Best energy tariffs with free electricity weekends UK
Compare whole-of-market energy deals that offer free (or discounted) electricity at weekends, and see whether you’d save based on how you use power at home. Get matched to the right type of tariff in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (not business)
- Check weekend-free windows, caps, and standing charges side-by-side
- Find deals suited to EV charging, laundry, batch cooking and high weekend use
- Switch with confidence: clear terms, transparent guidance, no jargon
Savings depend on your meter type, region, usage, and the supplier’s free-time window, caps, and unit rates outside the promotion.
Compare tariffs with free electricity at weekends
Some UK suppliers run promotional tariffs where electricity is free (or heavily discounted) during a defined weekend window—often ideal if you can shift usage to Saturday/Sunday. The catch: unit rates outside those hours and standing charges can be higher, so the “best” tariff depends on your real routine.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service. Tell us your postcode and contact details and we’ll help you compare suitable home energy tariffs, including those with weekend-free offers where available in your area.
Good to know: “Free electricity weekends” usually applies to electricity only (gas is charged as normal), for specific hours, and may require a smart meter. We’ll highlight these conditions when comparing.
What you’ll get after submitting
- Tariffs that match your home setup (meter type, region, payment method where relevant)
- Clarity on weekend windows (e.g. Sat/Sun hours), any caps, and rates outside the offer
- Practical guidance on whether switching is likely to save based on your weekend usage
Tip: If you don’t have a smart meter, we can still compare tariffs—just note that some weekend-free offers may require one.
What are “free electricity weekends” tariffs?
A “free weekends” electricity tariff is a home energy deal that sets the electricity unit rate to £0.00 per kWh (or a very low promotional rate) during a fixed weekend time window. Outside those hours, the tariff applies standard (often higher) unit rates, plus the usual daily standing charge.
These tariffs can be competitive for households that can shift flexible electricity use to the weekend—think EV charging, tumble drying, dishwasher, batch cooking, or hot water heating (where electric). They’re not automatically cheaper for everyone.
Weekend window matters
“Free” usually applies to specific hours (for example, all day Saturday and Sunday, or a defined block). Always check the exact times.
You still pay standing charges
Even with free weekend unit rates, the daily standing charge continues and can vary significantly by region and supplier.
Rates outside weekends can be higher
Many weekend-free deals offset the promotion with higher weekday unit rates. Your savings depend on how much you move to the free window.
Plain-English summary: If you can reliably shift a meaningful chunk of electricity usage to the weekend window, these tariffs can work well. If not, a strong fixed or variable tariff may be better value.
Who are weekend-free electricity tariffs best for?
The best energy tariff isn’t just about a headline offer—it’s about your household pattern. Use the guide below to judge whether a free-weekend tariff could suit your home.
Often a good fit if you…
- Charge an electric vehicle mainly at weekends
- Use energy-hungry appliances at weekends (washing, drying, dishwasher)
- Can schedule usage (timers, smart plugs, delayed start)
- Have higher occupancy at weekends (more cooking, gaming, heating hot water electrically)
May not suit you if you…
- Have most usage on weekdays (WFH with electric heating, always-on devices)
- Can’t shift consumption due to caring responsibilities or routine
- Would forget to run high-use appliances in the free window
- Prefer simple, predictable costs over time-window pricing
Quick rule of thumb: The more of your electricity you can move into the free weekend window, the more likely the tariff is to win against a standard deal. We’ll help you compare based on your expected behaviour—no guesswork required.
How free electricity weekend tariffs work (UK)
Suppliers structure weekend-free tariffs in different ways. Understanding the mechanics helps you avoid a switch that looks good on paper but costs more in practice.
- Supplier defines a “free window”. This could be Saturday/Sunday all day, or a defined block. Electricity used inside this window is priced at £0.00/kWh (or a promotional low rate).
- Electricity outside the window is charged normally. The weekday or “standard” unit rate may be higher than a typical tariff, and this is where households can lose out if they don’t shift usage.
- Standing charge applies every day. You pay a daily standing charge regardless of when you use electricity.
- Meter requirements may apply. Many time-window tariffs rely on smart meter readings. If required, the supplier may arrange installation.
- Terms can include caps or exclusions. Some offers cap “free” usage, exclude certain types of consumption, or apply only for a set promotional period.
Compare properly: Don’t judge on the free window alone. Always weigh up standing charge + weekday unit rate + your ability to shift usage + exit fees (if any).
