What are energy tariffs with free electricity hours in the UK?

Energy tariffs with free electricity hours (sometimes called ‘free-hours’ or ‘free electric’ tariffs) give you a set window of time where the unit rate for electricity is £0. Outside those hours you pay the supplier’s standard (often higher) unit rate plus the daily standing charge. They’re designed to reward households that can shift usage into the free period—such as running the dishwasher, tumble dryer, immersion heater, or charging an electric vehicle. To see whether a free-hours tariff could reduce your bills, compare your current rates and usage pattern at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Are free electricity hours tariffs actually cheaper?

They can be cheaper if you can move a meaningful share of your electricity use into the free window. However, many free-hours tariffs make up for the £0 period with a higher unit rate during paid hours and/or a higher standing charge. The key is your load shifting: the more you can run high-usage appliances (or EV charging) during the free hours, the more likely you are to save. A quick way to judge is to estimate how many kWh you could reliably move into the free period each week and compare that saving against any increased costs outside the free hours. You can also compare tariffs by price and features via https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Who benefits most from free-hours electricity tariffs?

Free-hours tariffs tend to suit households that can schedule demand, such as: EV owners who can charge overnight, homes with smart appliances/timers, households that run laundry or dishwashers in the evening, and properties with electric heating or immersion heaters that can be timed. If most of your usage is during peak daytime hours and you can’t shift it, savings may be limited. If you’re unsure, comparing your current tariff with alternatives at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ can help you decide.

Do I need a smart meter for a tariff with free electricity hours?

In most cases, yes. Free-hours tariffs typically rely on half-hourly readings to apply the £0 unit rate during the set time window. A smart meter (with half-hourly data enabled) is commonly required so your supplier can accurately bill usage in and out of the free period. If you don’t have a smart meter yet, you can still compare available options and requirements at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

What times are the free electricity hours usually offered?

Free hours vary by supplier and tariff, but they’re often scheduled overnight or during off-peak periods, for example late evening to early morning. Some tariffs may offer different or additional free windows on certain days. Always check the exact times in the tariff terms because your savings depend on using electricity within those windows. You can review and compare tariff structures at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Is a free-hours tariff good for EV charging?

It can be, especially if the free window is long enough to cover most of your charging needs. EV owners often see strong value because charging uses a large amount of electricity and can usually be scheduled overnight. Check your charger’s timer settings and ensure you can consistently charge during the free period. To find EV-friendly options and compare costs, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Are there any risks or downsides with free electricity hour tariffs?

Potential downsides include higher rates outside the free window, higher standing charges, and savings that depend heavily on your ability to shift usage. If you forget to schedule appliances, or your household uses most electricity during peak hours, bills could be higher than on a simpler fixed or standard variable tariff. Before switching, compare the full set of rates and your typical usage profile at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Can I use timers and smart plugs to maximise savings during free hours?

Yes. Timers, delayed-start functions, and smart plugs can help you automatically run appliances during the free window—helping you capture savings without changing your routine. Common examples include dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers (where safe and appropriate), and immersion heaters. Always follow manufacturer guidance and safety advice when scheduling appliances. To see whether the potential savings justify switching, compare tariffs at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

How do I know if I should switch to a free-hours tariff?

Start by checking (1) your current unit rate and standing charge, (2) the free-hours tariff’s unit rate outside the free window and standing charge, and (3) how many kWh you can realistically move into the free period each week (EV charging, laundry, dishwashing, heating water). If shifting is easy and consistent, a free-hours tariff may reduce your annual cost. You can compare UK energy tariffs and switch online at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

How can I compare and switch energy tariffs in the UK?

You can compare tariffs by looking at the unit rate, standing charge, contract length, exit fees, and any time-of-use features (including free electricity hours). Once you’ve found a suitable option, switching is typically straightforward and your supply doesn’t change—only your billing and tariff terms do. To compare deals and start a switch, go to https://www.energyplus.co.uk/.

Energy tariffs with free electricity hours in the UK

Compare whole-of-market tariffs that offer discounted or free off-peak electricity windows (where available) and see if they suit your home usage. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with options from UK suppliers.

Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (not business).
Find tariffs with off-peak and “free hours” style savings for EV charging, heat pumps and appliances.
Clear checks: unit rates, standing charges, peak windows and eligibility.

Compare free-hours style tariffs How free electricity hours work

Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. “Free hours” usually means a discounted unit rate during set times – always check the full tariff details.

Compare UK energy tariffs with free electricity hours (or similar off-peak deals)

Some UK suppliers offer time-based electricity tariffs where certain hours are discounted – and occasionally marketed as “free electricity hours”. These tariffs can work well if you can shift usage (for example: charging an electric vehicle overnight, running a dishwasher, or heating hot water) into the cheaper windows.

EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market options and see which deals match your postcode, meter type and household needs. We’ll show the important details that affect your bill: unit rates at different times, standing charges, any peak price periods, and any restrictions.

Good to know: Many “free hours” tariffs are not truly £0.00 per kWh. They may offer a very low rate during set times, but higher rates at peak times. Comparing the whole structure is essential.

What you’ll need to compare accurately

Your postcode (rates vary by region).
Whether you have a smart meter (often required for time-of-use tariffs).
Your rough usage pattern (e.g., EV charging, heat pump, storage heater, home working).

Get personalised results

Fill in the form and we’ll match you with tariffs that may include discounted/free-hour windows, where available in your area.

Tip: If you can’t regularly move usage into the low-cost window, a standard single-rate tariff may work out cheaper overall.

Who benefits most from free-hours style energy tariffs?

These tariffs reward households that can shift electricity use to specific times. If you’re unsure, a quick comparison is the safest way to find out whether you’re likely to save.

EV drivers

If you charge at home, a low-cost off-peak window can reduce your pence-per-mile significantly. Look for tariffs that align with your usual charging time.

Heat pumps & electric heating

Some homes can pre-heat or heat hot water during cheap periods. The tariff only works if your heating system and schedule match the low-rate hours.

Flexible households

If you can run appliances (washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher) during the discounted window, you may see steady savings month to month.

Homes with smart meters

Time-of-use billing typically requires half-hourly readings, which means a working smart meter is often essential.

Solar & batteries (in some cases)

If you can top-up a home battery at low cost and use it later, time-based tariffs can be powerful – but the maths must be checked carefully.

People who track usage

You’ll get the most value if you monitor when you use electricity and adjust habits (or automate via EV charger / timers).

How “free electricity hours” tariffs work in the UK

In the UK, these deals usually sit under the wider category of time-of-use or multi-rate electricity tariffs. Your price per kWh changes depending on the time (and sometimes day) you use electricity.

Set discounted window: The supplier defines specific hours when electricity is very cheap (occasionally advertised as “free”). These might be overnight, mid-day, or weekend blocks.
Peak or standard pricing outside that window: Unit rates can be higher at other times to balance the offer. This is why comparing the full tariff structure matters.
Billing based on your meter data: A smart meter typically sends half-hourly readings so your supplier can apply the correct rate at the correct time.
Your savings depend on behaviour: The more usage you can shift into the discounted hours, the better the tariff tends to perform.

Quick comparison: common UK tariff structures

Tariff type	How it prices electricity	Best for	Watch-outs
Single-rate	Same unit rate all day, plus standing charge	Most households with mixed usage	May not reward flexible usage
Economy 7 / 10	Two (or more) fixed rates: day vs night	Storage heaters, night-heavy usage	Day rate can be higher; times vary by region
Time-of-use / “free hours” style	Multiple price periods, sometimes including a very low-cost window	EVs, flexible households, smart homes	Peak rates can be high; eligibility and smart meter needs
Tracker / variable smart	Rate changes regularly (e.g., daily), not necessarily time-based	People comfortable with price variation	Budgeting can be harder; risk of increases

Practical check: If your biggest electricity use happens during weekday evenings, a tariff with expensive peak hours may increase your bill even if it includes a cheap “free” window.

