Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends UK
Compare whole-of-market weekend free electricity and time-of-use tariffs for your home. Check eligibility, understand the rates, and see if you could save by shifting energy-hungry jobs to the weekend.
- Whole-of-market comparison (not just a single supplier panel)
- See whether “free weekends” stacks up against the unit rates and standing charge
- Quick quote with your postcode and usage details
- Switch help for electricity-only and dual fuel
EnergyPlus is a UK home energy comparison service. Availability of “free weekend electricity” tariffs varies by supplier, region and meter type. Quotes are personalised and subject to checks.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs for your home
“Free electricity weekends” tariffs (sometimes marketed as free Saturday/Sunday electricity or weekend zero-rate electricity) are a type of time-of-use energy tariff. In exchange for higher rates at other times, you may get a set window where your electricity unit rate is discounted (often to 0p).
The key is to compare the whole tariff—not just the headline “free” period. A tariff can look attractive but still cost more overall if the weekday unit rate and standing charge are higher than alternatives. EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market options and see what works for your usage pattern.
What you’ll need to get an accurate result
- Your postcode (tariffs vary by region)
- Electricity usage in kWh (from a bill or your online account)
- Your meter type (e.g. smart meter, standard single-rate, Economy 7)
Already on a time-of-use tariff? Include your current rates if you have them—this helps you check whether a weekend-free deal is genuinely better for your household.
Get your personalised comparison
Complete the form and we’ll use your details to find available tariffs, including weekend offers where possible.
Tip: If your weekend usage is low, a “free weekend electricity” deal may not beat a strong fixed tariff. We’ll help you check both.
Why households choose free electricity weekend tariffs
These tariffs can be a good fit when your home can shift flexible electricity use into the weekend window (exact hours vary by supplier and plan). Here are the main reasons people compare them:
Potential savings on high-usage weekends
Ideal for laundry, tumble drying, batch cooking, DIY and charging devices when the free window applies.
Works well with EV charging (where allowed)
If you can charge mainly at weekends, discounted periods may reduce running costs—check any tariff requirements for smart charging or specific hardware.
Budgeting and routine
Some households prefer a simple habit: do energy-heavy tasks on Saturday/Sunday and keep weekdays lighter.
May suit smart meters and smart homes
Time-of-use pricing often requires a smart meter for accurate billing and clearer tracking.
Compare alongside fixed and variable deals
Even if you like the idea of “free”, you can still check if a competitive fixed tariff would cost less overall.
Encourages load shifting
Moving demand to off-peak periods may help balance the grid—though your priority should always be your total annual cost.
How “free electricity weekends” tariffs work in the UK
Weekend-free offers are usually structured as a time-of-use electricity tariff. That means the unit rate changes depending on time (and sometimes day). The “free” part is typically a specific weekend window—always check the tariff’s exact times and conditions.
- You’re billed normally for most hours at the tariff’s standard (or peak) unit rate.
- A weekend window applies where the electricity unit rate is discounted (sometimes to 0p/kWh).
- Your standing charge still applies every day, including weekends.
- Your total cost depends on your behaviour: the more you can shift to the weekend window, the more likely it is to pay off.
Common requirements
- Smart meter (often required for time-based billing)
- Online account and paperless billing
- Direct Debit payments
- Specific eligibility rules depending on supplier and region
What “free” usually does (and doesn’t) mean
- Typically refers to the unit rate during the window
- Doesn’t remove the standing charge
- May not cover other charges included in the bill structure
- Window times can differ by plan—always confirm before switching
Quick comparison: weekend-free vs other tariff types
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | Typical requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free electricity weekends | Homes that can shift a meaningful chunk of usage to the weekend window | Higher weekday rates/standing charge can outweigh the “free” period | Often smart meter + Direct Debit |
| Fixed tariff | Households wanting price certainty for a set term | Exit fees may apply; fixed price can be higher than market at times | Usually none beyond credit/payment checks |
| Standard variable | Short-term flexibility without a fixed term | Rates can change; may not be best value | None specific |
| Economy 7 / multi-rate | Homes with storage heaters or significant off-peak overnight use | Day rate can be higher; times vary by area | Two-rate meter (often smart or legacy) |
Is a free weekend electricity tariff right for you?
These deals can be great for some households and poor value for others. Use the checklist below before you switch.
