Which UK energy tariffs offer free electricity weekends?
Compare whole-of-market weekend electricity deals and see if a free weekend tariff could cut your home energy bills—especially if you can shift usage to Saturdays & Sundays.
- Check “free electricity weekend” and time-of-use tariffs available for your postcode
- See if you’ll save based on your household usage (EV charging, washing, cooking & more)
- Switch with confidence: we compare across the market (not just one supplier)
Home energy only. Availability and terms vary by supplier, meter type and region. We’ll help you check what applies to your address.
Check which suppliers offer free electricity weekends in your area
“Free electricity weekends” typically means your unit rate for electricity is reduced to £0 (or close to it) for set weekend hours. In return, the weekday unit rate may be higher, and there are often specific terms (hours, caps, eligibility, meter requirements).
Because weekend deals can be region- and meter-dependent, the quickest way to see what’s available is to compare using your postcode. EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK homes, so you can weigh up free weekend tariffs alongside other money-saving options (fixed, tracker and time-of-use).
Tip: If you can move high-use activities (washing, tumble drying, batch cooking, EV charging) into the free window, these tariffs can work well. If most usage stays on weekdays, a different tariff may be cheaper overall.
What we’ll check for you
- Whether a free weekend tariff is available for your supply address
- The exact weekend hours and any caps/limits
- Standing charges and weekday rates (where savings can be won or lost)
- Smart meter requirements and suitability for your usage pattern
Get your personalised weekend tariff comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll match you to suitable home energy tariffs, including any weekend-free or time-of-use options available for your postcode.
Who benefits most from free electricity weekends?
EV drivers charging at home
If you can schedule charging on weekends, “free” hours can significantly reduce running costs. Always check the exact free window and whether a smart meter is required.
Families with heavy weekend usage
Laundry, cooking, gaming, and appliances running more on Saturday/Sunday can make these tariffs attractive—if weekday rates don’t outweigh the gains.
Households that can shift demand
If you’re flexible—dishwasher overnight, batch cooking, heating water during the free period—time-of-use tariffs can work well when used intentionally.
Not sure? Many people overestimate weekend “free” savings. The key is your weekday unit rate, your standing charge, and how much usage you can genuinely move into the free window.
What does “free electricity weekends” actually mean?
In the UK, a “free electricity weekend” tariff is usually a type of time-of-use (TOU) deal where the electricity unit rate becomes free (or heavily discounted) for specific hours on weekends. The offer is funded by higher rates at other times, a different standing charge, or both.
Common variations you’ll see
Fixed “free hours”
For example, free electricity on Saturday and Sunday within set time bands. Your meter records usage by half-hourly intervals to apply the right price.
Weekend discount / capped free usage
Some deals advertise “free” but apply a cap, a credit, or discount up to a limit. Always read the tariff information label.
Important: “Free” typically refers to the electricity unit rate during the promotional window. You’ll still usually pay the standing charge, and gas (if applicable) is priced separately.
How free weekend tariffs work (step-by-step)
- Your supplier sets weekend hours (e.g. certain blocks on Saturday and Sunday).
- Your meter records usage by time—most free weekend tariffs require a smart meter with half-hourly readings.
- Your bill applies different rates depending on whether the usage occurred during “free” hours or not.
- You save only if you shift meaningful usage into the free window and avoid expensive weekday periods.
Quick checklist before you switch
Confirm the free window
Is it all weekend, specific hours, or a limited number of hours? Are bank holidays included?
Compare weekday rates
A higher weekday unit rate can wipe out savings if most of your usage is Mon–Fri.
Check standing charge & fees
Standing charge differences, exit fees and contract length can affect overall value.
Free weekend tariffs vs other UK tariff options
If a supplier doesn’t offer free electricity weekends for your postcode—or if the numbers don’t stack up—there are other home energy tariffs that may be a better fit. The table below explains the trade-offs.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Free electricity weekends | People who can shift high consumption to weekend windows (EV charging, laundry, cooking). | Weekday rates/standing charge may be higher; requires usage planning; often needs a smart meter. |
| Other time-of-use (off-peak) | Households with predictable off-peak usage (overnight charging, storage heating, immersion heater). | Peak rates can be steep; timing rules vary; needs half-hourly readings. |
| Fixed rate | People who want budget certainty for a set term. | May include exit fees; not always the cheapest if market prices fall. |
| Tracker / variable | Those comfortable with price movement and who can monitor costs. | Rates can rise; less certainty; still compare standing charges carefully. |
EnergyPlus approach: We don’t assume “free weekends” is best. We compare it against other tariffs for your postcode and likely usage pattern so you can choose based on total annual cost.
