Energy tariffs with free electricity evenings (UK)
Compare whole-of-market evening-free electricity deals and similar time-of-use tariffs for your home. Tell us a few details and EnergyPlus will help you find a tariff that fits how you actually use energy—especially if you can shift usage into off-peak hours.
- Whole-of-market comparison: evening-free tariffs and close alternatives
- Great for EV charging, washing/drying, dishwashers and heat pumps (usage patterns matter)
- Clear guidance on eligibility, smart meters and potential savings
Home energy comparison service. Availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. We’ll show options including time-of-use and off-peak tariffs where evening-free isn’t available.
Compare evening-free electricity tariffs for your home
“Free electricity evenings” tariffs are a type of time-of-use deal where your unit rate can drop to £0/kWh for a set window (for example, a few evening hours). In return, the standard unit rate outside that window may be higher, and the daily standing charge still applies.
Because availability and eligibility can vary by supplier, region and meter type, we compare whole-of-market options and also show close alternatives (like EV tariffs and off-peak night rates) where evening-free isn’t available or isn’t the best fit.
What you’ll get from EnergyPlus
- Whole-of-market comparison for home tariffs, including time-of-use options where relevant
- A simple recommendation based on when you use electricity—not just how much
- Support understanding rates, standing charges, and any usage rules
Get options in minutes
Complete the form and we’ll match you to suitable evening-free tariffs and comparable off-peak deals available in your area.
Who evening-free electricity tariffs suit (and who they don’t)
Evening-free electricity tariffs can be excellent—if your household can move a meaningful chunk of demand into the free window. If not, a standard fixed tariff or a different time-of-use plan may be better value.
Great if you have an EV
If you can schedule charging to start during the free period (or immediately after), you may reduce running costs—especially with a smart charger and app scheduling.
Helpful for busy households
Dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers can often be set to run in the evening window—without changing your day-to-day routine too much.
Not ideal if usage is daytime-heavy
If most electricity use is daytime (home working, electric cooking at lunch, electric heating), you could pay more if peak rates rise to offset the free period.
You’ll usually need a smart meter
Most evening-free tariffs rely on half-hourly readings to apply different prices at different times. If you don’t have a smart meter, we’ll show alternatives you can switch to now.
You still pay the standing charge
Even when the unit rate is £0/kWh for a few hours, the daily standing charge continues. Total cost depends on your full usage profile.
How “free electricity evenings” tariffs work in the UK
Evening-free tariffs are a variation of time-of-use pricing. Suppliers set a specific time window when the electricity unit rate is discounted—sometimes to £0/kWh. Outside that period, rates can be higher than a typical single-rate tariff. The details differ between suppliers and change over time, so comparison is key.
- You’re on a time-of-use tariff with at least two electricity prices (free/discounted window and standard/peak).
- Your meter records usage by time (usually via a smart meter), so the supplier can bill the correct rates.
- You schedule flexible appliances (EV charging, laundry, dishwasher, immersion heater where appropriate) into the free period.
- Your savings depend on the shift: the more kWh moved into the free window, the more likely the tariff works in your favour.
Quick comparison: evening-free vs typical alternatives
| Tariff type | Best for | Key benefit | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free electricity evenings | Households shifting usage into a set evening window | £0/kWh (or very low) unit rate for a limited time | Higher rates outside the window; standing charge applies |
| EV off-peak tariff | Drivers charging mostly overnight | Very low off-peak unit rate for longer night window | Often higher peak rate; may need smart meter/app |
| Standard single-rate fixed | Most households who can’t time-shift | Predictable unit rate any time of day | No “cheap windows” to exploit |
| Flexible / variable | Short-term option or waiting to switch later | Typically no exit fees | Prices can change; not always best value |
What we compare (whole-of-market approach)
Suppliers may brand these tariffs differently, and availability can change. When you request options, we’ll compare evening-free tariffs where available and also show similar plans so you can make a confident decision.
Evening-free electricity offers
Plans with a defined evening window at £0/kWh (or heavily discounted). We’ll help you check if the higher non-free rates still make sense for your usage.
EV & smart time-of-use tariffs
Often designed around overnight charging, sometimes with multiple price bands. Ideal if your biggest controllable load is an EV.
Simple fixed & variable tariffs
If evening-free isn’t available (or doesn’t stack up), we’ll show straightforward tariffs that can still reduce your annual costs.
Smart meter, home setup & eligibility
Do I need a smart meter?
Most evening-free and time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can measure half-hourly consumption and apply the correct rate at the correct time.
- If you already have a smart meter, you can usually switch without an engineer visit.
- If you don’t, we can still compare alternative tariffs you can move to now.
What affects availability?
