Energy tariffs with free electricity hours in the UK
Compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs that offer free electricity hours (typically overnight or off-peak). Tell us a few details and we’ll show options that fit your usage and meter type.
- Check eligibility for free-hour and off-peak tariffs (smart meter usually required)
- See whether shifting usage could reduce your bill vs a standard tariff
- Compare unit rates, standing charges and free-hour windows side by side
Home energy only. Comparison is free to use. Tariff availability varies by postcode, meter type and supplier terms.
Compare UK tariffs with free electricity hours
“Free electricity hours” tariffs (sometimes called free-hour, free overnight or off-peak offers) can reduce costs if you can move some usage into a set time window. They’re most commonly used by homes with EV charging, storage heaters, heat pumps or households that can run appliances overnight.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market home energy deals and understand the trade-offs: tariffs with free hours may have a higher daytime unit rate or different standing charges. Our goal is simple: help you find an option that matches your usage pattern—not just a headline offer.
Quick suitability check
- Smart meter: many free-hour tariffs require one (or are best with half-hourly readings).
- Flexible usage: savings improve if you can shift heavier loads (e.g., EV, tumble dryer, dishwasher) into the free window.
- Electric heating: you may be better suited to time-of-use tariffs—especially if you can charge thermal/storage systems overnight.
Ready to see options available in your area? Complete the form and we’ll help you compare rates, free-hour windows and terms.
Get your free comparison
We’ll use your details to match suitable home tariffs, including free electricity hour offers where available.
Why choose a free electricity hours tariff?
Free-hour tariffs are a type of time-of-use pricing. They can work well, but only when your household can take advantage of the free window and you’re comfortable with the overall pricing structure.
Potentially lower bills
If you can move high-consumption tasks into the free hours, you may cut the cost of that usage significantly versus standard unit rates.
Ideal for EV owners
Charging overnight during a free window can be cost-effective, particularly if your charger and car can schedule charging automatically.
Better control over usage
Time-based tariffs encourage practical changes—like running appliances later—without reducing overall comfort.
Works with smart tech
Smart meters, smart plugs and programmable thermostats make it easier to take advantage of free-hour periods safely.
You compare the whole deal
EnergyPlus helps you compare unit rates, standing charges, contract length and exit fees—so the “free” hours aren’t the only factor.
See what’s available locally
Availability can differ by region and meter type. A quick postcode check helps you focus on realistic options.
How free electricity hours tariffs work
A “free electricity hours” tariff usually gives you a set period (for example, overnight) where the electricity unit rate is reduced to £0/kWh. Outside that window, the unit rate may be higher than a standard tariff. Some suppliers also offer discounted off-peak rates rather than truly free hours.
- Check your meter setup: many deals require a smart meter and half-hourly readings to apply time-based pricing accurately.
- Confirm the free window: start/end times can vary by supplier and product. Ensure it matches when you can run appliances or charge an EV.
- Compare the full price structure: look at peak unit rate(s), off-peak rate(s) (if any), standing charge, and any price guarantees.
- Estimate your shifted usage: the more of your usage that falls in the free period, the more the tariff can outperform a flat-rate plan.
- Review terms: contract length, exit fees, eligibility requirements and what happens if you don’t have (or lose) smart readings.
Important: “free” doesn’t always mean cheapest
A tariff can include free hours yet still cost more overall if most of your usage happens during higher-priced peak times. That’s why comparing the whole-of-market and your usage pattern matters.
What to check before switching to a free-hours tariff
Use this checklist to avoid common mistakes when comparing UK energy tariffs with free electricity hours.
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Free-hours time window | If the window doesn’t match your schedule, savings may be limited. | Check start/end times and whether they change at weekends or seasonally. |
| Peak unit rate | A higher peak rate can outweigh the free period if you use lots of power in the day/evening. | Estimate daytime usage (cooking, showers, heating, home working) and compare to a standard tariff. |
| Standing charge | A higher standing charge can reduce savings for low users. | Compare annual standing charge cost (daily charge × 365) across options. |
| Smart meter requirement | Without the right meter/readings, time-of-use pricing may not apply. | Confirm your meter type and whether you’re happy to have a smart meter if needed. |
| Contract terms & fees | Exit fees and fixed terms affect flexibility, especially if prices change. | Check contract length, exit fees, and how/when prices can change. |
If you’re not sure how much energy you can shift, we can still help—provide your postcode and contact details and we’ll talk through realistic options.
