Energy tariffs with free evening electricity in the UK
Compare whole-of-market evening & off-peak energy deals and see if a free-evening tariff could cut your household bills. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with suitable UK tariffs in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not just a limited panel)
- Check eligibility for free evening electricity / off-peak windows
- See unit rates, standing charges and peak vs off-peak pricing side-by-side
- Switch support available — keep your supply, change your tariff
Home energy comparison for Great Britain. Availability, time windows and rates vary by supplier, region and meter type. Savings depend on how much electricity you use in the evening.
Compare free evening electricity tariffs (UK homes)
Free evening electricity tariffs are designed to reward households that can shift usage into a set evening window — for example charging an EV, running appliances, or heating water later in the day. The key is understanding what counts as “free” (it’s usually the unit rate for electricity during the window) and what still applies (often a standing charge and a higher peak rate at other times).
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK home energy. We help you find evening/off-peak style tariffs where available and compare them against standard fixed and variable deals so you can choose what’s actually cheapest for your household pattern.
Tip: “Free evenings” isn’t always a like-for-like offer across suppliers. Always compare the full price structure: peak unit rate, off-peak/free window, standing charge, exit fees, and whether it requires a smart meter.
What you’ll need to compare
- Postcode (to show regional rates & supplier availability)
- Contact details (so we can send results and help you switch)
- If you know it: your current tariff, typical monthly bill, and whether you have a smart meter
Why choose a tariff with free evening electricity?
These tariffs can be excellent value for the right household — but only when your usage matches the tariff design. Here are the main reasons people in the UK look for free-evening energy deals.
Lower-cost evenings for high usage
If you can run the dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, immersion heater, or EV charging during the free window, you may reduce the cost of your heaviest electricity hours.
Clearer behaviour-based savings
Unlike broad “cheap energy” claims, these tariffs often create a simple target: shift usage into specific hours. That makes it easier to estimate potential savings.
Useful for smart home & EV schedules
Smart meters, EV chargers and appliance timers can automate the shift. If you already schedule loads, a free-evening window can slot into your routine.
Works well alongside daytime solar
Some households use solar during the day and push discretionary consumption into the evening free window, reducing grid imports across the day.
Options beyond “free evenings”
If a true free-evening offer isn’t available in your area, we can still compare evening-heavy time-of-use tariffs and off-peak rates that may be cheaper overall.
Whole-of-market checks
EnergyPlus compares across the market so you can see whether the “free” window outweighs peak pricing versus standard fixed deals.
How “free evening electricity” tariffs work
In the UK, “free evening electricity” is usually a type of time-of-use tariff. Rather than charging one unit rate all day, the supplier sets different rates for different times, and may set a zero unit rate during a defined evening window.
You get a defined evening “free” window
The tariff specifies the hours when the electricity unit rate is reduced — sometimes to £0.00/kWh. The exact times vary by supplier and tariff.
You pay a peak rate outside the window
Electricity at other times (daytime/late night) may be priced higher than a standard single-rate tariff. That’s why usage pattern matters.
Standing charges still apply
Most UK tariffs include a daily standing charge. “Free electricity” typically refers to the unit price only, not the standing charge.
A smart meter is often required
Because the tariff depends on time-of-use readings, many suppliers require a compatible smart meter to measure usage by half-hourly periods.
What to compare (quick checklist)
| Tariff feature | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Evening window | Determines when your unit rate is lowest/£0 | Times that match your household routine (e.g. cooking, laundry, charging) |
| Peak unit rate | Can erase savings if high usage happens outside the window | Compare against your current rate and consider daytime use (WFH, electric heating) |
| Standing charge | Paid daily regardless of usage | Regional standing charge and whether it’s competitive versus alternatives |
| Contract length & exit fees | Affects flexibility if your usage changes | Fixed vs variable, fees, and any price guarantees |
| Meter requirements | Not all meter setups support time-of-use billing | Smart meter compatibility; special considerations for Economy 7/10 |
If you’re unsure how much electricity you use in the evening, we can still help — we’ll explain what information improves accuracy and what assumptions we’re using.
Eligibility, meters & household fit
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many free-evening and other time-of-use tariffs rely on half-hourly readings. If you don’t currently have a smart meter, some suppliers can install one — but eligibility and appointment times vary.
If you have a smart meter but it isn’t sending readings reliably, we’ll advise whether the tariff is still suitable.
What if I’m on Economy 7 or Economy 10?
Some households have multi-rate meters (commonly used for storage heating). Switching to a free-evening style tariff may involve meter considerations and not every supplier supports every configuration.
