Energy suppliers offering free electricity days in the UK
Looking for an energy tariff with occasional free electricity days (or similar time-limited free usage offers)? Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus and see what’s available for your postcode—without guesswork.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (where available)
- Check if “free electricity” style promotions are currently offered in your area
- Compare unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and terms—side by side
- Switch online in minutes with support if you need it
Promotions and “free day” offers vary by supplier, region and eligibility. We’ll show you the full tariff terms before you decide.
Compare UK energy deals that may include free electricity days
Some suppliers run limited-time promotions such as free electricity on a specific day, free off-peak hours or bonus credits tied to usage. Availability changes frequently and is often dependent on your meter type (standard, smart meter, Economy 7/10) and region.
Use the form to check what’s currently available for your home. We’ll compare tariffs on total cost—so you can judge whether a “free day” offer is genuinely good value once you factor in the unit rates and standing charge.
Tip: A free electricity day is only worthwhile if you can shift meaningful usage (washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, batch cooking, EV charging where applicable) into the free window without paying higher prices the rest of the time.
What you’ll need
- Your postcode (to confirm network region and availability)
- Your contact details (so we can send your results and switching options)
- Optional: recent bill details and current tariff name (helps validate savings)
No stress switching: If you decide to switch, your supply won’t be interrupted. Your new supplier will handle the process and you’ll keep the same pipes and wires.
Mobile-friendly form layout: The form sits beneath the content on smaller screens for easier completion.
Why “free electricity days” can be useful (and when they’re not)
Shift usage and reduce bills
If the free period matches your routine, you can move high-consumption tasks (laundry, cooking, hot water heating if electric) to the free window and reduce what you pay at standard rates.
Budget-friendly for flexible households
Households at home during the day, families who can batch chores, and smart-meter users who actively track usage are more likely to benefit.
But rates still matter most
A higher unit rate or standing charge can wipe out the value of a “free day”. We help you compare total annual cost, not just the headline perk.
Good fit if you…
- Have a smart meter and can track half-hourly usage
- Can shift 10–30% of electricity use into the free period
- Use appliances efficiently and avoid “rebound” usage
- Understand the offer’s terms (dates, caps, exclusions)
Not ideal if you…
- Are rarely home during the free day/time window
- Have low electricity usage already
- Would pay a much higher standing charge
- Need the certainty of a simple fixed tariff with no conditions
How free electricity day tariffs work in the UK
In the UK, “free electricity days” are typically promotional features attached to certain tariffs rather than a standard industry-wide benefit. The structure can vary, but it usually follows one of these patterns:
Free electricity day
A specific weekday/weekend day where electricity usage is discounted to £0 (or credited back), sometimes limited to a monthly quota or selected dates.
Free off-peak hours
Electricity may be free during set hours (often overnight or midday). This can suit EV charging, storage heating or running appliances at quieter times.
Bill credit / cashback equivalent
Instead of a true £0 unit rate, you may receive a credit that roughly mirrors “free usage”, subject to caps and conditions.
Typical set-up (what usually happens)
- You choose a tariff that includes a free day/hour perk (if available in your region).
- You meet eligibility criteria (often smart meter / half-hourly readings, and sometimes direct debit or online account requirements).
- The supplier applies the benefit automatically—either by setting the unit rate to £0 during the window or by crediting your bill.
- You optimise your usage by shifting flexible consumption into the free period.
- You review results after 1–2 bills to confirm you’re saving overall versus a simpler tariff.
Important: “Free electricity” rarely means the standing charge becomes free. Standing charges normally still apply every day, even on a free usage day.
What to check before choosing a free electricity day offer
A good comparison should go beyond the headline perk. Use this checklist to avoid surprises and to work out if the offer will genuinely reduce your annual cost.
| Check this | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (outside the free period) | This drives most of your annual bill if you can’t shift a lot of usage. | Compare p/kWh across tariffs and estimate annual usage. |
| Standing charge | Can outweigh the benefit for low-usage homes. | Compare daily charge; check electric-only vs dual fuel. |
| How the “free” benefit is applied | Some apply £0 rates; others credit later. | Is it instant, credited monthly, or subject to a cap? |
| Caps, exclusions and fair use | Your “free” usage may be limited. | Maximum kWh, maximum credit, excluded meter types. |
| Smart meter / half-hourly data requirement | Many time-based perks rely on accurate intervals. | Do you need a smart meter? Do you need to enable half-hourly readings? |
| Exit fees & contract length | You want flexibility if prices change. | Fixed vs variable, cooling-off rights, any early termination fees. |
Quick reality check
If the tariff’s unit rate is higher by even a few pence per kWh, you’ll need to shift enough usage into the free window to compensate. We’ll help you compare based on your likely annual usage, not just the perk.
