Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends: compare UK options
Understand how “free weekend electricity” tariffs work in the UK, who they suit, the catches to watch for, and how to compare them against standard and EV tariffs before you switch.
- See how suppliers usually recoup “free” hours through higher weekday unit rates and/or standing charges
- Check eligibility: smart meter requirements, payment method, EV ownership (sometimes), and regional availability
- Use our scenarios and checklist to estimate whether you’d actually pay less
Important: “Free electricity” is usually time-limited and comes with terms. Always check unit rates, standing charges, and eligibility before switching.
Fast answer: are “free electricity weekends” worth it?
They can be worth considering if you can reliably shift a meaningful slice of your electricity use into the free window (often overnight Saturday/Sunday, sometimes specific weekend hours). But the maths only works if the extra you pay outside the free period (higher unit rate and/or standing charge) is less than the value of the electricity you move into the free period.
Key takeaways
- Nothing is truly “free”—suppliers typically balance it with higher rates at other times.
- Smart meter is usually required so the supplier can time-stamp usage.
- Best for flexible households (EV charging, tumble dryer/dishwasher scheduling, battery storage).
- Not ideal if you can’t shift usage (e.g., at-home weekday cooking/heating on electric with little weekend flexibility).
Quick “worth it?” check
As a rough test, estimate how many kWh you can shift into the free window each month, then compare:
- Value of “free” kWh
- Shifted kWh × your weekend-free tariff’s peak/standard unit rate (what you’d have paid otherwise).
- Extra cost elsewhere
- Difference in weekday unit rates/standing charge vs a comparable tariff × your non-free usage.
Tip: if you don’t know your kWh, look at recent bills or your in-home display/app. Electricity usage is measured in kWh.
How free-weekend electricity tariffs work (UK)
These are usually a type of time-of-use electricity tariff. Instead of one flat unit rate all day, the supplier sets different prices depending on the time and day. During the advertised “free” weekend window, your electricity unit rate may be set to £0.00/kWh (or close to it) for eligible usage.
What varies between suppliers
- The free window (e.g., specific hours overnight, all-day weekend, or only one day).
- What counts as “free” (all electricity, or only tracked EV charging on some products).
- Rates outside the free window (day/peak/off-peak prices can be higher than standard tariffs).
- Standing charge (may be higher than alternatives).
- Exit fees and contract length (some fixed deals include fees; some are flexible).
Typical requirements (eligibility)
- Smart meter: commonly required to measure half-hourly consumption.
- Payment method: many deals assume Direct Debit (rates can differ for pay-as-you-go/prepayment).
- Meter setup: some time-of-use tariffs may not be available on certain legacy meter types.
- Region: electricity standing charges and unit rates vary by network area across Great Britain; availability can vary too.
If you’re on an electricity-only home (storage heaters/heat pump) or use a lot of power on weekday evenings, a weekend-free deal can be risky unless the non-free rates are still competitive for your pattern.
What you can shift to weekends
The more you can move into the free window, the more chance the tariff works in your favour.
If you can charge mostly on the weekend (or top up heavily), this is often the biggest lever.
Dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer (where safe and appropriate).
A battery can store cheaper/free electricity (subject to tariff rules) for later use.
If you already do meal prep or laundry at weekends, you may naturally fit these tariffs.
Safety note: follow manufacturer guidance for timers and never override safety instructions (especially for tumble dryers).
Compare weekend-free style tariffs (and alternatives)
Not every supplier brands these as “free weekends”. Some are EV tariffs or time-of-use plans that effectively make weekend charging very cheap. The key is comparing the whole package: all unit rates + standing charge + contract terms against your usage pattern.
Before you start (have this to hand)
- Your postcode (prices vary by region)
- Whether you have a smart meter (and if it’s working)
- Rough electricity use (kWh) and whether you can shift usage to weekends
- Payment preference (Direct Debit vs prepayment) and tenancy/homeowner status
We’re whole-of-market comparison. We’ll show available tariffs for your details and highlight time-of-use options where suppliers support them. Availability and exact “free” windows depend on supplier terms.
