Energy tariffs with free weekday electricity in the UK
Compare whole-of-market tariffs that offer free electricity on selected weekday hours (where available). Tell us about your home and we’ll help you check eligibility, understand the small print, and find the best-value deal for your usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
- Understand “free hours”, peak rates, and who these deals suit
- Switch help: from checking your meter to handling the move
Availability varies by supplier, region, and meter type. We’ll show the full cost picture (standing charge + unit rates), not just the headline “free”.
Compare tariffs with free weekday electricity (where available)
“Free weekday electricity” tariffs are typically time-of-use deals where certain hours on weekdays are priced at £0.00 per kWh (or heavily discounted), and the rest of your usage is charged at higher peak/off-peak rates (plus a standing charge). They can work well if you can shift consumption into the free window—especially for appliances like dishwashers, tumble dryers, immersion heaters, or EV charging (if you have an EV at home).
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK households. We’ll help you understand:
- Exact free hours (which days, what times, and whether they change)
- Peak unit rates outside the free window
- Standing charge and contract length
- Meter requirements (often a smart meter is needed for time-of-use)
Tip: The best “free electricity” tariff is the one with the lowest total cost for your home. We compare on the full picture, not just the headline free hours.
No smart meter? You may still be able to switch to other competitive tariffs. We’ll show the best options for your meter type and explain next steps.
Who benefits most from free weekday electricity tariffs?
These tariffs are designed for households that can be flexible with when they use electricity. The goal is to take advantage of the free weekday window while keeping the rest of your usage under control.
Homes that can shift usage
If you can run high-use appliances during the free hours (e.g. laundry, dishwashing, cooking prep), you’re more likely to see value.
EV owners (home charging)
Some households use free weekday electricity hours to top up an EV—particularly if the window falls during daytime home working.
Smart meter households
Time-of-use tariffs commonly require a smart meter so the supplier can accurately bill different rates at different times.
When it may not be a good fit
- You’re out most weekdays and can’t use the free window
- Your home has consistently high evening peak usage
- You prefer price certainty and simple flat-rate tariffs
Quick self-check
If you can move 20–35% of your weekday electricity into the free window, these tariffs can become competitive—but only if the paid rates and standing charge still stack up for your total annual usage.
See cost and savings factors before you switch.
How “free weekday electricity” tariffs work
In the UK, “free electricity” deals are usually structured as time-of-use energy tariffs. The supplier sets a schedule of rates—often including a free or near-free weekday window—then charges different unit prices outside that window. You still pay a standing charge, and you may face higher peak rates at popular times.
Important: “Free” typically means the unit rate for those hours is 0p/kWh, but other hours can be higher than a standard tariff. The only reliable way to judge value is by estimating your annual cost based on your usage patterns.
A typical rate structure (example)
| Rate period | When it applies | What you pay | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free weekday window | Set weekday hours (supplier-defined) | 0p/kWh (or discounted) | Does it exclude bank holidays? Does the schedule change? |
| Peak | Often evenings / high-demand periods | Higher p/kWh | If most of your use is here, total bills can rise |
| Off-peak | Outside the free window and peak times | Medium p/kWh | How many bands exist (2, 3 or more)? |
| Standing charge | Every day | p/day | Can vary by region; can outweigh “free” if high |
How to make these tariffs work in real life
- Identify your flexible loads: washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, immersion heater, dehumidifier, or EV charging.
- Shift safely: use appliance timers where appropriate; avoid running high-heat appliances unattended.
- Protect peak times: try to reduce cooking/heating electricity use during the highest-rate window if possible.
- Review after 4–8 weeks: check your smart meter or supplier app to confirm your usage actually moved.
Costs, savings potential, and common pitfalls
A free weekday electricity tariff can be excellent—or expensive—depending on how you use power. To avoid surprises, focus on total annual cost and how the tariff charges during your busiest times.
What can drive savings
- High flexible usage you can reliably move into the free window
- Lower daytime heating demand (electric heating can be costly outside free hours)
- Good standing charge for your region
- Moderate peak rate compared with alternatives
Pitfalls to look for
- Very high peak rates that outweigh the “free” benefit
- Higher standing charge vs a simple standard tariff
- Changing free hours (supplier terms can differ)
- Not using the window after switching (life gets busy)
What we compare for you
When you submit the form, we look at the overall tariff structure and help you compare like-for-like. That includes:
- All unit rates (free/peak/off-peak bands)
- Standing charge by region
- Exit fees (if any) and fixed vs variable pricing
- Eligibility and meter requirements
Eligibility checklist for free weekday electricity deals
Not every supplier offers free weekday electricity tariffs in every part of the UK, and many require specific meter setups. Use this checklist to understand what you may need before switching.
| Requirement | Why it matters | What EnergyPlus checks |
|---|---|---|
| UK home address & postcode | Tariffs and standing charges vary by region | Regional availability and pricing |
| Smart meter (often required) | Needed to bill multiple time bands accurately | Whether deals exist for non-smart meters too |
| Comfort with time-of-use pricing | You’ll pay different rates at different times | Tariff terms, rate schedule, and suitability |
| Ability to shift weekday usage | The benefit comes from using electricity in the free hours | Comparison based on your usage profile (where provided) |
Renting? You can usually switch your energy tariff if you pay the bills, even if you don’t own the property. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you check what applies to your home and meter.
FAQs: free weekday electricity tariffs in the UK
Is electricity really free?
It can be 0p/kWh for specific weekday hours, but you still pay a standing charge and standard (often higher) rates at other times. The “free” part only pays off if you can use those hours effectively.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Time-of-use billing typically needs a smart meter. If you don’t have one, we can still compare other strong home tariffs and advise whether upgrading your meter could open more options.
Will my free hours be the same every week?
It depends on the supplier and tariff terms. Some schedules are fixed; others can change with notice. Always check the tariff’s rate schedule and terms before switching.
What about weekends and bank holidays?
Some “weekday free electricity” offers apply Monday–Friday only. Bank holiday treatment varies. We’ll help you review exactly how each tariff defines “weekday” and “free hours”.
Can I switch if I’m in debt to my supplier?
Possibly. Rules can depend on the type/size of debt and whether you’re on a repayment plan. If switching isn’t possible right now, we can still help you understand alternative options.
How long does a switch take?
Many switches complete within a few working days, but timing can vary. You won’t lose supply during a switch, and your meter readings (or smart meter data) will be used for the handover.
Trusted help for switching home energy tariffs
People use EnergyPlus to cut through confusing rate schedules and compare the total cost properly—especially for time-of-use deals where the headline benefit doesn’t tell the full story.
“The adviser explained the peak rates clearly and helped us work out whether free weekday hours would actually save us money.”
“We got a like-for-like comparison including standing charges. Switching was straightforward and we felt informed.”
“I wasn’t sure about my meter type. EnergyPlus helped me check and showed the best options available.”
What you get with EnergyPlus
- Whole-of-market tariff comparison for UK homes
- Clear explanation of free weekday hours and paid-rate bands
- Switch support and next steps guidance
Ready to see if free weekday electricity is available for your home?
Submit your postcode and details to compare whole-of-market tariffs. We’ll help you understand the real costs (including standing charge and peak rates) so you can choose confidently.
Home energy comparisons only. Tariff availability varies by supplier, region, and meter configuration.
Before you switch
- Check your current tariff end date (fixed deals may have exit fees)
- Note your typical weekday usage times
- If you have a smart meter, keep your supplier app handy
Back to Energy News