Are free electricity weekend tariffs worth it in the UK?
They can be — but only if your home can shift enough usage into the “free” window and the weekday/unit rates don’t wipe out the gain. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and see if a free weekend electricity tariff suits your household (and EV charging) pattern.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not just a single supplier)
- Quick check: would your weekend usage actually be free in practice?
- See alternatives: EV, time-of-use, fixed and variable tariffs
- Switch support from start to finish
Estimates depend on your meter type, region, supplier terms and actual usage patterns. We’ll show you the trade-offs before you switch.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs vs alternatives (UK homes)
A “free electricity weekend tariff” typically offers a set window where electricity unit rates drop to £0/kWh (or close to it) during weekends. It sounds unbeatable — but in the UK the rest of the tariff (weekday unit rates and standing charge) is often higher.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market options based on how you actually use energy at home — including whether you can move flexible loads such as EV charging, washing, tumble drying, dishwashing or immersion heating into the free period.
What you’ll get from a personalised comparison
- A clear view of weekend “free” savings vs weekday cost uplift
- Whether you’re better suited to EV/time-of-use tariffs (not just “free weekends”)
- Estimated annual cost with your postcode region and meter type
- Options for fixed tariffs if you prefer predictable pricing
When a free electricity weekend tariff is worth it (and when it isn’t)
Worth it if you can shift big loads
If you can consistently move high-use activities to the free window (e.g. EV charging, laundry, dishwasher, batch cooking), the £/kWh saving can outweigh higher weekday rates.
Worth it if your weekdays are low usage
Homes that are out during weekdays (or have strong efficiency) may be less exposed to increased weekday unit rates and standing charges.
Worth it if you’re comfortable with TOU
These deals behave like time-of-use tariffs. If you like optimising usage (or have smart scheduling), you’re more likely to benefit.
Often not worth it if usage stays the same
If your energy habits don’t change, the “free” window may not cover enough kWh to offset higher rates at other times.
Often not worth it for heat-heavy homes
If you have electric heating or high weekday daytime usage, pricier weekday units can quickly erase weekend savings.
Not worth it if terms don’t match your routine
Some tariffs define “weekend” hours narrowly (e.g. late night to early morning). If you can’t use energy then, the benefit shrinks.
How free weekend electricity tariffs work in the UK
While offers vary by supplier, “free electricity on weekends” is usually a time-limited discount applied to electricity unit rates during specific weekend hours. You still typically pay a daily standing charge, and weekday pricing can be higher than standard tariffs.
Key things to check before you switch
- Exact free window: Which hours are free, and is it both Saturday and Sunday?
- Weekday unit rates: Compare against a normal fixed tariff and other TOU tariffs.
- Standing charge: A higher standing charge can reduce the benefit for low-use homes.
- Meter requirements: Most need a smart meter for accurate time-of-use billing.
- Exit fees/contract length: Especially relevant if you might switch again soon.
What “free” usually means (plain English)
Free unit rate: The cost per kWh in the free window may be £0.00/kWh (electricity only), but your standing charge still applies.
Not always “all weekend”: Some deals are limited to off-peak weekend hours. The details in the tariff information label matter.
Weekday uplift: Suppliers often recoup the free period through higher weekday unit rates.
Quick self-check: will “free weekends” save you money?
Use this simple test before you compare quotes. You don’t need perfect numbers — just a realistic feel for your home’s usage pattern.
- Estimate your weekend-shiftable electricity (kWh): EV charging, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion heater, batch cooking, home DIY tools.
- Check the free window hours: If the free period is narrow, reduce your estimate (you may not fit everything in).
- Compare the weekday uplift: If the weekday rate is higher than your current tariff, multiply that difference by your weekday kWh.
- Don’t ignore the standing charge: A higher standing charge hits you every day, even when usage is low.
- Decide your “behaviour change” comfort: If you won’t realistically schedule loads, treat savings cautiously.
Rule of thumb
Free weekend tariffs tend to work best when you can shift a meaningful chunk of your weekly electricity into the free window — and your weekday usage isn’t heavily penalised by higher unit rates.
If you want a quicker answer, use the comparison form and we’ll highlight deals where the maths stacks up.
