UK energy suppliers offering free electricity hours tariffs (2026)

How free electricity hours tariffs work

Free electricity hours tariffs (also called free-power windows, saving sessions, or off-peak deals) are time-of-use (TOU) energy plans where your electricity unit rate drops to £0.00/kWh during a defined time window each day or on selected occasions. Outside that window your rate is typically higher than the standard variable tariff (SVT), so the net saving depends entirely on how much consumption you can shift into the free period.

The core mechanism:

• A fixed or variable free-hours slot (e.g. overnight, or ad-hoc saving sessions called by the supplier).
• Higher peak unit rates the rest of the time to offset the subsidy.
• Standing charges still apply 24/7, including during free hours.
• A smart meter with half-hourly data is required by all major providers.

Which UK suppliers offer free electricity hours (July 2026)

The table below covers the main free-hours and saving-session style arrangements available as at July 2026. Exact windows and rates change; always verify current terms directly with the supplier.

Illustrative only. Tariff availability, windows, and rates change frequently. Verify with the supplier before switching.

Who benefits most from free electricity hours?

July 2026 price cap rise: why it matters for free-hours tariffs

Ofgem confirmed that the price cap is £1,663/yr, up from £1,641/yr today. The new SVT rates from 1 July are:

• Electricity: 26.11p/kWh + 57.19p/day standing charge
• Gas: 7.33p/kWh + 29.04p/day standing charge

Gas rises approximately 24%, electricity approximately 5%. The higher the unit rate on the standard tariff, the more valuable each kWh shifted into a free window becomes. This makes the July cap rise a good moment to review whether a TOU tariff or a cheap fixed deal is the better fit for your household.

The cheapest 12-month fixed deals on our live panel are typically priced below the £1,663 cap, several with no exit fees — run your postcode through the comparison on this page for today's exact prices.

Free-hours tariff vs cheap fixed deal: which saves more?

Neither option is universally better. Use this comparison:

How to switch energy tariff in the UK (2026)

1. Check your current deal: Note your end date and any exit fees before you switch.
2. Confirm smart meter status: Log your meter serial number and check supplier eligibility.
3. Compare tariffs: Use an Ofgem-accredited comparison or EnergyPlus to see whole-market options.
4. Check the free window: Verify exact hours, whether they change seasonally, and any fair-use limits.
5. Apply online: Most switches complete within 5 working days (Switch Guarantee).
6. 14-day cooling-off: You can cancel within 14 days of acceptance with no penalty.
7. Plan your schedule: Set appliance timers, EV charger schedule, and smart-plug automations before your switch date.

Frequently asked questions

What are free electricity hours tariffs in the UK?

They are time-of-use energy plans that set your electricity unit rate to £0.00/kWh for a defined window each day or on selected occasions. In return, rates outside the free window are typically higher than the Ofgem cap SVT. Savings depend on how much usage you can shift into the free period.

Do I need a smart meter to get a free-hours tariff?

Yes, in almost every case. Suppliers need half-hourly data to bill accurately by time slot. If you do not yet have a smart meter, you can request one from your current supplier at no charge — installation is free and most households can get one within a few weeks.

Are free electricity hours tariffs cheaper than a fixed deal?

Potentially yes, but only if you can reliably shift significant loads into the free window. For a typical home using 2,700 kWh/yr with moderate flexibility, a cheap fixed deal at around £1,600–1,630/yr (July 2026 best buys) may beat a free-hours tariff unless you have an EV or battery. Run the numbers on your actual usage split before switching.

Which appliances save the most on free-hours tariffs?

The biggest winners are high-load, schedulable devices: EV charger (7 kW), home battery, tumble dryer (2–4 kWh/cycle), washing machine (1–2 kWh), dishwasher (1–2 kWh), and immersion heater (2–3 kWh). Set delay timers or smart plugs to run them automatically during the free window.

What happens to my bill if I cannot shift usage into the free window?

Higher peak unit rates can push your total bill above what you would pay on a standard variable or cheap fixed tariff. Free-hours deals are not a free lunch: the supplier recovers the cost via elevated daytime or evening rates. If your household is not flexible, a fixed deal may be the safer, cheaper option.

Do free-hours tariffs work with solar panels and home batteries?

Yes, and the combination can be very powerful. You can import free overnight electricity to top up your battery, then export solar generation during the day. Some tariffs also pay an export rate. Make sure your inverter and battery management system can be programmed around the free window. See the solar & battery section below for further guidance.

What is the July 2026 price cap and does it affect free-hours tariffs?

the Ofgem price cap is £1,663/yr for a typical dual-fuel home on direct debit — a £221 increase. The SVT electricity unit rate becomes 26.11p/kWh. This makes every kWh successfully shifted into a free window worth slightly more than it was before July, strengthening the case for TOU tariffs for flexible households.

Can I switch back if the free-hours tariff does not work for me?

Yes. UK energy switching rules allow you to leave any tariff after the contract term (or during cooling-off). Check for exit fees on fixed-term free-hours deals. If you are on a variable free-hours plan, you can usually switch with 30 days notice and no exit fee.