Best energy tariffs with free electricity evenings (UK)
Free evening electricity tariffs can work well if you can shift a meaningful chunk of usage into the free window. This guide explains how they work in the UK, who they suit, and how to compare them safely.
- Understand the trade-off: “free hours” usually come with higher day rates and/or standing charges
- See realistic examples with numbers (so you can sanity-check a quote)
- Compare options by meter type, region and payment method (terms vary by supplier)
Prices and eligibility vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method. “Free” periods typically mean a £0/kWh unit rate for a defined window only (standing charge still applies).
Fast answer: are free evening electricity tariffs “best” in the UK?
They can be good value only if you can consistently move a meaningful share of your electricity into the free window (for example, cooking, washing/drying, dishwasher, EV charging or battery charging). If most of your use is daytime, a standard tariff or a different time-of-use tariff may cost less overall.
What “free evenings” usually means
A £0/kWh unit rate during set evening hours (often 2–4 hours). You still pay standing charge and may pay more at other times.
Who tends to benefit
Homes with a smart meter (usually required) and flexible usage: EV owners, heat-pump homes with thermal storage, or families who can run appliances later.
Main risk
If you don’t use much in the free window, you can end up paying more overall because the non-free unit rate(s) are higher.
How free evening electricity tariffs work (UK)
In the UK, “free evenings” is usually a type of time-of-use (TOU) tariff. Your unit rate changes depending on the time, with a defined evening window priced at £0/kWh. Outside that window you’ll typically pay a higher unit rate (and sometimes multiple rates).
Common UK features to check before you switch
- Smart meter requirement
- Most free-evening tariffs require a working smart meter capable of half-hourly reads. If you can’t get one installed, you may not be eligible.
- Exact free hours (and days)
- The “free” window might be 2–4 hours, may differ by weekday/weekend, and can be specified in the tariff’s terms. Always confirm the clock times and whether bank holidays are treated differently.
- Higher unit rates outside the free window
- Suppliers often recover the “free” cost by increasing the day rate (and sometimes standing charge). The best tariff for you is the lowest total cost, not the most free hours.
- Payment method and region
- Rates vary across Great Britain by region (distribution area) and by payment type (direct debit, prepayment, etc.). Northern Ireland has a different market and is not always covered.
Check if a free-evening tariff suits your home
Tell us a few details and we’ll compare whole-of-market options, including tariffs with free evening periods where available for your meter type and region.
Two realistic scenarios (with estimated numbers)
Below are simplified examples to illustrate the trade-off. They are not a promise of savings and exclude VAT rounding differences. Standing charge still applies during free hours.
Scenario A: family shifts usage to free evenings
- Monthly electricity: 320 kWh
- Shifted into free window: 110 kWh (34%)
- Outside free window: 210 kWh
Assumed tariff prices (illustrative): Free-evening TOU day rate 32p/kWh, free window 0p/kWh. Standard single-rate 25p/kWh. (Standing charge excluded for like-for-like comparison.)
Estimated energy cost:
- Free-evening TOU: 210 kWh × £0.32 + 110 kWh × £0.00 = £67.20
- Standard: 320 kWh × £0.25 = £80.00
In this example, free evenings looks better because a large share moved into the free hours.
Scenario B: low evening shifting (free window underused)
- Monthly electricity: 250 kWh
- Shifted into free window: 35 kWh (14%)
- Outside free window: 215 kWh
Assumed tariff prices (illustrative): Free-evening TOU day rate 32p/kWh, free window 0p/kWh. Standard single-rate 25p/kWh. (Standing charge excluded.)
Estimated energy cost:
- Free-evening TOU: 215 kWh × £0.32 + 35 kWh × £0.00 = £68.80
- Standard: 250 kWh × £0.25 = £62.50
Here the “free” hours don’t compensate for the higher rate the rest of the time.
Compare free evening tariffs vs alternatives (what to look at)
Rather than hunting a single “best” name, compare by structure. UK availability changes frequently and depends on your circumstances (region, meter, payment method). Use the table below to decide what’s worth quoting.
