What is a tariff with free evening electricity?

A free evening electricity tariff is a time-of-use deal where electricity is billed at 0p per kWh (or effectively free) during a set evening window, with standard or higher rates at other times. The best choice depends on your household’s usage pattern—especially how much of your electricity you can shift into the free period. Compare options at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/guidesfaqs/energy-tariffs-with-free-evening-electricity-uk-compare.

What times are usually classed as ‘free evenings’ in the UK?

Free evening windows vary by supplier and tariff, but they’re typically a fixed block in the evening (often several hours). Always check the exact start/end times in the tariff terms because savings depend on aligning high-usage activities (cooking, laundry, dishwasher, EV charging) to that window.

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

In most cases, yes. Free evening electricity tariffs are generally time-of-use products that require half-hourly readings—typically provided via a smart meter. If you don’t have one, you may need to get a smart meter installed before you can switch onto the tariff.

Are free evening electricity tariffs actually cheaper overall?

They can be cheaper if a meaningful share of your electricity use happens during the free evening period. However, unit rates outside the free window (and the standing charge) may be higher than a standard tariff. To judge value, estimate what percentage of your usage you can move into the free hours and compare the full costs (standing charge + all unit rates).

Who benefits most from free evening electricity tariffs?

Households with flexible evening usage often benefit most—e.g., people who can run appliances in the evening window, homes with electric vehicles charging in the evening, or families who do most energy-intensive tasks after work. If most of your usage is daytime, a different time-of-use tariff (or a single-rate tariff) may work out better.

Can I use free evening electricity for EV charging?

Often, yes—if your charger or vehicle lets you schedule charging during the free evening window. This can be one of the biggest ways to increase savings, but check any fair-use rules, eligibility requirements, or maximum charging limits in the tariff’s terms.

What should I compare when choosing a free evening electricity tariff?

Compare: (1) the exact free evening time window, (2) the peak/off-peak unit rates outside the free period, (3) the standing charge, (4) contract length and exit fees, (5) whether it’s fixed or variable, and (6) any eligibility criteria (smart meter, payment method). Use the guide and comparison at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/guidesfaqs/energy-tariffs-with-free-evening-electricity-uk-compare to shortlist the best match for your usage.

Are there any catches or fair-use limits with free evening electricity?

Some tariffs may include terms such as fair-use policies, requirements to remain on smart metering, or restrictions on how the tariff is marketed as ‘free’. The electricity may be free only for unit charges during the window, while standing charges still apply. Always review the tariff’s key terms before switching.

Is free evening electricity available for both credit and prepayment meters?

Availability depends on the supplier and tariff. Many time-of-use products are aimed at smart credit meters, but some suppliers support smart prepayment. If you’re on prepayment, check eligibility carefully before starting a switch.

How do I maximise savings on a free evening electricity tariff?

Maximise savings by shifting high-consumption tasks into the free window: run the washing machine/dishwasher in the evening, batch-cook where possible, schedule EV charging, and avoid heavy usage outside the free hours if peak rates are higher. Tracking usage with your smart meter app can help you see whether the tariff is working for you.

Can I switch away from a free evening electricity tariff if it doesn’t suit me?

Yes, but check whether your contract is fixed and if exit fees apply. If the tariff is variable, you can usually change with fewer restrictions. Before switching, compare your expected annual cost and confirm any fees so you don’t lose savings.

Energy tariffs with free evening electricity: UK comparison guide

Understand how “free evening electricity” tariffs work, what you might really save, and how to compare them safely for your meter, region and usage pattern.

What “free evening” actually means (and what still costs)
Who these deals suit (EVs, batteries, high evening use) — and who they don’t
Two realistic UK scenarios with estimated numbers and assumptions

Get your energy quote How free-evening tariffs work

Estimates shown are illustrative and depend on your tariff rates, region, meter type and usage. Always check unit rates, standing charges and eligibility before switching.

Fast answer: are free evening electricity tariffs worth it?

In the UK, “free evening electricity” tariffs usually give you a zero-rate window (for example, 2–4 hours in the evening) but often pair it with a higher unit rate outside the free period, and sometimes a different standing charge. They can work well if you can reliably shift meaningful usage (EV charging, battery charging, dishwashers/washing machines) into the free window.

Key takeaway: Don’t compare these tariffs on the headline “free” claim. Compare the whole bill: unit rates, standing charges, your meter type, and how much you can actually shift into the free hours.

