Free weekend electricity tariffs UK: are they worth it?
Find out if “free” weekend energy deals can actually cut your bills—based on your usage, meter type, and how you run appliances (or charge an EV). Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and switch in minutes.
- Check if you’d save versus Standard Variable Tariff and other time-of-use plans
- See what matters: unit rates, standing charge, weekend hours, and peak pricing
- Works for home energy customers across Great Britain (where available)
Free to use. Whole-of-market comparison. Savings depend on your tariff, usage pattern, and meter setup.
Check if a free weekend electricity tariff would actually save you money
“Free weekend electricity” can be genuine—your unit rate for electricity may be £0.00 for specific weekend hours. The catch is that suppliers typically make up the difference with higher weekday unit rates, a higher standing charge, or both. The only reliable way to decide is to compare the whole tariff structure against how your household uses energy.
Use EnergyPlus to compare whole-of-market home energy deals and identify time-of-use options that fit: weekend-free offers, EV tariffs, Economy 7/10, and standard fixed deals.
What is a “free weekend electricity” tariff in the UK?
A free weekend tariff is a type of time-of-use electricity plan where your electricity unit rate is discounted—sometimes to 0p/kWh—during set weekend hours (for example, Saturday and/or Sunday, often across daytime or overnight periods). Outside the free window, the tariff usually has a higher unit rate than a standard fixed deal.
These tariffs are usually designed for households that can shift flexible usage to weekends: EV charging, running appliances, or heating water in off-peak periods (where appropriate).
Key thing to understand
“Free” rarely means your whole bill is free. You still pay a standing charge, and you pay for electricity used at non-free times. Gas (if you have it) is billed separately on your chosen tariff.
When free weekend electricity tariffs are worth it
A weekend-free tariff can be good value if your household can consistently use a large proportion of electricity inside the free window—without increasing total consumption. Below are the most common scenarios where it tends to make sense.
You can shift heavy usage to weekends
Laundry, tumble dryer, dishwasher, batch cooking, dehumidifiers and other high-load appliances run mostly on Saturday/Sunday.
You charge an EV at home
If your EV can be charged largely over the weekend free hours, the savings can be meaningful—especially compared with a typical single-rate tariff.
Your weekday usage is relatively low
If you’re out at work/school and keep weekday consumption modest, higher peak rates may not outweigh the weekend benefit.
You have smart controls/timers
Smart plugs, appliance delay-start, EV scheduling, or charger apps help you reliably use energy in the free period.
You’ve checked the standing charge
Some weekend deals compensate with a higher standing charge—best for households that use enough electricity overall to justify it.
You’re comparing the full market
The best option may be a different time-of-use tariff (or a strong fixed deal). Whole-of-market comparison helps avoid false economy.
What to watch for (the reasons “free” can cost more)
1) Higher weekday unit rates
Suppliers typically increase peak/weekday pricing. If you can’t shift usage, you may pay more overall—even with “free” hours.
2) Standing charge differences
Standing charges can vary by tariff and region. A higher daily charge reduces the value of free hours for low-usage households.
3) “Free” applies only to electricity
If your home uses gas for heating and hot water, savings might be limited unless your electricity usage is substantial.
4) Specific weekend windows
Not all weekends are equal: some tariffs offer only certain hours. If your usage doesn’t match the window, savings shrink fast.
5) Smart meter and billing accuracy
Most time-of-use deals work best with a smart meter. Without one, eligibility may be limited or billing may be estimated.
How to decide in 10 minutes: a simple checklist
Use the steps below to judge whether a weekend-free electricity tariff is likely to work for your household before you switch.
- Confirm your meter setup: smart meter (recommended for time-of-use), or understand how your readings are collected.
- Estimate weekend shiftable usage: list big loads you can reliably move to weekend hours (EV, washing, drying, dishwasher).
- Compare the full tariff, not just free hours: standing charge + weekday unit rates + any peak periods.
- Check the exact free window: which days/hours are free and whether it includes both electricity import and (if applicable) controlled loads.
- Run a side-by-side quote: compare against a strong fixed deal and other time-of-use options available to your postcode.
