Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends in the UK
Compare whole-of-market options, understand how “free weekend electricity” deals work, and see if a weekend-heavy household could save. Get a personalised comparison in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
- Check whether free weekend rates beat your current tariff
- See unit rates, standing charges and key tariff terms side-by-side
- Switch with confidence: avoid surprises like high weekday rates
Estimates depend on your meter type, region and usage. Always check tariff terms and any fair-use limits before switching.
Compare free electricity weekend tariffs (whole-of-market)
“Free electricity weekends” tariffs are designed for households that can shift a meaningful chunk of usage to Saturday and Sunday (or defined weekend hours). In exchange, suppliers may charge higher rates at other times, or apply conditions such as specific smart meter requirements, time windows, or fair-use limits.
EnergyPlus helps you compare these deals alongside standard variable, fixed, and other time-of-use tariffs. You’ll see the unit rates, standing charge, and key terms so you can judge whether a “free weekend” offer is genuinely good value for your home.
Quick check: who benefits most?
- Households running washing/drying/dishwasher mainly at weekends
- EV charging mostly on weekends (where the tariff allows)
- Families at home Saturday/Sunday but out at work mid-week
- People comfortable using timers and smart plugs to shift load
What you’ll need for a reliable comparison
- Your postcode (tariffs vary by region and network costs)
- Your meter type (standard / smart; some deals require a smart meter)
- Rough electricity usage and whether you use a lot at weekends
- Whether your home is electric-only or uses gas too
Get your personalised results
Fill in the form and we’ll match you with suitable tariffs, including options with weekend perks where available.
Tip: If a tariff offers “free electricity” only within certain hours, the weekday unit rate can be higher. A good comparison looks at your weekly pattern, not just the headline offer.
Why consider an energy tariff with free electricity at weekends?
Better value if you can shift usage
If you regularly run appliances at the weekend, a free-weekend window can reduce your effective unit cost — provided weekday rates and standing charges are still competitive.
Simple habit changes can add up
Timers, eco cycles and batch washing can increase weekend usage without discomfort. The key is to avoid shifting use into higher-priced weekday periods.
Potential fit for smart homes
Many of these deals are designed around smart meters and time-of-use billing. If you already track usage, you may find it easier to optimise.
Important: “Free electricity” rarely means your entire bill is free at weekends. Standing charges still apply, and some tariffs only make the unit rate free during specific weekend hours.
How “free electricity weekends” tariffs work in the UK
UK suppliers sometimes offer time-based incentives where electricity used during a defined weekend window is priced at £0 per kWh (or heavily discounted). The trade-off is typically a higher rate at other times, or eligibility conditions. Always check the tariff information label and terms before switching.
1) Defined weekend window
The supplier sets which hours count as “free” (for example, all day Saturday/Sunday, or set hours across the weekend). Outside that window, standard rates apply.
2) Smart meter & time-of-use billing
Many deals require a smart meter so usage can be accurately billed by time. If you don’t have one, you may not qualify or you may be moved to a different product.
3) Price structure & conditions
Weekday unit rates and standing charges can be higher. Some tariffs also include fair-use limits or exclude certain heavy usage patterns.
Key terms to look for (and what they mean)
| Term | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend free hours | Exact start/end times, time zone, and whether Bank Holidays count | Determines how much of your usage can actually be shifted into the free window |
| Weekday unit rate | p/kWh outside the free window | A higher weekday rate can wipe out the benefit unless weekend usage is significant |
| Standing charge | Daily charge for having supply | Paid regardless of usage; important for low-use households |
| Exit fees / contract length | Any charges for leaving early and how long rates are fixed | A deal can look great now but be costly to switch away from later |
| Fair-use limits / exclusions | Caps, restrictions, or unusual usage clauses | Protects you from unexpected changes if your usage is higher than typical |
Want to move on to the practical checks? Jump to what to check before switching.
What to check before choosing a free weekend electricity tariff
1) Your real weekend usage
If your weekday electricity is high (work-from-home, electric heating, tumble dryer mid-week), the higher weekday rate may outweigh weekend savings. If you have smart meter data, review a typical week.
