rates vary by supplier, region (network area), payment method and meter type. Always check the tariff information label and T&Cs before switching.
Fast answer: are free electricity evenings tariffs worth it?
They can be worth it if you can reliably shift a meaningful chunk of electricity use into the supplier’s evening “free” window (often a fixed 2–4 hour block). But the “free” hours are usually balanced by higher unit rates at other times and/or a higher standing charge. The best way to judge is to compare your estimated annual cost using your real usage pattern—not the headline “free” claim.
Typically suits
- EV drivers charging at home in the evening window
- Households doing laundry/dishwasher/cooking in a set evening slot
- Smart-meter homes that can track and shift usage
Often not ideal for
- Homes with most use earlier in the day (WFH + daytime appliances)
- Heat pump users where demand is weather-driven and less shiftable
- Anyone who can’t access the right meter/payment type
Quick checks (60 seconds)
- What time is the “free” window, and is it every day?
- What’s the unit rate outside the window (day/peak)?
- Any exit fee, minimum term or eligibility limits?
Editor’s note: “Free” in UK tariff marketing usually means the unit rate for electricity is £0.00/kWh during a set period. You’ll still typically pay a standing charge, and your gas (if any) is separate.
Compare free evenings tariffs the right way
Evening-free tariffs are a type of time-of-use tariff. The “best” one depends on your postcode (network region), meter type, payment method, and when you actually use electricity.
How free evening electricity tariffs work (UK)
- 1) A fixed “free” window
- Commonly 2–4 hours on specific evenings (sometimes daily). During that window the electricity unit rate may be set to £0.00/kWh, but terms vary by supplier and product.
- 2) Higher rates outside the window
- Many tariffs recover the “free” hours through higher unit rates at other times (and sometimes a higher standing charge). Your overall annual cost is what matters.
- 3) Eligibility and setup
- Often requires a smart meter capable of half-hourly reads. Some products are electricity-only; if you have gas, you may be placed on a separate gas tariff.
- 4) Billing still includes the standing charge
- Standing charge is charged per day regardless of when you use electricity. Even with “free” unit rates at times, standing charge can materially affect value—especially for low users.
What we mean by “best” on this page: the tariff type that is most likely to lower your estimated annual bill given your usage pattern and eligibility—not the biggest “free hours” headline.
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Tip: If you have an EV, check whether your charger can be scheduled. For appliances, many modern washing machines and dishwashers have delay-start—useful for aligning with free evening hours.
Comparison: free evenings vs other UK tariff types
Use this table to decide what you should compare against. In many homes, a strong fixed or variable tariff can still beat a free-evenings product if you can’t shift enough usage into the free window.
| Tariff type | How pricing works | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free evenings (time-of-use) | £0.00/kWh in a set evening window; higher rate(s) outside it; standing charge applies. | Homes that can shift 15–30%+ of electricity into the free hours (often with EV/washer/dryer). | Window times may not suit; higher non-free rates can outweigh savings; smart meter commonly required. |
| EV off-peak tariffs | Cheap overnight (not free) electricity for set hours; higher peak/day rates. | EV owners who can charge overnight reliably. | Peak rates can be high; may require smart meter or specific charger/app integration. |
| Standard fixed | Same unit rate all day; price locked for the fix length. | Most households wanting predictability and simple billing. | May include exit fees; “best” depends on timing and market conditions. |
| Standard variable | Same unit rate all day; supplier can change prices with notice (subject to rules). | Those who prefer flexibility and may switch again soon. | Rates can rise; not designed around shifting usage to specific times. |
Decision checklist: will “free evenings” likely beat a normal tariff?
Green lights (more likely to work)
- You can shift at least ~2–4 kWh into the free window on most evenings (e.g., one laundry cycle + cooking, or partial EV charge).
- You have (or can get) a smart meter and are happy with half-hourly readings if required.
- Your household is usually home at those times, and you can automate appliance schedules.
- You’re comfortable comparing based on estimated annual cost rather than a single unit rate.
Red flags (be cautious)
- Your usage is mainly daytime (WFH, electric cooking earlier, medical equipment that runs steadily).
- You’re a low electricity user (standing charge becomes a bigger share of the bill).
- The tariff has a high peak/day rate and you can’t avoid it.
- There’s a long fix with exit fees and you’re not sure the pattern will suit you long term.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
Before switching, check these areas carefully. They’re the most common reasons people end up paying more than expected on free evening electricity tariffs.
Standing charge still applies
Even if the unit rate is free for a few hours, you’ll typically pay a daily standing charge. This can reduce the value for low-use homes and single-occupancy flats.
Peak/day rate can be high
Some products set a much higher unit rate outside the free window. If you cook earlier, use tumble dryers at lunchtime, or run electric heating, costs can climb.
Eligibility (meter, region, payment)
Availability can depend on smart meter setup, your distribution region, and whether you pay by Direct Debit. Prepayment options can be more limited.
Exit fees and contract length
Check the fixed term and any early exit fees. If your lifestyle changes (new job hours, EV sold, moving house), the tariff may stop working for you.
