Is electricity really free on Sundays or are there catches?

The free period typically applies to the electricity unit rate during set Sunday hours, but it does not usually remove the daily standing charge. Some tariffs may have higher rates at other times or specific conditions (such as having a smart meter, being on a particular payment method, or being an existing customer). Always check the tariff’s T&Cs for the free window and any exclusions.

Do I need a smart meter to get a free electricity Sunday tariff?

In most cases, yes. A smart meter is commonly required so your supplier can accurately measure usage during the Sunday free period and apply the correct pricing. If you don’t have one, you may need to arrange an installation before you can join.

Can I run high-usage appliances during the free Sunday period?

Usually yes, as long as it’s within the tariff’s stated free hours. For savings, prioritise high-consumption tasks like laundry cycles, tumble drying, dishwashing, electric cooking, and EV charging. Keep safety in mind—avoid leaving appliances unattended if that’s not recommended by the manufacturer.

Will my electricity bill definitely be lower with a free Sunday tariff?

Not always. Your total cost depends on (1) how much electricity you can move to the free Sunday period, (2) the tariff’s unit rate and standing charge the rest of the week, and (3) your overall usage. Compare the full tariff pricing and estimate your weekly shiftable usage to confirm whether you’ll save.

Do free electricity Sunday tariffs apply to gas too?

Typically, the free period applies to electricity only, not gas. If you have a dual fuel plan, gas will still be billed at its normal rates. Check your supplier’s tariff information to confirm what’s included.

How do I compare free Sunday electricity tariffs properly?

Compare: the Sunday free hours, electricity unit rate outside the free window, standing charge, contract length, exit fees, payment method, and any eligibility rules (such as smart meter requirements). A good approach is to estimate how many kWh you can realistically shift to Sundays and calculate the annual cost versus an alternative tariff.

Can I switch to an energy tariff with free electricity Sundays through EnergyPlus?

Yes—EnergyPlus can help you understand whether a free Sunday electricity deal suits your usage and guide you through comparing options. Start by reviewing the guide on this page and then explore your switching options at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ to find a tariff that matches your household’s habits.

Energy tariffs with free electricity on Sundays (UK)

Q: What are energy tariffs with free electricity on Sundays in the UK?

They are UK electricity tariffs that provide a weekly time window on Sundays where the unit rate for electricity is reduced (sometimes to 0p per kWh). Outside the free period, electricity is charged at the tariff’s normal rates (and you still pay the daily standing charge). Exact hours and eligibility depend on the supplier and tariff terms.

Q: Who benefits most from free electricity on Sundays?

Households that can shift a meaningful portion of electricity use into the Sunday free window benefit most—e.g., running the washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, batch cooking, charging an EV, or using immersion heating at that time. If you can’t move much usage to Sunday, a standard tariff may be better value overall.

Compare whole-of-market energy deals that include a “free electricity Sunday” (or similar off-peak incentive) and see whether it genuinely reduces your annual bill. Get personalised results for your home in minutes.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business tariffs)
Check if “free Sunday” offers beat standard unit rates and standing charges
Works for smart meters and different payment types (Direct Debit/prepay)

Compare tariffs with free Sundays How “free electricity Sundays” work

Quotes are based on the details you provide. “Free electricity” usually has conditions and time windows—always check the tariff information label before switching.

Compare energy tariffs that offer “free electricity Sundays”

Some UK suppliers promote tariffs where electricity is free (or heavily discounted) during a set Sunday time window. These can be excellent if you can shift high-usage activities (washing, tumble drying, dishwasher, batch cooking, EV charging) into the offer period. But they can also be misleading if the weekday unit rate or standing charge is higher.

EnergyPlus helps you compare these incentives against the wider market—so you can judge the true annual cost, not just the headline “free” promise.

Tip: If you’re on a smart meter, time-based offers can be easier to apply accurately. If you’re not, you may still be eligible depending on the supplier and tariff type.

What you’ll get from the comparison

Estimated monthly and annual costs based on your home and usage pattern
Clear view of unit rates, standing charges, and any time-window conditions
Options that may suit smart meter households, EV drivers, and busy families
Support switching for your home energy—electricity-only or dual fuel

Get personalised free-Sunday quotes

Fill in a few details and we’ll match you to suitable UK home energy tariffs, including offers that feature free electricity on Sundays where available.

What is a “free electricity Sunday” energy tariff?

A “free electricity Sunday” tariff is a UK home electricity deal where the supplier offers zero-cost (or close to zero-cost) electricity for a specific period on Sundays. The goal is to encourage customers to shift energy-heavy tasks to that time window.

These tariffs can sit within wider time-of-use structures, meaning your price can vary by day or time. The most important thing is to compare the total cost, including:

Standing charge

The daily fixed charge you pay regardless of usage. A higher standing charge can wipe out “free” savings.

Unit rate outside Sunday

Many offers make up the cost with higher weekday rates. Your Mon–Sat usage matters most for the annual bill.

Time window & caps

“Free” may only apply for set hours and may exclude certain charges or require a compatible meter.

Who benefits most from free electricity on Sundays?

These offers are not automatically cheaper than a standard variable or fixed deal. They work best when your household can reliably shift a meaningful chunk of electricity use into the Sunday offer period.

Busy households

If you run multiple loads of washing, drying and dishwashing at weekends, a free-Sunday window can reduce your cost per week—especially in winter.

EV drivers (home charging)

If your vehicle is parked at home on Sundays, you may be able to schedule charging for the “free” period—subject to tariff terms and your charger setup.

High electricity usage homes

If you use more electricity than average (large family, electric cooking, home working), shifting even 10–20% to Sunday can have an impact—if weekday rates remain competitive.

