Free electricity weekend tariffs UK: compare whole-of-market
Compare UK energy tariffs that offer free electricity at the weekend (or similar time-of-use deals). Tell us your postcode and usage, and we’ll show eligible household options across the market—so you can see if “free weekend electricity” could work for your home.
- Whole-of-market comparison for homes in Great Britain
- Check weekend-free / off-peak style tariffs and alternatives
- See estimated costs using your postcode and energy profile
- Switch support—no jargon, no pressure
For domestic energy customers. Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier rules. We’ll show what you can actually get for your address.
Compare free electricity weekend tariffs in the UK
“Free electricity at the weekend” tariffs are a type of time-of-use plan that can offer 0p unit rates for electricity during specific weekend hours (the exact window depends on the supplier and product). The trade-off is usually a higher weekday unit rate, and sometimes a different standing charge.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market UK comparison service. Use the form to tell us your address and household profile, and we’ll help you compare weekend-free style tariffs (where available) alongside strong alternatives—so you can choose based on total estimated cost, not just the headline “free” claim.
Quick tip: These deals can suit homes that run energy-hungry appliances at weekends (washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion heater, EV charging). If most of your usage is weekdays, a standard fixed tariff may still be cheaper overall.
What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)
- Your postcode (to check regional pricing and availability)
- Whether you want electricity only or dual fuel
- Your current supplier (optional, but helpful)
- Rough usage or household size (if you don’t have kWh)
Why we ask for postcode: electricity prices and tariff availability vary by region and network area. Postcode helps us show accurate unit rates and standing charges.
Why compare weekend-free electricity tariffs with EnergyPlus?
Whole-of-market view
We compare across the market rather than only showing one supplier’s deal—useful because “free weekend” products can be limited and change frequently.
We focus on total annual cost
A free window can sound great, but the weekday rate may be higher. We help you compare the full picture: unit rates, standing charge and your usage pattern.
Match to your meter & lifestyle
Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter. We’ll help you find options that work with your setup (and alternatives if you’re not eligible).
Clear switching support
We’ll explain tariff terms, price caps vs fixed deals, and anything that could affect your bill before you decide.
UK home-energy only
This page is for domestic customers. If you’re moving home, switching, or reviewing costs, you’re in the right place.
Save time and avoid surprises
We highlight common catches—like eligibility windows, minimum term, and when “free” only applies to the unit rate (not the standing charge).
How “free electricity at the weekend” tariffs work
In the UK, “free weekend electricity” typically means the supplier sets the electricity unit rate to 0p for a defined period on weekends. It does not usually mean your entire bill is free—standing charges still apply, and usage outside the free window is charged at the normal rate.
Common features
- Set free window (e.g. specific hours on Saturday and Sunday)
- Higher non-free rates to balance the tariff’s costs
- Smart meter requirement for accurate time-based billing
- Applies to electricity only; gas is billed normally on dual-fuel
- Usage shifting is key—benefits depend on whether you can move demand to weekends
Best suited to households that…
- Do lots of laundry/drying/dishwashing on weekends
- Have an EV and can schedule charging on weekends
- Use electric heating or immersion heating at specific times
- Can use timers/smart plugs to shift load safely
- Want a simple pattern (weekend free) rather than multiple peak/off-peak bands
Important: Free periods, eligibility and unit rates vary by supplier and region. Some products change name or withdraw without notice. Always compare the full tariff details and estimated annual cost for your home.
Quick comparison: weekend-free vs other time-of-use options
| Tariff type | What it offers | Typical catch | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free weekend electricity | 0p unit rate in a weekend time window | Weekday rates may be higher; standing charge still applies | Homes that can shift heavy usage to weekends |
| EV/off-peak overnight | Cheap overnight electricity band | Peak rates can be expensive; strict schedule | EV owners or night-time appliance use |
| Standard fixed tariff | Same unit rate all day | No special cheap window | Most households who want predictable pricing |
| Variable (price-capped) | Rate can change; follows market movements and Ofgem cap rules | Can rise; less certainty for budgeting | Short-term flexibility, no exit fees (often) |
Eligibility: can you get a free weekend electricity tariff?
Availability depends on your region, meter type and the supplier’s product rules at the time you apply. Some time-of-use plans are restricted to smart meters, and certain legacy meters (or complex setups) may not be compatible.
Smart meter: often required
A smart meter can record half-hourly readings, which suppliers use to apply different rates by time. If you don’t have one, we’ll still compare the best standard options and flag whether getting a smart meter could unlock more time-of-use tariffs.
