What are energy tariffs with free electricity at weekends?

These are electricity tariffs that give you a set period of zero-rate (or heavily discounted) electricity on weekends—typically for a number of hours on Saturday and/or Sunday. Outside the free window, a standard unit rate applies (and you’ll still pay the daily standing charge).

How do free weekend electricity tariffs work in practice?

Your supplier applies different prices depending on the time and day. During the advertised weekend ‘free’ window your electricity unit rate is 0p (or discounted), and at all other times your normal unit rate applies. To benefit, you shift flexible usage—like laundry, dishwashing, batch cooking, EV charging or water heating—into the free period.

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

In most cases, yes. Smart meters (or half-hourly capable meters) are usually required so the supplier can accurately record your usage during the free weekend hours versus the rest of the week.

Is electricity really free—what’s the catch?

Typically, the unit rate is free only during specific weekend hours. You’ll usually still pay a daily standing charge, and the standard unit rate outside the free window can be higher than on other tariffs. The best value comes when you can reliably move a meaningful share of consumption into the free period.

Who benefits most from free electricity at weekends?

Households that can shift usage to weekends tend to benefit most—especially families at home on weekends, people who do multiple laundry/dishwasher loads, and EV owners who can schedule charging. If your usage is mostly weekday daytime and you can’t shift it, savings may be limited.

Can I use the free weekend period to charge an electric vehicle (EV)?

Often, yes—if your tariff’s free window matches your charging schedule and your charger/vehicle supports timed charging. Always confirm the exact weekend hours and any fair usage rules in the tariff terms.

Are free weekend tariffs the same as Economy 7 or time-of-use tariffs?

They’re a type of time-of-use pricing, but not the same as Economy 7. Economy 7 usually offers cheaper overnight electricity every day. Free weekend tariffs focus on a defined weekend window (sometimes alongside other peak/off-peak rates).

How can I maximise savings on a free electricity weekend tariff?

Plan to run high-consumption appliances during the free hours: washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion heater (if safe and suitable), batch cooking, and EV charging. Use appliance timers or smart plugs, and avoid increasing overall consumption just because it’s free—focus on shifting, not adding.

What should I check before switching to a free weekend electricity tariff?

Check: (1) the exact free weekend hours, (2) the unit rate outside those hours, (3) the standing charge, (4) contract length and exit fees, (5) whether a smart meter is required, and (6) any usage thresholds or exclusions. Compare your estimated annual cost across tariffs based on your real usage patterns.

Can I combine free weekend electricity with solar panels or a home battery?

Potentially. If your free period aligns with when you can charge a home battery (or run heavy loads), it may reduce your paid electricity further. However, it depends on the tariff rules, export rates, and whether charging from the grid during free periods is allowed and beneficial for your setup.

How do I compare free weekend tariffs with other options on Energy Plus?

Use Energy Plus guides and comparisons to review weekend-free tariffs against fixed, variable and other time-of-use deals. For personalised help choosing a tariff that fits your weekend usage, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/guidesfaqs/ and then continue to the relevant tariff guidance and switching options.

Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends (February 2026)

A practical UK guide to “free weekend electricity” deals: how they work, who they suit, what to check in the small print, and how to compare them fairly against standard tariffs.

Understand the difference between free-hours offers and cheap off-peak tariffs (and why the headline can mislead).
Check meter eligibility (smart meters, Economy 7/10, prepayment) and any minimum usage or caps.
See two realistic cost scenarios with estimated numbers and assumptions you can copy.

Get your energy quote How free weekend tariffs work

Independent comparison. Availability and terms vary by supplier, region, meter type and payment method. Estimates shown are for illustration only.

Fast answer: do “free electricity weekends” exist in the UK in February 2026?

Some UK suppliers have, at times, marketed tariffs or add-ons that credit back electricity used during certain weekend hours, or offer very low off-peak rates at weekends. These deals are not always available nationwide and may be limited by meter type, region, payment method, and time windows. The “free” element is typically funded by a higher unit rate at other times, a standing charge, or conditions such as usage thresholds.

Editor’s takeaway: treat “free weekend electricity” as a tariff structure, not a guaranteed saving. It can work well if you can genuinely shift usage (laundry, dishwashing, EV charging, hot water) into the eligible hours.

Key takeaways (quick)

Check the hours: “Weekend” may mean specific blocks (e.g., Sat/Sun 9am–5pm) rather than all weekend.
Ask what “free” means: true zero unit rate, bill credit, or discounted rate.
Smart meter rules: many time-of-use deals require a working smart meter for half-hourly reads.
Don’t ignore standing charge: a higher standing charge can outweigh weekend benefits.
Exit fees & price protection: fixed deals can have exit fees; variable deals can change with notice.

What to gather before comparing

Your postcode: Prices vary by region (distribution area), even for the same supplier.
Payment method: Direct Debit, on receipt of bill, or prepayment can change eligibility and rates.
Meter type: Smart meter, standard credit, Economy 7/10. Some offers don’t work with legacy multi-rate setups.
Rough usage pattern: If you can shift 20–40% of electricity to weekends/off-peak, these tariffs may be worth modelling.

