Energy tariffs with free electricity hours in the UK
Compare whole-of-market UK home energy deals that include free (or discounted) electricity hours. Tell us a few details and we’ll show suitable tariffs for your postcode and usage.
- Find tariffs with off-peak or “free hours” offers (when available)
- See whether you’d actually save based on when you use electricity
- Switch in minutes with support from start to finish
Home energy only. Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. “Free hours” are usually time-windowed and may be offset by higher rates at other times.
Compare UK tariffs that offer free electricity hours (when available)
Some UK suppliers run promotions where electricity is free (or heavily discounted) for a set time window — commonly overnight, weekends, or occasional “Power Hours”. These can work well if you can shift energy use (laundry, dishwashers, immersion heaters or EV charging) into the free period.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. We’ll help you identify tariffs that fit your meter type, region and usage pattern — and, crucially, whether the “free hours” are likely to reduce your overall bill once standard rates and standing charges are considered.
Tip: “Free electricity hours” deals are not always the cheapest overall. The right choice depends on when you use electricity, your meter type (standard/smart), and your day vs night consumption.
What you’ll need
- Postcode (to check regional availability and rates)
- Your contact details (so we can send suitable options)
- Optional: an idea of whether you can use more power in off-peak/free hours
Why consider a free electricity hours tariff?
Lower cost for shiftable usage
If you can move energy-heavy tasks into the free period, you may cut the cost of those units significantly — especially for laundry, tumble drying, dishwashers, immersion heaters and EV charging.
Clear time windows
Many offers use simple, published windows (e.g. night hours or weekends). With smart plugs and appliance timers, it can be easy to align usage without changing your routine too much.
Works alongside other priorities
You can still compare fixed vs variable rates, green options, customer service and exit fees. EnergyPlus helps you weigh the “free hours” benefit against the full tariff cost.
How “free electricity hours” tariffs work in the UK
In practice, these tariffs are a type of time-of-use pricing. The supplier sets a defined time window where the unit rate is £0.00 or very low, and charges a standard (sometimes higher) unit rate at other times. The key is your overall average cost across a week or month — not just the free window.
1) Check your meter
Many time-based tariffs work best with a smart meter that can record half-hourly usage. Some offers may still be possible without one, depending on supplier rules.
2) Identify free hours
Suppliers specify exact times (e.g. overnight blocks, weekends, or occasional scheduled hours). Saving depends on whether you can use power then.
3) Compare full costs
We look at the unit rate(s), standing charge, any exit fees, and how much usage you can shift into the free window.
4) Switch confidently
If you choose to switch, your supply stays on. In most cases, the switch completes without disruption. You’ll be told what happens next and when rates apply.
Typical formats you may see
| Offer style | How it’s billed | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight free/low-rate block | 0p (or low) unit rate during set night hours; standard rate at other times. | EV charging, storage heating, laundry overnight. | Daytime unit rate can be higher; standing charge may differ by region. |
| Weekend free hours | Certain hours on Saturdays/Sundays free/discounted; normal pricing otherwise. | Families at home weekends; batch cooking; cleaning days. | If most use is weekdays, savings may be limited. |
| “Power Hour” style events | Supplier announces a free/cheap hour occasionally via app/email. | People comfortable responding to notifications; flexible routines. | Not guaranteed frequency; harder to plan; check full tariff costs. |
Who free-hours tariffs can suit
- EV drivers who can charge overnight or in the free window
- Homes with appliance timers (washer/dryer/dishwasher)
- Households able to shift 25%+ of electricity use to the free period
- People happy to track usage and avoid heavy use outside the free window
Who may be better with a standard tariff
- Homes with most usage during peak evening hours
- Anyone who can’t change usage times (e.g. caring responsibilities)
- Households where the tariff’s standing charge is noticeably higher
- People who prefer simple billing with a single unit rate
Not sure? Submit the form above and we’ll help you compare options based on your postcode and likely usage pattern. You can also jump to rates & pitfalls to understand what typically affects savings.