Best for

Homes with an EV that can schedule charging
Homes with a home battery or smart energy controls
High evening usage you can move into a set window

Often not worth it for

Low electricity users (standing charge dominates)
People who can’t control when appliances run
Homes with most use in daytime peak hours

Before you switch

Check your meter type (smart meter often required)
Check the exact free hours and days (weekends/holidays vary)
Confirm exit fees and contract length

How free evening electricity tariffs work (UK)

A “free evening electricity” tariff is a type of time-based pricing. Instead of a single flat unit rate for every kWh you use, the supplier sets a £0.00/kWh window during specific evening hours. Your other hours are charged at a separate rate (or rates).

What to check on the tariff before you commit

Free window: Exact times and whether it’s every day. Some offers exclude certain dates or require opt-in to a smart schedule.
Standard unit rate(s): Often higher than a typical single-rate tariff to balance the “free” period. This is where surprises happen.
Standing charge: A higher standing charge can wipe out benefits for low users. Compare daily cost first.
Eligibility: Meter type (smart meter often), payment method (Direct Debit vs prepay), and region (rates vary by distribution area).

Important: “Free” typically applies to the unit rate only for those hours. You still pay the daily standing charge, and any gas charges as normal.

A quick way to sanity-check the offer

Ask: How many kWh can I realistically shift into the free window every day? If it’s small (e.g., only a kettle, cooking and a few lights), a higher day rate can cost more overall.

Compare free evening tariffs

Get a whole-of-market comparison for your home. We’ll use your postcode and usage to estimate costs across suitable tariffs (including time-of-use where available).

Two realistic scenarios (illustrative UK examples)

The numbers below are estimates to show how “free evening” can help (or harm) depending on what you move into the free window. Your real outcome depends on your supplier, region, meter, and exact rates.

Scenario A: EV driver who can shift usage

Home: 3-bed house, smart meter, Direct Debit
Electricity use: 3,900 kWh/year (typical-ish with an EV)
Evening free window usage shifted: 4.5 kWh/day (EV + dishwasher) = ~1,642 kWh/year

Assumed rates for illustration (electricity only):

Free-evening tariff: free window £0.00/kWh; other hours 30p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day
Standard single-rate tariff: 24p/kWh; standing charge 53p/day

Estimated annual electricity cost:

Free-evening: (3,900 - 1,642) kWh × 30p + 365 × 55p ˜ £880
Single-rate: 3,900 kWh × 24p + 365 × 53p ˜ £1,130

Illustrative difference: about £250/year cheaper if the shift is consistent.

Scenario B: Flat with low flexibility

Home: 1-bed flat, smart meter, Direct Debit
Electricity use: 1,800 kWh/year
Usage shifted into free window: 0.8 kWh/day (some cooking/charging) = ~292 kWh/year

Assumed rates for illustration (electricity only):

Free-evening tariff: free window £0.00/kWh; other hours 30p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day
Standard single-rate tariff: 24p/kWh; standing charge 53p/day

Estimated annual electricity cost:

Free-evening: (1,800 - 292) kWh × 30p + 365 × 55p ˜ £653
Single-rate: 1,800 kWh × 24p + 365 × 53p ˜ £625

Illustrative difference: about £30/year more expensive because the higher day rate outweighs the limited “free” benefit.

What these examples show: your results hinge on (1) how many kWh you can move into the free hours and (2) how much higher the non-free unit rate/standing charge is versus a normal tariff.

Compare tariff types: which is closest to your situation?

Not all “free electricity” offers are the same. Use this table to match the structure to your home and how you use energy.

Tariff type	What you get	Typical requirements	Watch-outs
Free evening window	£0.00/kWh for set evening hours	Often smart meter; DD; exact times vary	Higher non-free unit rate; standing charge; limited window
EV off-peak (cheap night)	Low overnight unit rate (not free)	Smart meter; scheduled charging helps	Daytime unit rate can be higher; may be best only with EV/battery
Economy 7/10	Cheaper off-peak, higher peak (legacy setup)	Two-rate meter; common with storage heating	If you don’t use enough off-peak, it can cost more
Single-rate (standard variable/fixed)	Same unit rate all day	Works with most meters and lifestyles	No reward for shifting usage; still compare standing charges

Decision checklist (quick)

Do you have (or can you get) a smart meter?
Can you shift at least 2–4 kWh/day into the free window (EV, battery, appliances)?
Is the non-free unit rate still competitive for your daytime use?
Is the standing charge similar to alternatives in your region?
Are there exit fees or a minimum term that could trap you?

Who it suits / who it doesn’t

Likely suits you if…

You can automate usage (EV schedule, battery charge)
Your household is home in the free window
You’re comfortable tracking/adjusting habits

Likely not ideal if…

You mainly use power daytime (WFH with electric heating)
You can’t reliably shift use into the set hours
You prefer predictable bills without time windows

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)

These are the issues we see most often when people compare “free evening electricity” deals. Checking them upfront helps avoid bill shocks.

