Energy tariffs with free electricity evenings in the UK
Compare whole-of-market evening-free electricity tariffs and see whether "free" hours could lower your household energy costs. Submit a quick form and we’ll match you with suitable options based on your home and usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
- Check real costs: unit rates, standing charge, and time windows
- Great for EV charging, dishwashers, tumble dryers and heat pumps
- See fixed and variable options, where available in your area
Availability varies by supplier and region. “Free” typically applies to electricity usage in a set evening time window and does not remove the standing charge.
Compare evening-free electricity tariffs for your home
Evening-free tariffs can look attractive, but the best deal depends on when you use electricity and how much you can shift into the free window. EnergyPlus.co.uk compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs to help you find options that make sense on your postcode and usage profile.
Use the form to request a comparison. We’ll use your details to identify suitable tariffs (including those marketed with free electricity evenings) and highlight the important parts: unit rates outside the free period, standing charges, and any conditions.
Tip: If you have an EV, heat pump, immersion heater, or you routinely run appliances after 7pm, these tariffs can be worth checking. If most of your electricity use is daytime, a standard single-rate tariff may still be cheaper overall.
What does “free electricity evenings” mean?
In the UK, some suppliers offer tariffs where electricity usage is priced at £0/kWh (or a heavily reduced rate) for a set evening time window (for example, a few hours each night). Outside that window, you pay the standard unit rate, and you typically still pay the daily standing charge.
Because suppliers set their own rules, “free” can vary by tariff. That’s why it’s important to compare the full tariff structure rather than relying on the headline.
Get matched to suitable tariffs
Complete the form and we’ll use your information to provide a tailored comparison for your household.
Whole-of-market approach: we focus on total cost for your household—not just the “free” headline—so you can make an informed decision.
Who benefits most from free evening electricity tariffs?
EV drivers charging at home
If you can reliably charge during the free evening window, you may reduce the cost per mile—especially if your charger schedule is easy to automate.
Homes with high evening usage
If you cook electrically, do laundry after work, or run a tumble dryer in the evenings, free hours can cover a meaningful share of your daily consumption.
Smart-home & battery users
With smart controls, you can shift usage automatically. Some households charge a home battery during cheap/free periods to use later (where compatible and permitted).
Families with predictable routines
If you have consistent evening routines, it’s easier to “hit” the free window and avoid paying higher rates outside it.
Electric heating add-ons
Immersion heaters and some heat pump usage can be scheduled, but always check comfort, safety, and whether the free period is long enough to matter.
Anyone willing to compare properly
These tariffs aren’t automatically cheaper. The win comes from matching your profile to the tariff—unit rates, standing charges and time windows included.
How free evening electricity tariffs work (and what to check)
Suppliers structure evening-free offers in different ways. Before choosing one, check the details that affect your total bill.
1) Confirm the free window
Look for exact times (e.g. 7–10pm). Check whether it’s every day, weekdays only, or seasonal.
2) Check rates outside free hours
Some tariffs have higher daytime unit rates. Your overall cost depends on your full-day usage pattern.
3) Include the standing charge
“Free” electricity doesn’t usually remove the daily standing charge, which can materially affect savings.
4) Check meter and eligibility
Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter with half-hourly readings enabled.
Quick comparison checklist
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Free evening time window | Determines how much of your usage can be “free”. | Exact hours, days, and whether the window changes. |
| Peak/day unit rate | Higher rates can outweigh the free period. | kWh price outside the free window and any peak bands. |
| Standing charge | Affects total cost regardless of usage timing. | Daily standing charge for electricity (and gas if included). |
| Tariff type | Impacts price stability and exit terms. | Fixed vs variable, contract length, and any exit fees. |
| Smart meter requirement | Time-of-use pricing often needs half-hourly data. | Smart meter installed, commissioning status, and readings consent. |
Costs, savings and how to sense-check “free evenings”
How savings usually happen
- Shift flexible usage (EV charging, laundry, dishwasher) into the free window.
- Avoid moving essential daytime usage if it causes inconvenience or increases peak consumption.
- Compare total annual cost (or monthly) rather than focusing on one free period.
A simple sense-check you can do
Ask: What % of my daily kWh can I realistically use in the free window? Then compare that saving against any higher unit rates and standing charges.