What to compare on weekend-free tariffs (checklist)
Two tariffs can both advertise “free weekends” and still produce very different bills. Use this checklist to assess genuine value.
| What to check | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Free weekend hours | Your savings depend on when electricity is actually free. | Exact start/end times; whether it covers both days; any seasonal changes. |
| Weekday unit rate | High weekday rates can wipe out “free” savings. | Compare against good fixed/variable deals in your region. |
| Standing charge | Paid daily regardless of usage and varies by region. | Check electricity standing charge; note gas standing charge if dual fuel. |
| Caps / fair use | Some deals limit how much “free” power applies. | Any kWh cap; treatment of usage beyond the cap. |
| Smart meter requirement | Time-based pricing often requires accurate half-hourly reads. | Whether it’s mandatory; installation process; impact on your current setup. |
| Contract length & exit fees | You may want flexibility if prices change. | Tariff term; exit fees; what happens when the promo ends. |
If you’d rather not trawl through tariff PDFs, submit the form above and we’ll help you compare the details that actually change the bill.
Benefits of switching with a whole-of-market comparison
Weekend-free electricity tariffs can be brilliant in the right home—and poor value in the wrong one. A proper comparison helps you avoid switching on hype and instead choose on outcomes.
Whole-of-market view
See weekend-free offers alongside strong fixed and variable tariffs, so you don’t miss a better deal that’s simpler.
Clarity on real costs
We focus on standing charges, non-weekend unit rates, and conditions—what actually drives your monthly direct debit.
Tariff fit, not just price
We consider your lifestyle: EV charging plans, weekend-heavy routines, and whether you can shift usage reliably.
Common mistakes when choosing a “free weekends” energy deal
Mistake 1: Focusing on free hours only
The weekday unit rate and standing charge can be the biggest drivers of cost. Free weekends help only if you use enough electricity in the free window.
Mistake 2: Not checking eligibility
Some offers require a smart meter, certain payment methods, or specific meter configurations. Always confirm before switching.
Mistake 3: Overestimating weekend usage
If your life gets busy, you may not run high-use appliances at the right times. Choose a tariff you can realistically stick to.
Mistake 4: Ignoring what happens after the promo
Promotions can change at renewal. Check contract length, whether prices are fixed, and any exit fees if you need to move again.
FAQs: free electricity weekends in the UK
Are free electricity weekend tariffs actually free?
They can be free in the sense that the electricity unit rate is £0.00/kWh during a defined weekend window. You still pay the daily standing charge, and you pay normal (often higher) unit rates outside the free window.
Do I need a smart meter for a weekend-free tariff?
Often, yes—especially where the supplier needs half-hourly or time-of-use readings to apply the free window correctly. If a smart meter is required, the supplier typically explains the process and may arrange installation.
Is it better than Economy 7?
It depends. Economy 7 generally gives cheaper electricity overnight every day (with a higher day rate). Weekend-free tariffs concentrate savings into weekend hours. If your usage is mainly weekend-based (or you can shift to weekends), weekend-free can work well; if your flexibility is mostly overnight, Economy 7 or other time-of-use deals may be stronger.
Can I get free weekends on a dual fuel tariff?
Some suppliers may offer dual fuel options, but “free weekends” typically applies to electricity only. Gas is charged at its usual unit rate and standing charge.
Will I save money with a free weekend electricity tariff?
You’re most likely to save if you can shift a meaningful share of electricity to the free window (for example, EV charging, laundry, dishwasher, batch cooking). If most of your use stays on weekdays, a competitive fixed or variable tariff may be better value. Use our comparison form to find the best match for your home.
Do these deals vary by region in the UK?
Yes. Standing charges and unit rates can vary by region, and not every supplier offer is available everywhere. That’s why we ask for your postcode—to compare what’s actually available where you live.
What people like about comparing with EnergyPlus
When a tariff has conditions (like free weekend windows), clarity matters. Here’s what customers tell us they value most about the comparison experience.
“I thought ‘free weekends’ was automatically cheaper. The comparison showed it only worked if we moved EV charging to Saturday and Sunday—really helpful.”
“Clear breakdown of standing charges and the weekday rate. No fluff—just what would cost less for our routine.”
“We wanted a simple deal but were curious about weekend-free. Seeing both side by side made the decision easy.”
Trust indicator: We focus on transparent comparisons—free-window details, full rates, and practical fit for your home energy use.
Ready to see your best weekend-free tariff options?
Submit your details and we’ll compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs—including free electricity weekend deals where available—so you can choose based on real costs, not headlines.
Energy comparisons are for UK homes. Availability and eligibility vary by postcode, meter type, and supplier terms.
Back to Energy Suppliers