1) Higher unit rates outside free hours

The tariff can look great on the headline, but if your daytime/evening (non-free) rate is meaningfully higher than a single-rate tariff, you may pay more unless you shift enough kWh.

2) Standing charge differences by region

Standing charges vary by supplier and electricity distribution region. A higher daily standing charge hits low users hardest, even with some free usage.

3) Smart meter & measurement rules

Many time-of-use and free-window tariffs require half-hourly readings from a smart meter. If your meter can’t provide this, you may not be eligible or the tariff may be removed.

4) Payment method restrictions

Some tariffs are Direct Debit only and may not be available for prepayment meters. If you’re on prepay, options can be more limited.

5) Exit fees and fixed terms

If the deal is fixed, check the contract length and any exit fee. If you might move home or expect rates to change, flexibility matters.

6) Behaviour drift

It’s common to start strong (shifting loads) and then revert to normal routines. If your usage moves back out of the free window, savings can disappear.

Quick bill-shock prevention tips

Take a photo of your current tariff details (unit rate, standing charge, end date, exit fees).
Ask the supplier/quote to show an estimated annual cost using your usage (kWh), not just the “free” claim.
If you have an EV, check whether your charger/car can schedule charging within the free window reliably.
Don’t assume the free hours match your lifestyle—confirm the exact times and days.

FAQs: free evening electricity tariffs (UK)

Is electricity really free in the evening?

Usually it’s the unit rate that drops to £0.00/kWh for a defined window. You still pay the daily standing charge, and any usage outside the window is charged at the non-free rate.

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

Often, yes. Many time-based tariffs rely on smart meter readings to apply the correct rate by time. Eligibility varies by supplier and product, so it’s worth checking before you start a switch.

Will free-evening tariffs work with Economy 7?

Sometimes they’re separate products. Economy 7 is a two-rate structure (day/night) and may not be compatible with certain “free window” offers. Your meter setup and tariff availability will decide what you can take.

Can I get these tariffs if I’m a tenant?

If you pay the energy bills and can choose the supplier, you can usually switch. If your landlord supplies energy as part of rent, or you’re in a managed/building-wide arrangement, you may not be able to choose a tariff.

Are these tariffs available on prepayment meters?

Availability is more limited on prepay, and some time-of-use products are Direct Debit only. If you’re on prepay, it’s still worth checking—options depend on supplier and meter type (including smart prepay).

What happens if I use electricity outside the free window?

You’ll pay the tariff’s standard (non-free) unit rate for those kWh. This is why it’s essential to compare the non-free unit rate and standing charge against a normal single-rate tariff.

Could I end up paying more overall?

Yes. If the non-free rate or standing charge is higher and you don’t shift enough usage into the free period, the “free” hours may not compensate. Always compare estimated annual costs using your kWh.

Can the free hours change?

Tariff terms vary. Some products have fixed windows; others can change with notice under the tariff terms. Always read the tariff information and key terms before switching, and keep a copy.

Trust, methodology & sources

Page details

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

How we assess “free evening electricity” tariffs

We assess these tariffs as a whole-bill proposition, not a headline feature. Our editorial approach focuses on the user’s likely annual cost and the practical constraints that determine whether the free period can be used.

Meter compatibility: whether smart/half-hourly reads are required and whether legacy meters (e.g., Economy 7) may limit options.
Regional pricing: unit rates and standing charges vary across UK electricity distribution regions, so postcode matters.
Payment method: Direct Debit vs prepayment availability, and whether a tariff is restricted.
Behaviour dependency: how sensitive the tariff is to you consistently shifting kWh into the free window.
Fees & terms: contract length, exit fees, and any conditions that could change the value of the deal.

Limitations of examples and estimates on this page

Scenario rates are illustrative and not a live market quote.
We didn’t include VAT line-by-line; domestic electricity is typically charged at 5% VAT.
We assumed the shifted kWh fits entirely inside the free window (real-world charging/appliance timing may differ).
Gas costs aren’t included in the scenario totals; dual-fuel comparisons should include both fuels.

Helpful UK sources

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on switching, meters and consumer protections.
Citizens Advice: Energy — independent help on bills, switching and complaints.
GOV.UK smart meters guidance — overview of smart meter rollout and information.

Ready to see if a free evening tariff fits your home?

Compare suitable UK tariffs for your postcode and usage pattern, including time-of-use options where available. No promises—just clear estimates and the key terms to check.

Get your energy quote Re-read the key takeaways

Tip: Have a recent bill to hand. Your annual kWh (or monthly usage) makes comparisons much more accurate—especially for time-based tariffs.

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Updated on 19 Mar 2026