Best energy tariffs with free electricity weekends UK
Compare whole-of-market weekend-free and time-of-use energy tariffs for your home. Tell us a few details and EnergyPlus will help you find options that suit your usage, EV charging and budget.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households
- See tariffs that offer free electricity at weekends (where available)
- Check unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and smart meter requirements
- Switch with confidence—no jargon, just the details that matter
Availability varies by supplier and region. “Free” periods can have higher weekday rates—always compare the full tariff.
Compare free electricity weekend tariffs (whole-of-market)
“Free electricity at weekends” tariffs usually give you zero unit rate for certain weekend hours, then charge different rates outside that window. These can work brilliantly for some households (especially with an EV charger, immersion heater or flexible laundry/dishwasher use), but they’re not automatically cheaper for everyone.
EnergyPlus compares options across the market and helps you focus on the total cost, not just the free headline—looking at weekday unit rates, standing charges, contract length and any exit fees.
Quick checklist before you compare
- Do you have a smart meter (or can you get one installed)? Most weekend-free tariffs need it.
- Can you shift usage to weekend “free” hours (EV charging, hot water, batch cooking)?
- Are you happy with time-of-use pricing during weekdays?
Get weekend-free tariff options
Fill in the form and we’ll show tariffs that match your home and usage pattern.
Who benefits most from free weekend electricity tariffs?
These tariffs can be excellent when your weekend consumption is high and flexible. They can be less suitable if your usage is mainly weekday evenings.
EV drivers charging at home
If you can schedule most charging on Saturdays/Sundays, “free” periods may cut your cost per mile. Check any power limits, time windows and weekday rates.
Families with busy weekdays
Weekend laundry, tumble drying, batch cooking and dishwashers can add up—especially if you run multiple cycles within the free hours.
Homes with flexible hot water
Immersion heaters and heat-pump hot water can be timed. The best results come from shifting usage without increasing total consumption.
Smart tech & timers
Smart plugs, appliance timers and EV scheduling make it easier to use the free window reliably (and avoid costly weekday peaks).
People who hate bill surprises
Time-of-use tariffs can vary. EnergyPlus helps you compare the full price structure so you can choose predictable options.
Not always best for…
If most of your usage is weekday early evenings, a standard tariff (or a different time-of-use plan) may beat a weekend-free deal.
How free electricity weekends tariffs work (UK)
Weekend-free tariffs are a type of time-of-use (TOU) electricity pricing. Instead of one flat unit rate, you’ll typically see:
- Free unit rate during a defined weekend window (for example, certain hours on Saturday/Sunday).
- Standard/peak unit rate outside those hours, often higher than a typical flat tariff.
- A standing charge that still applies every day (including weekends).
Because each supplier defines their own time windows and prices, “best” depends on your actual pattern of use and region—not the headline alone.
- Estimate your weekend load. Add up EV charging, laundry, cooking, hot water and any home projects that use power tools.
- Check the non-free rates. Compare weekday unit rates, peak periods and standing charges.
- Confirm requirements. Many deals require a smart meter, direct debit and online billing.
- Switch (or don’t). Only switch if the total annual estimate works for your household.
Tip: If you have an EV, compare weekend-free tariffs with dedicated EV night-rate tariffs too. Depending on your mileage, overnight charging can beat weekend-only savings.
What to check before choosing a weekend-free tariff
Use this table to compare like-for-like. A tariff can advertise free weekend electricity and still cost more overall if weekday rates are high.
Regional note
Tariff availability and pricing vary across Great Britain by distribution region. Your postcode is essential for accurate comparisons.
Potential savings: simple weekend-free examples
Savings depend on the tariff and your usage. The examples below are illustrative to show when weekend-free electricity can help. Always compare using your postcode and actual consumption.
Example A: EV charging at weekends
If you charge a typical EV mainly on Saturday/Sunday and can schedule charging within the free window, you may reduce the cost of those kWh significantly.
