Are free evening electricity tariffs worth it?

They can be worth it if you can shift a meaningful portion of your electricity use into the free evening window (for example cooking, washing/drying, dishwashing, electric heating or EV charging if permitted). If most of your usage happens outside the free hours, the higher day rate may outweigh the savings. A quick way to decide is to compare your expected kWh in the free window versus the increased price you’ll pay the rest of the day.

Who benefits most from free evening electricity?

Households that are home in the evening and can run high-consumption appliances during the free period benefit most—such as families cooking and doing laundry after work, homes with electric heating that can be timed, and people who can shift EV charging to the free window (where the tariff allows). Smart-meter households usually find it easiest to track and optimise time-of-use savings.

What are the downsides of free evening tariffs?

Common downsides include higher unit rates outside the free hours, potentially higher standing charges, and the risk that you don’t use enough electricity during the free period to compensate. Some tariffs also have restrictions, changing time windows, or different rates at weekends. Always check contract length, exit fees, and how the free period is defined.

Do I need a smart meter for free evening electricity?

In most cases, yes. Time-of-use tariffs generally require a smart meter so your supplier can measure usage by time bands and apply the correct rates. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may not be eligible or you may not get accurate billing for time-based pricing.

How can I tell if switching will save me money?

Estimate how many kWh you can move into the free evening window each week, then compare (1) the value of those ‘free’ kWh at your current unit price versus (2) the extra cost you’ll pay because the non-free unit rate (and possibly standing charge) is higher. If you have smart-meter data, use your half-hourly or hourly usage to model the impact more accurately.

Which appliances make the biggest difference during the free evening period?

Higher-wattage and longer-running appliances typically have the biggest impact—tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, electric ovens/hobs, immersion heaters, and electric space heating. If you can time these to run in the free period, the savings potential increases.

Can I charge an electric vehicle on a free evening tariff?

Sometimes. It depends on the supplier’s rules and the length of the free evening window. If EV charging is allowed, scheduling charging during the free period can significantly improve the value of the tariff. Check the tariff terms and ensure the free period is long enough to add meaningful range.

Are free evening tariffs good for low-usage households?

Not always. If you use relatively little electricity overall, higher peak/day rates or standing charges can cancel out the benefit of a free period. Low-usage households should compare the total annual cost carefully and not focus only on the ‘free’ headline.

What should I check before I switch to a free evening electricity tariff?

Check the exact free time window, unit rates outside the free period, standing charge, contract length, exit fees, and whether rates can change. Also confirm eligibility (often a smart meter is required) and whether your usage pattern can realistically shift into the free window. For a clearer comparison, review your current usage and estimated costs before switching.

Where can I compare tariffs and get help choosing the right plan?

You can explore guidance and compare options on Energy Plus to find a tariff that matches your household routine and budget. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/guidesfaqs/

Are energy tariffs with free evening electricity worth it?

Q: What is a free evening electricity tariff?

A free evening electricity tariff is a time-of-use plan where electricity used during a set evening window is billed at 0p/kWh (or heavily discounted), while unit rates at other times (and sometimes the standing charge) are typically higher than standard tariffs. The exact free period varies by supplier, so always check the tariff details.

Free evening electricity tariffs can be great for some UK homes — but they only pay off if your usage matches the free hours and you understand the higher day rate. Compare whole-of-market deals with EnergyPlus and see if you could save.

Check if your household can shift energy use into the free evening window
Compare against standard variable, fixed, and EV-friendly tariffs
Get a personalised result based on your postcode and usage

Compare free evening tariffs How free evening electricity works

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes. No obligation. Typical completion time: 2 minutes.

Find out if a free evening electricity tariff will actually save you money

“Free evening electricity” sounds like a no-brainer, but these tariffs usually make up for the free hours with a higher unit rate at other times, different standing charges, or a time-of-use structure that rewards (and requires) behaviour change.

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs (where available) so you can see whether a free evening offer beats a fixed tariff or your current plan — based on your postcode, household details and how you use electricity.

Quick self-check: you’re more likely to benefit if…

You can run high-usage appliances in the evening (dishwasher, tumble dryer, washing machine).
You can shift at least 25–40% of your electricity into the free window (common break-even range).
You have an EV charger, home battery, or can pre-heat your home/hot water (where safe and appropriate).

