Free weekend electricity tariffs UK: compare whole-of-market
Looking for cheaper weekend energy? Compare UK free weekend electricity tariffs and similar time-of-use deals across the whole market. Tell us about your home and we’ll show options that match your usage pattern.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- See if “free weekends” beats a standard or fixed tariff
- Works for smart meters and time-of-use plans
- Switch with confidence: clear costs, unit rates and terms
Free weekend offers vary by supplier and usually require a smart meter. We’ll help you compare the full pricing (weekday/day rates, standing charge, and any peak rates) before you switch.
Compare UK free weekend electricity tariffs (and the closest alternatives)
“Free weekend electricity” tariffs can be a great fit if you can shift a meaningful chunk of your usage to Saturday and Sunday (laundry, dishwasher, batch cooking, EV charging). But the headline offer isn’t the whole story — weekday rates, peak windows, and standing charges can be higher.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes. We help you compare:
- Free weekend promotions (where available)
- Time-of-use tariffs that discount off-peak hours (including weekends)
- Fixed tariffs for predictable monthly costs
- Standard variable tariffs (SVT) as a baseline
Tip: If a tariff advertises “free weekends”, always check what counts as “free” (unit rate only vs. excluding standing charge), the exact weekend window, and whether weekday rates rise to compensate.
Fastest way to see if it’s worth it
Use the form to get matched with suitable tariffs for your postcode and household. You’ll be able to compare estimated costs and key terms before you decide.
Not sure? You can still compare. Many weekend/off-peak tariffs require a smart meter, but we’ll also show suitable fixed and standard options for your situation.
Why consider free weekend electricity tariffs?
These tariffs can reduce costs for households that use more electricity on weekends. They’re most effective when you can plan around the discounted periods and avoid high weekday rates.
Potentially lower bills
If your usage is naturally weekend-heavy (family home, frequent washing, home cooking), discounted weekend rates can meaningfully cut the overall unit cost.
Better for flexible routines
Great for people who can run appliances on weekends: tumble dryer, dishwasher, batch cooking, immersion heater scheduling, or EV charging.
Clear comparison of trade-offs
We compare weekend discounts against standing charges and weekday/peak rates so you don’t choose a tariff that looks good on the headline but costs more overall.
How free weekend electricity tariffs work (UK)
In the UK, “free weekend electricity” is usually a time-of-use approach: electricity used in a defined weekend window is billed at a special rate (sometimes £0/kWh for the unit rate), while other times are charged at standard or higher rates. Offers and availability change, so the smartest move is to compare the full tariff structure.
- Check your meter setup: most weekend/time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so usage can be measured by time bands.
- Understand the time bands: confirm the exact weekend window (e.g. from Friday night to Monday morning, or Saturday/Sunday only) and whether there are weekday peak periods.
- Compare total costs: look at standing charge + weekday unit rate(s) + any peak rate vs. your expected weekend usage.
- Switch without disruption: in most cases there’s no engineer visit; your supplier change is handled behind the scenes, and you’ll keep the same supply.
What “free” can mean
| Label used | What it typically means | What to check before switching |
|---|---|---|
| Free weekend electricity | Unit rate at £0/kWh (or very low) during a defined weekend window | Standing charge still applies; weekday/peak rates may be higher |
| Discounted weekends | Reduced weekend unit rate, not necessarily free | Any exit fees, contract length, and whether discount is time-limited |
| Off-peak / time-of-use | Cheaper unit rates at certain hours/days (may include weekends) | Peak windows, number of rates, and whether your routine suits them |
| EV tariffs | Cheap overnight/off-peak periods; some include weekend value | Eligibility (vehicle/charger/app), and whether daytime rates are high |
If you want to jump back and get results, use Compare now.
Are free weekend tariffs actually cheaper?
They can be — but only when the discounted weekend usage is large enough to outweigh any higher weekday/peak rates and standing charges. The key is to think in terms of total annual cost, not just a single “free” label.
What typically boosts savings
- High weekend electricity use (laundry, cooking, home hobbies)
- EV charging mainly on Saturday/Sunday or off-peak windows
- Ability to schedule appliances (delay start / smart plugs)
- Good discipline avoiding weekday peak windows
What can wipe out savings
- Higher weekday unit rates compared to fixed tariffs
- Expensive peak rate windows during evenings
- High standing charge in your region
- Low overall electricity usage (standing charge dominates)
Simple rule of thumb
If you can reliably move 20–35% (or more) of your electricity usage into the discounted weekend window, a free weekend or weekend-discount tariff is more likely to be competitive — but always compare the full rates to be sure.
