Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends (UK)
Compare whole-of-market energy deals that offer free electricity at the weekend (or discounted off-peak periods). Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with suitable UK home tariffs, including options that can work well for EV charging, laundry and batch cooking.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households
- See tariffs with free weekend electricity windows (where available)
- Find the right fit for your usage pattern (EV, heat pump, high weekend use)
- Switch with confidence: clear unit rates, standing charges and T&Cs
Availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. “Free” usually applies to unit rates during set weekend hours; standing charges still apply. Always check tariff terms before switching.
Compare free electricity weekend tariffs in your area
Weekend-free electricity tariffs can be a strong fit if you shift energy-heavy tasks to set weekend hours (for example EV charging overnight, tumble drying, or running a dishwasher). They’re not always the cheapest overall, so it’s important to compare the full bill impact—including standing charge, weekday unit rates and any peak pricing.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market UK home energy deals and quickly see whether a free weekend electricity window (or similar off-peak incentive) could work for your household’s usage pattern.
What we’ll check (so you don’t miss the fine print)
- Weekend hours: the exact “free” period (e.g. Saturday/Sunday set times)
- Unit rates outside the free window: weekday, evening and peak pricing
- Standing charge: still payable even when weekend units are free
- Eligibility: payment method, smart meter requirements, regional availability
- Exit fees & term: fixed vs variable and whether you can leave without a fee
Tip: If you can’t reliably move usage into the free window, a standard cheap fixed tariff (or a different time-of-use deal) may work out better. We’ll help you compare both.
Who benefits most from free weekend electricity tariffs?
Free weekend electricity isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. It tends to suit households that can concentrate consumption into weekend hours without creating new costs during weekdays. Here are the common best-fit scenarios.
EV owners charging at home
If you can schedule most charging for the free weekend window, the effective cost per mile can drop—especially for drivers with higher weekend mileage or flexible charging habits.
Households with heavy weekend use
Busy weekday schedules often shift laundry, batch cooking and cleaning to weekends. A free window can reward that natural pattern—provided weekday rates aren’t too high.
Smart home / timers / automation
Tariffs like these work best when you can reliably time-shift appliances. Smart plugs, EV scheduling and appliance delay-start features make it easier to capture the free hours.
Larger families
Higher overall electricity usage means the “free” portion can be meaningful—if you can move big loads into the weekend window without increasing weekday peak use.
Heat pump / high electric heating users
Some homes can pre-heat or run higher-demand cycles at weekends. It’s crucial to check whether weekday rates offset the benefit and whether your system can safely time-shift.
Budgeters who want predictable habits
When the free window is clear, it can help you plan usage. Just ensure the standing charge and weekday unit rates still make sense for your annual bill.
How “free electricity weekends” tariffs work in the UK
In the UK, “free electricity weekends” typically refers to a tariff that sets the electricity unit rate to £0.00 (or close to it) during a defined weekend time window. Outside of that window, unit rates may be higher than a standard tariff, so the key is whether you can shift enough usage into the free period.
- You’re billed as normal—but weekend usage within the specified hours is charged at the promotional rate (often 0p/kWh).
- Standing charge still applies every day. Even if weekend units are free, the daily standing charge remains part of your bill.
- Weekday pricing matters. A tariff can look attractive but cost more overall if weekday unit rates (or peak rates) are significantly higher.
- Smart meter requirements are common, because suppliers need half-hourly (or time-of-use) readings to apply the correct rates.
- Terms and availability vary by supplier, network region and sometimes payment type (Direct Debit vs prepayment).
What does “free” usually exclude?
- Standing charge: payable daily as normal.
- Gas: “free weekends” is typically an electricity offer, even on dual fuel.
- Usage outside the window: charged at the standard or peak unit rate for that tariff.
- Extra fees: early exit fees may apply on fixed deals—always check.
Tariff types to compare alongside free weekend electricity
If you’re searching for “free weekends”, it often means you’re open to time-of-use pricing. These are the main UK tariff structures to consider, depending on how and when your household uses energy.
If you’re not sure which structure you’re on today, we can help you identify it during the comparison. Jump back to the comparison form to check what’s available for your postcode.
How to tell if a free weekend tariff will actually save you money
The right question isn’t “How many free hours do I get?”—it’s “What happens to my annual bill once weekday rates and standing charges are included?” Use these checks to avoid switching to a deal that looks great on paper but costs more in practice.
1) Estimate your “shiftable” weekend usage
- EV charging sessions you can reliably schedule at weekends
- Dishwasher / washing machine / tumble dryer loads
- Batch cooking, electric oven use, immersion heater (if relevant)
The more of your consumption you can move into the free window, the more value you get.
2) Compare weekday and peak rates carefully
- Check if weekday unit rates are higher than a standard fixed tariff
- Check for peak pricing (e.g. early evenings) if the tariff uses multiple bands
- Factor in your weekday routine (WFH, electric cooking, gaming/TV in evenings)
A “free weekend” can be offset by expensive weekday consumption.
3) Don’t ignore the standing charge
Standing charges vary by region and can be a big part of your bill—especially in lower-usage homes. Even if weekend unit rates are 0p, standing charge is still payable each day.