How “free weekend electricity” tariffs usually work

In the UK, suppliers generally deliver weekend-free-style offers in one of these ways. The naming varies, so it’s worth checking the tariff information label and terms.

Bill credit model: you’re billed normally, then eligible weekend usage is credited back (sometimes as a monthly/quarterly adjustment).
Time-of-use (TOU) rates: lower (occasionally near-zero) unit rates apply in set weekend time bands; higher rates apply at peak times.
Bundle or add-on: a supplier adds “free hours” to an existing tariff for eligible customers (often smart-metered, app-managed).
Dynamic pricing variants: some tariffs track wholesale prices by half-hour; weekends may be cheaper but not guaranteed “free”.

Important: If the tariff requires half-hourly readings, you’ll typically need a smart meter configured to send readings. If your smart meter is operating in “dumb” mode, you may not be eligible for time-banded pricing.

Eligibility checks (UK-specific)

Region: unit rates differ by electricity distribution region (postcode-based).
Meter: smart meter (SMETS2/compatible SMETS1) is commonly required for weekend/TOU offers.
Economy 7/10: some suppliers ask you to switch to a single-rate smart tariff or a specific multi-rate set-up.
Prepayment: many TOU offers are credit-meter only, but this varies—check before starting a switch.
Tenant vs homeowner: you can usually switch if you pay the bills, but landlord-managed supplies may restrict switching.

What to look for in the small print

Exact free window (days + hours, and whether it changes with seasons).
Cap on “free” usage (e.g., up to a kWh limit per weekend or per billing period).
Minimum spend/usage (some deals only apply if you meet criteria).
Standing charge and peak unit rate (the trade-off is often here).
Exit fees on fixed tariffs, and notice periods on variable tariffs.

Compare February 2026 weekend-free style tariffs the right way

The most reliable comparison is to estimate your annual cost on each tariff using your own usage and a realistic amount you can shift into the eligible weekend period.

Two realistic scenarios (with estimated numbers)

Scenario A: Flat, no EV, limited shifting

Assumptions (illustrative): 2,000 kWh/year electricity; can shift 10% (200 kWh) into the weekend window. No gas shown.

Tariff model	Estimated annual electricity cost
Standard single-rate (baseline)	~£628
Weekend “free hours” but higher peak rate	~£641

How we got this (example rates): baseline 26p/kWh + 60p/day; weekend deal peak 28p/kWh + 60p/day with 200 kWh “free”. Figures are estimates only.

Scenario B: Household with EV charging at weekends

Assumptions (illustrative): 4,000 kWh/year electricity; can shift 40% (1,600 kWh) into the weekend window (EV + appliances).

Tariff model	Estimated annual electricity cost
Standard single-rate (baseline)	~£1,148
Weekend “free hours” but higher peak rate	~£996

How we got this (example rates): baseline 26p/kWh + 60p/day; weekend deal peak 28p/kWh + 60p/day with 1,600 kWh “free”. Figures are estimates only.

Reality check: Most real “free weekend” offers have additional constraints (hours, caps, app requirements, different day/season schedules). Use these scenarios to understand the mechanics, then confirm exact rates and times on the tariff facts before switching.

Get matched with available tariffs

Tell us a few details and we’ll show whole-of-market options you’re eligible for, including time-of-use and weekend-focused deals where available.

First name

Surname

We’ll email your results and next steps.

Telephone (optional)

Useful if you’d like help understanding tariff terms.

Postcode

We use this to match regional prices and availability.

Meter type (optional)

By continuing, you agree to be contacted about your quote. We don’t sell your data as a standalone product.

What happens after you compare

We show tariffs you’re eligible for (including any weekend/TOU options available for your meter and region).
You can review key terms: unit rates, standing charge, exit fees, and any time windows.
Switching is handled by your new supplier—your energy supply usually stays on throughout.

If you owe a debt: switching may be restricted depending on your supplier and payment arrangement. It’s still worth checking options and getting advice first.

Comparison table: weekend-free vs other UK tariff types

Use this to sanity-check whether a “free weekend electricity” headline is the best fit, or whether a different structure could deliver a more predictable result.

Tariff type	Best for	Watch-outs
“Free weekend hours”	Households that can shift meaningful usage into the eligible hours (EV charging, laundry, batch cooking).	Higher peak unit rates, limited hours/caps, smart-meter requirement, credit-back timing.
Economy 7 / off-peak	Storage heaters or hot water heated overnight; some EV users.	Day rate can be high; off-peak hours vary; may not match weekend routines.
Fixed rate	People who want price stability for a set term.	Exit fees; may not reflect later market drops; weekend perks are not common.
Standard variable	Short-term flexibility, no exit fees in many cases.	Rates can change with notice; usually no time-based discounts.
Half-hourly / tracker	Confident users who can respond to cheaper periods and accept variability.	Price spikes possible; not “free”; needs smart meter and appetite for risk.

