Energy tariffs with free weekend electricity UK
Compare whole-of-market energy deals that offer cheaper or free weekend electricity—then switch online with EnergyPlus.co.uk in minutes. Tell us a few details and we’ll show tariffs that suit how you use energy at home.
- Whole-of-market comparison (not tied to one supplier)
- See weekend-focused tariffs and standard deals side-by-side
- Find options for electric-heavy homes (laundry, EV, heat pump)
- Start a switch with one simple form
Availability and “free” periods vary by supplier, region, meter type and eligibility. We’ll show the current rates and any conditions before you switch.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs (whole-of-market)
“Free weekend electricity” tariffs can be great value if you can shift flexible usage—like washing, drying, dishwasher cycles, EV charging or batch cooking—into the weekend window. But the best deal isn’t always the one with the biggest headline. You need to check the weekday rate, the standing charge, the exact weekend hours, and whether there are caps or fair usage limits.
EnergyPlus.co.uk helps you compare weekend-focused tariffs against standard variable and fixed deals across the market, so you can choose what actually reduces your annual bill—based on your home, your meter and your typical consumption pattern.
Before you start
- If you have a recent bill, keep it nearby (annual kWh helps accuracy).
- Not sure if you have a smart meter? No problem—tell us what you know.
- We’ll show eligibility, rates, and key terms before you proceed.
Tip: If your usage is mostly weekday evenings, a “free weekend” tariff can cost more overall. We’ll show both weekend deals and the best-value alternatives for your profile.
What we mean by “whole-of-market”
We aim to compare a broad range of UK home energy tariffs across the market, including weekend offers where available. If a supplier or tariff is not available through our service at a given time, we’ll make that clear in your results.
Is a free weekend electricity tariff right for your home?
Weekend electricity tariffs are designed for households that can move energy-hungry activities to specific weekend hours. The best fit depends on your lifestyle, appliances, and whether you can realistically shift usage without inconvenience.
Great for EV & plug-in hybrid owners
If you can schedule charging on weekends, the “free” window may reduce your cost-per-mile—especially if you also do laundry and cooking during that time.
Ideal for families & busy households
Batch-wash, tumble dry, run the dishwasher and do ironing at the weekend. The more you can shift, the more these tariffs can work in your favour.
Useful for electric-heavy homes
Homes using electricity for heating, hot water, or high appliance loads may benefit—provided the weekday unit rate and standing charge remain competitive.
When it may not suit
- You’re out most weekends and use energy mainly on weekdays.
- You can’t shift usage (e.g. fixed routines, medical equipment use).
- The weekday unit rate is materially higher than other deals.
What to look for
- Exact weekend hours (and whether both days apply).
- Standing charge and weekday peak rate.
- Any caps, fair usage limits, or eligibility requirements.
- Smart meter requirement and billing/usage tracking.
How “free weekend electricity” tariffs work in the UK
These tariffs typically offer electricity at a very low rate (sometimes effectively £0/kWh) during defined weekend hours. Outside those hours, you pay the normal unit rate for the tariff, plus a daily standing charge. The supplier uses your meter readings (usually smart meter data) to apply the correct rates by time period.
- Check the window: “Weekend” might mean Saturday and Sunday, but the hours can be specific (e.g. daytime only). Always confirm the exact start/end times.
- Compare the full tariff: A generous weekend offer can be offset by a higher weekday unit rate or standing charge.
- Shift what you can: Schedule appliances, EV charging, immersion heater or other flexible loads into the weekend window (safely and within manufacturer guidance).
- Track results: After switching, monitor your actual weekend vs weekday consumption and review if your pattern changes.
Smart meter note
Many time-of-use tariffs require a communicating smart meter so your supplier can measure usage by time band. If you don’t have one, you may still be able to switch to a different deal; we’ll show the options based on what you enter in the form.
Common features compared
| Feature | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend hours | The exact time window when the weekend rate applies. | If you can’t use energy in that window, savings can disappear. |
| Weekday unit rate | The price per kWh outside the weekend period. | A higher weekday rate can outweigh weekend savings. |
| Standing charge | A daily fixed amount for network costs and metering. | Particularly important for low-usage households. |
| Fair usage / caps | Limits or conditions on “free” consumption. | Helps you avoid surprises if you use lots of weekend electricity. |
| Exit fees | Charges for leaving a fixed tariff early (where applicable). | Important if you may move home or plan to switch again soon. |
Costs & savings: how to assess a weekend tariff properly
The key is to estimate how much electricity you can realistically move into the weekend window. The more accurate your estimate, the more confident you can be that the tariff will reduce your annual cost rather than just looking good on paper.