Eligibility and requirements (UK homes)
Availability depends on the supplier, your region, and your meter setup. Here’s what typically matters when looking for free weekend electricity tariffs in the UK.
Smart meter
Many time-of-use and weekend offers require a smart meter to track usage by time band. If you’re unsure, we can still compare options.
Tariff type & payment
Some deals are limited to monthly Direct Debit. Prepayment customers may have fewer weekend/time-of-use options, but it varies.
Regional rates
Standing charges and unit rates differ across Great Britain by region. Postcode matching is essential for accurate comparisons.
Home energy only: This page is focused on domestic electricity tariffs. If you’re looking for business energy contracts, you’ll need a separate comparison route.
Common mistakes when choosing a free weekend tariff
Avoid these pitfalls to make sure a “free weekend electricity” deal genuinely reduces your bill.
1) Only looking at the weekend rate
Your cost is driven by the full week: weekday unit rates, any peak pricing, plus the standing charge. Compare estimated annual cost wherever possible.
2) Misreading the “weekend” window
Some tariffs define the weekend period narrowly, while others include Friday evening or Monday morning. Check the exact times and your usage pattern.
3) Ignoring standing charges
If your electricity use is low, the standing charge can make “free” unit rates less meaningful. This is especially true in higher-standing-charge regions.
4) Not thinking about winter usage
Weekend patterns can change with heating, lighting and occupancy. A tariff that works in summer may not be cheapest year-round.
Free weekend electricity tariffs UK: FAQs
Do free weekend electricity tariffs really exist in the UK?
From time to time, suppliers offer tariffs promoted as “free weekends” or similar. Availability can change, and the “free” element typically applies to the unit rate during defined weekend periods (standing charges still apply). If no true “free weekend” tariffs are available in your area, we’ll help you compare the closest alternatives such as weekend discounts or off-peak time-of-use deals.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Time-of-use pricing generally requires a smart meter so the supplier can bill your electricity usage by time bands. If you don’t have one (or you’re not sure), you can still compare fixed and standard tariffs, and explore whether a smart meter upgrade is available.
Is weekend electricity actually free, including the standing charge?
Usually not. “Free” commonly refers to the unit rate (pence per kWh) during the weekend window. Your standing charge is typically charged every day regardless of when you use electricity.
Will my weekday electricity be more expensive?
It can be. Many weekend-discount tariffs balance the “free” or reduced weekend rate with higher weekday rates and/or peak pricing. That’s why comparing estimated annual cost against a fixed tariff is important.
Can I switch if I’m in a contract?
You may be able to switch, but some fixed tariffs have exit fees if you leave before the end of the term. We recommend checking your current plan’s terms and comparing potential savings against any fees.
Does it matter where I live in the UK?
Yes. Electricity prices (especially standing charges) vary by region in Great Britain, so the same tariff name can cost different amounts depending on your postcode. That’s why postcode-based comparison is the most accurate approach.
Still unsure what to choose? Go back to the comparison form and we’ll help you evaluate weekend offers alongside fixed and standard tariffs.
What customers say
Real households use EnergyPlus to understand the true cost of time-of-use and “free weekend” promotions before switching.
“The weekend deal looked amazing, but EnergyPlus helped me see weekday rates were higher. I chose a different tariff and saved overall.”
— Emma, Manchester
“We run the dishwasher and washing machine on Saturdays. The comparison showed a weekend discount tariff suited us better than a fixed plan.”
— James, Bristol
“Quick form, clear results. Helpful to compare standing charges by postcode — that’s what changed the outcome for us.”
— Priya, Glasgow
Trust essentials
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy
- Transparent focus on total cost, not just promotional claims
- Postcode-based pricing checks for accurate regional rates
Ready to compare free weekend electricity tariffs?
Get a personalised comparison for your UK home. We’ll highlight weekend offers where available and show the best-value alternatives based on your postcode and meter setup.
- See rates and key terms in one place
- Compare against fixed tariffs for peace of mind
- Make a confident decision with the full picture
It takes a minute. No scripts, no hassle — just a clear route to the right home energy tariff.
Back to Energy Suppliers