Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends UK

Compare free electricity weekend tariffs (UK homes)

Some UK suppliers offer weekend-free electricity or zero unit-rate weekend hours on selected tariffs. These deals can work well if you can shift electricity use to the advertised free period — for example, EV charging overnight on Saturday, running the washing machine, or batch cooking.

But the headline “free” message isn’t the full story. To work out whether it’s actually cheaper for your household, you need to compare:

• Standing charge (paid every day regardless of use)
• Peak / weekday unit rate (often higher on these tariffs)
• Exact free window (hours and days — and whether it’s every weekend)
• Eligibility (smart meter, direct debit, online account)
• Exit fees and contract length

EV owners & home charging

If you can schedule charging for the “free” weekend window, the savings can be meaningful. Check whether the tariff requires a smart meter and whether the free hours match your typical charge times.

Families with heavy weekend usage

Laundry loads, tumble drying, dishwasher cycles and batch cooking can be shifted to the weekend. The key is whether weekday rates are still competitive for your normal routine.

Smart home / flexible households

If you can use timers, smart plugs or appliance scheduling, you can capture more of the free period without changing your lifestyle too much.

People who dislike bill spikes

If you’re currently on expensive standard variable pricing, a well-priced fixed deal (with or without free weekend hours) can improve predictability. We’ll compare both.

Economy 7 / multi-rate users

If you already have a multi-rate meter, you may be able to access other time-of-use options too. It’s worth checking if switching meter configuration is needed.

Not sure if it’s right?

If you’re unsure, we can still compare “free weekend” tariffs against standard fixed and variable options to see what wins for your postcode and usage pattern.

How free weekend electricity tariffs work

1. You’re billed on multiple rates. The tariff defines “free” hours and “paid” hours. You’ll typically have a higher standard unit rate outside the free window.
2. You usually need a smart meter. Suppliers commonly require a smart meter so half-hourly or time-based usage can be recorded accurately.
3. The free period is fixed. It’s not “any time you want” — it’s a defined block (e.g. Saturday and/or Sunday, sometimes limited hours).
4. Standing charges remain. Even if your weekend unit rate is 0p/kWh, your daily standing charge still applies.
5. You save by shifting usage. The more electricity you can move into the free window, the more likely the tariff can beat a standard deal.

What to check in the tariff terms

1) Know your usage pattern

Look at your last few bills or smart meter app. Roughly estimate how much electricity you can push into the weekend window (EV charging, laundry, dishwasher).

2) Check your meter type

Many weekend-free tariffs are best with a smart meter. If you’re not sure, tell us in the form and we’ll explain what your options are.

3) Compare total cost — not headlines

A “free” unit rate can be paired with a higher weekday rate. Comparing annual cost using your postcode and usage is the safest way to decide.

Are weekend-free tariffs available everywhere in the UK?

Availability and pricing can differ by region because electricity standing charges and unit rates vary across distribution areas. Some suppliers also limit certain promotional tariffs to specific meter setups or payment types.

That’s why we ask for your postcode in the comparison form — it helps us show rates that apply to your address, not generic estimates.

Typical eligibility requirements

• Smart meter (often required to track time-based rates)
• Direct debit and online billing (commonly required for best pricing)
• Credit meter (some offers may exclude prepayment)
• Single rate vs multi-rate compatibility (e.g. Economy 7 considerations)
• Contract terms (minimum term, exit fees, cooling-off rights)

Shift high-kWh appliances

Prioritise EV charging, tumble drying, electric ovens, immersion heaters and long dishwasher cycles during free hours. Small devices have less impact.

Use timers and eco modes

Delay-start features can do the work. Eco modes often use less electricity, which still helps on paid hours.

Don’t ignore weekday rates

If weekday unit rates are significantly higher, savings can disappear. Always compare total annual cost based on your usage.

Is weekend electricity really free?

Usually, “free” means the unit rate for electricity during the advertised period is set to 0p/kWh (or heavily discounted). You still normally pay the standing charge, and electricity outside the free window is charged at the tariff’s standard rate.

Do I need a smart meter?

Often, yes. Time-based pricing typically relies on a smart meter to record usage accurately across different rate periods. If you don’t have one, we can still compare other tariffs and advise whether a smart meter is required for specific deals.

Are these tariffs good for gas too?

The “free weekend” feature normally applies to electricity only. If you want a dual fuel deal, it’s still worth comparing the combined costs because a strong electricity offer can be offset by an uncompetitive gas rate.

Will switching disrupt my supply?

No. Switching supplier doesn’t change the physical supply of energy to your home. Your lights and heating stay on — the change is administrative, and you’ll be told what to do about meter readings.

What if I can’t shift much usage to weekends?

If most of your electricity is used on weekdays (working from home, daytime cooking, electric heating), a standard fixed or competitive variable tariff could be better. We’ll compare both so you can choose based on total cost.

Do weekend-free tariffs have higher standing charges?

Not always, but it’s common for the overall pricing structure to differ. That’s why it’s important to compare standing charge + unit rates together and look at the estimated annual cost for your household.