Energy tariffs with cheap weekend electricity (UK guide)
Looking for lower electricity prices on Saturdays and Sundays? Learn how UK “weekend” and time-of-use tariffs work, who they suit, what to check on your meter, and how to compare whole-of-market options with confidence.
- Understand the main types: weekend off-peak, EV tariffs, and smart time-of-use
- See realistic examples with estimated costs and the break-even thinking
- Check eligibility: smart meter, region, payment method, and exit fees
Prices and availability vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method. Examples are estimates for guidance, not guarantees.
Fast answer: are there UK tariffs with cheaper weekend electricity?
Yes—some UK suppliers offer time-of-use electricity pricing where the unit rate can be lower at certain times, sometimes including weekends. However, “cheap weekend electricity” is rarely a single standard tariff type. It’s usually one of these:
Smart time-of-use (TOU)
Prices vary by time band (and sometimes day). Best for people who can shift usage to off-peak—potentially including weekends.
EV tariffs (often include weekends)
Designed for overnight charging. Some have consistent off-peak windows every day (including Sat/Sun), which effectively makes weekend nights “cheap”.
Legacy multi-rate tariffs
Examples include Economy 7 / Economy 10. These aren’t “weekend tariffs” but can still be good if your heating or hot water runs off-peak.
Key takeaways (quick checks)
- Smart meter often required: most modern weekend/TOU tariffs need a working SMETS2 smart meter (or compatible setup).
- Look for your “shiftable” usage: laundry, dishwasher, immersion heater, EV charging, home battery—anything you can run on weekends/off-peak.
- Watch the standing charge: a low weekend rate doesn’t help if the standing charge is much higher.
- Check exit fees and term length: fixed TOU deals may have exit fees; variable deals can change with notice.
Compare weekend-friendly tariffs (whole of market)
If you’re targeting cheaper electricity at weekends, the fastest way is to compare by your meter, your region, and how you pay. We’ll help you filter for time-of-use and multi-rate options where available—then you can decide whether the trade-offs make sense.
Before you start (2-minute prep)
- Have your postcode ready (prices vary by region).
- Know your meter type: smart / Economy 7 / single-rate.
- If you can, check your last bill for annual kWh (or monthly average).
- Decide whether you need electricity only or dual fuel.
Prefer to understand the mechanics first? Jump to how weekend electricity tariffs work.
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How “cheap weekend electricity” tariffs work in the UK
In the UK, suppliers can set different unit prices at different times (and sometimes different days). Your bill is typically made up of:
- Unit rate(s) (p/kWh): what you pay for each kWh used.
- Standing charge (p/day): fixed daily cost for being connected to the network.
A weekend-focused deal may offer lower unit rates in specific time bands on Saturday and Sunday (or a broader off-peak window that applies every day, including weekends). The exact structure varies, but common patterns include:
Pattern A: “Off-peak window” every day
Often seen on EV tariffs. You get a low unit rate overnight (e.g. 4–5 hours). It applies on weekdays and weekends, so weekend charging is included.
Pattern B: Multiple bands by day/time
Some smart TOU tariffs have different bands (peak/standard/off-peak) and may price weekends differently from weekdays.
Who weekend electricity tariffs can suit
Usually a good fit if you…
- Can run laundry/dishwasher mostly at weekends (or overnight)
- Have an EV and can charge in the off-peak window
- Use a home battery to store cheap energy for later
- Have a smart meter and can stick to time bands
Often not a good fit if you…
- Use most electricity on weekday evenings (common peak times)
- Work from home with steady weekday daytime use you can’t shift
- Are on prepayment (TOU options can be more limited)
- Have storage heaters but the tariff’s off-peak window doesn’t match your heating pattern
Two realistic scenarios (with estimated numbers)
Scenario 1: Family shifting weekend chores
Assumptions (illustrative only): electricity-only home; 3,000 kWh/year. Considering a TOU tariff with a cheaper weekend band.
- Standard single-rate: 24p/kWh, standing charge 55p/day
- Weekend TOU: weekday 27p/kWh, weekend 18p/kWh, standing charge 60p/day
- They can shift 30% of usage to weekends (900 kWh); the rest remains weekdays (2,100 kWh)
In this example, the cheaper weekend rate doesn’t outweigh the higher weekday rate and standing charge. They’d need to shift more usage (or find a better-priced TOU deal) to make it worthwhile.
Scenario 2: EV driver charging at weekend
Assumptions (illustrative only): 4,200 kWh/year total electricity; includes EV charging mostly overnight at weekends.
- Single-rate: 24p/kWh, standing 55p/day
- EV/TOU: peak/day 30p/kWh, off-peak (every night incl. weekends) 12p/kWh, standing 60p/day
- Off-peak usage achievable: 45% (1,890 kWh) via scheduled charging + appliances
Here, the off-peak rate can win if you reliably schedule charging and avoid heavy use in higher-rate periods. Your results depend heavily on the peak price and how much you can shift.
Comparison: weekend-friendly tariff types (UK)
Use this table to shortlist the type of tariff that matches your home, then compare the specific deals available for your postcode and meter.
| Tariff type | How weekends can be cheaper | Typical requirements | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart TOU (multi-band) | Weekend bands may be priced lower, or off-peak windows apply across Sat/Sun. | Usually smart meter + half-hourly reads; credit meter often easier than prepay. | High peak rates can outweigh weekend savings; time bands vary by supplier. |
| EV tariffs (overnight off-peak) | Same low-rate window every night, including weekend nights. | Smart meter; sometimes EV proof or smart charger integration (supplier-dependent). | Day rate may be higher; off-peak window may be short. |
| Economy 7 / multi-rate | Not specifically weekend-priced, but you get cheaper off-peak hours daily. | Multi-rate meter; often used with storage heaters/immersion. | Day rate can be significantly higher; off-peak times vary by region/meter. |
| Single-rate (standard) | No weekend discount; same unit rate all week. | Works with most meters and payment methods. | If you can shift usage, you may be missing cheaper off-peak options. |
Decision checklist (print this mindset)
1) Can you shift enough usage?