2) Meter compatibility
Many time-of-use tariffs require a smart meter. If you’re unsure, we can still compare options and highlight products that do (or don’t) require one.
3) Standing charges (by region)
Standing charges vary across Great Britain. A low unit rate can be undermined by a high daily standing charge, especially for smaller homes and flats.
4) The “free” window definition
Some deals cover all weekend hours; others only include set periods. If the free window doesn’t match your routine (e.g. only evenings), savings can be smaller than expected.
Common mistake
Choosing based on the headline “free weekends” message without checking weekday rates. A better approach is to compare your annual cost estimate and then stress-test it against a weekend-heavy and weekday-heavy week.
Could you save with free electricity weekends? (Simple examples)
Savings depend on your rates and how much electricity you can move into the free period. The examples below are illustrative only, to show how the maths tends to work.
| Household pattern | Weekend share of weekly electricity | What usually happens | Best next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend-heavy home | High (e.g. 40–55%) | Free-weekend tariffs can be competitive if weekday rates aren’t much higher | Compare personalised prices and check the free window |
| Typical mixed usage | Medium (e.g. 25–35%) | Savings depend on whether you can shift additional loads to weekends | Try a 2-week test: move laundry & dishwasher to weekend timers |
| Weekday-heavy / WFH | Low (e.g. 15–25%) | Higher weekday rates often offset free weekend periods | Compare fixed tariffs and other time-of-use options instead |
If you have an EV
Free-weekend electricity can look attractive for weekend charging, but it isn’t always the cheapest overall compared to EV-focused tariffs with low overnight rates. Compare both and ensure the tariff terms allow your expected charging patterns.
FAQs: free electricity weekends tariffs
Are free electricity weekend tariffs actually free?
Usually, only the electricity unit rate during the specified weekend window is free (or discounted). You’ll still pay the standing charge, and you’ll pay normal rates outside the free period. Some products also have conditions such as fair-use limits.
Do I need a smart meter?
Many time-of-use deals require a smart meter so the supplier can bill your usage by time. If you don’t have one, you may not be eligible. We can still compare suitable alternatives, including fixed tariffs and other time-of-use products.
Will switching affect my electricity supply?
No. Switching supplier is administrative. Your electricity still comes through the same wires, and you won’t be cut off because you chose a different tariff. You’ll simply receive bills from your new supplier.
Can I get free weekend electricity on a dual fuel tariff?
It depends on the supplier and product. Some promotions apply to electricity only. If you also need gas, compare the combined cost and don’t assume dual fuel is always cheaper than separate suppliers.
Are these tariffs available everywhere in Great Britain?
Availability can vary by region and supplier. Prices also vary by distribution area, so your postcode matters. Use the comparison form to see what’s available where you live.
What if my usage changes after I switch?
If you start using more electricity on weekdays (for example, working from home more often), the tariff may become less cost-effective. When comparing, consider your likely routine for the next 12 months and check any exit fees.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
Compare a wide range of home energy tariffs, including time-of-use options where available, so you can make a decision based on total cost — not just a headline perk.
Clear tariff terms
We highlight key details like standing charges, contract length and exit fees, so it’s easier to spot when “free weekends” comes with a trade-off.
Designed for UK homes
Our comparison is built around how UK households actually use energy — region-by-region pricing, smart meter compatibility, and realistic usage patterns.
“We were tempted by a ‘free weekends’ deal, but the weekday rate was high. EnergyPlus helped us compare properly and pick a tariff that fits our routine.”
Homeowner, England
“The comparison made it clear which tariffs needed a smart meter. We found a better option without the surprises.”
Tenant, Scotland
Ready to see if free weekend electricity could cut your bill?
Use your postcode and a few details to compare whole-of-market tariffs for your home — and find the best value based on when you actually use electricity.
Switching is subject to eligibility and supplier terms. Always review the tariff information label before you proceed.
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