Cheap energy tariffs with free weekend electricity in the UK
Compare whole-of-market home energy deals on EnergyPlus.co.uk and check if a tariff with free weekend electricity could cut your bills—especially if you run appliances, charge devices, or do laundry at the weekend.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business)
- See tariffs that reward weekend usage (where available)
- Quick form—get matched to suitable options in minutes
Subject to availability by supplier, region and meter type. You’ll always see the full unit rates, standing charges and any time windows before you switch.
Find cheap weekend-friendly energy tariffs
“Free weekend electricity” tariffs are designed to shift your usage into a discounted (sometimes £0/unit) weekend window. They can work well if you do most of your high-energy tasks on Saturdays and Sundays—think washing and drying, dishwasher cycles, batch cooking, or charging devices.
However, a deal is only “cheap” if the weekday unit rate and standing charge still stack up for your overall usage. EnergyPlus.co.uk helps you compare the whole-of-market and identify options that align with your meter type, region, and pattern of use.
Tip: If you can’t consistently move usage into the weekend, a standard fixed or flexible tariff may be better value. We’ll show you the numbers clearly so you can decide.
What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)
- Your postcode (to match regional rates)
- An email and phone number (so we can share results and help if needed)
- Optional: your approximate usage or current supplier (if you know it)
Get whole-of-market quotes
Complete the form and we’ll match you with suitable home energy tariffs, including weekend offers where available.
Mobile-friendly: The form sits below content on smaller screens for an easier checkout-style flow.
Why choose a free weekend electricity tariff?
These tariffs aren’t for everyone—but for the right household, they can reduce the average cost of electricity by rewarding weekend consumption. Here are the practical advantages to look for when comparing.
Lower cost for heavy weekend usage
If you can move laundry, tumble drying, dishwasher cycles and batch cooking to the weekend, a weekend offer may lower your blended unit cost.
Simple habit change (no night shifts)
Many time-of-use deals focus on overnight hours. Weekend windows can be easier for families and home workers to use.
Great for EV and device charging
If you can charge an electric vehicle, e-bike, or home battery mainly at weekends, the discount can be meaningful over a year.
Potential to cut peak-time demand
Shifting usage away from weekday evenings can reduce pressure on the grid—some suppliers incentivise this with time-based pricing.
Clear comparison: rates + standing charge
EnergyPlus helps you compare total costs—not just the headline “free” claim—so you can see what you’d likely pay.
Switch support if you need it
If you’re unsure about meters, smart readings or tariff terms, we’ll highlight what matters before you proceed.
How free weekend electricity tariffs work (in plain English)
A “free weekend electricity” tariff typically means your electricity unit rate is heavily discounted—sometimes 0p/kWh—during certain weekend hours. Outside that window, the unit rate can be higher than a standard tariff, and you’ll still usually pay a daily standing charge.
1) Time window
The supplier defines the weekend period (for example, set hours on Saturday/Sunday). You must use energy within that window.
2) Metering
Most weekend deals require a smart meter to record half-hourly usage accurately.
3) Pricing
Your weekday/unit rates may be higher. The key is whether the weekend discount offsets this for your usage pattern.
4) Switching
If you switch, your new supplier handles most of the process. You’ll get a welcome pack with the exact weekend hours and rates.
What “free” usually does (and doesn’t) mean
Often included
- A set weekend period with a 0p or heavily discounted unit rate
- Standard credit or direct debit payment options (varies)
- Online account and usage tracking
Usually not included
- No standing charge (most tariffs still charge one)
- “Free electricity all weekend” with no conditions
- Automatic savings if your usage is mostly weekdays
Weekend tariffs vs other cheap energy options
If you’re searching for cheap energy tariffs in the UK, it helps to compare weekend offers against more common tariff types. The table below shows how they typically differ.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free weekend electricity / weekend discount | Households that can shift energy use to weekends (laundry, cooking, EV charging) | Higher weekday rates can erase savings if you don’t shift usage | Weekend hours, smart meter requirement, standing charge, exit fees |
| Fixed rate | People who want predictable rates for a set term | May include exit fees; might not benefit if prices fall | Unit rate, standing charge, term length, exit fee amount |
| Variable / flexible | Those who want flexibility and no long contract (often) | Rates can change; less price certainty | How often rates can change, current rates vs alternatives |
| Economy 7 / off-peak | Homes with storage heaters or overnight-heavy usage | Day rate can be higher; not ideal if you use lots in the day | Off-peak hours, split of your usage, meter type |
| Tracker / time-of-use | Confident users who can adapt to pricing and monitor bills | Prices may vary frequently; can be risky for budgeting | Price cap exposure, daily/half-hourly pricing rules, caps (if any) |
Whole-of-market note: Not every supplier offers weekend-based discounts at all times. Availability can change by region and meter capability. We’ll highlight suitable alternatives if a weekend tariff isn’t the cheapest for you.
Eligibility: who can get free weekend electricity in the UK?
Weekend electricity deals are usually aimed at domestic customers and tend to have specific requirements. Use the checklist below to see if you’re likely to qualify.
