Best free evening electricity tariffs in the UK this week
Compare whole-of-market evening & off-peak electricity deals designed for cheaper energy after work. Tell us your postcode and usage and we’ll match you to the best options available for your home—fast.
- Whole-of-market comparison (not tied to one supplier)
- Check plans with low evening unit rates and smart time windows
- See estimated costs based on your usage and region
- Switch online with support from a UK-based team
Estimates vary by region, meter type and supplier time windows. We’ll show the key terms (including standing charge) before you decide.
Compare the best free evening electricity tariffs available in your area
“Free evening electricity” tariffs can be good value if you use a meaningful chunk of your power between the supplier’s defined evening hours (for example, cooking, laundry, dishwashers, heat pumps, or home EV charging). The catch is that the daytime rate and standing charge may be higher, and the “free” period is usually limited to specific times.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market options for your home—including time-of-use tariffs with evening discounts and plans marketed as “free evenings”. We’ll focus on the details that affect your bill: time windows, unit rates, standing charge, tariff length, exit fees and meter requirements.
Tip: If you can shift at least 25–40% of your usage into the discounted/free evening window, these tariffs can outperform standard variable or fixed deals—especially in regions with higher unit rates.
What you’ll get after you submit
- Personalised tariff matches based on your postcode and household usage
- Clear explanation of the evening window and any caps/limitations
- Estimated monthly cost including standing charges
- Support switching if you decide to go ahead
Get my best matches
Complete the form and we’ll compare evening/off-peak tariffs for your home.
Not sure what to enter? If you don’t know your exact usage, still submit your details—your postcode and meter type often determine which evening tariffs you can access.
Accessibility note: The form stacks to one column on smaller screens, so it remains easy to complete on mobile.
What are “free evening electricity” tariffs?
In the UK, “free evening electricity” is usually a marketing term for a time-of-use tariff where the unit rate during a specific evening window is reduced to 0p/kWh (or very close). In practice, the total value depends on the rest of the tariff:
- Evening window: the exact start/end times vary by supplier and can differ by season.
- Day/peak rate: often higher to balance the free period.
- Standing charge: can be higher than standard tariffs—this matters even if you use little energy.
- Eligibility: commonly requires a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings.
Important: “Free” refers to the unit rate in the evening window. You still pay standing charge, and you may pay more at other times. That’s why a whole-of-market comparison based on your usage is essential.
Who benefits most from evening/off-peak tariffs?
Families with predictable evening usage
If cooking, laundry and dishwashing mostly happen after work/school, a free evening window can reduce the cost of your highest-usage period.
EV owners charging at home
If you can schedule charging to the evening window, “free” or discounted evening rates can materially cut running costs—especially for commuters.
Households able to shift load
Timers and smart plugs help move energy-hungry tasks into cheaper periods—without changing your routine.
When it may not be a good fit
- If you’re out most evenings and use most energy in the day
- If a higher standing charge would outweigh the “free” window
- If you can’t meet smart meter/half-hourly requirements
Quick check: do you use power in the evening?
If you can move just two of the following into the evening window, it’s worth comparing:
- Dishwasher cycle
- Tumble dryer or washing machine
- EV charging
- Immersion heater boost
How to choose the best free evening tariff this week
Because suppliers change availability and pricing over time, the “best” option depends on your region, meter type and when you actually use electricity. Use the checklist below to compare fairly.
- Confirm the evening window: check start/end times and whether weekends differ.
- Compare total cost, not just the free hours: weigh the peak/day rate and standing charge.
- Check any caps or conditions: some tariffs restrict how much “free” energy you can use or require ongoing smart meter data sharing.
- Look at contract length & exit fees: especially if you might move home or expect rates to change.
- Review billing and customer service: direct debit requirements, app features, and support quality can matter as much as unit rate.
Want us to do this for you? Jump back to Compare tariffs and we’ll match plans to your postcode and usage pattern.
Costs, savings and the break-even point
The value of a free evening electricity tariff depends on how much energy you can consistently move into the discounted window. Here’s a practical way to think about it.
A simple rule of thumb
If your tariff offers a free evening window, you’re usually trading that for a higher peak rate and/or standing charge. In many households, it begins to make sense when you can place a sizeable share of usage into evening hours (often around one third or more), but the exact break-even depends on the rates in your area.
