Compare energy tariffs with free evening electricity in the UK
Looking for a tariff that gives you free electricity in the evenings? EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy deals so you can check what’s available for your postcode and usage, then switch with confidence.
- Check tariffs that may offer free electricity windows (typically evenings) with participating suppliers
- See whether a smart meter is needed and how the free hours work
- Compare against standard fixed & variable tariffs so you don’t overpay outside the free period
- Fast quote form — designed for UK homes, not business energy
Whole-of-market comparison for UK domestic energy. Availability, free-hour windows and eligibility vary by supplier, region and metering.
Find UK tariffs that offer free electricity in the evenings
Some suppliers run promotional or specialist tariffs that include a free electricity window (often a set number of hours in the evening). These can work well if you can shift flexible usage — like washing, tumble drying, dishwasher cycles, immersion heating, EV charging, or running storage heaters — into the free period.
However, the unit rate and standing charge outside the free window can be higher than a standard fixed or tracker tariff. That’s why comparing the whole cost for your home (not just the free hours) matters.
Whole-of-market comparison: We check across the market for eligible home tariffs and highlight the key terms (free-hour window, smart meter requirements, any eligibility rules, and what you pay outside the free period).
Best for households that can shift energy use
- High evening consumption (cooking + laundry + hot water)
- EV owners who can schedule charging
- Homes with smart appliances or timers
- Anyone happy to plan usage around a set time window
Get your evening-free options
Tell us a bit about your home energy and we’ll show tariffs available in your area, including any with free evening electricity where offered.
Important: “Free evening electricity” tariffs are not always available in every region or at all times. We’ll show what’s currently available for your postcode and whether the tariff requires a smart meter or specific billing setup.
Is a free evening electricity tariff right for you?
These tariffs can be excellent — but only if they match your household pattern. Here are the most common reasons UK homes choose them, and when they don’t stack up.
Good if you can time-shift
If you can run appliances between the free hours, you can reduce paid consumption without changing your supplier service level.
Good for EV charging
If your charger or vehicle supports scheduling, a free evening window can make at-home charging significantly cheaper on certain plans.
Good for larger households
More laundry and dishwashing in the evening can mean more savings — as long as the paid unit rate doesn’t erase the benefit.
Not ideal if you’re home all day
If most of your usage is daytime (WFH, electric heating, lots of cooking), a higher day rate can outweigh the free hours.
Not ideal if the standing charge is high
Standing charge differences can be material over a year. We include this in comparisons so you can judge the true cost.
Not ideal if you can’t get a smart meter
Many time-based tariffs require a smart meter to track usage by time window. If not possible, options may be limited.
How “free electricity evenings” tariffs work
A free evening electricity tariff is a time-based pricing plan where a supplier applies a 0p/kWh rate (or credits equivalent usage) for electricity used during a defined evening window. Outside that window, electricity is charged at the tariff’s standard unit rate, plus a daily standing charge.
1) Check availability
Free-hour tariffs come and go. We check what’s currently offered for your postcode and meter type.
2) Confirm the free window
Evening hours vary by product. We highlight the time window and whether it’s fixed or can change with notice.
3) Compare the full cost
We compare unit rates and standing charges outside the free hours against standard tariffs.
4) Switch with minimal disruption
Switching supplier doesn’t change your electricity supply. Your new supplier manages the transfer and billing.
Smart meter note: Many time-of-use and free-hour tariffs require a smart meter so usage can be recorded half-hourly. If you don’t have one, we’ll still compare what you can access — and highlight any smart meter requirement upfront.
What counts as “evening”?
There’s no single standard across suppliers. Some products offer a fixed block (for example, a set 2–4 hour window in the evening), while others define off-peak in a different way. Your supplier’s tariff information label (TIL) and terms will show the exact timings.
What to check before choosing a free evening electricity tariff
A tariff can look great on paper and still cost more over a year if the paid rates are higher. Use this checklist — we surface these points in results so you can make a like-for-like comparison.
Tip: If you’re unsure of your usage split, start by estimating how much electricity you can realistically move into the free evening window (e.g., 1–3 appliance cycles per day, scheduled EV charging). Then compare total annual cost, not just the headline “free”.
