Compare free electricity weekends tariffs in the UK
Tell us a few details and EnergyPlus will compare whole-of-market weekend electricity deals (including EV-friendly time-of-use tariffs) to help you find a cheaper, better-fit option for your home.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business energy)
- Check “free weekend” style offers, off-peak rates, and smart meter TOU tariffs
- See if weekend-heavy usage (or EV charging) could reduce your overall costs
- No obligation—get matched to suitable tariffs in minutes
You’ll need your postcode and an estimate of your electricity use. If you’re unsure, we can help you approximate from your bills.
Get matched to weekend-friendly electricity tariffs
“Free electricity weekends” tariffs are designed to reward households that can shift more usage to Saturday and Sunday. They can be especially relevant if you: use a tumble dryer and dishwasher on weekends, do most laundry on Saturdays, or charge an electric vehicle at home.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs and highlights plans with weekend incentives, time-of-use pricing, and EV-friendly off-peak rates. You’ll see what matters for your bill: unit rates, standing charges, and any weekend terms.
Tip: A “free weekends” offer isn’t automatically cheaper. Some tariffs offset free weekend electricity with higher weekday unit rates or different standing charges. Comparing the full cost for your usage pattern is the safest way to decide.
Already have an EV charger (or planning one)? This page is hosted under our EV charger hub—weekend tariffs and EV charging schedules often go hand-in-hand.
What you’ll need
- Your postcode (to show tariffs available in your area)
- Your estimated annual electricity usage in kWh (from bills or smart meter apps)
- Whether you have a smart meter (many time-of-use tariffs require one)
- Your current supplier (optional, helps benchmark)
Not sure of your kWh?
If you can’t find annual usage, add your monthly average. We’ll help translate it into an estimate when we compare weekend and off-peak tariffs.
What is a “free electricity weekends” tariff?
A “free electricity weekends” tariff is a type of home energy deal where electricity used during certain weekend periods is priced at 0p per kWh (or heavily discounted). In practice, suppliers set specific hours and conditions—for example, free electricity on Saturdays and Sundays within a stated time window.
These tariffs often sit within a broader group of time-of-use plans, where the unit rate varies by time and day. That’s why comparing the whole tariff structure matters: you’re not just buying “free weekends”, you’re choosing a full set of prices.
Common features
- Defined “free” weekend hours (not always all day)
- Smart meter often required for accurate time-based billing
- May include weekday peak/off-peak prices
- Standing charge still applies
Why households consider them
- Weekend-heavy routines (laundry, cooking, cleaning)
- EV charging at home when you can schedule charging sessions
- Reducing bills without changing weekday behaviour too much
- Better alignment with smart home automation
Important: “Free” refers to the unit rate in the covered period. You still pay your daily standing charge and any usage outside the free window at the tariff’s standard rates.
Does a free weekends tariff suit your home?
Best fit
- You’re home on weekends and can run appliances then
- You can schedule EV charging mainly on Saturday/Sunday
- You can avoid weekday peak slots if the tariff has them
Worth checking carefully
- You work from home weekdays (higher daytime usage)
- You rely on electric heating or immersion heaters
- Your household can’t shift usage into set windows
Usually not ideal
- Most of your high-use is weekday evenings
- You don’t have (and can’t get) a smart meter where required
- You’re rarely home weekends
Quick rule of thumb: The more of your electricity you can shift into the weekend “free” window, the more likely it is to work. If your big usage is weekday cooking, evening heating, or daytime WFH, compare carefully against a standard single-rate or other off-peak tariff.
Weekend tariffs: what to check before you switch
The headline “free electricity on weekends” can hide important details. Use the checklist below to compare like-for-like and avoid surprises.
| What to check | Why it matters | What EnergyPlus compares |
|---|---|---|
| Exact free window (hours and days) | Some tariffs are free only for a set number of hours. If your usage falls outside, you pay the normal (sometimes higher) rate. | We look at tariff terms and align them to your stated usage pattern. |
| Weekday unit rate | A higher weekday rate can outweigh weekend savings if your home uses most electricity Monday–Friday. | We estimate full-week cost, not just weekend spend. |
| Standing charge | Standing charges vary by region and can materially change annual cost. | We compare local standing charges for your postcode. |
| Smart meter requirements | Time-of-use billing often requires a working smart meter to record half-hourly consumption. | We flag tariffs that may not be available without a smart meter. |
| Exit fees / contract length | Fixed deals can include exit fees; flexible deals can change prices more often. | We highlight key terms so you can choose confidently. |
If you charge an EV at weekends
Check that your charger or car can schedule charging within the free window. If not, an off-peak night tariff may outperform a weekend-free plan.