We’ll help you compare like-for-like options and avoid switching you onto a tariff that doesn’t fit your meter setup.
Best fit households (typical examples)
EV owners
If your charging schedule can reliably run during the evening window, the “free” unit rate can have a meaningful impact.
Families with predictable routines
Laundry, cooking, showers and cleaning can be planned around the same time daily/weekly.
Smart home users
Appliance timers, smart plugs, battery storage and EV chargers can automate shifting usage.
Costs, savings & how to tell if it’s worth it
A free-evening electricity tariff can be cheaper than a standard tariff — but only if the value of the free window exceeds any extra you pay at peak times and in standing charges.
A simple way to sense-check savings
- Estimate how many kWh you can shift into the evening window each week (EV charging, appliances, immersion etc.).
- Multiply those kWh by your current unit rate to approximate the “value” of the free window.
- Compare that value with any increase in peak unit rate and standing charge on the new tariff.
If you can’t shift much usage: a tariff marketed as “free” may cost more overall than a competitively priced fixed tariff.
What we compare for you
- Peak vs off-peak/free window unit rates
- Standing charges by region
- Tariff type (fixed/variable), contract length and exit fees
- Supplier availability for your postcode
- Meter requirements (including smart meter considerations)
If a free-evening tariff isn’t available or doesn’t stack up, we’ll still show best-value alternatives such as strong fixed deals or other time-of-use options.
Regional considerations (Great Britain)
Electricity standing charges and unit rates vary by region (based on distribution area). That’s why we ask for your postcode — it ensures your comparison reflects pricing where you live, not a national average.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming “free” means the whole bill is cheaper
A free-evening tariff can come with a higher unit rate at other times. The best deal depends on your usage across the entire day — not just the free window.
Not checking the exact time window
“Evening” may not match your routine. If your main loads happen before or after the window, savings shrink quickly.
Overlooking standing charges
Standing charges vary by region and can be a bigger factor than people expect — especially for low-usage households.
Switching without meter compatibility checks
Some tariffs need a smart meter or specific configuration. If your meter can’t support the readings, billing can become complicated.
FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs
Is evening electricity really free in the UK?
On tariffs marketed as “free evenings”, the electricity unit rate during the stated evening window may be set to £0.00/kWh. However, you’ll usually still pay a standing charge, and electricity outside the window can be priced higher than a standard tariff. Always compare the full tariff structure.
Do free evening tariffs work for households without an EV?
Yes — if you can shift meaningful usage into the evening window (laundry, dishwasher, cooking prep, immersion heater, dehumidifier, etc.). If your electricity use is spread evenly across the day or heavy in daytime (WFH, electric heating), a strong fixed tariff may be better value.
Will I need to change my meter?
Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter, but requirements vary. If you’re on a multi-rate setup (such as Economy 7), it’s especially important to check compatibility. We’ll take meter requirements into account when matching you with suitable tariffs.
Can I get free evening electricity on a dual fuel tariff?
Some suppliers may offer it alongside gas, while others provide it as an electricity tariff only. In many cases you can still compare dual fuel versus separate suppliers — we’ll show the best-value route based on what’s available for your postcode.
How long does switching take?
Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances. In most cases, the process is straightforward: your energy supply stays on throughout, and you simply move onto a new tariff. If a smart meter installation is required, that can add additional time.
Will a free evening tariff suit prepayment meters?
Availability for prepayment meters depends on supplier policy and meter type. If you’re on prepay, submit your postcode and details — we’ll confirm what evening/off-peak options are realistically available for your home.
Still unsure? Use the form above and we’ll point you to the most cost-effective options for your usage pattern.
What households like about EnergyPlus
We focus on clarity: the right tariff depends on your meter type, region and when you use electricity — especially with free-evening and other time-of-use deals.
“The comparison made it obvious that the ‘free evenings’ deal only worked if we shifted laundry and EV charging. We saved once we scheduled everything properly.”
“Clear breakdown of standing charges and rates. No pressure — just the numbers and a straightforward switch.”
“We thought free evenings would be best, but the adviser showed a cheaper fixed tariff for our daytime-heavy usage. Appreciate the honesty.”
Trust indicators: Whole-of-market approach, UK-focused support, and tariff comparisons that include peak/off-peak rates and standing charges — not just headline offers.
Ready to compare free evening electricity tariffs?
Submit your details and we’ll match you with suitable UK home energy tariffs — including evening/off-peak deals where available — and show whether they beat your current plan.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- Peak/off-peak pricing explained clearly
- Help switching if you choose to proceed
Start now
Go to the comparison form Read FAQs firstIt takes around 1–2 minutes. Your supply won’t be interrupted.
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