What is a free electricity Sunday tariff?

A free electricity Sunday tariff is an energy deal where the unit rate for electricity is reduced to £0/kWh for a defined Sunday period (for example, certain hours on Sundays). You still typically pay the standing charge and any electricity used outside the free period is charged at the normal unit rate. Always check the supplier’s exact time window and terms before switching.

Are free electricity Sundays really free in the UK?

They can be “free” for the unit rate during the promotional Sunday window, but you’ll usually still pay the daily standing charge. Some tariffs may also have higher unit rates at other times or additional conditions, so the overall cost depends on your usage pattern and the tariff’s full pricing.

What time is the free electricity period on Sundays?

The free period varies by supplier and tariff. It may be a set block of hours on Sunday (e.g., daytime or evening). Confirm the exact hours in the tariff’s terms and conditions so you can plan high-usage activities within the free window.

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

In most cases, yes. A smart meter is usually required so your supplier can accurately measure electricity used during the free Sunday window versus the rest of the week. If you don’t have one, check whether the tariff requires installation as part of the switch.

Who benefits most from free electricity Sundays?

Households that can shift electricity use to Sundays often benefit most—such as running washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, batch cooking, charging EVs, or heating hot water (where appropriate and safe). If your usage is mostly on weekdays or you can’t move demand, savings may be limited.

How do I calculate whether a free Sunday electricity tariff will save me money?

Compare the full tariff costs (unit rates outside the free period plus standing charges) against your current tariff and estimate how much electricity you can realistically move into the free Sunday window. If the tariff has higher rates at other times, ensure the “free” benefit outweighs any increased costs during the week.

Can I run my appliances all day on Sunday to maximise savings?

Only during the supplier’s defined free-hours window. Also consider safe and practical usage: avoid overloading circuits, follow appliance guidance, and don’t run appliances unattended if that’s not recommended. The best approach is to schedule flexible loads within the free period where safe and convenient.

Are there exit fees or minimum terms with free electricity Sunday tariffs?

Some tariffs may be fixed-term and can include exit fees, while others are variable with more flexibility. Check the tariff’s contract length, exit fees, and whether the free-Sunday offer can change over time.

Can I switch to a free electricity Sunday tariff if I’m in debt or on a prepayment meter?

Switching rules vary. If you’re on prepayment or have energy debt, you may still be able to switch in certain situations, but it depends on supplier policies and your circumstances. Check eligibility and whether the tariff is available for your meter type.

How do I switch to a UK tariff with free electricity on Sundays?

You can compare available tariffs for your postcode, check the exact free-hours window and full pricing, then apply to switch. If you need help finding a suitable option, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/ to compare and review available deals for your home.

Energy tariffs with free electricity Sundays in the UK

Compare whole-of-market energy deals that include free electricity on Sundays (where available) and check if they suit your household’s usage. Fill in the form to see options and switching reminders tailored to your home.

Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (not business)
See how “free Sunday” offers work, eligibility and fair-use rules
Check if you’ll really save vs standard or fixed tariffs
Switch online with support and clear next steps

Compare free Sunday tariffs How free Sundays work

EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service. Availability of “free electricity Sundays” varies by supplier, region and meter type. Always check tariff terms before switching.

Compare energy tariffs offering free electricity on Sundays

“Free electricity Sundays” tariffs can look attractive—especially if you do your heavy electricity use at the weekend. But the best deal depends on your full weekly usage, your meter type, your region, and how the supplier prices energy outside the free window.

Tip: If a tariff offers free electricity on Sundays, suppliers may set higher unit rates at other times or apply fair-use rules. Comparing your annual cost is the safest way to check if it’s actually cheaper.

What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)

Your postcode (to show accurate regional pricing and available suppliers)
Whether you use gas + electricity or electricity only
Your approximate monthly spend or usage (if you have it)
If you have a smart meter (helps with time-of-use and “free day” features)

Get your Sunday-free tariff options

Postcode

Fuel type

Payment method

Phone (optional)

By submitting, you agree EnergyPlus.co.uk can contact you about your comparison. We’ll use your details to provide results and support your switch.

Important: A “free electricity Sunday” usually means the supplier charges £0 per kWh for electricity during a set Sunday period. You may still pay the daily standing charge, and other days/times may be priced differently.

What are “free electricity Sundays” tariffs?

In the UK, a small number of suppliers and time-of-use products run promotions where electricity is free (0p/kWh) for a defined period on Sundays. These tariffs are aimed at households that can shift usage—think washing, tumble drying, dishwashing, batch cooking, or charging devices—into the free window.

The key is to compare the total cost across your whole week. If unit rates are higher Monday–Saturday, the “free” benefit may be reduced. That’s why EnergyPlus.co.uk focuses on whole-of-market comparisons and clear tariff terms.

Who can benefit from free electricity on Sundays?

High weekend electricity use

If Sundays are your “home day” (laundry, cooking, cleaning), you’re more likely to capture real value.

Households that can shift load

Flexible routines help. You don’t need to change everything—moving a few high-use tasks can make a difference.

Smart-meter ready homes

Many “free day” style tariffs work best with a smart meter for accurate time-based billing and usage tracking.

Families with lots of washing

Multiple loads, tumble drying and dishwasher cycles can stack up—Sunday can become your “cheap-to-run” day.