Timing, weekends and bank holidays
“Free evenings” can mean specific days only, or different rules on weekends. Always confirm whether the free window is daily and if it changes seasonally.
Practical check: Ask yourself: “If I miss the free window for a week, will my bill spike?” If the answer is yes, compare against a strong fixed/variable tariff as a safer baseline.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples are illustrative estimates to show the trade-offs. Prices vary by region and supplier. We exclude gas, discounts and any bill credits. Standing charge is shown separately.
Scenario A: high evening-shift household (more likely to benefit)
Assumptions: 3,600 kWh/year electricity. Can move 30% (1,080 kWh) into free evenings. No gas included.
| Item | Free evenings example | Single-rate example |
|---|---|---|
| Non-free usage | 2,520 kWh @ 30p/kWh = £756 | 3,600 kWh @ 24p/kWh = £864 |
| Free window usage | 1,080 kWh @ 0p/kWh = £0 | Included above |
| Standing charge | 55p/day = £201 | 50p/day = £183 |
| Estimated annual total | £957 | £1,047 |
In this example, shifting 30% into the free window outweighs the higher non-free rate and standing charge, giving an estimated £90/year difference.
Scenario B: low-shift household (often pays more)
Assumptions: 2,000 kWh/year electricity. Can move 10% (200 kWh) into free evenings.
| Item | Free evenings example | Single-rate example |
|---|---|---|
| Non-free usage | 1,800 kWh @ 30p/kWh = £540 | 2,000 kWh @ 24p/kWh = £480 |
| Free window usage | 200 kWh @ 0p/kWh = £0 | Included above |
| Standing charge | 55p/day = £201 | 50p/day = £183 |
| Estimated annual total | £741 | £663 |
Here the household doesn’t shift enough usage, so the higher non-free unit rate plus standing charge makes the free-evenings option ~£78/year higher (estimated).
FAQs: free electricity evenings tariffs (UK)
Do free electricity evening tariffs really cost £0 during the free hours?
Often the electricity unit rate is set to £0.00/kWh during a defined window, but you typically still pay a daily standing charge. Always confirm the exact window times and rates on the tariff’s information label and T&Cs.
Do I need a smart meter for a free evenings tariff?
Usually, yes. Time-of-use pricing commonly relies on smart metering (often half-hourly reads) to bill different rates at different times. Some suppliers may allow specific setups, but many require a working smart meter.
Will it work if I have gas as well as electricity?
Yes, but the “free evenings” feature usually applies to electricity only. Your gas will be priced separately (either on a fixed or variable gas tariff). Compare the combined cost if you’re on dual fuel.
Are free evenings tariffs available on prepayment meters?
Sometimes, but choice can be limited. Many time-of-use products focus on smart credit meters and Direct Debit. If you’re on prepay, it’s still worth checking—availability varies by supplier and region.
Can I run appliances safely overnight or in the evening window?
Follow manufacturer guidance. Avoid running high-heat appliances unattended (e.g., tumble dryers) unless you’re confident in safe operation. For EV charging, use scheduled charging via the car/charger app and ensure cables are in good condition.
What if I can’t shift much usage into the free hours?
Then a free-evenings tariff may not be good value. Compare against a strong fixed or variable tariff and calculate using your realistic usage. Even a small mismatch (like cooking at 5pm when the free window starts at 7pm) can matter if the peak/day rate is high.
Do the free hours apply every day?
Not always. Some tariffs apply free periods on specific days or have different rules on weekends. Always check the schedule in writing (tariff name, times, and whether it changes by season).
How long does switching take in the UK?
Switching times can vary, but many switches complete within a few working days. You should not experience an interruption to supply. If you’re mid-tenancy or moving, check timing and any contract terms.
Trust, transparency and how we assess “best”
Page ownership
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- February 2026
Our assessment approach (summary)
- We focus on estimated annual cost, not just “free hours”.
- We consider UK constraints: region, meter type, payment method, exit fees, and tariff structure.
- We highlight who each tariff type suits and where the risks sit (peak pricing, standing charge).
Methodology (detail)
- Inputs we use: your postcode (regional charges & availability), your stated meter type, and (where provided) household usage pattern indicators.
- How we compare: we compare tariffs on estimated annual cost by applying the relevant unit rates to assumed usage inside and outside the free window, plus standing charge.
- Scenario assumptions on this page: the worked examples use simple single-rate vs free-evenings comparisons with illustrative unit rates and standing charges to demonstrate trade-offs. These are not promises of savings.
- Limitations: real bills depend on actual half-hourly usage, future price changes (for variable tariffs), supplier-specific rules (e.g., weekends), and any additional credits/discounts. Your meter configuration and smart read frequency can affect eligibility.
- What to verify before switching: tariff information label, standing charge, unit rates by time band, free window schedule, contract length, exit fees, and whether a smart meter is required.
Independent UK sources we follow
- Ofgem (Great Britain energy regulator) — consumer guidance and rules for suppliers
- Citizens Advice: energy — switching, billing and complaint steps
- GOV.UK — support schemes and official consumer information
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