Practical example: If you can shift 6–10 kWh into the evening window most days (EV + appliances), the free hours can be significant. If you only shift 1–2 kWh, a slightly higher daytime rate can wipe out the benefit.
What your bill still includes
Standing charge
A daily charge for the connection to the grid and maintenance costs, paid regardless of when you use energy.
Non-free hours usage
All electricity outside the free window is charged at the tariff’s unit rates (which may include peak/off-peak bands).
Gas costs (if dual fuel)
If you take gas too, compare the gas unit rate and standing charge as part of the overall deal.
Eligibility and regional considerations
Evening-free tariffs are not universally available. Eligibility depends on supplier rules, your meter setup, and where you live.
Common requirements
- Smart meter (often required) with half-hourly readings.
- Residential supply (this page is for home energy only).
- Compatible payment method (supplier-specific).
- Credit checks may apply depending on tariff type.
Why postcode matters in the UK
Unit rates and standing charges can vary by region (based on electricity distribution area). That’s why comparisons should always be run against your postcode.
Submit your postcode in the form above and we’ll check relevant options for your area.
Common mistakes when choosing a free evening electricity tariff
Comparing the headline, not the total cost
A tariff can advertise free evenings yet have a higher unit rate the rest of the day. Always compare on annual cost for your usage pattern.
Not checking the exact time window
If the free period is shorter than you assumed, you may not shift enough kWh to benefit (especially for EV charging).
Forgetting the standing charge
Standing charges can be a large portion of bills for low-usage households, even if some energy is free.
Ignoring exit fees or contract length
Fixed tariffs may include exit fees. If you expect to move home or switch soon, check terms before committing.
Not aligning appliances to the window
If you can’t realistically run key loads during the free hours (noise, family routine), you may end up paying more overall.
Assuming one tariff suits everyone
The best tariff depends on your household size, heating type, and when you use energy. A personalised comparison is the safest route.
FAQs: free electricity evenings in the UK
Is electricity really free during the evening period?
On qualifying tariffs, the unit rate for electricity used in the defined time window can be set to £0/kWh (or similar). However, you will usually still pay the daily standing charge, and you’ll pay standard rates outside the free period. Always check the tariff terms.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many time-of-use and free-hour tariffs require a smart meter capable of recording half-hourly consumption. Requirements vary by supplier and tariff.
Are free evening tariffs available with dual fuel?
Sometimes. Some offers are electricity-only, while others may allow dual fuel. Even if the “free” feature is electricity-specific, compare gas pricing too if you want both fuels.
Will it reduce my bill if I can’t shift much usage?
Not necessarily. If most of your electricity is used outside the free hours, a higher daytime rate can outweigh the benefit. That’s why we recommend comparing based on your expected usage pattern and postcode.
Can I use the free period for EV charging?
In many cases, yes—if the free window aligns with your charging needs. Consider your typical daily miles, charger power (kW), and the length of the free period. If you need longer off-peak windows, other time-of-use tariffs may suit better.
How quickly can I switch tariffs in the UK?
Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within days to a couple of weeks. If you’re on a fixed deal, check for exit fees and any notice requirements.
Have a question about your meter, your current tariff, or whether a free evenings tariff is realistic for your routine? Use the comparison form and add details when we contact you.
Why households use EnergyPlus.co.uk
“I liked that the comparison wasn’t just about the free hours. They explained the daytime unit rate and standing charge so I could decide properly.”
“We charge our EV in the evening and wanted to know if free evenings would work. The options were clearly laid out.”
“The form was quick. I got a comparison that actually matched my postcode and meter setup.”
Trust factors: whole-of-market comparison focus, postcode-aware regional pricing considerations, and clear visibility of unit rates and standing charges.
Ready to see if free evening electricity could work for you?
Submit your details and we’ll identify suitable UK home energy tariffs, including evening-free offers where available, and help you compare the full costs—standing charges and non-free rates included.
- Postcode-based regional pricing awareness
- Support for smart meter/time-of-use considerations
- Clear, practical guidance on whether you can benefit
Start your comparison
Home energy only. Tariff availability depends on supplier criteria, meter type, and region.
Back to Energy Suppliers