You’re a good fit if you…
- Have (or can get) a smart meter
- Can shift high usage to weekends (dishwasher, washing, drying, EV charging)
- Prefer a clear time window rather than constant price tracking
- Want to compare the full cost (standing charge + weekday rates)
You may be better with another tariff if you…
- Use most electricity on weekday evenings (cooking, heating, entertainment)
- Cannot get a smart meter installed (or you’re on a legacy meter setup)
- Need maximum budget certainty and dislike complex rate structures
- Have low overall usage—standing charges can matter more
Regional and meter considerations
Energy prices vary by UK region because distribution charges differ. Weekend tariffs can also vary by:
- Electricity region (your postcode determines this)
- Payment method (e.g. direct debit vs pay on receipt)
- Meter type (smart meters are often required for time-of-use accuracy)
- Single-fuel vs dual-fuel (some deals are stronger when bundled)
How to tell if it will actually save you money
The best way to judge a weekend tariff is to estimate how much of your electricity you can push into the discounted window. If you can move a meaningful chunk of kWh to weekends, savings are more likely. If not, a “free weekend” label can be misleading.
A quick self-check
- List your biggest electricity users (tumble dryer, washing machine, dishwasher, electric oven, immersion heater, EV charger).
- Decide what you can realistically run on Saturdays/Sundays.
- If you can shift regularly, compare the full tariff cost—not just the weekend unit rate.
Common “gotchas” to avoid
- A higher weekday unit rate wipes out weekend savings
- Weekend hours aren’t the full weekend (they may be limited)
- Standing charges are still payable
- Exit fees apply on some fixed products
Not sure about your usage? Submit the form above and we can help you compare likely outcomes based on typical household patterns and what’s available in your area.
Best ways to use free weekend electricity (without changing your life)
If you take a weekend tariff, the simplest path to savings is to schedule the chores you already do—just in a smarter order. Here are practical ideas that work for many UK homes.
Laundry stack
Do washing + drying back-to-back in the discounted window. If you have a dehumidifier, run it alongside indoor drying.
Dishwasher & hot water
Run the dishwasher at the weekend and consider heating water (where applicable) in the discounted hours—always follow your system’s guidance.
Batch cooking
Use the oven and hob for multiple meals at once and freeze portions—reduces weekday cooking energy.
EV charging (if you have one)
If your driving pattern allows, charge on weekends. Always use a suitable, professionally installed charge point.
Device recharge day
Charge power banks, laptops, cordless vacuums and tools at the weekend—small savings add up.
Smart plugs & timers
Where safe and appropriate, use timers to ensure eligible appliances run in the right window.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs
Are free weekend electricity tariffs really free?
They can be “free” (0p/kWh) for electricity within a defined weekend window, depending on the supplier’s offer. You’ll normally still pay a standing charge, and the weekday unit rate may be higher.
Always compare the overall annual cost for your likely usage pattern rather than relying on the headline.
Do I need a smart meter for a weekend electricity tariff?
Often, yes. Time-of-use pricing usually relies on smart meter readings to allocate usage into the correct time bands. Some suppliers may offer alternatives, but eligibility is typically better with a smart meter.
What appliances make the biggest difference at weekends?
High-load appliances like tumble dryers, electric ovens, washing machines, dishwashers and EV charging tend to have the biggest impact. Shifting several of these consistently can be more valuable than moving lots of small device charging.
Is a weekend tariff good for low-usage households?
It depends. If your overall usage is low, the standing charge can make up a larger share of the bill. A weekend discount may not compensate if weekday rates are higher. Comparing total costs is essential.
Can I get free weekend electricity on a dual fuel tariff?
Sometimes. Weekend offers often apply to electricity only, but you can still take gas from the same supplier where available. The cheapest setup can be dual fuel or split suppliers—EnergyPlus can help you compare both approaches.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your energy supply stays on during a switch. The change is administrative, and your new supplier will confirm your start date and provide tariff details (including weekend hours and rates).
Looking for the cheapest option today? Head back to Compare & get quotes—we’ll surface weekend tariffs where they’re genuinely competitive.
Trusted comparison support for UK households
When you’re comparing time-based tariffs, clarity matters. Here’s what customers typically value about an EnergyPlus-style comparison experience.
“The weekend offer sounded great, but I needed someone to explain the weekday rate and standing charge. The comparison made it obvious which option was actually cheaper for us.”
“I liked that it wasn’t just one supplier. I got a few options and chose the one that fitted our weekend routine.”
“Switching felt confusing, but the steps were straightforward. No interruption to supply, and the tariff terms were clearly laid out.”
Trust markers: Whole-of-market approach, clear tariff breakdowns (unit rate + standing charge), UK household focus, and accessible support.
Ready to check if free weekend electricity is worth it?
Complete the quick form to compare cheap home energy tariffs across the market. We’ll surface weekend-based deals where they make sense—and show straightforward alternatives where they don’t.
- Compare unit rates, standing charges and weekend windows
- UK household focus (not business energy)
- No obligation—review options before you switch
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