Costs, savings and common pitfalls

What to compare (beyond the headline)

Standing charge: can outweigh savings if it’s much higher.
Peak unit rate: check expensive periods (often early evening).
Off-peak window length: 2, 4, 6+ hours can change outcomes.
Weekend vs weekday pricing: some tariffs favour weekends.
Export rates (if solar): electricity you export may be paid differently.
Exit fees & contract terms: fixed deals may penalise early switching.

Typical ways households save

Savings usually come from moving energy-hungry tasks into the cheapest window. Examples include:

Charging an EV overnight using a scheduled charger.
Running appliances on timers (dishwasher / laundry).
Heating hot water (if your system allows) during off-peak.
Charging a home battery at low rate and using it later (where appropriate).

The most common mistake

Choosing a tariff because the cheap window sounds attractive, without checking whether the peak rate and standing charge raise costs for the rest of your day-to-day electricity use. A whole-of-market comparison helps you avoid this.

Eligibility: smart meters, regions and household set-up

Whether you can get a free-hours style tariff depends on your meter, your supplier options and your location. Here are the main factors to consider before switching.

Smart meter requirement

Many time-of-use tariffs rely on half-hourly readings. If your smart meter isn’t working properly, billing may be delayed or you may not be eligible.

Regional pricing differences

Electricity distribution regions impact standing charges and unit rates. Your postcode helps us show the right prices for your area.

Home usage patterns

If you’re out all day and use most power in the evening peak, time-based tariffs can be risky unless your cheap window aligns with your routine.

Not sure what meter you have? Submit the form above and we’ll help you identify the right tariff types to compare for your home, including options similar to Economy 7/10 and smart time-of-use deals.

FAQs: free electricity hours tariffs in the UK

Are there genuinely “free electricity hours” in the UK?

Occasionally, suppliers market a set time window as “free”. In practice, it’s more common to see a very low unit rate during those hours, with higher rates at other times. Always compare the entire tariff (all unit rates plus standing charges), not just the headline.

Do I need a smart meter for off-peak or free-hours tariffs?

Often, yes. Time-of-use tariffs commonly use smart meter half-hourly readings. Economy 7/10 may work with specific multi-rate meters, but many new deals are designed around smart meters.

Will a free-hours tariff reduce my bill if I don’t have an EV?

It can. If you can shift meaningful usage (laundry, dishwasher, cooking prep, hot water heating) into the discounted period, it may still work. If most of your electricity is used at peak times, a single-rate tariff may be safer.

What about gas – do these tariffs include “free gas hours”?

These offers are typically focused on electricity. Gas tariffs in the UK are usually single-rate. If you have a dual fuel account, you’ll normally compare electricity time-of-use pricing alongside a standard gas rate.

Can I switch if I’m on a prepayment meter?

Options can be more limited, and some time-based tariffs may not be available. The quickest way to check is to compare using your postcode and details in the form, then review what’s available for your set-up.

How quickly can I switch?

Switching times vary by supplier and meter set-up. Some switches complete within days, while others take longer (for example, if a meter exchange is needed). We’ll guide you based on the tariff and your situation.

Still unsure? Go back to compare tariffs for your home – it’s the fastest way to see whether a free-hours style deal is worth it.

What households like about time-based tariffs

Every home is different, but these are common themes we hear from households comparing off-peak and free-hours style deals.

The comparison helped us see that the evening peak rate mattered more than the “free” window. We picked a deal that actually matched our routine.

Homeowner, West Midlands

Charging our car overnight is straightforward now. Knowing the exact cheap hours made it easy to set schedules.

EV driver, Greater Manchester

Seeing the standing charge and all unit rates side-by-side made the choice much clearer than marketing headlines.

Flat resident, London

Trust & clarity: EnergyPlus is a comparison service. We help you understand the tariff’s structure so you can choose based on your real usage – not just the headline.

Ready to see if free electricity hours could cut your bill?

Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs in your area and find time-based deals that fit your routine – including options with discounted/free-hour windows where available.

Start my comparison Read the FAQs first

Home energy only. Tariff availability and savings depend on meter type, usage and supplier terms.

Checklist before you switch

Confirm your cheap-hour window matches your routine
Check standing charge and peak rate
Make sure your smart meter is compatible
Review contract length and exit fees

Back to Guides & FAQs

Updated on 14 Feb 2026