What is a free evening electricity tariff?

A free evening electricity tariff is a time-of-use deal where electricity used during a set evening window is discounted to £0 per kWh (or heavily reduced), while usage outside that window is billed at the standard unit rate. Standing charges and any non-qualifying usage still apply. Always check the exact free-hours times, eligibility and whether the unit rates at other times are higher to balance the offer.

Are free evening electricity tariffs actually cheaper overall?

They can be cheaper if you can shift a meaningful share of your electricity use into the free evening window (for example cooking, laundry, dishwasher, immersion heater or EV charging). If most of your usage stays outside the free hours, a higher day rate or standing charge can outweigh the saving. Compare the full tariff (unit rates, standing charge, and the free-hours window) against your typical usage pattern before switching.

What time is electricity free in the evening?

The exact free-evening window depends on the supplier and tariff. It is typically a fixed block of time on certain days (often evenings, and sometimes weekends). Check the tariff facts and your contract for the precise start and end times, and whether the offer applies every day or only on selected days.

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

In most cases, yes. Free evening electricity tariffs usually rely on half-hourly readings from a smart meter to accurately apply the free-hours pricing. If you do not have a smart meter, you may be asked to get one installed to join or to receive the time-based discount correctly.

Can I get free evening electricity with a prepayment meter?

Availability varies by supplier. Some time-of-use tariffs are only offered to credit meters or require specific smart prepayment setups. Check the tariff eligibility criteria, and if you are on prepay, confirm whether the supplier supports the tariff for your meter type and region.

Is free evening electricity good for EV charging?

It can be, if the free-hours window aligns with when you can reliably charge your EV. If the free window is short or ends early, you may still pay a higher rate outside the free period. Compare EV-focused tariffs (often with longer off-peak windows) versus free-evening deals based on your typical charging times and mileage.

Are there any catches with free evening electricity tariffs?

Common trade-offs include higher peak/day unit rates, higher standing charges, minimum term requirements, exit fees, or the free-hours applying only on certain days. Some offers require direct debit and paperless billing. Read the tariff information and calculate total annual cost using your actual consumption to confirm it is good value.

How do I switch to a free evening electricity tariff?

You can compare available free-evening electricity tariffs, check the free-hours window and full rates, and then switch online. You will typically need your address and current supplier details, and a smart meter is often required. If you are in a fixed contract, check exit fees before switching.

Will switching interrupt my electricity supply?

No. Switching supplier does not interrupt your electricity supply. Your local network continues to deliver electricity; only billing and tariff terms change. You will be notified of key dates, and the switch is usually completed within a few working days once the supplier confirms acceptance.

What information should I check before choosing a free evening electricity tariff?

Check the free-hours times and which days they apply, the peak/off-peak unit rates outside the free period, standing charge, contract length, exit fees, payment method requirements, and whether a smart meter is required. For best results, estimate your savings by identifying appliances you can run during the free window and comparing total yearly cost across tariffs.

Best energy tariffs with free evening electricity UK

Compare whole-of-market evening free electricity tariffs for your home and see which suppliers offer the right time window, rates and terms for how you use energy.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (where available)
Check “free evening” windows, standing charges and unit rates
Find tariffs that fit EV charging, cooking and laundry routines
No obligation — get results tailored to your postcode

Compare free evening tariffs How free evenings work

Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. We’ll show you the full cost picture, not just the “free” hours.

Compare free evening electricity tariffs for your home

“Free evening electricity” tariffs can look brilliant on the headline — but the best deal depends on your daytime unit rate, standing charge, the exact free-hours window, and how much electricity you can genuinely shift into the evenings. EnergyPlus helps you compare the whole-of-market options (where available) so you can see the tariff that’s best for your usage pattern, not just the one with the loudest offer.

What you’ll need (takes ~60 seconds)

Your postcode (to match regional prices and availability)
An email (to send your comparison results)
Optional: your phone number if you want help switching

Prefer to read first? Jump to what “free evenings” really means and our tariff checklist.

What counts as “free evening electricity” in the UK?

A free evening electricity tariff is typically a time-of-use plan that charges 0p/kWh (or a heavily discounted rate) during a set evening window — for example, a few hours between late afternoon and bedtime. Outside that window, the tariff may have a higher unit rate, a different night rate, or a standard rate. Some plans are electricity-only time-of-use products; others may be bundled with a gas tariff (gas pricing normally stays standard).

Fixed “free hours” window

The free period is set by the supplier (e.g. 7–10pm). You benefit most if you can reliably run high-usage appliances within that window.

Higher rates outside the window

“Free” doesn’t automatically mean “cheapest overall”. Daytime unit rates and the standing charge can offset the free period if your usage is mainly during the day.

Smart meter commonly required

Many time-of-use tariffs require a working smart meter to measure usage by time band. We’ll help you identify what’s needed.

Tip: If you’re searching for the best energy tariffs with free evening electricity UK-wide, focus on the annual cost estimate based on your usage — not just the free-hours headline.

Who free evening tariffs suit (and who should avoid them)

Evening free electricity plans can be excellent for some households, but they’re not a universal win. Use the guide below to sense-check fit before you compare.

Good match if you…

Regularly run appliances in the evening (dishwasher, tumble dryer, washing machine)
Can shift cooking to electric appliances during the free window
Charge an EV at home and can schedule part of charging in the evening
Have a smart meter (or can get one installed)
Are comfortable with time-of-use pricing and monitoring your habits

Be cautious if you…

Use most electricity in daytime (work-from-home, electric heating, daytime cooking)
Need predictable costs and don’t want time windows
Can’t use the free period consistently (shift work, irregular routines)
Have very low electricity usage (standing charge dominates the bill)
Assume “free” means “best” without comparing unit rates and terms

How free evening electricity tariffs work (simple breakdown)

Most free evening tariffs are a type of time-of-use electricity tariff. Your electricity is measured in time bands (for example, free evening hours vs standard hours). The supplier sets the bands and the rates; your smart meter records usage so your bill can be calculated correctly.