Rates, standing charges and common pitfalls
A free-hours tariff can look brilliant in isolation — but the real question is what you pay across all other hours. When you compare, focus on the items below.
1) Peak unit rate
Some tariffs recover the “free” cost with a higher unit rate at other times. If you don’t shift enough usage, total costs may rise.
2) Standing charge
Standing charges vary by region and tariff. If it’s higher than your current deal, it can reduce or wipe out the value of the free hours.
3) Terms & eligibility
Many offers require a smart meter and app-based billing. Check exit fees, fixed-term lengths and whether the free window is guaranteed.
Quick checklist before you switch
| Check | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Free window times | If the times don’t match your routine, savings are limited. | List appliances you can run then and estimate weekly kWh shifted. |
| Unit rates outside free hours | Higher daytime rates can outweigh free units. | Compare “all other hours” rate to your current tariff. |
| Standing charge | It’s paid every day regardless of use. | Check your region’s daily standing charge and annualise it. |
| Meter requirements | Some tariffs require smart meters and half-hourly readings. | Confirm your meter type and whether an upgrade is needed. |
Regional availability across the UK
Energy pricing and tariff availability can differ by regional electricity distribution area. That means a “free hours” offer you’ve heard about may be available in one postcode but not another, or the standing charge may be higher/lower depending on where you live.
What can vary by area
- Standing charge levels
- Day and off-peak unit rates
- Supplier participation/availability
- Whether a specific promotion is offered
How we match tariffs
When you enter your postcode, we use it to surface tariffs that are relevant to your home’s region. This helps avoid wasted time looking at deals that aren’t offered where you live.
Ready to check? Go to the comparison form.
FAQs: free electricity hours tariffs
Are free electricity hours really free?
They can be billed at £0.00 per kWh during a defined time window, but suppliers may charge higher rates at other times or different standing charges. The correct test is whether your total bill goes down once you factor in all charges.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many time-of-use and free-hours style tariffs rely on smart meter readings to allocate usage to the correct time bands. Availability depends on the supplier and the specific tariff rules.
Can these tariffs work without an electric car?
Yes. Savings can come from running flexible appliances in the free window: washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, batch cooking, immersion heating or charging devices. EV charging is simply one of the easiest ways to shift a lot of kWh.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your electricity and/or gas continues as normal during a switch. In most cases, the process is administrative. You’ll be told key dates and what your new rates and free-hour windows are.
Are free-hours tariffs fixed or variable?
Both exist. Some are fixed for a term; others can change. Always check the tariff type, contract length, exit fees (if any) and how/when prices can be updated.
How do I maximise savings?
- Use appliance delay timers or smart plugs to run during the free window
- Avoid running high-load appliances simultaneously if it pushes usage into peak hours
- Track your weekly pattern and adjust (even small shifts can add up)
- Compare the standing charge and non-free unit rates carefully
What customers like about comparing with EnergyPlus
"I wanted a tariff with cheaper overnight electricity and couldn’t tell which deals were genuinely good value. The comparison made it clear what I’d pay outside the free hours."
"Straightforward process. I submitted my postcode and got options that actually matched my area. No confusing jargon, just clear rates and next steps."
"Helpful for understanding whether the free-hours promotion would work for us. We moved laundry to the weekend window and it’s been easier than expected."
Trust & transparency: We focus on suitability and total cost, not just headline offers. If a free-hours tariff isn’t likely to save you money, we’ll say so and show alternatives.
Ready to see free-hours tariffs available for your postcode?
Get matched with UK home energy tariffs, including any free electricity hours offers currently available. We’ll help you compare the full cost — not just the headline free period.
No disruption to supply when switching. Home energy comparisons only.
What happens next
- Submit your details in the form
- We identify relevant tariffs for your area
- You choose the option that fits your usage
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