Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends: worth it?
Compare whole-of-market UK home energy deals and find out whether “free weekend electricity” tariffs would actually cut your bill based on how you use power.
- See when these tariffs save money (and when they don’t)
- Check unit rates, standing charges and time windows side-by-side
- Get matched to alternatives (fixed, variable, EV and time-of-use)
Home energy only. Comparison based on your postcode and usage. Availability varies by supplier and region.
Check if free electricity weekends would reduce your bill
“Free weekend electricity” tariffs can look brilliant on paper. But the real cost comes down to your weekday unit rate, standing charge and whether you can shift enough usage into the free window. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy options so you can see if the numbers work for your household.
Tip: If you can’t reliably move high-usage appliances (washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, EV charging, immersion heater) into the free period, a standard fixed tariff may be cheaper overall.
What we’ll use to compare
- Postcode (to match regional standing charges and availability)
- Household usage pattern (rough is fine to start)
- Whether you can shift electricity use to weekends
Get your best-match tariff options
Complete the form and we’ll show suitable tariffs, including free weekend offers where available.
What are “free electricity weekend” tariffs?
A free weekend electricity tariff is a type of time-of-use (TOU) deal where electricity is charged at £0/kWh (or heavily discounted) during a defined window, typically on Saturday and/or Sunday. Outside that window, you’ll pay a normal (often higher) unit rate and a standing charge.
Common formats you’ll see in the UK
- Free electricity for a fixed weekend window (e.g. 9am–5pm)
- Weekend saver with a cheaper weekend rate rather than free
- EV bundles that include an off-peak window plus a weekend perk
- Smart tariffs that require a smart meter and may vary by region
What “free” doesn’t usually cover
- Standing charges (still payable every day)
- Weekday electricity use (often higher rate)
- Gas (typically unaffected unless a specific dual-fuel offer applies)
- Usage outside the exact free window (e.g. evenings)
Because the free period is limited, these tariffs suit households that can plan energy-heavy tasks for the weekend and keep weekday electricity use relatively low. If your biggest energy load is heating from gas, your savings may be smaller than expected.
When are free electricity weekends worth it?
These tariffs can be worth it in the UK if the value of your weekend “free” usage outweighs any extra you pay through higher weekday rates and/or standing charges. The key is your load shifting potential.
Most likely to benefit
- Households that do most laundry, tumble-drying and dishwashing at weekends
- EV owners who can charge mainly during the free window
- Homes with an immersion heater or hot water cylinder you can schedule
- People at home on weekends who can time cooking and appliance use
Often not worth it
- High weekday electricity use (WFH with lots of daytime usage, electric cooking daily)
- Electric heating used heavily across the week
- Small flats/low usage where standing charge dominates
- Anyone who can’t reliably use energy in the free period
Quick self-check
- Estimate how many kWh you can shift into the weekend window.
- Multiply that by your current unit rate to get the “value” of free kWh.
- Compare against the higher weekday rate/standing charge on the new tariff.
- If in doubt, compare across the market with your postcode and usage.
Practical rule of thumb: The more of your weekly electricity you can move into the free window (without increasing overall consumption), the more likely you are to see a net saving.
What to check before you switch
“Free” can hide the real cost. Use this checklist to compare free-weekend tariffs against fixed and standard variable tariffs in your area.
| Item to check | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Free window times | If the window is short or daytime-only, you may not be able to use it. | Check exact days/times and whether bank holidays are included. |
| Weekday unit rate | Many free-weekend tariffs offset the giveaway with higher weekday rates. | Compare weekday rate to your current tariff and the best fixed deals. |
| Standing charge | Standing charges vary by region and can erase savings for low users. | Use your postcode to compare accurate charges in your distribution area. |
| Smart meter requirement | Most time-of-use tariffs need a working smart meter for half-hourly readings. | Confirm eligibility and whether installation is needed before switching. |
| Exit fees & contract length | If prices fall, exit fees can trap you in a higher-cost deal. | Check early termination charges and whether the price is fixed. |
| Gas pricing (if dual fuel) | Savings may be offset if gas unit rates or standing charges are higher. | Compare electricity and gas together, not in isolation. |
A simple way to think about it
A free-weekend tariff only beats a standard tariff if:
(Weekend kWh shifted × your alternative unit rate) is greater than (extra weekday cost + any higher standing charge).
How free weekend electricity tariffs work (step-by-step)
- You choose a time-of-use tariff that advertises free electricity during a set weekend period.
- Your smart meter records half-hourly use, so the supplier can apply £0/kWh (or discounted rates) during eligible slots.