Quick comparison table: what to compare
| Feature | Free weekend tariff | Standard fixed tariff | Other time-of-use (e.g. EV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit rate at key times | 0p at weekend hours; higher outside | Same rate all day | Cheap overnight; higher peak |
| Standing charge | May be higher | Varies by deal/region | Varies by deal/region |
| Best for | Weekend-heavy usage | Predictable all-week usage | Overnight charging/heating patterns |
| Risk | Pay more if you can’t shift load | Miss savings if you can shift load | Peak rates can bite if unmanaged |
Want a tailored answer? Use the comparison form above and we’ll show weekend-free and alternative tariffs available in your area.
Eligibility & practical requirements
Smart meter
Many weekend/time-of-use tariffs are designed for smart meters to accurately allocate usage to free/paid periods.
Region & network area
Rates and standing charges vary by region. Availability may differ depending on your local electricity network.
Home energy only
This page is for domestic properties. If you’re moving home or changing tenancy, switching timelines can differ.
Common mistakes people make with free weekend electricity deals
- Only looking at the free hours and ignoring weekday unit rates and standing charge.
- Assuming weekends are always “free”—some tariffs have limited windows or specific days.
- Increasing total usage because energy feels free; savings disappear if consumption rises.
- Not scheduling appliances—without timers, usage drifts back into paid periods.
- Underestimating weekday baseload (fridge/freezer, cooking, showers, home working).
- Ignoring export/solar considerations—if you have solar panels, the best tariff may be a different structure.
- Comparing against SVT only rather than the best fixed and time-of-use deals available to your postcode.
- Missing contract terms like exit fees, price guarantees, and billing method requirements.
If you want a clear answer without spreadsheets, submit the form and we’ll surface the deals that best match your household.
Free weekend electricity tariffs UK: FAQs
Are free weekend electricity tariffs really free?
The electricity unit rate can be 0p/kWh for a defined weekend window, but you still pay the standing charge and you pay for usage outside the free period. Some tariffs also price weekdays higher.
Do I need a smart meter for weekend-free tariffs?
Often, yes. Time-of-use pricing relies on half-hourly (or similar) readings so the supplier can bill the correct rate at the correct time. Availability depends on the supplier and tariff rules.
Is a free weekend tariff better than an EV overnight tariff?
It depends on when you charge. If you charge mostly at weekends, weekend-free can be strong value. If you charge nightly, an EV overnight tariff may win. Compare both against a good fixed deal to make sure peak rates don’t cancel out savings.
Can I run my washing machine/dishwasher during free hours?
Yes—if the free window matches your routine and you can schedule safely (for example, using delay start while you’re at home). Avoid running appliances unattended if that’s not recommended by the manufacturer.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your electricity still comes through the same wires. Switching is an admin change handled by the suppliers, and you should not experience an interruption to supply.
How do I tell if I use enough power at weekends?
If you have a smart meter, check your app for weekend consumption vs weekdays and identify big “moveable” loads. If not, a quick approach is to estimate how many kWh your EV charge and key appliances use and whether they fit the free window.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
Compare weekend-free, fixed, and time-of-use tariffs so you can choose what genuinely fits your household.
Plain-English guidance
We highlight what matters: free windows, peak rates, standing charges, and any gotchas that impact your bill.
Fast switching support
From quote to switch with minimal admin—helpful if you’re changing tariffs for EV charging or home upgrades.
What customers say
“I thought ‘free weekends’ would be a no-brainer. EnergyPlus helped me compare it against an EV overnight deal—turns out the overnight tariff suited our weekday driving better.”
“The comparison made the standing charge differences really clear. We switched to a deal that matched our actual usage—simple and quick.”
Ready to see if a free weekend electricity tariff beats your current deal?
Compare whole-of-market options for your home—weekend-free, EV tariffs, and strong fixed deals. Get a clear view of costs, not just the headline offer.
- Check availability for your postcode
- Understand peak rates and standing charges
- Switch with confidence
Start your comparison
No obligation. Designed for UK home energy customers. Tariff availability varies by supplier and region.
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