Best UK energy tariffs with free electricity hours (2026 guide)
A practical, UK-specific guide to tariffs that include free or £0 electricity windows (typically overnight or off-peak). See who they suit, what to watch for, and compare whole-of-market options with clear caveats.
- Understand “free hours” vs higher daytime rates (and when you can really benefit)
- Eligibility checks: smart meter, payment method, region, EV/heat pump add-ons
- Two realistic cost scenarios with assumptions you can adapt
Figures and examples are estimated and for guidance. Tariff availability and rates vary by region, meter type and payment method.
Fast answer: are free electricity hours tariffs “best” in the UK?
They can be excellent if you can reliably shift a meaningful chunk of your usage into the free window (often overnight, sometimes weekends or a set daily slot). For many households, the catch is that unit rates outside the free hours are usually higher than standard tariffs.
Best for
- EV owners who can schedule charging overnight
- Homes with a smart meter and controllable loads (washing machine, dishwasher, immersion heater)
- Heat pump households with thermal storage or flexible heating schedules (where safe and comfortable)
Not ideal for
- Households home all day with high daytime electricity use
- Prepayment customers (many “free hours” tariffs are Direct Debit-only)
- Anyone who can’t shift at least ~15–25% of electricity into the free/cheap window (rule of thumb)
Compare free-hours tariffs (whole of market)
Use the form to check tariffs available for your postcode, meter type and payment method. We’ll show options that include free or ultra-low priced time slots where available — alongside comparable non-free tariffs, so you can judge value.
What we’ll ask you
- Postcode (to match your local distribution region and standing charge)
- Contact details (so we can send your results and help you switch if you choose)
- Optional: whether you have an EV or plan to add an EV charger
Prefer to understand the mechanics first? Read how free-hours tariffs work.
Get your personalised quote
We’ll use your details to return tariff options for your address. Rates are estimated and subject to supplier T&Cs, eligibility and credit checks where applicable.
How “free electricity hours” tariffs work in the UK
1) Set time windows
The supplier defines specific periods where the unit rate is £0 (or close to it). Common patterns include overnight blocks, short daytime blocks, or weekend deals.
2) Higher peak rates
Outside the free window, the peak unit rate may be higher than a standard tariff. You’re effectively trading predictability for flexibility.
3) Smart meter data
Time-of-use pricing usually needs half-hourly readings. That’s why many of these tariffs require a smart meter and compatible billing.
Compare tariff types: what “free hours” competes with
Supplier names and exact windows change frequently. This table compares the structures you’ll see when searching for free-hours style deals.
| Tariff structure | How pricing works | Typical requirements | Who it suits | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free-hours (time window) | £0 unit rate for a set block; higher peak rate otherwise | Usually smart meter, Direct Debit, half-hourly readings | EV charging, flexible appliances, battery storage | If you miss the window, costs can rise fast |
| EV smart off-peak | Very low overnight rate (not free), standard day rate | Smart meter; EV ownership may be required | Regular overnight charging without strict “free” slot reliance | May have higher standing charge or peak rate |
| Economy 7 / multi-rate | Cheaper night rate for ~7 hours; higher day rate | Two-rate meter (can be smart or legacy) | Storage heaters, immersion heating, consistent overnight use | If most use is daytime, you can pay more overall |
| Standard fixed / variable | Single unit rate all day + standing charge | Works for most meter types; fewer eligibility rules | Homes that value simplicity and steady usage patterns | You won’t benefit from shifting usage to off-peak |
Decision checklist: is a free-hours tariff right for you?
Choose free-hours if…
- You can automate loads (EV charger scheduling, timers, smart plugs)
- You can shift at least ~15–25% of electricity into the free window
- You’re comfortable monitoring usage for the first 1–2 billing cycles
- You’ve checked whether the tariff has an exit fee
Avoid (or double-check) if…
- Your highest usage is 4pm–10pm (cooking, electric heating, home working)
- You’re on prepayment and can’t move to Direct Debit
- You have medical/comfort needs that prevent load shifting
- Your supplier restricts free hours to specific devices or requires app control
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers you can adapt)
These are illustrative only. Standing charges, rates and free-hour windows vary by supplier, region and payment method.
Scenario A: EV driver who can charge fully in the free window
- Assumptions
- Electricity use (excluding EV): 2,700 kWh/year
- EV charging: 2,000 kWh/year
- Tariff A (free-hours): 4 hours/day at £0; peak 30p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day
- Tariff B (standard): 24p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day
- Shifted into free window: EV 90%, home 10%
Estimated annual cost (Tariff A):
Paid kWh = (2,700×90%) + (2,000×10%) = 2,430 + 200 = 2,630 kWh
Energy cost ˜ 2,630 × £0.30 = £789
Standing charge ˜ 365 × £0.55 = £200.75
Total ˜ £989.75/year
Estimated annual cost (Tariff B):
Total kWh = 2,700 + 2,000 = 4,700 kWh
Energy cost ˜ 4,700 × £0.24 = £1,128
Standing charge ˜ £200.75
Total ˜ £1,328.75/year
What this shows: If a large, controllable load (EV) fits the free slot, free-hours can outperform standard pricing even if peak rates are higher.