- All other times are billed at the normal rate shown in your tariff information (weekday and/or off-peak rates vary by deal).
- Your bill depends on behaviour: the more you move usage into the free window, the better the outcome.
- You can compare and switch like any other home energy tariff—just ensure you understand rates, eligibility and exit fees.
Smart meter: do you need one?
In most cases, yes. Time-of-use billing typically relies on half-hourly data. If you don’t have a smart meter (or it isn’t working), you may be limited to standard fixed or variable tariffs.
Do weekend freebies change the price cap?
The Ofgem price cap applies to certain default tariffs and sets limits on unit rates and standing charges for those products. Free-weekend deals are usually specialist tariffs—so compare the full pricing rather than assuming they’ll be cheaper.
Examples: who tends to save (and who doesn’t)
These examples are illustrative. Your actual result depends on your region (standing charge), tariff rates and how much you can shift into the free window.
Family home (weekend batch washing)
If you run multiple loads of laundry, tumble drying and the dishwasher mainly at weekends, free-window kWh can add up quickly.
- Best when: weekday cooking/heating is not electric-heavy
- Risk: weekday unit rate may be higher than a strong fixed deal
EV owner (weekend charging)
An EV can be one of the easiest ways to concentrate usage into a specific window, especially if you’re home at weekends.
- Best when: you can charge mostly in the free period
- Risk: some EV tariffs are better with overnight off-peak rather than weekend-only
Low-use flat (minimal shifting)
If you don’t use much electricity overall, the standing charge and weekday rate often matter more than occasional “free” periods.
- Best when: the tariff’s standard rates are competitive anyway
- Risk: savings are small; easier to overpay versus a simple fixed tariff
Important: A good comparison should model your actual weekday/weekend split. If you’re unsure, start with a conservative estimate of how much you can shift—then see which tariffs still look competitive.
Common mistakes when choosing free weekend electricity
Comparing only the “free” headline
You need the full picture: weekday unit rate, standing charge, contract length and exit fees. A “free” weekend can be outweighed by a higher weekday rate.
Overestimating how much you’ll shift
It’s easy to plan to move usage, then forget. If you’re not sure, assume less weekend shifting—then treat any extra savings as a bonus.
Ignoring gas costs
If you’re switching dual fuel, check the gas side too. A slightly higher gas standing charge can cancel out electricity savings.
Not checking eligibility and meter setup
Some time-of-use deals require a compatible smart meter configuration. Confirm requirements and switching timelines before committing.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs
Are free electricity weekends really free?
The weekend unit rate in the defined time window can be £0/kWh, but you’ll still pay the standing charge and you’ll pay normal rates outside the window. Always compare total annual cost.
Do I need a smart meter?
Usually, yes. Free-weekend tariffs are typically time-of-use products that rely on half-hourly readings. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may not be eligible.
Will I save money if I do laundry at weekends?
Potentially. Savings depend on how many kWh you move into the free period and how the weekday unit rate and standing charge compare to other tariffs available for your postcode.
What if my electricity use is mostly evenings?
If the free window is daytime only, you might not benefit much. In that case, a different time-of-use deal (e.g. overnight off-peak) or a competitive fixed tariff may be a better fit.
Can I switch back if it doesn’t work out?
Yes, but check for exit fees and contract terms. If you want flexibility, compare fixed tariffs with low or zero exit charges as alternatives.
Do these tariffs work for prepayment meters?
Availability varies. Some specialist time-of-use tariffs may not be offered on all meter types. Use your postcode and meter details to see what’s available.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare across the market to help you find tariffs that fit your usage—whether that’s free weekends, fixed rates, or other time-of-use options.
Postcode-accurate pricing
Standing charges and unit rates vary by region. We use your postcode so comparisons reflect what you can actually get.
Clear, practical guidance
We focus on whether a tariff will lower your bill—not just whether it has a catchy benefit. The aim is a better match for your household.
What customers say
“The comparison made it obvious the ‘free weekend’ deal wasn’t best for us.”
We do the maths based on real usage patterns—so you can choose confidently.
Trusted switching basics
- No change to your supply during a normal switch
- Your energy doesn’t go off—only billing changes
- You’ll still have standard consumer protections
Ready to see if a free weekend tariff beats your current deal?
Share your postcode and contact details and we’ll compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs, including free weekend electricity options where available in your area.
- Fast comparison, tailored to your region
- See strong fixed and time-of-use alternatives
- Choose what fits your household—no guesswork
Home energy only. Switching options and tariff features vary by supplier, meter type and postcode.
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