EV owners (check the terms)

If the free window is long enough, EV charging can benefit—but some tariffs have fair-use policies or exclusions.

Anyone comparing properly

The best candidates are those who compare the annual cost, not just the headline “free” message.

How free electricity Sundays typically work (and what to check)

1) The supplier sets a “free” time window

This might be all day Sunday or a defined period. Outside this window, electricity is billed at the tariff’s usual rates.

2) You usually still pay the standing charge

“Free electricity” generally means free unit rate (kWh) during the window—standing charges often remain.

3) Rates elsewhere may be higher

Some tariffs offset the free period with higher unit rates at other times. Compare based on your actual pattern (weekday vs weekend).

4) Check fair-use and eligibility terms

Some suppliers have limits, exclusions or requirements (e.g. smart meter, specific payment method, or online account).

Quick sanity check: If your Sunday electricity use is low, you may do better on a competitively priced fixed tariff with lower unit rates throughout the week. Use the form in Compare & get results to see which type matches your home.

Will you actually save? Use this checklist

A “free Sundays” tariff can be great value for the right household, but it’s not automatic. Use the checklist below before you switch.

Check	Why it matters	What to do
Sunday free window length	Short windows limit the benefit for laundry/EV charging.	Plan which appliances you’ll run in that period.
Unit rate Monday–Saturday	Higher weekday rates can erase the Sunday saving.	Compare estimated annual cost, not just the headline.
Standing charge	You pay this every day regardless of usage.	Factor it into the full yearly cost.
Exit fees & contract length	Fixed deals can charge fees for leaving early.	Check the tariff information and any early termination charges.
Fair use / exclusions	Some deals limit extreme usage patterns.	Read the terms—especially for EV charging and high loads.

Want the quick route? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you identify whether Sunday-free tariffs beat fixed or standard variable options for your postcode.

Eligibility: who can get free electricity Sundays?

Meter & setup requirements

Smart meter: commonly required for accurate time-based billing.
Credit vs prepayment: some tariffs are credit-meter only; others may allow PAYG.
Single-rate vs time-of-use: the supplier defines how the Sunday free period is applied.
Switching status: ensure there are no ongoing objections (e.g. debt-related restrictions for some setups).

Location & availability

Tariff availability can vary by postcode and network region.
Unit rates and standing charges can differ across England, Scotland and Wales.
Northern Ireland energy markets differ—availability may be limited depending on supplier coverage.
“Free Sundays” deals may appear as limited-time promotions.

Not sure what meter you have? Submit your postcode in the comparison form. We’ll guide you on what’s typically required for Sunday-free or other time-of-use tariffs.

Common mistakes to avoid with “free Sunday” energy deals

Only looking at Sunday

Your bill is built across all days. If weekday unit rates are higher, your annual cost may increase even with a free day.

Forgetting the standing charge

Standing charges apply daily on most tariffs. “Free electricity” usually doesn’t remove this.

Overestimating shiftable usage

If your high-use appliances run mainly midweek (WFH, school nights), you might not gain much from Sunday-free windows.

Not checking tariff rules

Some deals have conditions around eligibility, billing, or usage patterns. Always read the tariff info and terms.

FAQs: free electricity Sundays in the UK

Is electricity really free on Sundays?

On qualifying tariffs, the electricity unit rate can be 0p/kWh during a specified Sunday time window. Most households still pay the daily standing charge, and electricity outside the free window is charged at the normal rate.

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

Often, yes—because the supplier needs time-stamped readings to apply the free period accurately. Requirements vary by product. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may still have options, but they can be limited.

Are free Sunday tariffs available everywhere in the UK?

Availability can vary by supplier coverage and network region, and prices differ by postcode. Enter your postcode in the comparison form to see what’s available for your home.

Can I run my washing machine and tumble dryer all day Sunday?

In many cases you can, but always check the tariff’s terms. Some suppliers may have fair-use policies designed to prevent extreme or unusual usage. If you plan to shift a lot of load, it’s worth comparing the overall tariff cost carefully.

Will a free Sunday tariff reduce my gas bill too?

Typically, no—these offers relate to electricity. If you have gas heating, you’ll still want to compare the gas unit rate and standing charge as part of your overall annual cost.

How long does switching take in the UK?

Timelines can vary by supplier and circumstances. In many cases, the process is straightforward and you won’t lose supply—energy switching is designed to be seamless.

Why households use EnergyPlus.co.uk

People come to EnergyPlus.co.uk when they want clarity—especially with specialist tariff features like “free electricity Sundays”. Here’s what matters most:

“It explained the catch”

“The Sunday-free idea sounded great, but the comparison helped me see the full-week cost.”

Homeowner, UK

“Fast and straightforward”

“I entered my postcode and got clear next steps. No jargon.”

Tenant, England

“Matched to how we use energy”

“We do laundry and batch cooking Sundays, so the feature actually fitted our routine.”

Family household, Scotland

Trust indicators: Whole-of-market comparison approach, UK household focus, and clear explanations of tariff terms and trade-offs.

Ready to check free electricity Sundays in your area?

Get whole-of-market results for your home and see whether a free Sunday tariff beats fixed or standard deals for your postcode.

Postcode-based availability
Clear explanation of terms and eligibility
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Updated on 8 Jan 2026