If you’re on a prepayment meter
Not all time-of-use and promotional tariffs are available on prepay. Share your meter type in the form and we’ll focus on suitable options.
How to compare free weekend electricity tariffs with EnergyPlus
- Tell us your basics: postcode, estimate of annual kWh, and whether you have a smart meter.
- We check whole-of-market tariffs: including weekend incentives, off-peak options, and standard single-rate deals for comparison.
- We line up the real costs: unit rates, standing charges, contract length, and any weekend terms.
- You choose what fits: a weekend-free style tariff, a different time-of-use plan, or a straightforward fixed/variable option.
What makes our comparison different?
- We focus on total expected cost, not just a headline “free” feature.
- We consider regional standing charges and availability by postcode.
- We can help if you’re unsure about kWh or smart meter details.
What we’ll ask you (and why)
- Usage (kWh): to estimate costs across weekdays vs weekends.
- Smart meter: to filter time-of-use tariffs correctly.
- Optional notes like EV charging and when you’re typically at home.
Prefer to start now? Jump back to the comparison form and we’ll do the heavy lifting.
How to maximise savings on a weekend tariff
Shift the right loads
Move high-consumption tasks (washer/dryer, dishwasher, batch cooking) into the free window where possible.
Use timers and schedules
Appliance delay-start and EV charging schedules help you stick to the window without changing your routine.
Avoid weekday peaks
If the tariff has peak periods, reducing usage there can make a bigger difference than the weekend headline.
Common mistake: only comparing the free hours
To avoid overpaying, compare: (1) weekday unit rate, (2) standing charge, (3) how many kWh you’ll realistically move to weekends, and (4) contract terms. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll estimate it with you.
Eligibility and practical considerations
Smart meters & half-hourly data
Many weekend or time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter to record when you used electricity. If you don’t have one, you may still be able to switch—availability depends on the supplier and tariff.
If you choose a tariff that requires a smart meter, the supplier may arrange installation (subject to eligibility and appointment availability).
Region, meter type, and payment method
Standing charges and unit rates vary across the UK. Some tariff types may also differ depending on your meter (credit vs prepay) and payment method (direct debit vs other).
We use your postcode and details to surface tariffs you can actually take.
Home energy only: This comparison is for domestic properties. If you’re looking for business electricity, you’ll need a separate business energy quote.
Free electricity weekends tariff UK — FAQs
Are free electricity weekends tariffs really free?
The weekend unit rate can be 0p/kWh during the stated free window, but you still pay the standing charge and any electricity used outside the free period at the tariff’s normal rates. Always check the full price structure.
Do I need a smart meter for a weekend electricity tariff?
Often, yes—especially for time-of-use tariffs that price electricity by hour/day. Some deals may be available without a smart meter, but options can be limited. Add your smart meter status in the form so we can filter correctly.
What if my usage is mostly weekdays?
A free weekends tariff may not be the best value if you use most electricity Monday–Friday (for example, heavy WFH use). In that case, a competitive single-rate tariff or a different time-of-use plan could be cheaper overall.
Can I use a free weekends tariff for EV charging?
Yes, if you can schedule charging to take place within the free weekend window. If your EV needs frequent weekday charging, an overnight off-peak EV tariff might work better. We’ll compare both types based on your routine.
Will my electricity supply be interrupted when I switch?
No—switching supplier shouldn’t interrupt your supply. The change is administrative. You’ll typically provide meter readings (or smart meter readings are taken automatically) around the switch date.
How do I know the comparison is whole-of-market?
EnergyPlus compares across a wide range of domestic tariffs and highlights options that match your usage and eligibility. Availability varies by region, meter type, and smart meter status—so we focus on deals you can actually switch to.
Have a specific question about weekend hours, EV charging schedules, or smart meters? Add it in the comparison form and we’ll tailor the match.
What UK households like about EnergyPlus
“I thought ‘free weekends’ would be cheaper by default. EnergyPlus showed the weekday unit rate would cancel it out for us, and recommended a better off-peak option.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“Clear comparison and no hard sell. They explained standing charges in our region and what that meant for the annual total.”
— Flat owner, Greater Manchester
“We mainly charge our EV at weekends. The options they sent were easy to compare, and the switching steps were straightforward.”
— EV driver, Kent
Trust signals
- UK-focused home energy comparisons
- Transparent focus on total cost (unit rates + standing charges + terms)
- Guidance for smart meter, EV charging, and time-of-use suitability
Ready to compare free weekend electricity tariffs?
Submit your details and we’ll compare whole-of-market weekend-friendly options for your home—so you can choose a tariff that’s genuinely cheaper for your routine.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- Weekend incentives and time-of-use options
- EV charging and smart meter suitability considered
Takes minutes. No interruption to your supply when switching.
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