Aim to identify at least 25–40% of electricity you can move to weekends/off-peak (often more if peak rates are high).
2) What’s the trade-off?
Compare weekend unit rate, weekday unit rate, and standing charge together—don’t shop by one headline rate.
3) Are you eligible?
Check smart meter status, prepay vs credit, and whether your supplier requires half-hourly readings or app-based control.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
Weekend electricity pricing can be great in the right home—but it’s easy to pick the wrong deal if you don’t check the small print. These are the most common UK gotchas.
1) “Cheap weekend” doesn’t mean cheap overall
Some TOU tariffs recover costs with higher weekday peak rates or a higher standing charge. Always compare your estimated annual cost using a realistic split of usage.
2) Weekend times can be narrow (or not what you expect)
A tariff might only be cheaper late at night, even at weekends. Check exact time bands (and whether they change with BST/GMT).
3) Smart meter and readings requirements
Many TOU tariffs need half-hourly data. If your smart meter isn’t communicating, or you opt out of smart reads, you may not be eligible.
4) Payment method and eligibility limits
Some tariffs are credit-meter only (Direct Debit). Prepayment options exist but can be more limited—always filter by how you pay.
Exit fees & contract terms
Fixed deals may include an exit fee if you leave early. Variable TOU deals may change prices with notice. If you’re renting or planning to move, prioritise flexibility.
Economy 7 warning for low off-peak use
If you have an Economy 7 meter but don’t use storage heating/immersion much, you could end up paying a higher day rate for most of your usage.
Regional pricing differences
Your postcode matters. Standing charges and unit rates differ across Great Britain’s electricity regions—so an “online” example price may not match your home.
FAQs: cheap weekend electricity tariffs (UK)
Do any UK suppliers offer electricity that’s cheaper all weekend?
Some suppliers may offer weekend-friendly time bands, but it’s not always “all day Saturday and Sunday”. More commonly, you’ll see off-peak windows (often overnight) that apply every day, including weekends. Always check the tariff’s exact time bands and whether weekend pricing differs from weekdays.
Do I need a smart meter for weekend electricity tariffs?
Often, yes. Most modern time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter that can record usage in multiple time bands (commonly half-hourly). Some legacy multi-rate tariffs (like Economy 7) can work without a smart meter, but they are not specifically weekend-priced.
How do I know if I have Economy 7 or a multi-rate meter?
A common sign is that your electricity bill shows two unit rates (day and night) or two readings. Some meters have separate registers you can scroll through. If you’re unsure, your supplier can confirm your meter setup and whether you’re billed on a multi-rate tariff.
Are weekend tariffs good for electric heating or storage heaters?
They can be, but only if the off-peak hours align with when your storage heaters or hot water heating runs. Economy 7 (or Economy 10 in some areas) is often designed around overnight charging. A weekend discount alone won’t help much if most heating demand is weekday mornings/evenings at higher rates.
Can I get a weekend time-of-use tariff on prepayment?
Sometimes, but the range can be smaller than for Direct Debit credit meters. It depends on your meter type and whether the supplier supports time-of-use on prepay for your region. When comparing, make sure you filter by payment method and don’t assume a tariff shown online is available for prepayment.
Will switching affect my smart meter or readings?
A smart meter should continue to work after you switch, but features can vary by supplier (for example, how usage data is displayed in an app). Some time-of-use tariffs require half-hourly readings; if your meter isn’t communicating, you may need to resolve that first.
How do I compare weekend tariffs fairly?
Use the same annual consumption (kWh) and make a realistic estimate of how much you’ll use in each time band (weekday vs weekend, peak vs off-peak). Then compare: (1) total estimated annual cost, (2) standing charge, (3) contract length and exit fees, and (4) eligibility requirements.
Is a fixed or variable weekend tariff better?
It depends. Fixed tariffs offer price certainty for the term (but may have exit fees). Variable tariffs can change (typically with notice) but may be more flexible. If you’re trying a weekend/TOU tariff for the first time, flexibility can be valuable while you learn your usage patterns.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page information
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- March 2026
How we assess “cheap weekend electricity” tariffs
Our goal is to help you judge whether a weekend/TOU tariff is likely to reduce your bill—not just whether one unit rate looks low.
- We focus on total cost drivers: unit rate(s) across time bands + standing charge + contract terms.
- We treat availability as postcode- and meter-specific: tariffs vary by electricity region, payment method, and meter capability.
- We prioritise user controllability: we highlight tariffs where you can realistically schedule usage (EV charging timers, appliance timers, immersion controls, battery scheduling).
- We include trade-offs: higher weekday/peak rates, exit fees, and eligibility constraints are clearly flagged.
Helpful UK sources
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) – guidance on energy bills, switching, and consumer protections.
- Citizens Advice: energy – practical help if you’re struggling with bills or supplier issues.
- GOV.UK: smart meters – how smart meters work and what to expect.
Ready to check if weekend electricity could work for you?
Compare whole-of-market tariffs for your postcode and meter. We’ll show options that fit your payment method and help you spot the real trade-offs (standing charge, time bands, and exit fees).
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