Energy tariffs with free evening electricity in the UK
Compare whole-of-market energy deals that offer cheaper or free electricity in the evening—ideal for EV charging, washing, cooking, and home energy use. Check eligibility and see what you could switch to in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- Find tariffs with free/low-cost evening windows (where available)
- See standing charges, day rates, night rates and off-peak terms clearly
- Switch guidance for smart meters, EVs and high evening usage
Home energy only. Availability, hours and eligibility vary by supplier, meter type and region. We’ll show the tariff details before you decide.
Compare free evening electricity tariffs (whole-of-market)
“Free evening electricity” tariffs are usually time-of-use deals where electricity is free (or significantly cheaper) during a set evening window. They can suit homes that can shift usage later in the day—especially if you charge an EV at home or run appliances after dinner.
EnergyPlus helps you compare providers across the market and understand the real cost—including standing charges, peak rates and any conditions (like smart meter requirements or specific usage windows).
What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)
- Your postcode (to show regional prices)
- Approx. evening usage patterns (EV charging, appliances, heating)
- Whether you have a smart meter (helps access time-of-use deals)
Why people search for free evening electricity
EV charging: shift charging into the evening window to reduce cost per mile.
Busy households: run dishwasher, tumble dryer, washing machine later.
Work-from-home: avoid expensive peak periods if rates are higher earlier.
Smart tech: schedule appliances/chargers automatically.
Get your evening tariff comparison
Complete the form and we’ll help you compare suitable tariffs, including any with free or reduced evening electricity (where available in your area).
Tip for EV owners
If you can schedule charging to start in the supplier’s evening window, a “free evenings” deal can be competitive even if daytime rates are higher. Always check the full unit rates and standing charge before switching.
Benefits of free evening electricity tariffs
The best fit depends on when your household uses electricity. Here’s where evening-focused tariffs can shine.
Lower cost for evening-heavy homes
If your main electricity use happens after work (cooking, laundry, EV charging), a free/low-cost window can reduce your effective rate.
Simple behaviour change
You don’t need to overhaul your routine—often it’s just scheduling a few appliances or setting an EV charge time.
Pairs well with smart tech
Smart meters, smart plugs and EV chargers help automate usage into the tariff window—without you having to remember.
Good for predictable schedules
If you’re home most evenings, you can reliably benefit from the set hours, rather than chasing variable pricing.
Transparent comparison
We focus on total cost: standing charge + peak unit rate + off-peak/free window, so you can compare like-for-like.
Switch support
If a tariff requires a smart meter or specific billing setup, we’ll flag it early to avoid wasted time.
How “free evening electricity” tariffs work
In the UK, “free evenings” is typically a feature of a time-of-use tariff. The supplier sets a daily time window where the electricity unit rate is £0 or heavily discounted. Outside that window, rates may be higher than a standard single-rate tariff.
Key terms to check before switching
- Evening window: exact start/end time (varies by supplier)
- Peak unit rate: the cost per kWh outside the free period
- Standing charge: daily fixed cost (can differ by region)
- Meter requirement: many need a smart meter for accurate time-based billing
- Contract length & exit fees: check flexibility if prices change
When free evenings can be a bad fit
- You use most electricity during daytime peak hours
- You can’t schedule EV charging or appliances reliably
- High standing charge outweighs the off-peak benefit
- Your household already has a very low electricity usage
A quick comparison: what you’re really paying
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | Common requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free evening window | EV charging, evening appliance runs, predictable routines | Higher peak rates; standing charge may be higher | Smart meter often needed |
| Two-rate (day/night) | Night-shift schedules, storage heating (where appropriate) | Day rate can be higher; may need meter setup changes | Economy-style metering |
| Single-rate fixed/variable | Even usage across the day, simplicity | No off-peak incentive | Standard meter |
Important: “Free” refers to the electricity unit rate during the stated hours. You’ll still pay your standing charge, and you’ll pay unit rates outside the window. Always check the full tariff information.
Eligibility: can you get a free evening electricity tariff?
Availability depends on the supplier, your region, and your meter setup. This checklist helps you understand what may be required.