How to estimate savings on a free weekend tariff
Savings depend on how much electricity you can move into the free window and what you pay at other times. Use this simple method to avoid switching to a headline deal that costs more overall.
1) Estimate weekend-shiftable usage (kWh)
- EV charging session(s) you can schedule at weekends
- Dishwasher/washing machine/tumble dryer runs
- Batch cooking, ironing, DIY tools
The bigger your “shiftable” kWh, the more a weekend-free window may help.
2) Compare the total, not the slogan
- Weekday unit rate vs your current tariff
- Standing charge difference (daily cost)
- Any exit fees or contract restrictions
A low (or zero) weekend unit rate can be offset by higher weekday pricing.
A practical rule of thumb
If you can move a meaningful chunk of your weekly electricity use into the free window, you’re more likely to benefit. If your household is mostly out on weekends and uses more power on weekdays, a standard tariff may be better value.
Eligibility & practical considerations (UK homes)
Smart meter requirements
Many weekend and time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter to measure half-hourly consumption. If you don’t have one, you may need to arrange installation or choose another tariff.
Region & network differences
Prices and availability can vary by region due to different distribution networks and standing charges. Always compare for your exact postcode.
Your current contract
Check whether you’re in a fixed term with exit fees. If you are, it may still be worth comparing—just factor the fee into your break-even.
Note: “Free weekends” is primarily an electricity feature. If you have gas too, ensure the combined dual-fuel cost still stacks up compared with alternatives.
Common mistakes to avoid with free electricity weekend deals
Focusing only on the free hours
The biggest cost driver for many homes is weekday daytime/evening usage. Always compare total annual cost, not just the weekend unit rate.
Assuming “weekend” means all weekend
Some tariffs use a limited set of hours or require activation/opt-in. Check exactly when the free rate applies and whether it changes over time.
Not checking standing charges
A higher standing charge can reduce savings even if you use lots of weekend electricity. Compare standing charges side-by-side.
Switching without looking at your meter setup
If you don’t have a compatible meter (often smart), you might not get the advertised rates. We’ll check eligibility when you compare.
FAQs: free electricity weekends in the UK
Are there currently UK tariffs that offer free electricity at weekends?
Some suppliers periodically offer weekend-free or weekend-discount electricity deals, often as time-of-use products. Availability can change and may depend on your region, smart meter status and the supplier’s product lineup. Use the postcode comparison form to see what’s available for your address.
Do I need a smart meter for a free weekend electricity tariff?
Often, yes. These tariffs usually rely on half-hourly readings to apply different unit rates by time. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may still be able to switch, but the free-weekend feature may not apply until your meter setup supports it.
Is weekend electricity really “free”?
“Free” typically refers to the electricity unit rate during specific weekend hours. You’ll usually still pay a standing charge, and your weekday/peak rates may be higher. Always judge it on total cost.
Will a free weekend tariff save me money if I don’t have an EV?
It can. EV charging is a common high-use driver, but other households with heavy weekend usage (laundry, cooking, hobbies, home workouts) can benefit. The deciding factor is how much consumption you can move into the free window without increasing weekday costs.
Can I get free weekend electricity on prepayment?
It depends on the supplier and tariff. Some time-of-use products are limited to credit meters, while others may support smart prepayment. Comparing by postcode is the best way to see eligible options for your meter type.
Is it safe to switch energy supplier?
Yes. Your energy supply remains continuous, and switching is a regulated process. The key is choosing the right tariff for your usage, checking fees and confirming the unit-rate windows. We help you compare the details before you commit.
Why households use EnergyPlus to compare weekend tariffs
Whole-of-market comparison
We look beyond a single supplier so you can compare free weekend deals against fixed and other time-of-use options.
Clear, practical guidance
We focus on the details that matter: unit rates by time, standing charges, eligibility and whether you’ll actually save.
Switch support
From checking your postcode to choosing a tariff, we’ll help you make an informed switch for your home.
Trust indicator: We compare based on your location and tariff terms, not a one-size-fits-all headline. That’s essential for weekend-free deals where eligibility and hours can vary.
What people say
“I thought a free weekend tariff would be a no-brainer, but EnergyPlus helped me compare the weekday rates too. Ended up with a better overall deal.”
“The postcode check saved time. I could see which time-of-use options were actually available for my area.”
“Clear explanation of standing charges and windows. I now schedule weekend usage and can see the difference on my bills.”
Ready to see if a free weekend tariff is worth it for your home?
Compare whole-of-market energy tariffs for your postcode, including weekend-free and time-of-use deals where available.
Switching is for UK homes only. Tariff features, eligibility and prices can change—always confirm the final terms before you switch.
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