Cheapest electricity tariff with free weekend power (UK)
Compare whole-of-market electricity tariffs that offer free (or discounted) weekend energy. Tell us your postcode and usage and we’ll match you with options that fit your home and meter type.
- See tariffs with free weekend electricity, off-peak rates and flexible plans
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business energy)
- Fast, impartial results based on your meter and your usage
- Clear guidance for smart meters, Economy 7 and single-rate meters
Weekend offers vary by supplier and may be time-limited or require a smart meter. We’ll show availability for your postcode and usage.
Find the cheapest electricity tariff with free weekend power for your home
“Free weekend electricity” sounds simple, but the cheapest option depends on when you use energy, your meter type, and whether the offer is truly free or a discounted weekend rate with a higher weekday unit rate.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy deals so you can see which suppliers currently offer weekend incentives and how they stack up against standard fixed and variable tariffs for your area.
What you’ll get after submitting
- Matched tariffs for your postcode, including weekend/off-peak offers where available
- Clear view of unit rates, standing charges and estimated annual cost
- Guidance on eligibility for smart-meter-only deals and time-of-use tariffs
Start your comparison
Complete the form and we’ll show suitable UK home electricity options, including weekend power offers where available.
Who can save most with free weekend electricity?
Weekend power offers can be excellent value, but only if a meaningful share of your consumption happens during the qualifying weekend window. Here are common household patterns that often benefit.
EV charging at home
If you charge your electric vehicle mainly on Saturday/Sunday (or Friday night through Sunday), a weekend offer can reduce charging costs—especially with a smart meter or time-of-use tariff.
Laundry & appliances
Batching washing, drying and dishwashing into the free/discounted window can cut your unit-cost for those loads—just check whether the weekday unit rate increases.
Busy family weekends
If your home is occupied more at weekends (cooking, heating controls, home entertainment), you may naturally use more electricity during the offer period.
Home working Monday–Friday
If your weekday use is high (home office, electric cooking), a “free weekend” tariff may not be the cheapest overall. Comparing the full annual cost is essential.
All-electric homes
Properties using electric heating or heat pumps can have high consumption. Weekend offers can help, but ensure the standing charge and peak rates still make sense for your total usage.
If you’re unsure, use the comparison form and we’ll help you gauge whether a weekend incentive is likely to beat standard fixed or variable tariffs in your region.
How “free weekend power” tariffs work in the UK
Suppliers describe weekend offers in different ways. Some give genuinely zero unit rate for certain hours; others offer a deep discount at weekends while weekday unit rates are higher. The only reliable way to judge value is to compare the full tariff structure against your household’s usage.
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Check the qualifying window
“Weekend” may mean Saturday/Sunday only, or it may include Friday evening through Monday morning. Time windows can be specific (e.g. 7pm–7am). Always verify the exact hours. -
Confirm meter requirements
Many time-of-use or weekend tariffs require a smart meter so the supplier can measure consumption by time band. Some deals may work with certain legacy meters, but availability is limited. -
Compare unit rates and standing charges
A “free weekend” can be offset by higher weekday rates or a higher standing charge. Comparing estimated annual costs is key. -
Factor in your lifestyle
If you can shift energy-intensive tasks (EV charging, laundry, tumble dryer) into the weekend window, the deal can work in your favour. -
Check contract terms
Review contract length, exit fees (if any), and whether the weekend offer is promotional or fixed for the term.
Quick comparison: what to look at
| Tariff element | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend rate | Determines savings during the offer window | Is it truly free (0p/kWh) or discounted? Which hours qualify? |
| Weekday/peak rate | Higher weekday rates can wipe out weekend savings | Compare against standard fixed tariffs in your region |
| Standing charge | Paid daily regardless of usage | A high standing charge can be costly for low users |
| Meter eligibility | Availability may depend on smart meter/time-of-use compatibility | Do you have a smart meter? Is installation required? |
| Exit fees & term | A “cheap” rate may lock you in | Any early termination fees? When does the offer end? |
Checklist: avoid common mistakes with weekend electricity offers
Mistake: focusing only on the “free” label
Some tariffs balance a low weekend rate with higher peak rates. Always compare the full tariff and your total annual cost.
Mistake: not checking the time band
Weekend windows can be narrow. Make sure your high-usage activities happen during the qualifying hours.
Mistake: assuming it works for every meter
Many deals require a smart meter. If you don’t have one, check if installation is needed and whether your property is suitable.
Mistake: ignoring standing charges
Standing charges vary by region and tariff. For low-to-medium users, a higher standing charge can outweigh weekend savings.
Regional and household considerations
Electricity prices in the UK can vary by region due to distribution network costs. That means the “cheapest free weekend tariff” in one area may not be the cheapest elsewhere.
- England, Scotland and Wales: standing charges and unit rates differ by region and supplier.
- Smart-meter availability: some homes may need an engineer visit for installation or configuration.
- Prepayment vs credit: weekend offers are typically more common on credit/smart tariffs; availability can vary.
- Economy 7 users: compare your existing off-peak setup with weekend promotions to avoid paying more overall.
Want a quick answer for your postcode? Run a comparison now.
FAQs: cheapest electricity tariff with free weekend power
Is weekend electricity really free?
Sometimes it’s genuinely a 0p/kWh rate for defined weekend hours; other times it’s a discounted rate marketed as “free”. The cheapest option depends on the full pricing structure and your usage pattern.
Do I need a smart meter for a free weekend tariff?
Often, yes. Time-based rates typically rely on smart meter readings to allocate usage to the right time bands. If you don’t have a smart meter, you can still compare alternatives (including fixed tariffs) that may be cheaper overall.
Will a weekend tariff reduce my bill if I don’t change habits?
Not always. If most of your electricity is used Monday–Friday, a higher weekday unit rate can cancel out weekend savings. Compare using your actual kWh usage to see which tariff is cheapest overall.
Can I get free weekend power on a dual fuel tariff?
Some suppliers offer weekend incentives on electricity while also supplying gas. Whether it’s best value depends on both fuels’ unit rates and standing charges. If you choose “Dual fuel” in the comparison form, we can look at both together.
How long does switching take in the UK?
Switching time can vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete in a few working days. If you’re on a fixed tariff, check whether exit fees apply before switching.
What information do I need to compare tariffs?
At minimum: your postcode and contact details to receive results. For the most accurate “cheapest” match, have your recent bill handy (usage in kWh and tariff type), but you can still start without it.
Why homeowners use EnergyPlus
“Clear and practical”
“I wanted a weekend deal for EV charging but didn’t want to overpay in the week. The comparison made it obvious what would actually be cheapest for us.”
Homeowner, South East
“Whole-of-market options”
“It was helpful to see weekend/off-peak tariffs alongside standard fixed rates in one place, with the costs laid out properly.”
Homeowner, West Midlands
“Fast results”
“The form was quick and I understood what I was signing up for. I got suitable options and chose a tariff that fit our weekend routines.”
Homeowner, Scotland
Ready to check if free weekend electricity is cheapest for you?
Use your postcode and details to see whole-of-market home electricity tariffs, including weekend power offers (where available), and compare on total cost.
EnergyPlus.co.uk comparison service for UK homes. Tariffs and availability vary by supplier, meter type and region.
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