Usually required
- UK residential supply (home energy)
- Compatible meter (often a smart meter for time-based billing)
- Direct Debit and online account (common on modern tariffs)
- Standard credit checks if applicable to supplier setup
May affect suitability
- Prepayment meters: options can be limited
- No smart meter: you may need an upgrade to access time-of-use pricing
- High daytime usage: peak rates can negate the evening benefit
- Complex multi-rate setups: some properties need extra checks
Not sure about your meter?
Submit the form above with your postcode and contact details and we’ll guide you on what tariffs are commonly available for your setup. You can also jump back to Compare & get prices.
Savings & costs: how to tell if free evenings will save you money
The key is your load shifting: how much electricity you can move into the evening window. A tariff can look attractive because of “free” hours, but your total bill depends on everything outside those hours too.
A simple way to sense-check a tariff
- Estimate what you can run in the evening window (e.g. EV charging sessions per week, dishwasher runs, tumble dryer).
- Compare the tariff’s peak unit rate and standing charge against your current deal.
- If the peak rate is higher, check you’re not simply shifting cost from one time to another.
- Choose based on expected monthly cost, not just the headline offer.
Costs people forget to compare
- Standing charge differences (can vary by region)
- Electricity peak rate (outside the evening window)
- Gas pricing if you want a dual fuel switch
- Exit fees on fixed contracts
- Payment method discounts/requirements
Evening tariff checklist for EV charging at home
Charge timing: can your charger schedule start/end times reliably?
Battery needs: do the free hours cover the energy you need most days?
Peak usage: avoid charging outside the window if peak rates are high.
FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs (UK)
Is evening electricity really free?
Some tariffs set the electricity unit rate to £0 during a defined evening period. You still pay the standing charge, and you pay unit rates outside that period. “Free” applies only to the stated hours and conditions.
Do I need a smart meter for a free evening tariff?
Often, yes. Time-of-use billing usually relies on smart meter readings to apply the correct unit rate at different times of day. If you don’t have one, some suppliers may offer installation or alternative options depending on your area and meter type.
Can I get free evening electricity with Economy 7?
Economy 7 is a two-rate setup (day and night) and doesn’t usually include a “free” window. However, some time-of-use tariffs can be similar in spirit. The best option depends on your meter and when you use power.
Will free evening tariffs increase my daytime costs?
They can. Suppliers may balance the free hours with a higher peak unit rate or standing charge. That’s why comparing the expected total bill based on your usage profile matters more than the headline offer.
Are free evening electricity tariffs available everywhere in the UK?
Not always. Availability can vary by supplier, region, and meter compatibility. Enter your postcode in the form to check what’s typically available for your home.
Will switching affect my supply?
No—your energy supply remains the same during a switch. The difference is who bills you and the tariff rates/terms. If a smart meter is required and you don’t have one, the supplier may arrange installation.
Can I compare evening electricity tariffs for electricity-only homes?
Yes. You can compare electricity-only or dual fuel options. If you have gas too, it’s often worth checking the combined cost—sometimes a strong electricity deal is paired with less competitive gas rates (and vice versa).
Want a quick answer based on your home? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you identify whether a free evening window is likely to be worthwhile.
Why households use EnergyPlus
People come to us for clear comparisons and practical guidance—especially when tariffs have time windows, smart meter requirements, or EV charging considerations.
“We wanted an evening tariff for EV charging. The comparison was clear about peak rates and standing charges, so we avoided a deal that looked good on the surface.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“Helpful and straight to the point. I didn’t realise the free hours were only certain evenings—EnergyPlus explained it before we switched.”
— Flat owner, Greater London
“We moved the dishwasher and tumble dryer to the evening window. The savings came from small habit changes, not just switching supplier.”
— Family household, Yorkshire
Trust & transparency
- Whole-of-market approach for UK home energy comparisons
- We highlight tariff conditions (hours, meter requirements, contract terms)
- We focus on expected cost—so you can make a confident decision
Ready to compare evening electricity tariffs?
If a free evening window is available for your home, we’ll help you find it—and compare it properly against standard and time-of-use options.
Prefer to do it later? Bookmark this page and return when you have your latest bill handy.
Back to EV Charger