Decision checklist: likely to suit you if…

You can regularly run high-use appliances in the eligible weekend hours.
You have a smart meter (or are willing/able to get one installed).
You’re happy to plan around time windows (e.g., EV charging schedule).
You’re comparing total estimated cost (not just “free” messaging).

It may not suit you if…

Your household usage is mostly weekday daytime and hard to shift.
You’re on prepayment and the offer is credit-meter only.
You rely on medical equipment and can’t flex usage safely.
You prefer predictable bills and the deal uses credits/caps that are hard to track.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (February 2026)

These are the most common reasons a “free weekend” tariff doesn’t work out as expected. Checking them upfront prevents bill shocks.

1) “Free” applies to limited hours

Some deals only cover a block (e.g., a daytime slot), not all weekend. If you mainly use electricity in the evenings, you may not benefit.

2) Peak unit rates can be higher

A higher weekday/peak unit rate can outweigh the weekend saving, especially if you can’t shift much usage.

3) Standing charge differences

Standing charges vary by supplier and region. A higher standing charge can erode benefits for low-usage homes.

4) Smart meter & data-sharing requirements

Time-based billing often needs half-hourly reads. You may need to agree to this level of smart meter data collection for the tariff to work correctly.

5) Caps, credits and timing

Some offers cap “free” usage or apply it as a later credit. That can make budgeting harder and reduces value if you use more than the cap.

6) Exit fees and contract length

Fixed deals can charge exit fees if you leave early. Always check the tariff term and whether you’re comfortable committing.

Tip: When you see “free electricity”, ask the supplier (or check the tariff terms) whether VAT is included, whether the free window includes bank holidays, and how disputes are handled if smart reads are missing.

FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs (UK)

Are free electricity weekend tariffs available everywhere in the UK?

Not always. Availability can depend on your region (postcode/distribution area), your meter type, and whether the supplier supports the tariff in your area. Always check eligibility before starting a switch.

Do I need a smart meter for a weekend-free tariff?

Often, yes. Time-of-use pricing typically needs half-hourly readings to allocate usage to the correct time bands. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may be offered a different tariff or asked to have one installed.

Can I get these tariffs on prepayment (PAYG)?

Some suppliers restrict time-of-use deals to credit meters, while others may offer smart prepayment options. If you’re on PAYG, check: (1) eligibility, (2) how credits/discounts apply, and (3) whether standing charges are collected daily from your balance.

Will “free weekend electricity” include my standing charge?

Usually not. “Free” typically refers to the unit rate for eligible usage, not the standing charge. Always compare total estimated annual cost, including standing charges.

What if I’m already on Economy 7?

You may be able to switch, but it depends on the supplier and tariff. Some weekend/TOU deals require a particular smart meter configuration or moving to a different multi-rate structure. If you rely on overnight heating/hot water, model the impact carefully before switching away from Economy 7.

Are these tariffs covered by the Ofgem price cap?

Standard variable tariffs are generally subject to the cap. Some other tariff types (including certain fixed or time-of-use tariffs) may be structured differently. The safest approach is to compare the tariff’s unit rates and standing charge against alternatives available to you, rather than relying on the word “cap”.

Could my bills go up even if some electricity is “free”?

Yes. If the weekday/peak rate is higher and you don’t shift enough usage into the free window, your overall cost can rise. That’s why it’s important to estimate how many kWh you can realistically move to weekends.

How quickly can I switch in February 2026?

Switching times vary by supplier and your circumstances. Many switches complete within days, but smart meter configuration, debt checks, or account issues can slow things down. Your supply should continue during the switch.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page checks

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: February 2026

How we assess “free weekend electricity” claims

We focus on what affects a household’s real cost and eligibility. Our comparisons prioritise transparent assumptions over headline offers.

Total cost modelling: we compare estimated annual costs using a baseline single-rate vs a weekend-free style structure.
Shiftable usage: we test outcomes at different weekend-shift percentages (e.g., 10% vs 40%).
Tariff mechanics: we distinguish between true time-banded unit rates vs credit-back mechanisms.
UK constraints: region-by-region pricing, standing charges, meter compatibility, and payment method eligibility.

Limitations: The scenarios on this page use illustrative example rates to show how the maths works. Actual supplier rates, hours and caps vary and can change. Always confirm the tariff information and your personalised quote before switching.

Helpful UK sources (independent)

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) – guidance on tariffs, switching and consumer protections.
Citizens Advice: energy – practical consumer advice and complaint routes.
GOV.UK: switch energy supplier – overview of switching process and what to expect.

Ready to check if a free weekend tariff suits your home?

Compare available UK tariffs for your postcode, including time-of-use and weekend-focused options where you’re eligible.

Start my comparison Use the decision checklist

Back to Guides & FAQs

Updated on 25 Feb 2026