Family home with weekend routines
If you batch laundry, do big meals, and run the dishwasher more on weekends, free weekend electricity can reduce the cost of those high-load days.
Energy tariffs with free electricity weekends: worth it?
Free weekend electricity tariffs can work for the right household — but only if you understand the weekday unit rates, standing charge, and how much you can realistically shift to Saturdays and Sundays. Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus and see if a “free weekends” tariff beats a standard fix or flexible plan.
- Check if you’ll save after higher weekday rates and standing charges
- See which suppliers offer weekend-free or off-peak style tariffs in your area
- Get a clear estimate based on your usage pattern and meter type
Home energy only. Quotes are estimates and depend on your meter, region and usage. Switching won’t interrupt supply.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs vs standard deals
“Free electricity weekends” tariffs (sometimes marketed as £0 unit rate or zero-rate weekends) can look unbeatable — but the deal only stacks up if the rest of the pricing is competitive. Many plans compensate with higher weekday unit rates, higher standing charges, or narrower eligibility (for example, requiring a smart meter).
Use the form to compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs available for your postcode. We’ll help you weigh up a free weekend plan against fixes and flexible tariffs, based on what households in the UK actually use energy for.
Quick rule of thumb
If you can shift 20–35%+ of your electricity use to weekends (laundry, dishwasher, batch cooking, EV charging), the maths may work. If your weekend usage is low, a cheaper unit rate all week is often better.
What is a “free electricity weekend” tariff in the UK?
A free weekend electricity tariff is a home energy plan where the electricity unit rate is set to 0p/kWh (or heavily discounted) during specified weekend hours. The definition of “weekend” varies by supplier — it could be all day Saturday and Sunday, or a set window (for example, from Friday night to Monday morning). Gas (if included) is usually priced normally.
The key point: you still pay the standing charge every day, and weekday electricity can be noticeably higher. That’s why the best way to decide is to compare total annual cost using realistic weekend usage.
How it’s billed
Weekend electricity usage may be billed at 0p/kWh, but weekday usage is billed at the plan’s standard unit rate. Standing charges apply as normal.
Who it suits
Households that can shift energy-heavy jobs to weekends: washing/drying, dishwasher, batch cooking, immersion heating, or EV charging.
Common requirement
Many free weekend tariffs require a smart meter so the supplier can measure usage by time and apply the zero-rate window correctly.
When are free electricity weekends worth it?
These tariffs can be great value in the right scenario — but they’re not universally cheaper. The winning situation is when your household can move a meaningful slice of electricity usage to the weekend window without increasing total consumption.
Often worth it if you…
- Run multiple loads of laundry/drying at weekends
- Use a dishwasher and can delay cycles to weekend
- Have an EV and can do most charging at weekends
- Do most cooking at home on weekends (oven/hob use)
- Can schedule high-load appliances (where safe to do so)
Usually not worth it if you…
- Are out most weekends (low weekend electricity usage)
- Have high weekday daytime use (WFH, electric heating)
- Can’t shift usage due to caring routines or work patterns
- Already have a very low unit rate on a competitive fix
- Would increase usage just because it feels “free”
Tip for realistic savings
Don’t assume every weekend kWh becomes “free”. If you currently do laundry midweek, estimate how many loads you can genuinely move to weekends and how often.
If you have smart meter data (half-hourly), it’s much easier to model.
What to watch out for before choosing a free weekends tariff
The headline offer can distract from the parts of the tariff that drive most bills. Before you commit, compare the full pricing and terms.
Higher weekday unit rate
Many plans recoup the “free” period by charging more Monday–Friday. If you use most electricity on weekdays, you may pay more overall.
Standing charge differences
Standing charges vary by region and tariff. A higher standing charge can wipe out savings, especially in low-use homes or flats.
Time window & exclusions
“Weekend” hours aren’t always 48 full hours. Check exact times, and whether the deal applies to electricity only (gas is usually unaffected).
Smart meter requirement
If the tariff is time-based, a smart meter is commonly required. Without one, you may not be eligible or may be moved to a different plan.
Exit fees & term length
Fixed plans can include exit fees. If prices fall or your circumstances change, leaving early could reduce the benefit.
Behavioural “rebound”
If you start using more because it feels free, your overall energy costs can rise (especially on weekdays). Stick to shifted usage, not extra usage.
How to estimate whether you’ll save (simple method)
You don’t need perfect data to make a good decision. Use this practical approach, then confirm by comparing quotes.