Economy 7 / legacy meters
If you have Economy 7 or another multi-rate meter, a weekend-free tariff may not be available as a direct swap. We’ll help you understand your choices, including whether a meter change is needed and what that means for your pricing.
Regional note (UK)
EnergyPlus comparisons on this page are for homes in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland has a different market structure and suppliers.
Will a free weekend tariff actually save you money?
It depends on how much electricity you can move into the free period. If you only use a small amount at weekends, the higher weekday price can outweigh the weekend benefit. A good comparison looks at your estimated annual cost, not just one headline rate.
What to check before you switch
- Free window times: confirm the exact weekend hours (and if bank holidays count).
- Weekday unit rate: compare it against your current tariff and other fixed options.
- Standing charge: it applies every day, even when the unit rate is 0p.
- Exit fees / term: check if the deal is fixed-term and whether leaving early costs money.
- Usage pattern: estimate what % of your electricity can realistically be shifted.
Easy ways to maximise the free period (safely)
- Run washing machine and dishwasher during the free window.
- If you have a tumble dryer, batch drying during free hours can make a noticeable difference.
- Use appliance timers where appropriate, following manufacturer guidance.
- For EVs, schedule charging to start inside the free window (and confirm your charger settings).
- Avoid unsafe practices (e.g. running high-load appliances unattended if not recommended).
Reality check: “Free” usually refers to the electricity unit rate only. Your bill can still include standing charges, and any electricity used outside the free hours is charged normally.
Common mistakes when comparing free weekend electricity deals
Comparing only the free rate
If you don’t compare weekday rates and standing charges, you can end up paying more overall—even with 0p weekends.
Not checking the time window
Some tariffs define “weekend” as specific hours, not the whole day. Make sure your heavy usage fits inside the free period.
Assuming you’re eligible
Your meter type and region matter. A quick postcode check avoids wasting time on tariffs you can’t actually take.
Forgetting the standing charge
Standing charges apply daily. Even with free unit rates, this part of the bill remains.
Switching without a usage plan
If your lifestyle can’t realistically shift usage to weekends, a strong fixed tariff can be the better option.
Not considering alternative TOU tariffs
If you use power mostly overnight, an off-peak tariff may beat a weekend-free deal. We’ll show both where relevant.
Free weekend electricity tariffs UK: FAQs
Are weekend electricity tariffs really free?
They can offer a 0p unit rate for electricity during a defined weekend time window. However, you’ll typically still pay a standing charge, and electricity used outside the free hours is charged at the normal unit rate.
Do I need a smart meter for a free weekend tariff?
Often, yes—because the supplier needs time-based readings. If you don’t have a smart meter, we’ll still help you compare suitable standard tariffs and explain what’s available for your setup.
Can I get free weekend electricity on a prepayment meter?
Sometimes, but it depends on the supplier and your meter configuration. Time-of-use deals can be restricted for certain prepayment setups. Use the comparison form to check what’s available for your postcode.
Is a weekend-free tariff better than Economy 7?
Not always. Economy 7 is usually about overnight cheaper rates, while weekend-free focuses on a weekend window. Which is better depends on when you use electricity. We compare both (where relevant) so you can choose based on estimated annual cost.
Can I switch back if it doesn’t suit me?
Usually, yes, but check whether the tariff is fixed-term and whether exit fees apply. We’ll highlight important terms in your comparison results.
How quickly can I switch electricity tariffs in the UK?
Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances (e.g. debt, meter type). In many cases, switches can complete within a few working days. We’ll guide you through what to expect when you request a comparison.
What customers look for in a weekend tariff
Everyone’s household is different, but these are the outcomes people typically want when comparing free electricity weekend tariffs in the UK.
“I needed to know if the weekend-free window would actually beat a decent fixed rate. Seeing the estimated annual cost made it clear.”
“We do all our washing and drying over the weekend. A time-based tariff only makes sense if the rules are easy to follow.”
“I wasn’t sure if my meter was compatible. The postcode check saved me time and pointed me to better alternatives.”
Trust signals
- Clear explanation of unit rates, standing charges and time windows
- Whole-of-market approach to find suitable household tariffs
- Postcode-based pricing to reflect your region
Ready to see if a free weekend electricity tariff fits your home?
Run a quick postcode comparison and we’ll show eligible weekend-free/off-peak options alongside strong fixed alternatives—so you can choose the cheapest suitable tariff for your usage.
- 2-minute form
- Whole-of-market options for households in Great Britain
- Estimated annual cost view to avoid nasty surprises
EnergyPlus.co.uk helps domestic customers compare tariffs. Tariff availability and terms can change. Always review supplier T&Cs before switching.
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