Not sure? That’s normal — most households don’t know their hourly usage. Use the form to get a tailored comparison and we’ll show you suitable tariffs in your area.

Compare tariffs (UK homes)

Submit your details to see whole-of-market options available at your postcode, including time-of-use and free evening deals where offered.

Important: “Free” usually applies to electricity usage only, within set hours, and may exclude standing charge. Always compare the full price structure, not just the headline offer.

What is a “free evening electricity” tariff?

A free evening electricity tariff is a time-of-use energy tariff where your electricity unit price is set to £0.00 (or heavily discounted) for a defined evening period — for example, 7pm–10pm or 8pm–11pm. Outside those hours, you pay a different rate (often higher than a standard tariff) plus a standing charge.

These tariffs are designed to encourage people to use energy when the grid can accommodate more demand. They’re most commonly available to homes with a smart meter, because half-hourly readings are needed to bill the correct rates.

They’re not the same as Economy 7

Economy 7 offers cheaper off-peak overnight electricity (typically 7 hours). Free evening deals are usually shorter and timed in the evening.

The “free” window is fixed

If you use most of your electricity outside the free hours, the higher peak rate can outweigh the benefit.

Electricity only (usually)

Many offers apply to electricity; gas stays on a separate rate. Dual fuel can still work, but compare the combined annual cost.

Who are free evening electricity tariffs best for?

These tariffs can be worth it in the UK when your household can reliably move a meaningful chunk of electricity use into the free period — without creating inconvenience or safety risks.

Likely to be worth it

Families who batch cooking, laundry and dishwasher runs in the evening.
EV owners who can schedule charging within the free window (or top-up meaningfully).
Homes with a battery that can charge during free hours and cover later usage.
Electric-heavy households (no gas, or high appliance use) that can shift load.

Less likely to be worth it

Low-usage flats where savings from “free” hours are small.
Households that mainly use electricity in the morning/daytime (home working, electric heating during the day).
Anyone who can’t (or shouldn’t) run appliances later due to noise, schedules or safety.
If you’d be paying a high peak unit rate and you can’t shift enough usage.

One practical rule

If you can’t confidently name three electricity-heavy things you’ll move into the free period most nights, it’s worth comparing very carefully against a good fixed tariff.

How free evening electricity tariffs work (and what to check)

Tariff terms vary by supplier. Before switching, check the exact free hours, what your unit rates are outside the window, and whether a smart meter (and half-hourly billing consent) is required.

Confirm the free hours
Look for the defined window (e.g. 7–10pm) and whether it changes on weekends or bank holidays.
Review peak, off-peak and standing charge
Compare the unit price you pay outside the free window and the standing charge — that’s where the real cost often sits.
Check eligibility: smart meter & billing setup
Many time-of-use tariffs need a working smart meter sending regular readings. Some require half-hourly settlement.
Work out what you can move
Typical moveable loads: laundry, dishwashing, cooking prep, immersion heater (if appropriate), EV charging, battery charging.
Compare on annual cost, not headlines
A “free” window can still be more expensive overall if your peak rate is significantly higher.

Tip: check your smart meter app or IHD

If your supplier provides half-hourly usage data, look for a chart of when you use electricity. If the big spikes are in the early evening already, you may be a good fit — but only if those spikes fall within the free period.

The catch: what can make “free evenings” poor value?

Free evening electricity can be worth it — but it’s not free energy in the everyday sense. Suppliers price these deals so the economics work for them too. Here are the most common reasons people end up paying more:

Higher peak unit rate

Your daytime and/or morning rate may be higher than a comparable fixed tariff, wiping out savings unless you shift usage.

Standing charge differences

A higher standing charge can reduce the value of “free” hours, particularly for low-usage households.

Behaviour doesn’t change

If you don’t consistently move appliance use, you may pay more overall — especially if you use power-heavy devices outside the window.

Not suited to electric heating patterns

If you need heating during cold mornings and daytime, a higher peak rate can be costly versus a strong fixed tariff.

Complexity & surprises

Some plans have multiple rates (peak/off-peak/free). Misunderstanding timings is a common reason bills disappoint.

