Are energy tariffs with free weekend electricity worth it?
Find out when “free weekend electricity” deals can save you money (and when they won’t). Compare whole-of-market home energy options with EnergyPlus and see what actually fits your usage.
- Learn how free weekend tariffs work and what you really pay on weekdays
- Check if your household can shift enough usage to weekends to benefit
- Compare against standard, fixed, tracker and time-of-use alternatives
- Get a tailored quote in minutes (UK homes only)
No obligation. Whole-of-market comparison. Your quotes depend on your postcode, meter type and usage.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs against the whole market
“Free weekend electricity” sounds simple, but your savings depend on what happens the rest of the week: higher unit rates on weekdays, different standing charges, and eligibility rules (such as smart meter requirements or specific payment methods).
EnergyPlus is a UK home energy comparison service. Tell us your details and we’ll show you suitable tariffs across the market, including time-of-use and “free” weekend-style deals where available.
What you’ll need (takes about 2 minutes)
- Your postcode (to check regional pricing and availability)
- How you pay and your meter type (smart or standard)
- Approximate usage, or your current supplier info
Tip: If you can move 30%+ of your electricity use into weekends (laundry, dishwasher, batch cooking, EV charging, hot water schedules), weekend-free deals may be worth a closer look. If most of your use is Mon–Fri daytime, they often aren’t.
Get your personalised comparison
We’ll match you to tariffs that fit your home, including free weekend electricity options where available.
Important: “Free weekend electricity” usually applies to electricity unit rates in specific time windows. Your standing charge still applies, and weekday unit rates can be higher.
When free weekend electricity tariffs are worth it (UK homes)
These deals can work well in the right household, but they’re not automatically cheaper. The question is: can you reliably move enough kWh into the free period to offset higher weekday prices?
You use lots of electricity at weekends
If your busiest energy days are Saturday/Sunday (big family home, lots of cooking, laundry, devices), free weekend unit rates may reduce your bill.
You can shift demand (without inconvenience)
Dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer and batch cooking are easy to move. Savings improve if you’re not forced to use costly weekday peak times.
You can automate usage
Timers, smart plugs, EV chargers and heat pump controls can help you reliably take advantage of the free window each week.
Your weekday rate isn’t significantly higher
Some “free” deals add a premium to weekday unit rates. If that premium is small, your break-even point becomes much easier to hit.
You’re a higher electricity user
The more kWh you can shift to weekends, the more impactful “free” kWh becomes. Low users may see minimal benefit.
You’ve compared properly
The only fair test is to compare the estimated annual cost against fixed, tracker, and other time-of-use tariffs based on your household’s pattern.
How “free weekend electricity” tariffs actually work
In the UK, these tariffs usually provide 0p (or heavily discounted) unit rates for electricity during defined weekend hours. Outside those hours, you pay a standard (often higher) unit rate plus a standing charge.
1) Check the free window
It might be all weekend, specific hours, or a “free period” that resets weekly. Always read the time band.
2) Understand weekday pricing
Weekday unit rates can be higher than a comparable fixed tariff. This is where many households lose savings.
3) Factor in standing charge
Standing charges apply every day regardless of “free” periods, and they vary by region.
4) Track real usage
Smart meter data can show whether you’re genuinely moving kWh into the weekend window over time.
Plain English: You’re swapping some weekday cost for weekend discount. It’s only “free” if the weekend savings outweigh any weekday premium and any differences in standing charge.
Quick savings check: are you likely to benefit?
Use this simple check before you switch. You don’t need perfect numbers—just a realistic view of your routine.
Step 1: Estimate your weekend shift potential
- Easy to shift: washing, drying, dishwasher, ironing, vacuuming, batch cooking, hobby tools
- Depends on your home: immersion heater schedules, heat pump hot water, EV charging
- Hard to shift: weekday showers/cooking, home working equipment, medical devices
If you can only move one or two loads of laundry, savings may be small. If you can move multiple high-kWh activities, the deal can be meaningful.
Step 2: Sanity-check the maths
Ask: “How much higher is the weekday unit rate compared with a normal tariff?”
Rule of thumb: If weekday rates are meaningfully higher, you typically need to shift a larger share of usage (often 25–40%) into the free weekend window to break even.
Not sure? Run a whole-of-market comparison and we’ll help you weigh the trade-offs using your details.