A simple way to think about it
A weekend tariff can work if:
- your shifted weekend kWh is meaningful, and
- the weekday rate + standing charge remain competitive for the rest of your usage.
If you only shift a small amount (e.g. a single wash), savings may be modest.
Typical loads you can shift
- Washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher
- Electric oven batch cooking
- EV charging (home charger or 3-pin)
- Immersion heater (if safe and suitable)
- Dehumidifier use
Watch-outs that affect real savings
- Higher weekday rates: If you work from home, weekday usage can be significant.
- Standing charge differences: A few pence per day can add up across a year.
- Seasonality: Winter demand is higher; your “shiftable” percentage may change.
- Behaviour drift: If you stop scheduling usage, the tariff may no longer suit.
Want a quick answer tailored to your region and meter type? Use the comparison form and we’ll surface weekend tariffs where available, plus the best-value alternatives.
Eligibility & practical considerations
Eligibility for weekend electricity tariffs can depend on your meter, your payment method and where you live. Your comparison results will highlight any requirements clearly.
Meter type
Many weekend deals are time-of-use, often requiring a smart meter to record usage by time band. If you have a traditional meter, you may be offered alternative fixed or standard tariffs.
Region & network
Unit rates and standing charges vary by UK region due to local distribution network costs. A weekend tariff that’s strong in one region may be less competitive in another.
Payment method
Some tariffs are available only with Direct Debit, and some suppliers have different prices for prepayment meters. We’ll show what applies to your home.
Moving home?
If you may move within the next 12 months, check whether the tariff is fixed and whether it includes exit fees. You may prefer a more flexible option depending on your plans.
Common mistakes when choosing weekend electricity deals
Avoid these pitfalls to make sure the tariff you choose matches how your household actually uses electricity.
Focusing only on the “free” claim
Always review the weekday unit rate and standing charge. The cheapest overall tariff is the one that minimises your annual cost, not necessarily the one with the most eye-catching weekend offer.
Not checking the weekend hours
Some tariffs define specific hours, and they may not cover the whole weekend. Confirm you can actually run key appliances during the qualifying period.
Underestimating weekday consumption
Working from home, electric cooking, gaming/streaming and heating controls can make weekday usage higher than expected—reducing the impact of weekend savings.
Switching without a plan
These tariffs work best when you deliberately schedule flexible loads. If you won’t change habits, a competitive fixed tariff may be better value.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs
Is weekend electricity really free?
Some tariffs apply a £0/kWh (or very low) unit rate during defined weekend hours. You’ll usually still pay a standing charge, and you’ll pay the normal unit rate outside the weekend window. Always check the tariff’s exact terms and any fair usage conditions.
Do I need a smart meter for a weekend tariff?
Often, yes—because time-of-use pricing relies on usage being measured by time band. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may still be able to choose other competitive fixed or standard tariffs. EnergyPlus will show what’s available based on your details.
Can I get free weekend electricity with a prepayment meter?
Availability can be more limited for prepayment meters. Where a weekend tariff isn’t available, we’ll show you alternative deals that fit your meter type and region.
Will a weekend tariff reduce my bill if I don’t have an EV?
It can. EV charging is a large, shiftable load, but other appliances also add up—tumble drying, dishwashing, cooking and dehumidifiers. The key is whether you can move a meaningful share of your electricity use into the weekend window.
How long does switching take?
In many cases, your supplier switch completes within a few working days. Your supply won’t be interrupted. We’ll guide you through the steps and show what to expect for your chosen tariff.
Can I use timers to shift usage to the weekend?
Yes, many households use appliance delay-start features, smart plugs, or EV scheduling to run devices in the qualifying window. Follow manufacturer safety guidance—especially for tumble dryers and other high-heat appliances.
Still unsure? Get personalised results and compare weekend tariffs against the best-value standard deals for your home.
What homeowners like about comparing with EnergyPlus
Real switching decisions come down to clarity: knowing the weekend window, the weekday rate, and the standing charge—before you commit.
“The comparison made it obvious that one ‘free weekend’ deal had a higher weekday rate. I picked a different tariff and saved more overall.”
“We do all laundry and dishwasher runs on weekends. The results showed which tariffs actually matched our meter and postcode.”
“Switching was straightforward. I liked that it compared weekend deals with normal fixed tariffs so I could sanity-check the numbers.”
Trust essentials
- Clear presentation of unit rates, standing charges and key terms
- Home energy only—results tailored to your household details
- No interruption to supply when you switch
Ready to see free weekend electricity tariffs available in your area?
Submit the form to compare weekend-focused tariffs and the best-value alternatives for your home—based on your postcode, meter and typical usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- See the weekend window and full pricing breakdown
- Switch online in minutes
Start your comparison
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