Is a free weekday electricity tariff worth it in the UK?
Some UK tariffs offer “free electricity” on weekdays for a set time window. It can be excellent value for the right household — but only if your usage matches the rules. Compare whole-of-market options with EnergyPlus and see whether a free weekday deal really lowers your annual bill.
- Find out who free weekday electricity tariffs suit (and who they don’t)
- Understand the trade-off: higher unit rates vs “free” time blocks
- Check savings for EV charging, heat pumps, washing and dishwashing
- Compare alternatives: off-peak, EV, smart and fixed tariffs
Home energy only. Whole-of-market comparison. Your actual saving depends on your meter type, usage pattern and tariff terms. Always check supplier T&Cs before switching.
Check if a free weekday electricity tariff fits your home
“Free weekday electricity” tariffs can look unbeatable — but the key question is when you use electricity. Many of these deals offer free power for a limited weekday window (for example a few hours), while charging higher unit rates and/or a higher standing charge at other times.
Use the form to get a tailored recommendation across whole-of-market home energy tariffs available in the UK. We’ll help you compare options including fixed, variable, time-of-use and smart tariffs — and highlight whether a free weekday offer is likely to reduce your annual cost.
Tip: If you can shift high-usage tasks (EV charging, tumble drying, dishwasher, washing machine) into the free window, savings can be meaningful. If your usage is mostly evenings/weekends or you can’t shift demand, a standard fixed deal may be better.
Get whole-of-market results
Tell us a few details and we’ll show suitable tariffs — including free weekday electricity deals where available.
No smart meter yet? Some time-of-use and “free electricity” deals require a smart meter (or work best with one). We’ll flag eligibility and alternatives.
What is a “free weekday electricity” tariff?
A free weekday electricity tariff is a type of time-of-use energy plan that offers zero-cost electricity during a defined window on weekdays (for example, a few hours in the middle of the day). Outside that window, the electricity unit rate is often higher than a standard tariff to balance the supplier’s costs.
These tariffs are designed to encourage households to use more electricity when the grid is typically under less strain or when renewable generation is higher. Whether it’s worth it comes down to your household’s ability to shift demand into the free period.
It’s not “free all day”
The free window is limited to specific hours and may only apply on weekdays. Usage outside that window is charged at the tariff’s normal unit rate.
Usually needs a smart meter
Time-based billing typically relies on half-hourly readings. Without a smart meter, you may not be eligible or you may miss the benefit.
Higher rates can offset gains
If you don’t use enough electricity in the free window, higher peak unit rates or standing charges can leave you paying more overall.
Who are free weekday electricity tariffs best for?
They tend to work best where a household can reliably move energy-hungry activities into the free weekday window. Here are the most common good-fit and poor-fit scenarios.
Often worth it if you…
- Have an EV and can charge during the weekday free period
- Run a tumble dryer, dishwasher or washing machine most weekdays
- Work from home and can time cooking/heating/hot water where applicable
- Have a battery (or flexible load) to shift usage
- Are comfortable with time-of-use pricing and tracking your usage
Less likely worth it if you…
- Are out at work/school during weekdays and use most energy in the evening
- Can’t shift large loads (e.g., restricted by noise, routines, caring needs)
- Have low electricity use overall (the “free” window won’t be used much)
- Prefer a simple fixed unit rate and don’t want time-based rules
- Could face higher unit rates at the times you use energy most
How free weekday electricity tariffs work (UK)
Most free weekday deals follow a similar pattern: a defined time window where the electricity unit price is set to £0/kWh (or heavily discounted), combined with a different unit rate for the rest of the day. The supplier may also apply a standing charge.
- Check the free window: Confirm which weekdays and which hours qualify (and whether it excludes bank holidays).
- Confirm meter requirements: Many require a smart meter and half-hourly readings for accurate billing.
- Compare the “paid” rates: Look at the peak/off-peak unit rates and standing charge — this is where costs can rise.
- Match to your routine: Estimate how much of your weekly kWh you can shift into the free period.
- Re-check at renewal: Time-of-use offers can change; re-compare when your fix ends.
What “whole-of-market” comparison means here
EnergyPlus compares available home energy tariffs across a wide range of UK suppliers and tariff types, not just one provider’s offers. That’s important because a “free” window isn’t automatically the best value — sometimes a competitive fixed tariff or a different time-of-use plan costs less overall.
Is it actually cheaper? A simple way to check
The easiest way to judge a free weekday electricity tariff is to compare your total weekly cost under two scenarios: (1) your current/benchmark tariff, and (2) the free weekday deal with its higher paid-rate(s). You don’t need perfect data — a reasonable estimate of how many kWh you can shift is often enough to see whether it’s likely to work.
| Item to compare | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Free window | Determines how many kWh you can genuinely get at £0 | Days/time, exclusions, whether it changes seasonally |
| Paid unit rate(s) | Higher rates can outweigh free usage if most kWh fall outside the window | Peak rate, shoulder rate, weekend rate (if any) |
| Standing charge | A higher daily charge reduces benefit for low-usage homes | Daily amount and whether it differs for electricity-only vs dual fuel |
| Exit fees & fix length | You may want flexibility if prices move | Any early exit fee, end date, renewal terms |
| Meter/eligibility | If you’re not eligible, it’s irrelevant — or you won’t get the intended billing | Smart meter requirement, payment method, online-only conditions |
A quick “break-even” idea
If the paid unit rate on the free weekday tariff is higher than your alternative by (say) 8p/kWh, you’ll need enough free-window kWh to offset that extra cost on all the other kWh you use. If you can’t shift much usage, the maths often doesn’t work.