Tariff availability can depend on your postcode region, meter type and the supplier’s current product range.
- Some tariffs are electricity-only; others pair with gas deals.
- Some require direct debit or online billing.
- Free-period times can vary (and may be subject to change).
Before you switch: quick checklist
- Find your current unit rate and standing charge (electricity and, if relevant, gas).
- Estimate shiftable usage: EV charging sessions, laundry cycles, dishwasher runs, immersion heater schedules.
- Check any fixed-term or exit fees on your existing tariff.
- Confirm meter compatibility (smart meter is usually required).
How to estimate whether free evenings will save you money
A free-evenings tariff can look unbeatable, but real savings depend on the trade-off between the free window and the higher rates outside it. Use the simple approach below (and we’ll help you validate it when you request a comparison).
Step 1: Estimate shiftable kWh
List what you can run in the evening-free window. Example: 1 EV charge (20 kWh) + 3 laundry/dryer cycles (6 kWh) + 5 dishwasher runs (5 kWh) per week = 31 kWh/week shiftable.
Step 2: Compare rates outside the free window
Check the unit rate you’ll pay at other times and the standing charge. If the non-free unit rate is significantly higher, you’ll need enough shifted kWh to break even.
| Cost driver | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Free window length & timing | Does it match when you can run appliances? | If you can’t use the window, the “free” benefit is wasted. |
| Peak / standard unit rate | How much higher than your current tariff? | Higher daytime rates can outweigh free evening kWh. |
| Standing charge | Compare daily cost across tariffs | A higher standing charge can erode savings for low users. |
| Exit fees & contract terms | Fixed term, early exit cost, price guarantees | Flexibility matters if your usage pattern changes. |
If you’re unsure how much energy you can shift, complete the comparison form. We’ll help you shortlist tariffs that fit your likely usage pattern.
Common mistakes when choosing free-evening energy tariffs
Assuming “free” means the whole bill
Evening-free usually refers to the unit rate during specific hours. Your standing charge still applies and other hours may cost more.
Not shifting enough usage
If you only move small loads (e.g., a few kWh/week), the higher standard rate can outweigh the benefit of the free window.
Ignoring the time window
Free hours vary. If the window clashes with school runs, cooking time or bedtime routines, it may be hard to use consistently.
FAQs: free electricity evenings in the UK
Are free electricity evenings tariffs available everywhere in the UK?
Not always. Availability can vary by supplier, by distribution region and by your meter type. If a true evening-free deal isn’t available for your postcode, we’ll show alternatives such as EV tariffs with longer off-peak windows or competitive single-rate fixed tariffs.
Do I still pay the standing charge during the free period?
Yes. The standing charge is a daily cost that applies regardless of when you use electricity. A “free” window typically means the unit rate for electricity usage in that period is £0/kWh (or discounted).
Can I use a free evenings tariff without an EV?
Yes. Many households benefit by shifting laundry, tumble drying, dishwashing and other flexible loads into the evening window. The key is whether you can move enough kWh to offset any higher rates at other times.
Will my home qualify if I don’t have a smart meter?
Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter so prices can be applied by time band. If you don’t have one, we can still compare competitive fixed or variable options, and advise whether switching to a smart meter could open up more time-of-use deals.
Can I run high-power appliances during the free window?
Usually yes, but always check the supplier’s tariff terms. From a practical perspective, avoid overloading circuits, and consider staggering appliances. For EV charging, a scheduled start time helps ensure usage falls within the cheapest hours.
Is a free evenings tariff better than an Economy 7-style tariff?
It depends on your routine. Economy 7 typically offers a cheaper overnight rate for a longer window, while evening-free deals focus on a shorter evening period. If you can charge an EV overnight, an EV-focused tariff may win; if your flexible usage is mainly in the evening, a free evenings window may suit you better.
Want personalised help? Start with the comparison form and we’ll do the heavy lifting.
Why households use EnergyPlus
“Clear explanation of the trade-offs”
I liked that they didn’t just push the ‘free’ headline. They explained the higher daytime rate and helped me compare a better off-peak option for my EV.
Homeowner, UK
“Fast and practical”
They asked about our routines (dishwasher and laundry) and showed a couple of tariffs that actually made sense. Switching was straightforward.
Family household, UK
“Whole-of-market options”
I wanted a free evenings tariff but it wasn’t available for my area. They showed similar time-of-use tariffs and a fixed plan that reduced my annual cost.
Flat owner, UK
Ready to compare free evening electricity tariffs?
Submit your details and we’ll check whole-of-market options for your postcode, including evening-free electricity deals and similar time-of-use tariffs that may reduce your total annual bill.
- Home energy only (not business)
- Comparison based on how you use electricity
- No jargon—rates and terms explained
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