Compare tariff types: what to check before choosing “free weekends”
Different tariff structures suit different lifestyles. Use the table below to understand what you’re comparing a free weekend electricity tariff against.
| Tariff type | Best for | Watch-outs | What to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free weekend electricity | Homes that can shift a big chunk of kWh into weekend windows | Higher weekday unit rates; eligibility; “free” time bands vary | Weekday unit rate vs your alternative; standing charge; free window rules |
| Fixed tariff | Budgeting and predictable costs | Exit fees may apply; might miss price falls | Unit rates, standing charges, term length, exit fees |
| Tracker tariff | Households comfortable with price movement | Rates can rise; rules differ by supplier | Tracking method, caps/limits, exit terms |
| Time-of-use (peak/off-peak) | Smart meter homes that can avoid peak hours | Peak rates can be expensive; requires behaviour change | Peak times, off-peak rates, your usage profile |
If you’re comparing deals, ask for the estimated annual cost based on your usage. It’s more useful than focusing on one “free” feature.
Eligibility and meter types (what UK households should know)
Smart meters and time bands
Many weekend-free and time-of-use tariffs rely on a smart meter to measure usage by time period. If you don’t have one, availability may be limited, or you may need to arrange installation.
If you already have a smart meter, check it’s communicating correctly—accurate time-of-use billing needs reliable readings.
Payment methods and switching
Some tariffs are only available with certain payment methods (such as Direct Debit) or online account management. Switching is usually straightforward, but always review any exit fees on your current plan.
If you’re in a prepayment arrangement, options may be different. We’ll show what’s available for your postcode.
Regional note: Electricity standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain by distribution region. That’s why postcode-based comparisons are essential.
Common mistakes with free weekend electricity tariffs
Assuming “free” means cheaper overall
If weekday unit rates are significantly higher, you can pay more across the week even with free weekends.
Not checking the actual time window
Some deals aren’t “all weekend”. A short free band may not match your lifestyle (or your appliance cycles).
Forgetting standing charges
Standing charges can make a big difference, especially for low users. Always compare the total estimated annual cost.
Underestimating weekday usage
Home working, school routines and evening cooking often drive Mon–Fri consumption more than people expect.
Changing behaviour for small gains
If savings are marginal, it may not be worth planning your week around a tariff. Choose a plan that fits your life.
Comparing the wrong numbers
Don’t compare only the free rate. Compare weekday unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and the estimated annual cost.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs in the UK
Is weekend electricity really free?
Usually it means the electricity unit rate is 0p (or discounted) during a defined weekend period. You still pay the standing charge, and you’ll pay normal (often higher) unit rates outside the free window.
Always confirm the exact time band and any caps or fair use policies in the tariff terms.
Do I need a smart meter for a free weekend tariff?
Often, yes. Because billing needs to track usage by time period, many suppliers require a smart meter. If you don’t have one, you may have fewer options, or you may need installation before the tariff can apply.
What appliances make the biggest difference at weekends?
High-consumption appliances used in batches can help: tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, electric ovens, immersion heating, and EV charging. The best results come from activities you’ll do anyway—just timed to the free window.
Are free weekend tariffs good for electric vehicles (EVs)?
They can be, if you mainly charge at home and can schedule most charging for weekend free hours. However, compare against EV-focused off-peak night tariffs too—some households charge more during weekday nights than weekends.
Can I save money if I’m out most weekends?
Often not. If you’re rarely at home on weekends, you may not use enough free kWh to make up for higher weekday unit rates. A straightforward fixed tariff may work better.
How do I compare deals fairly?
Compare the estimated annual cost using your usage pattern, and review:
- Weekday unit rates (and any peak periods)
- Standing charges (region-specific)
- The exact free weekend time window
- Contract length and any exit fees
Want help deciding? Use the comparison form and we’ll show options that match your home and your routine.
Trusted by UK households comparing energy
When you’re weighing up a specialist tariff like free weekend electricity, clarity matters. Here’s what customers value about a whole-of-market comparison approach.
“I was tempted by a ‘free weekend’ deal, but the comparison showed the weekday rate would have wiped out the saving for us. Glad we checked first.”
“The breakdown made it obvious which tariff matched our routine. We do laundry and batch cooking at weekends, so it finally made sense.”
“Postcode pricing and standing charges were confusing until we compared properly. The process was quick and clear.”
Our aim: help you choose a tariff you can stick with—based on your real usage, not just a headline offer.
Ready to see if free weekend electricity is a good deal for your home?
Compare whole-of-market tariffs available in your area and get a clear view of weekday rates, standing charges and estimated annual cost.
- Tailored to your postcode and meter type
- Includes fixed, tracker and time-of-use options
- No obligation to switch
EnergyPlus helps UK households compare home energy tariffs. Availability varies by region and supplier.
Fast checklist before you switch
- Confirm the weekend “free” hours
- Compare weekday unit rates vs your best alternative
- Check the standing charge in your region
- Estimate how much you can genuinely shift to weekends
Back to Guides & FAQs