Exit fees and contract terms

If it’s a fixed product, check any early exit fees and whether the tariff can change during the term.

Savings examples: how to estimate if it’s worth it

The simplest way to judge a free evening electricity tariff is to compare:

How many kWh you can move into the free window per week, and
The difference between the free tariff’s peak unit rate and a good alternative (often a fixed tariff).

A rough break-even way to think about it

If your free tariff charges, say, 10p/kWh more than an alternative during paid hours, you’d need enough “free” kWh to offset that extra cost on the rest of your usage. This is why these tariffs often reward households that can shift a large share of consumption.

Household scenario	What you shift into free evenings	When it can work well	Main risk
Busy family home	Dishwasher + laundry + cooking prep most nights	You’re already using lots of electricity in the evening and can align timing	Peak rate higher; daytime use still significant
EV owner (no battery)	1–3 hours of scheduled charging in the free window	Your typical top-up fits the free hours and you’re disciplined about scheduling	If you frequently need charge outside the window, costs can rise quickly
Low-usage flat	A couple of appliances occasionally	Rarely — only if peak rate/standing charge remain very competitive	Standing charge and higher peak rate outweigh small “free” benefit
Home with battery	Charge battery during free period to cover later	Battery can capture most free kWh and reduce paid usage	Battery limits and tariff terms; check export/usage rules

For an accurate answer, a personalised comparison is best. Your region, meter setup and supplier availability all affect pricing — and offers can change.

Check deals in my postcode

Common mistakes to avoid

1) Comparing only the free hours

Always compare the annual cost using your expected usage. A free window is irrelevant if the rest of the tariff is expensive.

2) Shifting usage in unsafe ways

Don’t overload sockets, don’t run appliances unsafely, and follow manufacturer guidance. Savings are never worth a safety risk.

3) Assuming the tariff is available everywhere

Some tariffs vary by region/meter type. Your postcode and meter setup can change what’s on offer.

4) Forgetting gas and total household costs

If you’re dual fuel, check both fuels. A strong electricity deal won’t help if the gas rate is uncompetitive.

UK considerations: meters, regions and switching

Smart meter requirements

Most free evening or time-of-use tariffs need a smart meter capable of recording half-hourly consumption and sending readings.

Regional pricing

Standing charges and unit rates can differ by region. Always compare using your postcode for accurate pricing.

Switching process

Switching is typically straightforward. Your supply stays on during the switch, and you’ll get a final bill from your old supplier.

If you rent your home

In most cases, you can choose your supplier if you pay the bill — but check your tenancy agreement and make sure any meter access is permitted for readings/installations.

FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs in the UK

Is free evening electricity really free?

During the stated free period, the unit rate for electricity may be £0.00. You’ll still usually pay a standing charge, and rates outside the window may be higher. Always compare total annual cost.

Do I need a smart meter for a free evening tariff?

Often, yes. Many suppliers require a smart meter to measure consumption in half-hour blocks so the free hours can be billed correctly.

Are free evening tariffs good for EV charging?

They can be — if the free window aligns with when you can charge and the tariff’s peak rate doesn’t undo the benefit. If you need longer, overnight charging, an EV-specific off-peak plan may work better.

Could my bills go up?

Yes. If you don’t shift enough usage into the free period, or if your daytime rate/standing charge is higher than alternatives, your total cost can increase. That’s why comparison is essential.

Do free evening tariffs work with solar panels?

Potentially. Solar can reduce paid daytime usage, while free evenings can cover high-demand periods after sunset. If you export electricity, check how export is valued and whether the tariff affects it.

What’s the best alternative if free evenings aren’t suitable?

For many homes, a competitive fixed tariff offers predictability. If you can shift usage overnight, Economy 7 or another time-of-use plan might suit. Comparing whole-of-market options is the quickest way to see what stacks up.

Want a tailored answer? Use the comparison form and we’ll show what’s available for your home and whether a free evening tariff is likely to beat your current deal.

Ready to see if free evening electricity is worth it for your home?

Compare whole-of-market tariffs available in your area — including time-of-use and free evening deals — and get a result that reflects how your household actually uses energy.

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This guide is for UK home energy customers (not business). Tariff availability and prices vary by region and supplier.

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Updated on 11 Jan 2026