What increases your savings potential
- EV charging, tumble drying, electric cooking
- Using timers to start appliances in the evening window
- High overall usage (more kWh to move into cheaper hours)
- Being in a region where peak unit rates are higher
Common bill components to compare
| Bill item | Where it appears | Why it matters for “free evenings” |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge (p/day) | Daily fixed cost | Higher standing charges can reduce the benefit if you’re a low user. |
| Peak/day unit rate (p/kWh) | Most hours outside the evening window | If this is high, daytime usage becomes expensive. |
| Evening/off-peak unit rate | Defined time window | The discount/free rate only applies in the specified hours. |
| Exit fees | Fixed tariffs | If your usage changes, fees can remove the financial upside. |
Eligibility and requirements (UK homes)
Free evening and time-of-use electricity tariffs are typically available for domestic customers, but eligibility varies by supplier and network region.
Common requirements
- Smart meter (often essential for half-hourly billing)
- Direct Debit payment method
- Credit check depending on supplier policy
- Data permissions for half-hourly consumption (where needed)
Regional and tariff availability
Your postcode determines your electricity distribution region and can affect both unit rates and standing charges. Some evening tariffs are also limited by supplier rollout schedules.
Best approach: submit your postcode in the form above and we’ll show what’s actually available for your home this week.
Renters: You can usually switch electricity supplier if you pay the bill, even if you rent. If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord/agent.
Common mistakes when picking a “free evening” tariff
Only looking at the free window
A higher peak rate can cost more than you save. Compare the full tariff, including standing charge.
Assuming the same hours everywhere
Evening periods can differ by supplier and can change—always confirm the exact timings.
Forgetting meter & data requirements
Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter and half-hourly readings. We flag this during comparison.
FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs (UK)
Are free evening electricity tariffs genuinely 0p per kWh?
Some tariffs set the unit rate to 0p/kWh during a defined evening window. Others offer a low discounted rate. Either way, you still pay the standing charge and you may pay more at other times.
We focus on estimated total cost so you can see whether the tariff is truly cheaper for your household.
Do I need a smart meter for evening or time-of-use tariffs?
Often, yes. Time-of-use pricing generally relies on smart meter readings (commonly half-hourly). Some suppliers won’t offer these tariffs without an eligible smart meter setup.
Can I get a free evening tariff if I’m on prepay?
Availability is more limited on prepayment meters. Many “free evening” offers are aimed at direct debit customers. Submit your details and we’ll tell you what’s available based on your meter and postcode.
Will my evening window be the same all year?
Not always. Some suppliers keep the same hours year-round; others may adjust by season or update terms. Always check the tariff’s current schedule and key features before switching.
Is a free evening tariff better than an off-peak overnight tariff?
It depends on when you use electricity. Overnight off-peak can suit EV charging and storage heating; free evenings can suit households with high after-work usage. The best choice is the one with the lowest estimated total cost for your pattern.
How quickly can I switch electricity supplier in the UK?
Switching timelines vary, but many switches complete within a few working days. You won’t be left without power—your supply remains continuous during the changeover.
Still unsure? Use the comparison form and we’ll explain the options in plain English before you commit.
Why households use EnergyPlus
“Clear explanation of the evening window.”
I didn’t realise the free period was limited to specific hours. The comparison made it obvious which tariff matched our routine.
Homeowner, Greater Manchester
“Whole-of-market options, not pushy.”
We got several choices, with the standing charge and peak rates explained. It helped us avoid a deal that looked good on paper.
Tenant, Bristol
“Switching support was straightforward.”
We moved EV charging into the evening window and the estimates were accurate. The switch completed without hassle.
Driver, West Midlands
Our trust essentials
- Whole-of-market comparison approach
- Tariff terms explained clearly (time windows, fees, standing charge)
- UK-focused support for home energy switches
Ready to see the best evening tariffs for your postcode?
Submit your details once and we’ll match you to the most suitable free evening electricity tariffs and evening/off-peak deals available in your area this week—based on real bill drivers, not hype.
You’ll always see the evening time window, peak rates and standing charge before you decide.
Prefer to double-check first?
- Find your meter type (smart / standard / prepay)
- Have your postcode to hand
- Know roughly when you use most electricity
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