You may suit it if you…
- Do multiple loads of washing and drying at the weekend
- Use a dishwasher and can run it during the free window
- Have an EV and can charge mainly at weekends (subject to tariff rules)
- Work from home less at weekends, so you can shift demand without disruption
- Have (or are getting) a smart meter
It may not suit if you…
- Use most electricity on weekdays (e.g. home all day)
- Can’t shift heavy loads due to noise, routine or appliance schedules
- Have high standing charges already and you’re trying to reduce fixed costs
- Prefer simplicity and don’t want to track time windows
- Don’t have a compatible meter for time-of-use billing
Regional note: Tariff availability and unit rates can differ by electricity distribution region. That’s why we ask for your postcode in the comparison form.
Cost check: how to tell if “free weekends” will actually save you money
A weekend-free offer can be cost-effective, but only if your shiftable usage is big enough to offset any higher prices outside the free window. Here’s a practical way to sense-check it.
Step-by-step sense check
- Estimate weekend-window kWh: add up the appliances you’ll run during the free period (washer, dryer, dishwasher, EV, immersion heater if applicable).
- Compare weekday unit rates: if the weekend-free tariff’s weekday rate is much higher, you’ll need more weekend kWh to break even.
- Check the standing charge: a higher standing charge can erase savings, especially for low users.
- Check the term and exit fees: some fixed deals include fees; variable deals may change prices.
- Consider gas separately: if you’re dual fuel, gas pricing may drive most of your annual bill.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming “free” means the whole weekend (often it’s a defined time window)
- Ignoring peak pricing outside the free period
- Not checking meter compatibility (time-of-use billing can require a smart meter)
- Switching based on averages rather than your own kWh
Want a personalised answer?
Use the comparison form and we’ll look at what’s available for your area and usage—weekend offers included where relevant.
Get my comparisonFAQs: free electricity weekends in the UK
Are free electricity weekend tariffs available across the UK?
Availability varies by supplier, electricity distribution region and meter type. Some weekend offers are limited, time-bound, or only open to customers with smart meters. Enter your postcode in the comparison form to see what’s currently available for your home.
Do I need a smart meter for a free weekend electricity tariff?
Often, yes. Time-of-use tariffs typically rely on smart meter readings to apply different rates at different times. Some suppliers may offer alternatives, but a smart meter is commonly required for accurate billing of the free window.
Is electricity actually 0p at weekends?
Some tariffs discount the weekend unit rate heavily, sometimes to 0p/kWh for a defined period. However, your standing charge still applies, and usage outside the free window is charged at the tariff’s other rates.
Can I get free weekend electricity on a dual fuel tariff?
Sometimes. Weekend promotions often apply to electricity only, while gas remains on a standard unit rate. Because many homes spend more on gas in colder months, it’s important to compare the combined annual cost if you want dual fuel.
Will it reduce my bill if I’m a low electricity user?
Not always. If your usage is low, the standing charge can be a bigger proportion of your bill, and higher weekday unit rates may outweigh any weekend benefit. Comparing against strong fixed tariffs is essential.
Can I switch back if it doesn’t work for me?
You can usually switch again, but check whether your tariff is fixed and includes exit fees, and whether any promotional terms apply. We’ll surface key terms during comparison where available.
What EnergyPlus compares (and how we help)
Whole-of-market approach
We aim to show a broad view of available home energy tariffs, including time-of-use options where offered.
Apples-to-apples comparison
We focus on the rates and charges that matter: unit rates, standing charges, and how they interact with your usage.
Switch support
If you decide to proceed, we’ll guide you through the next steps and what to check before you commit.
Social proof & trust
People typically choose weekend-free tariffs when the numbers add up. Here’s what households value when using a comparison service:
“I liked seeing the weekend deal next to fixed options. It made it obvious whether the ‘free’ hours were worth it for our usage.”
“The checklist on smart meter requirements saved us time—turned out we needed a compatible meter for the tariff we wanted.”
“We now run the dishwasher and laundry during the weekend window. The comparison helped us avoid a plan with a higher standing charge.”
Trust basics: Always check tariff terms, rate windows, and any fees before you switch. If you’re unsure, compare a weekend-free plan against a competitive fixed tariff for the same estimated annual usage.
Ready to check free weekend electricity tariffs?
Submit your details for a personalised whole-of-market comparison. We’ll show weekend-free options where available—and clear alternatives if they’re better value for your home.
- Personalised to your postcode and usage
- Time-of-use and standard tariffs compared side by side
- Designed for UK homes (not business energy)
Start your comparison
No scripts. No pressure. Just a clear comparison based on your inputs.
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