Choose your tariff based on your actual usage pattern (not just the free window).
Confirm meter requirements (often a smart meter) and whether your property is eligible.
Shift flexible usage (laundry, dishwashing, EV charging) into the free evening window.
Track bills for 1–2 cycles and adjust routines if daytime rates are higher than expected.

Common evening usage that can benefit

Tumble dryers and heated airers
Dishwashers and washing machines
Immersion heaters (with safe timers)
EV charging (if the tariff supports your schedule)

What to double-check

Exact free window times and whether they change seasonally
Standard/day rate and any peak-rate periods
Standing charge and exit fees (if fixed)
Whether “free” applies to electricity only (gas not included)

Comparison checklist: how to spot the best free evening tariff

When you compare evening free electricity tariffs, use the same checklist we do. The goal is to find the lowest likely annual cost for your routine — with terms you’re comfortable with.

What to check	Why it matters	Quick rule of thumb
Free window length & time	Determines how much of your usage can realistically be free.	If you can’t use at least some high-usage appliances in the window, the benefit shrinks.
Unit rates outside free hours	Higher daytime/peak rates can outweigh the free period.	If you’re home all day, prioritise a reasonable standard rate.
Standing charge	This is paid regardless of usage and varies by region.	Low users should watch this closely; it can dominate the bill.
Tariff type (fixed vs variable)	Affects price certainty and potential exit fees.	Fixed gives certainty; variable may change — compare on likely annual cost.
Meter requirements	Time-of-use plans often need a smart meter and compatible setup.	If you can’t get a smart meter, options may be limited.

Want the simplest route? Use the comparison form and we’ll focus on tariffs that match your region and highlight any free evening periods available.

Savings & costs: how to estimate whether you’ll actually save

The best free evening electricity tariff is the one that reduces your total bill. A practical way to estimate this is to think in terms of how much electricity you can move into the evening window.

Step 1: Identify shiftable usage

Add up the appliances you can reliably run in the evening (laundry cycles, dishwasher, cooking method, immersion heater, EV charging).

Step 2: Compare rates outside the window

If the daytime or peak unit rate is much higher than a standard tariff, you’ll need enough “free window” usage to offset that increase.

Step 3: Don’t forget standing charge

Standing charges vary across the UK and can significantly impact low-usage homes. Always compare on estimated annual cost.

Common mistake to avoid

Choosing a free evening tariff and then continuing to use most electricity at breakfast/lunchtime. If your routine doesn’t change, you may pay more due to higher rates outside the free window.

Eligibility and regional considerations (UK)

Evening free electricity tariff availability can vary by supplier and region. Prices can also differ across distribution areas, so your postcode is essential for accurate comparisons.

You’ll usually need

A UK residential supply address
A compatible meter setup (often a smart meter)
To meet supplier-specific criteria (varies by product)

Regional notes

Standing charges can vary by region
Some tariffs may be restricted or paused in certain areas
Switch timelines and meter upgrades can differ by supplier

To check what’s available for you now, use the comparison form with your postcode.

FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs

Are free evening electricity tariffs really free?

The evening window may be priced at 0p/kWh (or discounted), but you’ll still pay standing charges and any usage outside the window at the applicable rates. The best measure is the estimated annual cost for your usage.

Do I need a smart meter?

Often, yes. Time-of-use tariffs commonly require a smart meter so the supplier can bill accurately by time band. Some households may have alternatives depending on supplier rules and meter type.

Will switching interrupt my supply?

No — your electricity and gas stay on during a switch. You’ll typically just receive final bills from your old supplier and a welcome pack from the new one.

Can I get free evening electricity with gas too?

Some households take dual fuel for convenience, but the “free evening” feature typically applies to electricity. Gas pricing is usually a standard single rate plus a standing charge.

Is this the same as Economy 7?

Not exactly. Economy 7 provides cheaper electricity for a set number of night hours. Free evening tariffs focus on an evening window and can have different rate structures.

How do I know which supplier is best for my area?

Prices and availability vary by region and meter type. The quickest way is to compare using your postcode so you’re only looking at tariffs you can actually get.

Trusted comparison for UK households

EnergyPlus is built to help you make a confident choice by comparing tariffs on the details that matter: time windows, unit rates, standing charges, contract terms and availability in your area.

Clear, practical results

We highlight free evening windows and the rates you’ll pay the rest of the time, so you’re not comparing on headline offers alone.

Whole-of-market approach

We aim to compare a broad range of suppliers and tariffs (subject to availability), helping you see more options in one place.

Support if you want it

If you’d like help, share a phone number and we can guide you through the next steps — with no pressure to switch.

“The comparison made it obvious which tariff suited evenings in our house — the free window was great, but the daytime rate mattered too.”
— UK homeowner, time-of-use switch

“We needed something that worked with EV charging and evening routines. Postcode results were quick and easy to follow.”
— UK household, EV driver

Ready to find your best free evening electricity tariff?

Share your postcode and a few details and we’ll match you to available UK home tariffs, highlighting free evening windows and the full cost picture.

Start my comparison Review the checklist

Energy tariffs and features can change. We’ll show what’s available for your area at the time you compare.

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Updated on 14 Jan 2026