Scenario B: No EV, higher evening use (free-hours may cost more)
- Assumptions
- Electricity use: 3,100 kWh/year
- Tariff A (free-hours): 4 hours/day at £0; peak 30p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day
- Tariff B (standard): 24p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day
- Shifted into free window: 10% (mostly background + some appliances)
Estimated annual cost (Tariff A):
Free kWh ˜ 3,100 × 10% = 310 kWh
Paid kWh ˜ 2,790 kWh
Energy cost ˜ 2,790 × £0.30 = £837
Standing charge ˜ £200.75
Total ˜ £1,037.75/year
Estimated annual cost (Tariff B):
Energy cost ˜ 3,100 × £0.24 = £744
Standing charge ˜ £200.75
Total ˜ £944.75/year
What this shows: If only a small portion of your usage falls in the free slot, the higher peak rate can outweigh the benefit.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Standing charge still applies
Even with £0 unit rates for a few hours, you’ll typically pay a daily standing charge. This can vary by region and meter type.
Time window restrictions
Some tariffs apply free/cheap rates only during specific hours (and sometimes specific days). If your routine changes, your bills can change too.
Eligibility: smart meter & Direct Debit
Many deals require a smart meter with half-hourly data and payment by Direct Debit. Prepayment options can be limited.
Exit fees and contract length
Some fixed tariffs include exit fees. Check if you can leave without penalty if the tariff doesn’t suit your usage pattern.
App-controlled “smart charging” rules
Some EV-focused products offer the best rates only when charging is managed via an app or compatible charger/vehicle integrations.
Economy 7 confusion
Economy 7 is not “free hours”. It’s a cheaper night rate. If you switch meter types or tariffs, confirm how your registers will be billed.
FAQs
Are free electricity hours really free in the UK?
Usually the unit rate is £0 for the specified window, but you still pay a standing charge. Outside the window, unit rates can be higher than standard tariffs.
Do I need a smart meter for a free-hours tariff?
Often, yes. Many time-of-use tariffs rely on half-hourly readings from a smart meter to bill different rates by time. Some multi-rate products exist without smart, but availability varies.
Can tenants switch to a free-hours tariff?
If you pay the energy bills, you can usually switch supplier/tariff. If you’re on a prepayment meter or there are landlord-supplied utilities, check your tenancy agreement and meter setup first.
Are free-hours tariffs covered by the Ofgem price cap?
The price cap applies to default tariffs (including standard variable tariffs). Many “free hours” products are fixed or time-of-use deals and are not price-capped in the same way. Always compare the full pricing structure.
What if I miss the free hours?
You’ll pay the peak rate. That’s why these tariffs suit households that can automate usage. If your schedule is unpredictable, consider an EV off-peak tariff (low night rate, not necessarily free) or a competitive standard fix.
Can I get free hours on gas too?
It’s far less common. “Free hours” promotions are usually electricity-focused (often linked to EV charging). If you have a dual fuel account, the gas side is typically priced normally.
Will switching affect my smart meter?
In most cases, your smart meter should keep working after switching. If you rely on half-hourly billing for a time-of-use tariff, confirm the new supplier supports it for your meter type.
How do I compare properly (what numbers matter)?
Check: (1) peak unit rate, (2) off-peak/free window, (3) standing charge, (4) contract length and exit fees, (5) eligibility rules (smart meter, EV requirement, Direct Debit), and (6) your realistic ability to shift usage.
Trust, methodology and sources
Editorial ownership
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: March 2026
How we assess “best” free-hours tariffs
We evaluate tariff structures based on what typically matters most to UK households:
- Total estimated cost under different usage patterns (not just the free rate)
- Standing charge and peak unit rate competitiveness in your region
- Eligibility and restrictions (smart meter, Direct Debit, EV requirements, app control)
- Contract terms (exit fees, length, billing clarity)
Assumptions & limitations
- Examples use simplified unit rates to show the trade-off between free windows and higher peak rates.
- Actual prices depend on your postcode, meter configuration, and payment method.
- Some suppliers can change tariff availability; “best” can shift month to month.
- We can’t guarantee savings — your results depend on real usage and how consistently you can shift load.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (energy regulator) — guidance on tariffs, switching, and consumer protections
- Citizens Advice: energy — independent advice on bills, meters and complaints
- GOV.UK: switching energy supplier — overview of the switching process and timelines
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