- Find your rough monthly electricity use (kWh) from recent bills or your online account.
- Estimate what percentage could move to weekends (be conservative). Consider laundry, dishwasher, oven use and EV charging.
- Compare the weekday unit rate and standing charge on the free-weekend tariff vs a standard alternative.
- Calculate total annual cost: (weekday kWh × weekday rate) + (weekend kWh × weekend rate) + (standing charge × 365).
- Check terms: smart meter requirement, exit fees, direct debit discounts, and whether the weekend window matches your routine.
If you have a smart meter
Half-hourly usage can show exactly how much power you use at weekends vs weekdays. That makes it much easier to judge whether a zero-rate weekend window will beat a cheaper all-week unit rate.
Comparison checklist (what to look at)
| Pricing element | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend unit rate | This is the headline. But it only applies in the defined window. | Is it truly 0p/kWh? Is it all weekend or set hours? |
| Weekday unit rate | Often higher to offset the free period. | Compare Monday–Friday rate to a standard fix in your region. |
| Standing charge | Paid daily regardless of use — can dominate low-use households. | Check electricity standing charge; if you have gas, compare that too. |
| Meter requirements | Time-based billing typically needs a smart meter. | Are you eligible now, and what happens if the meter can’t be installed? |
| Exit fees & contract length | A good tariff becomes less flexible if you’re locked in. | Check exit fees, end date, and what happens at renewal. |
Household scenarios: who benefits most?
EV owners who charge mainly at weekends
If your car is home and plugged in Saturday/Sunday, a free weekend window can materially change your annual electricity cost.
Weekday-heavy usage (WFH)
If your household uses a lot of power Monday–Friday (work-from-home, devices, cooking), a higher weekday unit rate may outweigh weekend savings.
Regional note
Electricity standing charges and unit rates vary across England, Scotland and Wales due to distribution region pricing. Always compare using your postcode.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs
Is weekend electricity really free?
Typically it means the unit rate for electricity during the defined weekend window is 0p/kWh (or heavily reduced). You still pay the standing charge, and any electricity used outside the window is billed at the tariff’s normal rate.
Do I need a smart meter for a free weekends tariff?
Often, yes. Time-based pricing usually requires a smart meter so the supplier can measure electricity use within the weekend window. Eligibility depends on the supplier and tariff.
Are free weekends tariffs the same as Economy 7?
No. Economy 7 is usually a day/night split (often 7 hours off-peak overnight), whereas free weekends tariffs apply a discount/zero rate during weekend hours. Both depend on your ability to shift usage, but the time windows are different.
What appliances are best to run at weekends on these tariffs?
Focus on high-consumption activities you can safely schedule: washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, batch cooking (oven), immersion heater (where appropriate), and EV charging. Avoid unsafe practices such as leaving appliances unattended if manufacturer guidance says not to.
Can I get free weekends on a dual fuel tariff?
Sometimes. The “free weekends” feature usually applies to electricity. Gas (if included) is billed at the gas unit rate and standing charge as normal. Always compare total dual fuel costs, not just the weekend electricity headline.
Will switching interrupt my supply?
No. In the UK, switching supplier doesn’t interrupt your gas or electricity supply. Your network (the company that owns the pipes/cables) stays the same.
Still unsure? Compare tariffs for your postcode and we’ll show whether free weekends is likely to beat other available options.
Why homeowners use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparisons
We compare tariffs available for your postcode and meter type, including niche time-based options where they’re offered.
Plain-English guidance
We’ll help you understand standing charges, unit rates, and whether “free weekends” really fits your routine.
Switching support
If you choose to switch, we’ll guide you through the next steps with minimal hassle and no disruption to supply.
What customers say
“Clear explanation of the tariff differences — especially standing charge vs unit rate. Made it easy to decide.”
“We thought free weekends would be cheaper — turns out a standard fix was better for our weekday use. Glad we checked.”
“Quick process and helpful guidance. The comparison felt tailored rather than generic.”
Trust & transparency
Any tariff recommendation should be based on your postcode, meter type and realistic usage pattern — not just the marketing headline.
Ready to see if free weekends will cut your bill?
Compare home energy tariffs available in your area — including free weekend electricity deals where eligible — and get a clear view of the total annual cost.
Takes a minute. No obligation. UK homes only.
Best for you if you can shift usage
- Weekend laundry & dishwasher cycles
- Weekend cooking/batch prep
- EV charging mainly on Saturday/Sunday
- Smart meter installed (or willing to get one)
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