Energy suppliers offering free electricity days in the UK
Some UK tariffs include “free electricity” periods (often weekends, evenings, or specific promo days). We’ll help you understand how they work and compare whole-of-market home energy deals to find the best value for your usage.
- Learn what “free electricity days” really mean (and what still gets charged)
- See who typically offers them, how eligibility works, and the key tariff traps
- Compare whole-of-market options and switch with a quick form
Home energy comparison service. Availability of “free” periods varies by supplier, region, meter type and tariff. Always check unit rates, standing charges and T&Cs.
Compare whole-of-market home energy deals (including “free electricity” promos)
“Free electricity days” can look great in an advert, but the best tariff for your home depends on when you use power, your meter type (smart meter, single-rate, Economy 7), and the tariff’s unit rates and standing charge.
Fill in the form to get a personalised comparison and see whether a free-electricity style tariff is genuinely cheaper for your household—or whether a standard fixed/variable deal gives better value.
What are “free electricity days” in the UK?
In the UK, “free electricity” offers typically come as time-based promotions within a specific tariff. Rather than making all your electricity free, the supplier may set your electricity unit rate to £0 during a defined period, such as:
- Free weekends (e.g., Saturday/Sunday, sometimes with hour limits)
- Free evenings (e.g., off-peak windows after a set time)
- Free “power hours” on selected days
- Free electricity days as a limited-time promo (e.g., a few days per year)
These deals can be excellent for the right household—especially if you can shift usage into the free window. But they can also be expensive if the paid hours have higher unit rates, or if the standing charge is above average.
Who benefits most from free electricity tariffs?
Households that can shift usage
If you can run appliances in the free window (laundry, dishwasher, batch cooking), your bill can drop—without changing total usage.
Smart meter customers
Many time-based tariffs work best (or only work) with smart meters because the supplier needs accurate half-hourly readings.
EV owners & high electricity use
EV charging and electrically-heated homes can benefit if charging/heating can be aligned with off-peak or free periods.
How free electricity day tariffs work (step-by-step)
-
Choose a tariff with a defined “free” window.
This might be weekends, evenings, or selected hours. The exact timings are set in the tariff terms. -
Your meter records usage by time.
Smart meters are often used so consumption can be billed correctly in free vs paid periods. -
Only eligible electricity unit charges may be reduced to £0.
The “free” part usually refers to the unit rate (kWh) during the free window. -
You still pay other parts of the bill.
Standing charge, usage outside the free window, and any non-eligible charges still apply. -
Your results depend on your usage pattern.
The key is whether the higher paid-rate (if any) is outweighed by what you move into the free period.
Typical “free electricity” components at a glance
| What you see advertised | What it usually means | What to check before switching |
|---|---|---|
| “Free electricity weekends” | Electricity unit rate may be £0 on weekend hours (sometimes capped or limited) | Weekend hours, any caps, weekday unit rate, standing charge |
| “Free power hour” | A fixed hour/day where unit rate is reduced to £0 | How often it runs, whether you can choose the hour, eligibility rules |
| “Free electricity day(s)” | Specific date(s) where unit rate may be £0 for set hours | Which dates, whether you must opt-in, exclusions, notice period |
| “Time-of-use tariff” | Different unit rates at different times; “free” can be a special off-peak rate | Peak rate, off-peak rate, number of bands, smart meter requirements |
Common watch-outs (and how to avoid them)
Higher unit rates outside the free period
Some tariffs make up for “free” hours by charging more at peak times. If you can’t shift enough usage, you may pay more overall.
Standing charge still applies
Even when unit rates drop to £0, the daily standing charge normally remains payable. Compare standing charges carefully.
Opt-in requirements and exclusions
Promos may require you to opt in, have a compatible meter, or meet other criteria. Always read the eligibility details.
Not the same as Economy 7
Economy 7 offers cheaper night rates, not “free” electricity. A free-day promo is separate and can have different billing rules.
Quick self-check: could a free electricity tariff work for you?
| Question | If “Yes” | If “No” |
|---|---|---|
| Can you move 20–40% of electricity usage into evenings/weekends? | You’re more likely to benefit from free windows. | A standard fixed tariff may be better value. |
| Do you have (or can you get) a smart meter? | More time-based tariffs become available. | You may be limited to standard single-rate deals. |
| Do you use high-load devices (EV, dryer, electric heating)? | Free windows can make a bigger difference. | Savings may be smaller; compare carefully. |
Eligibility and practical considerations (UK homes)
Meter type
- Smart meter: often required for time-based “free” periods.
- Single-rate: may limit access to time-of-use promotions.
- Economy 7: not the same as “free days”, but can be compared alongside.
Region & network area
Availability and pricing vary by region (your local electricity distribution area). Always compare using your postcode for accurate results.
Payment method
Some tariffs are available only for monthly Direct Debit, and pricing may differ versus prepayment meters.
Switching timing
If you’re on a fixed deal, check exit fees and end date. Switching near the end of a fix can help avoid charges.
FAQs: free electricity days & UK energy switching
Is electricity ever truly “free” in the UK?
Usually, “free” refers to the electricity unit rate (kWh) being reduced to £0 during set times. You will typically still pay the standing charge, and any usage outside the free window is billed at the normal rate(s).
Which UK energy suppliers offer free electricity days?
Offers change over time and are not always available in every region. Rather than relying on a static list, it’s best to compare tariffs for your postcode and check eligibility and T&Cs for the free period.
Do I need a smart meter for a free electricity tariff?
Often, yes—especially if the tariff uses multiple time bands or half-hourly billing. Some deals may work without one, but a smart meter usually increases the range of time-based options available.
Will my gas be free too?
Typically no. Most promotions apply only to electricity. If you take a dual fuel tariff, gas is billed under its own unit rate and standing charge.
How can I estimate whether I’ll save money?
Work out roughly how much electricity you can shift into the free window (kWh). Then compare the tariff’s paid unit rate(s) and standing charge to a standard deal. If you’re unsure, the simplest route is to request a comparison so you can see your estimated annual cost side-by-side.
Can I switch if I’m renting?
In many cases, yes—if you pay the energy bills and your tenancy doesn’t include energy as part of rent. If the landlord supplies energy via a fixed arrangement, your options may be limited.
What customers like about comparing with EnergyPlus
“I was tempted by a free weekend offer, but the comparison showed a lower fixed tariff would cost less for my usage. Clear breakdown.”
— Homeowner, Greater Manchester
“Helpful explanation of standing charge vs unit rates. I switched and feel confident I understood the terms.”
— Tenant, Bristol
“The form was quick. I got options for my postcode and found a deal that suited weekend-heavy usage.”
— Customer, Glasgow
Ready to see if a free electricity day tariff is worth it?
Get a postcode-based, whole-of-market comparison for your home. We’ll help you weigh “free” periods against unit rates, standing charges, and your usage pattern.
- Check availability in your region
- Compare estimated annual costs
- Switch with confidence
Prefer to read first? Jump to watch-outs and FAQs.
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