Costs and savings: how to estimate whether it’s worth it
The value of a free evening electricity tariff depends on how many kWh you can shift into the free window and how the tariff’s paid rates compare to alternatives. Use this simple approach:
Step 1: Estimate shiftable evening usage
- Washing machine cycle: roughly 0.5–1.0 kWh
- Tumble dryer: often 2–4 kWh per load (varies)
- Dishwasher: often 1–2 kWh per cycle
- EV charging: depends on miles and charger power
Add up what you can reliably move into the free window across a week.
Step 2: Compare the paid rates
If a free-hour tariff has a higher unit rate outside the free window, multiply that difference by your non-free usage to see the potential extra cost. Then subtract the value of the free kWh.
Don’t forget standing charge differences over 12 months.
Common household scenarios
EV household
Often benefits most if charging can be scheduled inside the free window. Check any charging limits and the paid unit rate outside free hours.
Family with evening appliance use
Great if you already run multiple cycles nightly. Make sure the free window aligns with bedtime routines and noise considerations.
WFH / daytime-heavy usage
May do better on a competitive fixed tariff if most electricity is used outside evenings (computers, cooking, heating).
Eligibility and practical considerations (UK homes)
Metering
- Smart meter: commonly required for time-based billing.
- Economy 7 / legacy setups: some homes have existing off-peak arrangements; a free evening window is different and must be compared carefully.
- Prepayment: availability can be more limited on specialist tariffs.
Region & network area
- Unit rates and standing charges vary by postcode (distribution region).
- Some tariffs are only offered in certain parts of Great Britain.
- Switching rules and timelines can depend on your current setup, but your physical supply remains the same.
Home energy only: This page focuses on domestic electricity and dual fuel for UK households. If you’re looking for business energy, you’ll need a different comparison route.
Common mistakes to avoid
A free evening electricity tariff can be a smart move — but only if you choose it for the right reasons. Here are the pitfalls we see most often.
Focusing only on “free”
Always compare total annual cost, including the paid unit rate and standing charge. “Free hours” are just one component.
Overestimating shiftable usage
Be realistic: if you won’t routinely schedule appliances, savings can be smaller than expected.
Ignoring tariff terms
Check exit fees, how long prices are fixed, whether the free window can change, and any fair-use limits.
FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs in the UK
Are free evening electricity tariffs really free?
They can be free for electricity used within the specified evening time window (e.g., a few hours). You still pay the standing charge and the unit rate outside the free hours. Some products apply “free” as a credit or special rate — always check the tariff terms.
Do I need a smart meter for free evening electricity?
Often, yes. Many time-based tariffs rely on half-hourly readings that a smart meter provides. If you don’t have one, we’ll show what’s still available and flag any smart meter requirement.
Can I get free evening electricity on a dual fuel tariff?
Sometimes. Offers vary by supplier and product. Even if electricity has a free window, gas pricing is usually separate and should be compared on its own merit.
Will switching affect my electricity supply?
No. Your physical supply doesn’t change. Switching supplier is an administrative and billing change handled through the industry process.
What if my routine doesn’t match the free hours?
In that case, you may be better with a competitive fixed or variable tariff. Use the comparison to see the total cost difference based on your expected usage.
Are these tariffs available everywhere in the UK?
Not always. Availability can depend on supplier coverage, your postcode region, and meter type. Enter your postcode in the form above to check current options where you live.
Why households use EnergyPlus
When you’re comparing specialist tariffs like free evening electricity, details matter. Customers choose EnergyPlus for clear comparisons and support through the switch.
“I liked that it wasn’t just a headline offer — they explained the standing charge and the rate outside the free hours.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“We run the dishwasher and washing after tea — the comparison made it obvious which tariff actually worked for us.”
— Couple, Greater Manchester
“Simple form, quick response, and they checked whether I needed a smart meter for the tariff I wanted.”
— Tenant, South London
Trust indicators: Whole-of-market comparison approach, clear tariff term checks, and UK-focused support for domestic switching queries.
Ready to see free evening electricity tariffs for your postcode?
Submit your details and we’ll compare current home energy tariffs across the market — including any with free evening electricity windows where available — and help you understand the true cost outside the free hours.
No obligation. UK domestic energy comparison.
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