Eligibility and practical considerations (home energy)
Free electricity hours tariffs aren’t suitable for every home. Availability depends on your address, network region and the supplier’s criteria.
- Smart meter: often required to record half-hourly usage. Some suppliers will arrange installation as part of the switch.
- Ability to schedule usage: you’ll get more value if you can run appliances during the free period.
- EV/heat pump/storage: these tend to benefit most, but it’s not essential—any shiftable consumption can help.
- Single-rate vs multi-rate: some homes currently on Economy 7/Economy 10 may need careful comparison to avoid paying more.
Regional note (Great Britain)
Electricity pricing (especially standing charges) varies by region. That’s why a postcode check is important when comparing free-hour tariffs.
Northern Ireland operates a different market structure; if you’re in NI, availability may differ from Great Britain suppliers.
Best-fit households
EV drivers
Overnight charging aligns well with free windows.
High electricity users
More scope to shift and save.
Smart home users
Timers and automations make it easier.
Off-peak lifestyle
If you can run appliances late, you may benefit.
Common mistakes when choosing free electricity hours
Only looking at the “free” headline
The peak unit rate and standing charge often drive the real annual cost. Compare the full tariff, not just the free window.
Not shifting enough usage
If most of your usage stays in peak hours, you may pay more than a standard tariff. A simple usage review helps.
Assuming the window suits your routine
Some windows are late at night; others vary. Confirm the exact times and whether weekends differ.
Ignoring contract terms
Fixed terms and exit fees can matter if your circumstances change. Check flexibility before switching.
FAQs: free electricity hours tariffs in the UK
Are “free electricity hours” tariffs really free?
During the stated free window, the unit rate may be £0/kWh, but you’ll usually still pay a standing charge and may pay higher unit rates outside the free period. Always compare the total expected cost over a typical year.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many suppliers require a smart meter to apply time-of-use rates accurately. If you don’t have one, some suppliers may offer installation as part of switching (subject to eligibility and appointments).
Are these tariffs good for households without an EV?
They can be, if you can shift meaningful consumption into the free window—such as laundry, dishwashing, immersion heating, or batch cooking. If your usage is mostly daytime/evening and not shiftable, a standard tariff may be better value.
Will I lose supply when switching?
No—switching supplier doesn’t interrupt your electricity or gas supply. Your energy continues to be delivered through the same pipes and wires. You’ll just have a new tariff and billing setup.
How do I know if I’ll save money?
Savings depend on (1) how much electricity you can use in the free period, (2) the peak unit rate and standing charge, and (3) your annual consumption. If you’re unsure, submit the form above and we’ll help you compare options available for your postcode.
Can I get free electricity hours with a prepayment meter?
Some offers may be limited for prepayment customers. Availability varies by supplier, meter type and region. A postcode-led comparison is the quickest way to see what’s possible for your home.
Trusted support for switching and comparing
Switching tariffs can feel complicated—especially with time-of-use and free-hour offers. We focus on clarity: what the tariff does, who it suits, and what it could cost based on real usage.
“I thought ‘free hours’ automatically meant cheaper. EnergyPlus helped me compare the full rates and I found a tariff that actually suited our EV charging.”
“Clear explanation of standing charges and peak rates. The comparison saved me time and I felt confident choosing.”
“We moved laundry and the dishwasher into the free window. The guidance on what to check made switching much easier.”
What we compare
- Tariffs with free electricity hour windows (where available in your area)
- Time-of-use and off-peak tariffs
- Standard variable and fixed-rate tariffs for a like-for-like benchmark
Check free electricity hours tariffs for your postcode
Get a tailored comparison of whole-of-market home energy options—including free-hour and off-peak tariffs—based on availability in your area.
- See the free-hour window and the peak rates together
- Understand whether shifting usage could reduce your bill
- No obligation—just clear options
Start your comparison now
Switching is for UK home energy customers. Tariff features and free-hour periods are set by suppliers and may change.
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