Get your energy quote
Tell us a few details and we’ll show tariffs you can switch to, including time-of-use options where available.
Compare tariff types: what “free weekends” usually beats (and what it doesn’t)
Use this table to sanity-check whether a weekend-free deal is the right type of tariff for you before you get into the detailed p/kWh numbers.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | What to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend-free electricity | People who can shift large loads to the free window (EV charging, laundry, battery charging) | Higher weekday rates/standing charge; strict timing; smart meter needed | Peak rate, off-peak rate(s), standing charge, free window hours, exit fees |
| EV off-peak tariff (cheap overnight) | Regular overnight charging; consistent routine on weekdays | Peak (daytime) rate may be high; off-peak window can be short | Off-peak window length, peak unit rate, any EV verification requirements |
| Single-rate fixed | Most households that can’t shift usage much; predictable bills | May not reward off-peak usage; may have exit fees | Unit rate, standing charge, contract length, exit fees |
| Flexible / variable | Short-term flexibility; avoiding exit fees while you decide | Rates can change; may not be cheapest long-term | Current unit rate/standing charge, how often prices can change |
Who weekend-free tariffs usually suit
- You have a smart meter and are happy with half-hourly billing data
- You can shift at least 15–30% of your electricity into the free window (more is better)
- You can automate usage (EV charger scheduling, appliance timers, battery settings)
- Your weekday peak-time electricity use is modest (or your peak unit rate is still competitive)
Who they often don’t suit
- You can’t reliably change when you use electricity (care needs, shift work, home cooking/heating patterns)
- You use a lot of electricity on weekday evenings and the peak rate is high
- You don’t have (or can’t get) a smart meter right now
- You’re on a meter setup with limited time-of-use support (we’ll flag this when you compare)
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples are illustrative to help you do the thinking. Real prices vary by supplier, region, and meter type. Assumptions are stated.
Scenario A: EV driver who can shift a lot to weekends
Assumptions: 400 kWh/month total electricity. You can shift 160 kWh/month (40%) into the free weekend window (mostly EV charging). Compare:
- Standard single-rate tariff: 26p/kWh, standing charge ignored for simplicity
- Weekend-free style tariff: weekday rate 31p/kWh; weekend-free rate 0p/kWh
Estimated monthly cost (energy only)
Standard: 400 × 26p = £104.00
Weekend-free: (240 × 31p) + (160 × 0p) = £74.40
Estimated difference: £104.00 - £74.40 = £29.60/month
This scenario can flip if the weekend-free tariff has a much higher standing charge or if you can’t consistently shift that 160 kWh.
Scenario B: No EV, limited shifting
Assumptions: 250 kWh/month total electricity. You can shift only 35 kWh/month (14%) into the free window (some laundry and dishwasher use). Compare:
- Standard single-rate tariff: 26p/kWh
- Weekend-free style tariff: weekday rate 31p/kWh; weekend-free rate 0p/kWh
Estimated monthly cost (energy only)
Standard: 250 × 26p = £65.00
Weekend-free: (215 × 31p) + (35 × 0p) = £66.65
Estimated difference: £66.65 - £65.00 = +£1.65/month
Even small standing charge differences can widen the gap. In this scenario, a competitive single-rate fixed tariff may suit better.
Note: We excluded standing charges and any gas costs to keep the examples simple. Always compare total annual cost including standing charges and any exit fees.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
These are the most common reasons people end up disappointed with weekend-free deals. Checking them upfront helps you avoid bill shock.
1) Higher peak prices
The “free” hours are often balanced by a higher weekday/daytime unit rate. If you use lots of electricity at peak times (cooking, electric showers, electric heating), this can outweigh the weekend benefit.