Safety & practical tips
Avoid running appliances unattended just to chase a free period. Use eco modes, full loads, and timers where safe to do so.
Eligibility, meter types and regional availability
Not every “free electricity day” style tariff is available nationwide. Eligibility can depend on how your electricity is measured and which distribution region your home is in.
Smart meter homes
Often the best match for time-limited free electricity offers, as usage can be measured accurately by time window.
Economy 7 / time-of-use
Some tariffs target off-peak usage. Check whether the free period replaces, complements, or conflicts with your existing day/night rates.
Standard meters
You may still see competitive fixed or variable deals, but true time-window “free” offers are less common without interval readings.
Regional note: Prices and availability vary across England, Scotland and Wales due to network charges. Entering your postcode is the fastest way to see what applies to your address.
Common reasons a free day tariff may not show for you
- The promotion has ended or is limited to a supplier’s existing customers
- Your meter set-up isn’t supported (for example, half-hourly readings required)
- It’s not available in your distribution region
- Your property is on a prepayment meter (depending on supplier rules)
Ways to maximise a free electricity day (without overcomplicating life)
High-impact shifts
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine back-to-back (full loads, eco mode)
- If safe, use a delayed start to align with the free window
- Batch cook and use the oven once instead of multiple times
- Heat water efficiently if you’re on electric hot water (where applicable)
Avoid common mistakes
- Don’t increase usage just because it’s “free” (you may pay more overall)
- Don’t ignore standing charge and higher peak rates
- Don’t assume gas is included—many offers are electricity-only
- Don’t forget seasonal patterns (winter use differs from summer)
If you’re unsure: It’s often better to pick the lowest overall cost tariff for your usage profile, then optimise with small behavioural changes—rather than chasing a perk that doesn’t match your routine.
FAQs: free electricity days and switching energy supplier
Do energy suppliers really offer free electricity days?
Sometimes. In the UK these offers are usually limited promotions or time-of-use benefits on specific tariffs. Availability changes and may depend on your meter type and region. We’ll show you what’s available for your postcode.
Is the electricity actually £0 for the whole day?
It depends on the tariff terms. Some set the unit rate to £0 during a defined period; others apply a credit. Standing charges usually still apply, and some tariffs cap “free” usage.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often yes for time-window offers, because suppliers need interval readings to identify what was used during the free period. If you don’t have one, we can still compare standard fixed/variable tariffs that could be cheaper overall.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your energy won’t be cut off during a normal supplier switch. You’ll keep the same gas pipes and electricity network—only billing and tariff change.
Can I switch if I’m in debt to my current supplier?
In many cases yes, but rules can vary depending on payment method and whether you’re on a prepayment meter. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll advise based on your situation.
Is it better to get dual fuel?
Not always. Some homes save by bundling gas and electricity, others do better with separate suppliers. We compare options so you can decide based on total cost and convenience.
Still deciding? Jump back to Compare deals and we’ll check the latest availability for your area.
Trust & proof: why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market approach
We compare a wide range of home energy tariffs and highlight the full cost picture—standing charge, unit rates and key terms.
Clear, UK-focused guidance
We explain time-based perks (like free electricity days) in plain English, so you can make a confident decision.
Switching support
If you want help understanding your current tariff or the switching steps, we’re here—without pressure.
What customers say
“I thought the free electricity day would be best, but the comparison showed a cheaper tariff overall for my usage. The switch was straightforward.”
— Home energy customer, UK
Practical switching reassurance
- No interruption to your gas or electricity supply
- Cooling-off period applies for most switches
- Your new supplier manages the transfer process
Ready to see if a free electricity day tariff is worth it?
Compare whole-of-market home energy deals for your postcode. We’ll help you weigh up the perk against the real cost—unit rates, standing charge and contract terms.
EnergyPlus is a comparison service for UK homes. Offers and promotions change—submit your details to check current availability for your address.
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