Good to know: If your home is heated by gas, the “free Sunday” benefit usually affects electricity only. For dual fuel, you still need to compare the gas unit rate and standing charge too.

How “free electricity Sundays” work (and what to check)

Suppliers structure these deals in different ways. The headline can look similar, but the detail changes the real value. Use the checklist below before you switch.

Confirm the Sunday time window
The offer may apply only to specific hours (for example, daytime only). Plan which appliances you can realistically run within that period.
Check which costs are included
“Free” often refers to the unit rate only. Standing charges still apply every day.
Compare weekday unit rates
If Mon–Sat rates are higher than a competitive fixed tariff, you may pay more overall unless you shift a meaningful amount to Sunday.
Meter type and eligibility
Many time-based deals work best with a smart meter. If you don’t have one, check eligibility and whether a meter upgrade is required.
Payment method and contract length
Some offers are tied to Direct Debit, fixed terms, exit fees or bundled perks. Compare like-for-like before deciding.

Quick comparison: what matters most

Feature	Why it matters	What to look for
Sunday offer period	Determines how much usage you can shift.	Hours that match your routine; easy-to-schedule appliances.
Weekday unit rate	Most kWh are typically used Mon–Sat.	Competitive p/kWh versus other fixed or variable options.
Standing charge	A daily cost you can’t avoid.	Reasonable rate for your region; compare electricity and gas.
Smart meter requirement	Needed for accurate time-based pricing on many deals.	Eligibility rules; installation timelines; any restrictions.
Exit fees / contract	Impacts flexibility if prices fall.	Clear term length; manageable exit fees; renewal process.

If you want to skip the manual checking, use the comparison form and we’ll help you narrow down suitable options.

Will a free Sunday tariff actually save you money?

Use this practical, UK-home-focused checklist. If you can answer “yes” to most of these, a free electricity Sunday offer is more likely to be worth it.

Your usage pattern

You can run at least 2–4 appliance cycles on Sundays (washer/dryer/dishwasher).
You can batch-cook or use the oven on Sundays without disrupting your routine.
If you have an EV, you can reliably charge at home on Sundays.
You can schedule usage safely (avoid running tumble dryers unattended).

Your tariff fundamentals

The standing charge is not significantly higher than comparable tariffs.
The weekday unit rate is competitive for your region.
Any contract term and exit fees match your preferences.
The “free” period is clearly defined in the tariff information label.

Regional note: Unit rates and standing charges vary across Great Britain by distribution region. Always compare using your postcode for accurate pricing.

Common mistakes with “free electricity” offers (and how to avoid them)

Focusing on the free period only

If Mon–Sat rates are higher, your bill can rise even with a free Sunday. Compare the full weekly pattern and annual estimate.

Underestimating standing charges

Standing charges apply every day. A slightly higher standing charge can offset savings if your overall usage is modest.

Assuming you’re eligible without checking

Some tariffs require a smart meter, certain payment methods, or exclude certain meter types. Confirm eligibility before initiating a switch.

Not aligning with your household routine

If Sundays are busy or you’re often away, you may not use enough in the offer window to benefit. Choose a tariff that fits your lifestyle.

If you’re unsure, start with the EnergyPlus comparison—it’s the quickest way to see whether a free Sunday tariff beats a competitive fixed deal for your postcode.

FAQs: free electricity Sundays in the UK

Is electricity really free on Sundays?

“Free” usually means the unit rate (p/kWh) is set to £0 for a defined time window. You will typically still pay the standing charge, and other conditions may apply. Always read the tariff information label.

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

Often, yes—because suppliers need half-hourly readings to apply time-based pricing accurately. Some deals may still be available without one, but smart meters tend to unlock more time-of-use options.

Can I get free Sunday electricity with a prepayment meter?

Availability varies by supplier and meter type. Some tariffs are Direct Debit-only. Use your postcode and meter details in the comparison form to check what’s available for your home.

Is a free electricity Sunday tariff better than Economy 7?

They’re different. Economy 7 provides cheaper night rates for a longer period, typically suited to storage heaters and overnight use. A free Sunday offer can be better for households that can concentrate usage into a Sunday window. The best choice depends on your usage pattern and local rates.

Will switching disrupt my supply?

No—your energy supply stays on during a standard UK switch. You may need to provide meter readings (if requested) and set up Direct Debit where required.

What appliances should I run during the free period?

Consider high-consumption activities you can schedule safely: washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer (only if attended), oven batch cooking, immersion heater (if suitable), and EV charging. Always prioritise safety and ventilation.

Why households use EnergyPlus to compare

When a tariff advertises “free electricity”, the detail matters. EnergyPlus focuses on clear comparison and suitability for your home.

Whole-of-market view

We compare across the market to help you assess incentive tariffs against more straightforward fixed and variable options.

Plain-English clarity

We highlight what impacts your bill: standing charge, unit rates and conditions—so you can decide with confidence.

Support when switching

From eligibility questions to timing, we help you understand the steps—especially for smart-meter and time-of-use tariffs.

Customer comments

“I was tempted by a free electricity Sunday offer, but the weekday rate was higher than I expected. The comparison made it obvious which deal actually cost less overall.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands

“We do most laundry on Sundays, so the time window suited us. Switching was straightforward and we understood the terms before committing.”
— Family household, Greater Manchester

Testimonials shown are illustrative of typical customer experiences and do not guarantee savings.

Ready to see if a free Sunday tariff is right for your home?

Compare whole-of-market UK energy tariffs in minutes. We’ll highlight offers that include free electricity on Sundays (where available) and help you weigh them against competitive alternatives.

Start my comparison Read FAQs

Always check the tariff information label for full terms, including time windows, eligibility and any fees.

What you’ll need

Your postcode
Current supplier and tariff (if known)
Approximate usage or current bill (helpful, not always required)

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026