4) Check contract length and exit fees
If wholesale prices drop or better deals appear, a high exit fee can reduce the benefit of switching. We’ll highlight whether a tariff is fixed/variable and any early exit charges.
Quick reality check
If your biggest electricity usage happens weekday evenings (cooking, heating, entertainment), a free weekend window might not be enough. In that case, consider comparing a strong fixed tariff or another time-of-use tariff that matches your routine.
What you’ll need to compare weekend-free energy tariffs
If you have a recent bill or online account
- Your postcode (to match network region rates)
- Current supplier and tariff name (if known)
- Electricity usage in kWh (annual estimate is ideal)
- Standing charge and unit rate(s) you currently pay
- Whether you have an EV charger or plan to install one
If you don’t have a bill handy
- Approximate household size and property type
- Whether you work from home (weekday daytime usage)
- Typical weekend routine (laundry day, cooking, EV charging)
- Smart meter status (yes/no/not sure)
You can still compare—your results will be more accurate when you can confirm kWh usage.
Eligibility and common restrictions (UK homes)
Some free weekend electricity deals come with conditions. Knowing these upfront helps you avoid wasted applications or switching to a tariff you can’t fully use.
Smart meter often required
Because the “free” hours are time-based, suppliers commonly require a compatible smart meter. If you don’t have one, check whether a meter installation is part of the process.
Regional pricing differences
Unit rates and standing charges vary across Great Britain by electricity distribution region. Your postcode determines the prices you’ll see.
Payment method and credit checks
Some tariffs are only available by Direct Debit, and some suppliers may carry out checks. If you’re on prepayment, availability can be more limited.
Common mistakes when choosing free weekend electricity tariffs
Focusing on the “free” label only
A free window can be genuine value, but it doesn’t automatically mean a lower bill. Always compare the full tariff structure, not just the promotional hours.
- Weekday unit rate
- Peak rate (if applicable)
- Standing charge
Not aligning the window with your routine
If the free hours don’t match when you can realistically run appliances or charge your car, you may not benefit. We recommend checking whether you can actually schedule usage into those times.
Assuming gas is included
Most free-weekend offers apply to electricity only. If you’re dual fuel, compare the gas unit rate and standing charge too—sometimes a separate gas deal works out better.
Overlooking exit fees and term length
If you may move home, change usage, or want flexibility, consider whether a long fixed term (with exit fees) is right for you.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs (UK)
Are free electricity weekend tariffs really free?
They usually mean the electricity unit rate is free during a defined weekend window. You’ll still pay the daily standing charge, and electricity used outside the free hours is charged at the tariff’s normal (sometimes higher) rates.
Do I need a smart meter for weekend-free tariffs?
Often, yes. Time-based pricing generally relies on smart meter readings to allocate usage to the correct rate band. If you don’t have one, you may still be able to switch, but you’ll need to check tariff requirements and whether a smart meter installation is needed.
Will a free weekend tariff help with EV charging?
It can, particularly if you can schedule the majority of charging within the free window. If you mostly charge on weekday evenings, a different time-of-use tariff with cheap overnight rates may be a better match. Use the comparison form to check which options are available for your postcode.
Can I get this type of tariff on dual fuel?
Many households can take dual fuel, but the “free weekend” promotion is typically linked to the electricity side. Always compare the gas prices too, as gas rates vary by supplier and deal.
How long does it take to switch energy supplier?
Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within a few working days to a few weeks. You’ll normally stay on supply throughout—there’s no interruption to your electricity or gas.
What if my weekend usage is low?
If you don’t use much electricity at weekends (or can’t shift usage), a free weekend tariff may not be cost-effective. In that case, comparing strong fixed deals and lower standing charge options can be a better route.
Why households use EnergyPlus to compare
Clear comparisons
We focus on the numbers that matter: unit rates, standing charges, tariff type, and any time windows—so you can make a like-for-like decision.
Whole-of-market approach
We help you compare across a broad range of UK suppliers and tariff structures, not just one provider’s deals.
Built for real usage patterns
From EV charging to family routines, we help you judge whether a free weekend window genuinely fits how your home uses energy.
“The comparison was straightforward and helped me spot that one ‘free weekend’ deal had higher weekday rates. I switched to a better option for my usage.”
UK homeowner, dual fuel
“I wanted a tariff that worked for weekend EV charging. EnergyPlus made it easy to compare the time windows and standing charges.”
UK homeowner, EV driver
“The guidance on what ‘free’ actually means saved me from picking the wrong tariff.”
UK homeowner, smart meter
Ready to check free weekend electricity availability for your postcode?
Use our whole-of-market comparison to see which UK home tariffs offer a free weekend window (or similar off-peak incentives) and whether they’re likely to reduce your overall bill.
Home energy only (not business). Always review tariff terms, including weekend hours, standing charges and any exit fees.
Fast checklist before you switch
- Confirm the exact free weekend time window
- Compare weekday and peak unit rates
- Check standing charge for your region
- Confirm smart meter requirement and term length
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