| Tariff type | How pricing works | Usually needs | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free evenings (TOU) | £0/kWh for set evening hours; higher rates outside | Smart meter; half-hourly reads | People who can shift appliances/EV to evenings | Day rate/standing charge can be higher; strict time window |
| Economy 7 / off-peak | Cheaper night rate (often ~7 hours); higher day rate | Multi-rate meter / smart meter configured for E7 | Storage heaters, overnight EV charging | Night hours vary by region/meter; day rate can be steep |
| Smart TOU (variable by half-hour) | Prices change through the day; often day-ahead | Smart meter; comfort with variable pricing | Tech-savvy households, battery/EV optimisation | Bills can vary; peak prices may be high |
| Standard single-rate | Same price per kWh all day | Any meter type | Most households with typical routines | No “free” periods; less scope to optimise |
Decision checklist: who it suits
- You have (or can get) a smart meter and are happy with half-hourly reads
- You can reliably run high-use items in the free window (e.g. EV charging, washing machine, tumble dryer)
- Your household routine fits the times (e.g. after school/work)
- You’re comparing on total estimated cost (not “free hours” marketing)
Who it often doesn’t suit
- Your biggest usage is daytime (home working with heavy electric cooking/heating)
- You can’t shift usage due to noise restrictions (flats) or caring responsibilities
- You’re on a legacy multi-rate setup and changing could affect heating controls
- You’d struggle to stick to a strict time window most days
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
Free evening tariffs can be straightforward, but the details matter. These are the issues we see most often when people compare TOU deals in the UK.
Standing charge still applies
Even with £0/kWh in the free window, you typically pay the daily standing charge. Compare the standing charge across tariffs, especially if your usage is low.
The free hours can be narrow
A 2–3 hour window sounds generous, but it’s easy to miss if dinner, bath time or bedtime overlaps. If you regularly fall outside the window, the higher rate can outweigh the benefit.
Smart meter and data settings
Some tariffs need half-hourly data. If your meter isn’t communicating, or permissions aren’t set, you may not get the correct rates applied until it’s resolved.
Exit fees and contract terms
Some fixed deals include exit fees. Always check the tariff information label / T&Cs. If you may move home soon, flexibility can matter more than a headline offer.
Gas is separate
“Free evenings” usually applies to electricity only. If you’re comparing dual fuel, check the gas unit rate and standing charge too (don’t let the electricity offer distract you).
Appliance timing & safety
Running tumble dryers or dishwashers overnight may not suit everyone. Consider noise, ventilation and your manufacturer’s guidance. Cost savings are never worth compromising safety.
FAQs
Do I need a smart meter for free evening electricity tariffs?
In most cases, yes. Because the supplier must measure usage in the free window versus the rest of the day, a communicating smart meter (often with half-hourly reads) is commonly required. Some suppliers may offer alternatives, but they’re less common.
Are free evening tariffs available on prepayment meters?
It depends on the supplier and your meter setup. Many TOU products focus on smart credit meters. If you’re on prepayment, you may have fewer options, but it’s still worth checking whole-of-market availability for your postcode.
Is the electricity literally free during the evening window?
Typically the unit rate is set to £0/kWh for that window, but you still pay the daily standing charge and any other charges on your bill. Also, the supplier may charge a higher rate outside the free window.
What time are “free evenings” in the UK?
There isn’t one standard time. The free period is defined by each tariff’s terms and can vary by supplier and product. Always check the exact start/end times and whether they differ on weekends.
Could I be worse off on a free evening tariff?
Yes. If you don’t use much electricity during the free window (or you forget to shift usage), the higher unit rate outside the window can increase your total cost. That’s why comparing on estimated annual cost based on your pattern matters.
Will switching affect my Economy 7 or storage heating setup?
Potentially. If you rely on an off-peak period to heat storage heaters or a hot water cylinder, moving to a different TOU structure may change costs and controls. Check your meter configuration and speak to your supplier (or us) before switching.
Is a free-evening tariff good for EV charging?
It can be, if the free window aligns with when you can charge and the tariff’s non-free rates aren’t too high. Some EV-specific tariffs offer cheaper overnight rates rather than free evenings, so it’s worth comparing both.
Do these tariffs exist in all UK regions?
Availability and pricing can vary by region in Great Britain. Some suppliers or products may be limited, and Northern Ireland operates differently. Use your postcode when comparing to see what’s actually available to you.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page stewardship
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist (UK retail energy)
- Last updated
- February 2026
How we assess “best” free evening tariffs
We treat “best” as the tariff most likely to be good value for a specific household, not a single universal winner. When comparing, we focus on:
- Total estimated cost using the user’s likely usage pattern (kWh in free window vs outside)
- Tariff structure: free window length, other unit rates (day/night/peak), and standing charge
- Eligibility: smart meter requirement, half-hourly reads, payment method, and any product restrictions
- Terms: contract length, exit fees, and how price changes are handled (fixed vs variable)
- Practical fit: whether the free window matches common household routines
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (energy regulator guidance, switching, consumer protections)
- Citizens Advice: Energy (practical help with bills, meters and complaints)
- GOV.UK (general UK consumer and energy information)
We also refer to supplier tariff information labels and product terms when assessing individual tariffs.
Ready to see if free evenings would actually cut your bill?
We’ll compare whole-of-market tariffs for your postcode and meter type, and show you the trade-offs clearly (standing charge, unit rates and key terms).
Reminder: switching eligibility and prices vary by region, supplier and meter setup. We’ll highlight key terms before you proceed.
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