Don’t forget weekend usage
Some households use more electricity at weekends. If the tariff has no free weekend window and a higher unit rate applies, weekend-heavy usage can reduce savings.
Common mistakes when choosing a free weekday electricity tariff
Assuming “free” means best value
The headline offer can distract from higher paid rates. Always compare annual cost using your usage pattern.
Not checking the exact hours
If the free period doesn’t match your routine (school run, commute, meetings), you may not use it enough.
Forgetting about standing charge
Low-usage homes can lose out if the daily charge is higher, even with some free electricity.
Not understanding smart meter setup
If half-hourly reads aren’t active, billing may not reflect the intended time bands. Confirm with the supplier.
Overestimating shiftable usage
Be realistic. A kettle and a laptop won’t move the needle; EV charging and laundry appliances will.
Ignoring exit fees
If the deal isn’t working, an exit fee can lock you in. Check the terms before switching.
Eligibility checklist (UK homes)
Before you spend time comparing, it helps to confirm you’re likely to qualify and benefit.
You’ll typically need
- Domestic supply (not business)
- A compatible smart meter (often recommended/required)
- Ability to take readings or allow half-hourly data (depending on supplier)
- To accept the supplier’s payment method (e.g., Direct Debit)
Good signs it may work for you
- You can schedule appliances to run during the free window
- You have high electricity usage on weekdays
- You can avoid heavy usage in the higher-priced periods
- You’re comfortable reviewing bills/usage for the first 1–2 months
Regional note: Standing charges and unit rates vary by region in Great Britain. Your postcode matters — use the comparison form for accurate pricing in your area.
Alternatives to consider (often better value)
If a free weekday electricity tariff doesn’t match your routine, you can still save with other tariff types — especially if you can shift usage to off-peak periods.
Competitive fixed tariffs
Simple pricing and predictable bills. Often strong value if you can’t use the free window consistently.
EV / off-peak tariffs
Lower overnight rates can beat “free weekday” deals if your biggest load is EV charging or overnight appliance use.
Smart time-of-use plans
Multiple price bands can suit flexible households. Best compared using real usage patterns and your postcode.
If you’re unsure which category you fit, start with the whole-of-market comparison. It’s the quickest way to see whether the “free” headline translates into a lower annual cost.
FAQs: free weekday electricity tariffs in the UK
Are free weekday electricity tariffs genuinely free?
The electricity unit rate during the stated window may be £0/kWh (or heavily discounted), but you’ll typically pay for electricity outside that window and you’ll usually still pay a standing charge. Always check the tariff’s full pricing and terms.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Time-of-use billing commonly relies on half-hourly readings from a smart meter. If you don’t have one, you may not be eligible or the tariff may not work as intended. We’ll highlight requirements when you compare tariffs.
Is it good for electric vehicle charging?
It can be — if you can reliably charge during the free weekday window. If you mainly charge overnight, an EV tariff with cheaper overnight rates may work out better than a weekday-only free period.
What if I work away from home in the daytime?
If you’re not home during the free window, you may struggle to use enough free electricity to offset higher rates at the times you do use energy (mornings/evenings). A strong fixed tariff is often simpler and cheaper for this pattern.
Can suppliers change the free hours?
Tariff structures and promotional windows can change, especially at renewal. Review the terms and keep an eye on supplier communications. When your deal ends, re-compare to ensure it still suits your usage.
Will it affect my gas tariff?
Some offers are electricity-only, while others can be combined with gas as dual fuel. It’s worth comparing both options, as the best electricity deal doesn’t always pair with the best gas deal.
Why households use EnergyPlus
When tariffs include “free” periods and time bands, it’s easy to compare the wrong thing. We focus on suitability and total cost.
Whole-of-market view
Compare a broad range of UK home energy tariffs, not just a single supplier’s promotions.
Plain-English guidance
We help you understand time windows, unit rates, standing charges and eligibility.
Focused on fit
A tariff is only “good” if it matches your routine. We look at likely savings, not just headline offers.
Customer comments
“The ‘free’ tariff looked great, but the comparison showed I’d pay more unless I shifted a lot of usage.”
“I charge my EV in the weekday window and the guidance made it easy to choose the right deal.”
Examples shown for illustration. Your results depend on tariff availability and your usage.
What you’ll need to compare accurately
- Your postcode (for regional pricing)
- Rough idea of your household routine and daytime usage
- Whether you have an EV, heat pump or high-usage appliances
- Whether you have a smart meter (or can get one installed)
Ready to find out if “free weekday electricity” will save you money?
Use our whole-of-market comparison to see suitable UK home energy tariffs in your area — and get a clear view of whether a free weekday window beats a competitive fixed or off-peak alternative.
Already on a time-of-use tariff? Compare anyway — the best option depends on your current rates and how you use energy.
Quick checklist
- Do you use meaningful kWh on weekdays?
- Can you shift EV charging or laundry to the free window?
- Are the paid rates still competitive?
- Is a smart meter required/available?
Back to Guides & FAQs