2) Standing charge differences
Standing charges vary by region and tariff. A higher standing charge can make a weekend-free deal poor value for low-usage homes.
3) The “free” window can be narrow
Some tariffs only offer free electricity for a set block of hours (e.g., overnight). If your usage isn’t within that exact time, you’ll pay the peak rate.
4) Smart meter / half-hourly data
Time-of-use tariffs generally require half-hourly readings. If your smart meter isn’t communicating reliably, billing can be delayed or estimated until readings flow correctly.
5) Exit fees and fixed terms
Some deals have exit fees if you leave within the fixed term. If you’re trialling a tariff type, consider whether a flexible option is safer.
6) Prepayment and tenancy edge cases
Not all time-of-use products are available on prepayment meters. If you rent, check your tenancy agreement for any restrictions on meter changes (switching supplier is normally fine, but always confirm).
FAQs
Is weekend electricity actually free?
It can be priced at 0p/kWh during a defined time window, but tariffs are priced as a whole. Suppliers usually offset this with higher rates at other times and/or a higher standing charge. Always compare the full tariff, not just the headline offer.
Do I need a smart meter for a free-weekend tariff?
In most cases, yes. Time-of-use pricing relies on half-hourly readings to apply the correct rate to the correct time window. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may be limited to single-rate tariffs.
Are these tariffs only for EV owners?
Not always. Some “free weekend” style deals are open to any household, while other time-of-use products are marketed as EV tariffs and may ask for EV ownership or charger details. Eligibility rules differ by supplier.
Will I still pay a standing charge during the free period?
Yes. Standing charge is typically charged per day regardless of when you use electricity. “Free electricity” usually refers to the unit rate only.
Can I get a weekend-free tariff on a prepayment meter?
It depends. Some suppliers restrict time-of-use deals to credit meters (often paid by Direct Debit). If you’re on prepayment, we recommend comparing what’s available for your meter type and considering whether switching payment method is suitable for you.
What if I can’t shift my usage to the free window every week?
If your weekend patterns change (travel, guests, work), your savings may disappear quickly because you’ll pay the higher non-free rates. Consider a tariff with strong off-peak rates every night (not just weekends) or a competitive single-rate tariff if your usage is steady.
Do unit rates differ by region in Great Britain?
Yes. Electricity charges vary by region (your distribution network area), and standing charges in particular can differ. That’s why postcode is essential for accurate comparisons.
How long does switching take in the UK?
Switching timelines can vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within a few working days. Your supply won’t be interrupted. If you have debt on a prepayment meter or complex meter setup, it can take longer.
Trust, methodology and sources
Editorial details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- February 2026
How we assess “free weekend” tariffs
Our approach is designed to be transparent and user-first. When we compare weekend-free style tariffs, we look at:
- Total cost, not headlines: unit rates across all time bands plus standing charge.
- Eligibility and friction: smart meter requirements, payment method, and any EV verification.
- Risk factors: very high peak rates, narrow free windows, exit fees, and complex terms.
- Who it fits: we map tariff structure to usage patterns (EV-heavy vs typical households).
Limitations: We can’t guarantee a tariff is “best” for everyone because your consumption pattern (when you use electricity) matters as much as how much you use. Supplier terms can change and some products may be paused or restricted in certain regions.
Independent UK sources we use
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — consumer rights, switching rules, and regulatory guidance
- Citizens Advice: Energy — practical help with billing, smart meters, and switching
- GOV.UK: Smart meters — overview of smart meter rollout and what to expect
EnergyPlus is an independent comparison service. We aim to present options clearly and help you make a decision based on your own circumstances.
Ready to compare weekend-free tariffs for your postcode?
We’ll show available options and help you weigh them against fixed and EV off-peak tariffs—so you can choose based on the whole cost, not just the headline.
Reminder: tariffs, rates and free periods vary by supplier and can change. Always read the tariff information label and key terms before you switch.
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