Free weekend tariffs vs other UK electricity tariff types
If your goal is cheaper charging and flexible usage, a free weekend offer is only one route. Here’s how it compares to other common home energy tariffs.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Free weekend electricity | Homes that can move a lot of kWh into the free period (often EV households). | Higher weekday unit rates/standing charge; limited “free” hours; smart meter often required. |
| EV time-of-use (off-peak nights) | Regular overnight charging and predictable routines. | Peak rates can be high; you must reliably charge in the off-peak window. |
| Standard fixed tariff | People who want predictable pricing and minimal behaviour change. | May miss out on TOU discounts if you could shift usage easily. |
| Variable tariff | Short-term flexibility and no/low exit fees (supplier dependent). | Rates can change; budgeting is harder. |
EV households: weekends aren’t the only cheap window
If you charge mostly overnight, a specialist EV tariff with low off-peak night rates may beat “free weekends” — especially if your weekday daytime usage is significant. Comparing both types is the quickest way to avoid overpaying.
Eligibility and setup: what UK homes usually need
Smart meter (often required)
Time-of-use billing relies on half-hourly readings. Many free weekend tariffs are designed around smart meter data, so check requirements before applying.
Direct debit and online account
Some suppliers restrict special tariffs to customers paying by direct debit or managing their account online.
Regional pricing differences
Unit rates and standing charges vary by UK region and network area. Always compare using your postcode for accurate pricing.
Electricity-only vs dual fuel
Some deals are electricity-only. If you also need gas, compare the combined cost — not just the “free” headline.
Common mistakes that make “free weekends” poor value
Assuming “free” means zero bill
Standing charges still apply, and weekday pricing may be higher. The only honest comparison is total annual cost.
Not checking the exact hours
Some tariffs specify narrow weekend windows. If your usage happens outside them, you pay standard/peak rates.
Forgetting weekday loads
Cooking, home working, electric showers and daytime heating can make weekday uplift far more expensive than the weekend benefit.
Overestimating what you can shift
Be realistic. If you won’t run appliances at certain times (noise, convenience, childcare), plan for lower savings.
Not using timers/smart charging
Without scheduling, appliances and EVs may drift into paid hours. Smart plugs/EV schedules can protect your savings.
Comparing against the wrong baseline
Compare against what you would otherwise choose (often a competitive fixed tariff), not against an outdated or expensive default.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs in the UK
Do free weekend tariffs require a smart meter?
Often, yes. Time-of-use pricing typically relies on smart meter readings so suppliers can bill different rates by time and day. Requirements vary by supplier and tariff.
Is electricity really £0 on weekends?
The unit rate may be £0/kWh during the stated weekend window, but you’ll usually still pay a standing charge. Any usage outside the free hours is billed at the tariff’s paid unit rate(s).
Will it reduce my bill if I don’t change my behaviour?
Not always. These tariffs are designed to reward shifting usage. If your weekend usage is already low — or most of your consumption happens on weekdays — a cheaper fixed tariff may work out better.
Are free weekend tariffs good for EV charging?
They can be, particularly if you do most charging at weekends and can reliably schedule charging within the free hours. If you charge mainly overnight during the week, an EV off-peak night tariff may be better value.
What should I compare besides the headline offer?
Focus on total annual cost: weekday unit rates, standing charge, contract length, exit fees, and the exact free window. Also consider whether you’re comparing electricity-only vs dual fuel.
Can I switch if I’m in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
Availability varies by supplier and region. Northern Ireland has a different market structure to Great Britain. Use your postcode in the form to see what’s available for your home.
Want the simplest answer? Compare tariffs with your postcode and we’ll show options where free weekend electricity is genuinely competitive.
Why EnergyPlus for comparing weekend electricity deals
Whole-of-market approach
We compare across the market to help you find a tariff that matches your usage — not just a single supplier’s promo.
Trade-offs made clear
We highlight weekday rate uplifts, standing charges and time windows so you can decide with confidence.
Built for real homes
Whether you’re charging an EV, working from home, or managing a busy household, we focus on practical savings — not gimmicks.
“The comparison made it obvious that the free weekend deal wasn’t best for our weekday-heavy usage. We switched to a better-fit EV tariff instead.”
— UK homeowner, tariff comparison customer
“Clear breakdown of standing charge and unit rates. Helped us choose a fixed deal that beat the headline ‘free’ offer.”
— UK homeowner, switched via comparison
Ready to see if free weekend electricity is actually cheaper for your home?
Compare whole-of-market tariffs with your postcode and usage pattern. We’ll surface the deals that make sense — and the ones that don’t.
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