Energy tariffs with free evening electricity UK
Compare whole-of-market evening and off-peak electricity deals and see whether a “free evenings” style tariff could lower your home energy bills. Get tailored results in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
- Check eligibility for evening/free-hour tariffs and similar off-peak plans
- See expected costs based on your usage pattern and postcode
- Switch online with support if you’re unsure what to pick
Prices and availability vary by region, meter type and usage. Comparison is for domestic supply only. Switching typically takes a few days and there’s no interruption to your energy.
Compare evening electricity deals for your home
“Free evening electricity” tariffs (and similar plans that heavily discount certain hours) can work well if you can move more of your usage into the evening window — for example cooking, laundry, dishwashers, charging devices, or topping up an EV after work. But they’re not always the cheapest overall.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market domestic tariffs, including fixed, variable and time-of-use options, so you can choose based on your actual routine — not just headline claims.
Quick check before you start
- If you have a smart meter, you may have more evening/off-peak options available.
- If you’re on prepayment, availability can be different by supplier and region.
- If you rarely use electricity in the evening, a standard tariff may cost less overall.
What you’ll get after submitting
- Tariffs available in your postcode area (domestic supply)
- Estimated monthly cost based on the info you provide
- Clear comparison of unit rates, standing charges and any time-of-use windows
- Help picking a tariff if you want a simple “best fit” recommendation
Get evening tariff matches
Fill in the form and we’ll show you suitable home energy options, including evening/off-peak deals where available.
Not sure if evenings are right for you?
Keep your options open. We’ll also show standard fixed and variable tariffs in your area so you can compare like-for-like.
What are “free evening electricity” tariffs?
In the UK, “free evening electricity” is usually a marketing term for a time-of-use electricity tariff that offers a very low (sometimes zero) unit rate during a set evening period. Outside that window, the unit rate may be higher than a standard tariff. A standing charge usually still applies.
Different suppliers run different versions — for example, a few “free hours” in the evening, discounted off-peak blocks, or plans built around smart meter readings. EnergyPlus compares the whole cost (not just the free window) so you can see whether it stacks up for your household.
Common evening windows
Tariffs vary, but you’ll often see an evening period such as:
- Early evening blocks (e.g., after 6pm)
- Multi-hour “free” windows on selected days
- Discounted rates from evening into overnight
Always check the tariff’s exact times and whether they change by season or region.
What “free” usually doesn’t mean
- No standing charge (standing charges often still apply)
- Free electricity at all times (only within a set window)
- Guaranteed savings for every home (depends on how you use energy)
- Available to every meter type (smart meters may be required)
Who benefits from free evening electricity?
Evening-focused tariffs can be a great fit for some homes and a poor fit for others. The key is whether you can reliably shift electricity-heavy tasks into the discounted period without changing your lifestyle too much.
Busy evening households
If most cooking, laundry and cleaning happens after work, you may naturally use more electricity during the evening window.
EV and home battery owners
Charging after 6pm (or during free hours) can materially change your bill — but only if peak rates outside the window don’t outweigh the benefit.
Smart meter homes
Time-of-use tariffs often work best with smart readings, because your supplier can bill each time band accurately.
People who can automate
Timers on dishwashers, washing machines and immersion heaters can help you use the cheaper hours without thinking about it.
Homes with electric heating/hot water
If you can store heat (e.g., water heating) during discounted hours, a time-of-use plan may be worth exploring.
Not ideal for daytime use
If you’re home all day using appliances, the higher daytime unit rate on some plans can reduce or remove any savings.
How evening/off-peak tariffs work (simple steps)
- Check your meter and tariff compatibility. Some evening or “free hours” deals require a smart meter or specific meter setup.
- Understand the time bands. You’ll have at least two rates: a cheaper off-peak/evening rate and a higher peak rate. Some tariffs have more bands.
- Shift what you can. Move flexible electricity usage into the discounted window (laundry, dishwasher, charging devices, hot water heating where suitable).
- Compare using your real pattern. The best deal depends on how much of your usage lands inside vs outside the cheap window.
- Switch. Your new supplier handles the process. There’s no disruption to your supply.
Tip: focus on the “effective unit rate”
A tariff with a free evening window can still be more expensive overall if the peak unit rate and standing charge are higher. Comparing total estimated cost is usually the fairest way to decide.
Evening electricity tariffs vs other UK tariff types
If you’re searching for “free evening electricity UK”, it helps to understand how it compares with other common tariff structures. This table is a quick guide — your best match depends on your household and meter type.
| Tariff type | How pricing works | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free evening / free hours | Very low (sometimes 0p) unit rate for a set evening window; higher rate outside; standing charge applies. | Homes that can concentrate usage into the evening window. | Peak rate can be higher than normal; savings depend on behaviour and exact hours. |
| Time-of-use (multi-rate) | Different rates across multiple periods (e.g., peak, shoulder, off-peak). | Smart meter homes; people comfortable managing usage times. | More complex; high peak prices can be costly if you can’t shift usage. |
| Economy 7 / Economy 10 | Cheaper overnight (or off-peak) rate and a higher day rate. | Electric storage heating; homes using a lot overnight. | Not always best for gas-heated homes; needs the right meter setup. |
| Fixed rate | Unit rates and standing charges fixed for a term. | People who want predictability and simpler bills. | May have exit fees; not designed to reward off-peak shifting. |
| Standard variable | Rates can change; usually no exit fees. | People who prefer flexibility. | Can be pricier than good fixed deals; less certainty. |
If you want to compare evening/off-peak options against standard tariffs in your area, use the form above — we’ll show the total estimated costs side-by-side.