- Best fit: weekend mileage, home charger, predictable routine
- Watch out for: higher weekday peak rates if you do top-ups midweek
Example B: Busy weekday household
If most heavy appliance use happens at weekends (washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher), the “free” period can cover a meaningful chunk of your total kWh.
- Best fit: multiple appliance cycles on weekend days
- Watch out for: weekday evening cooking/heating load
Reality check: A tariff with free weekend electricity can still cost more overall if the supplier offsets it with higher weekday unit rates or a higher standing charge. The “best” tariff is the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your pattern of use.
Eligibility & requirements (typical)
Smart meter
Most weekend-free tariffs require smart meter readings to apply the correct rates to the right times.
Home energy only
This page is for domestic customers. Business premises often have different pricing and contract terms.
Payment method
Some suppliers restrict TOU tariffs to direct debit and paperless billing.
If you don’t have a smart meter
You may still be able to switch to a competitive standard tariff now, and consider weekend-free or other time-of-use tariffs once a smart meter is installed. Use the comparison form to explore what’s available in your area.
Common mistakes when comparing free weekend electricity deals
1) Only looking at the “free” claim
The free period is only one part of the tariff. The best comparison is based on your estimated annual cost, including standing charges and any higher weekday rates.
2) Not checking peak times
Some TOU tariffs charge more at specific weekday hours. If your household cooks, heats water or charges devices then, costs may rise.
3) Forgetting standing charge differences
A higher standing charge can reduce savings—especially for low-usage homes, flats, and single-occupancy households.
4) Switching without a plan to shift usage
If you don’t (or can’t) move heavy usage into the free window, you may end up paying more. Timers and scheduling make a big difference.
FAQs: free electricity weekends (UK)
Is weekend electricity really free?
The unit rate for electricity can be £0.00/kWh during the advertised window, but you’ll still pay a standing charge, and electricity outside the window will be charged at the tariff’s other rates. Always compare the full price structure.
Do I need a smart meter for free weekend tariffs?
Usually, yes. Time-of-use tariffs typically need smart meter readings so your supplier can apply the correct rates by time. If you’re not sure, use the comparison form and we’ll help you identify suitable options.
Are weekend-free tariffs good for EV charging?
They can be—especially if most of your charging can happen within the free weekend window. If you also need weekday charging, compare against EV-focused overnight tariffs too.
Will the best tariff be the same across the UK?
No. Prices and availability can vary by region. Comparing by postcode is the only reliable way to see accurate unit rates and standing charges for your area.
Can I get free weekend electricity on dual fuel?
Some suppliers offer these deals on electricity only, while others may bundle with gas. With dual fuel, compare each fuel’s pricing and the combined estimated annual cost.
How quickly can I switch?
Switching timelines vary. Many switches complete within a few working days, but it can depend on your current supplier, meter setup and any account checks. Your supply won’t be interrupted.
Trusted comparison support
EnergyPlus helps UK households compare tariffs clearly—so you can make a confident choice based on your real usage pattern.
“The weekend-free tariff looked great, but EnergyPlus helped me see the weekday rates too. I ended up with a deal that actually fit our routine.”
— Hannah, Manchester
“We charge our EV mostly on Sundays. The comparison made it obvious which options worked for our postcode.”
— Imran, Glasgow
“Clear steps and no jargon. The checklist saved me from choosing a tariff with a high standing charge.”
— Sarah, Bristol
What you can expect
- Whole-of-market comparison for household energy
- Clarity on time windows, unit rates and standing charges
- Help identifying tariffs suited to EV charging and flexible usage
Ready to find the best weekend-free tariff for your home?
Compare whole-of-market energy tariffs using your postcode and household details. We’ll help you spot genuinely good value—not just a “free weekend” headline.
- Check availability in your region
- Review full pricing (including weekday rates)
- Switch online in minutes
Domestic energy only. Tariff terms and eligibility apply.
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