Costs, savings and what to look at (beyond the headline)
To judge whether an evening electricity tariff is worthwhile, you need to look at the full pricing structure, not just the “free” period.
Key numbers to compare
- Peak unit rate (outside the evening window)
- Off-peak/evening unit rate (and exact times)
- Standing charge (daily cost regardless of usage)
- Exit fees (if the tariff is fixed)
- Any eligibility conditions (meter type, direct debit, etc.)
A practical rule of thumb
Evening/free-hour tariffs tend to work best when you can move a meaningful share of electricity usage into the discounted window. Examples include:
- Running dishwasher + washing machine in the evening
- Batch cooking with electric ovens/air fryers after 6pm
- EV charging during the discounted hours
Avoid a common pitfall
If you increase usage just because it’s “free”, you may not save. The goal is to shift usage you already need, not add new consumption.
Eligibility and UK-specific considerations
Availability of evening/off-peak electricity tariffs can differ depending on where you live and your meter setup. Here are the main factors that affect which deals you can get.
Your postcode & network
Standing charges and unit rates vary by region. A tariff that looks great elsewhere may price differently in your area.
Meter type
Some “free evening” style plans are designed for smart meters. Economy 7/10 needs the right multi-rate meter.
Payment method
Some tariffs require monthly direct debit. Prepayment options can exist but may be more limited.
Electricity-only vs dual fuel
Some suppliers price better when you take both gas and electricity. We’ll show what’s available for your setup.
Switching rules
Switching suppliers doesn’t affect your physical supply. You can usually switch even if you rent, as long as you pay the bills.
Exit fees
Fixed deals may have exit fees. If you expect to move soon, compare flexible options too.
Want to see what you can actually get where you live? Compare evening tariffs by postcode.
Common mistakes when choosing a free evening electricity tariff
1) Only checking the “free” hours
The peak unit rate and standing charge can matter more than the free window if most of your usage happens outside the discounted period.
2) Assuming your routine will change
If you won’t realistically run appliances in the evening, you may be better off with a competitive fixed rate tariff.
3) Not checking meter requirements
Some time-of-use and free-hour tariffs work best (or only) with smart meters. We’ll highlight what’s needed.
4) Forgetting gas costs
If you’re comparing dual fuel, the cheapest electricity plan isn’t always the best overall household energy deal.
FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs in the UK
Are there genuinely free evening electricity tariffs in the UK?
Some tariffs offer a 0p unit rate for a limited evening window. However, you’ll typically still pay a standing charge and a higher unit rate outside the free period. Availability depends on supplier, region and meter type.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many evening and time-of-use tariffs require smart meter readings to bill different rates by time. If you don’t have a smart meter, we’ll still show compatible alternatives for your postcode.
Can evening tariffs help if I have an electric vehicle?
They can, especially if you can reliably charge during the discounted period. But always compare the peak rate too — if you use lots of electricity outside the cheap window, overall costs can rise.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Switching supplier doesn’t change the cables or your physical supply. Your energy stays on; only your billing provider changes.
Is this guide for business energy?
No — this page is for home energy only. If you need business tariffs, you’ll need a separate business comparison.
What information do I need to compare accurately?
A recent bill helps, but you can start with just your postcode and contact details. If you know your annual usage (kWh) or whether you have a smart meter, that can improve accuracy.
If your question isn’t covered, submit the form and we’ll help you understand what’s available for your home and meter type.
Why compare with EnergyPlus?
Evening and time-of-use tariffs can be confusing. Our job is to make it clear which deals match your household’s usage pattern and what you’ll actually pay.
Whole-of-market view
Compare a broad range of domestic tariffs, including standard and time-of-use options, where available in your postcode area.
Plain-English comparisons
We highlight the rates that matter: peak vs off-peak, standing charges, and key terms — so you can decide confidently.
Switching support
If you’re unsure whether “free evenings” will save you money, we’ll help you compare against strong fixed and variable alternatives.
What UK customers say
“I liked that it showed the real cost, not just the ‘free hours’. It helped us pick a tariff that fits our evenings at home.”
— Homeowner, Greater Manchester
“The comparison was straightforward. We checked evening options and still ended up on a fixed deal that was cheaper for us.”
— Tenant, Bristol
Ready to see if free evening electricity could save you money?
Compare evening/off-peak tariffs available in your postcode — and benchmark them against strong fixed and variable deals, so you choose the best overall option for your home.
Domestic comparison only. Availability and rates depend on region and meter type. Always check tariff terms before switching.
Quick checklist
- Do you use most electricity after 6pm?
- Can you schedule appliances into the evening window?
- Do you have (or can you get) a smart meter?
- Have you checked standing charges in your region?
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