Free weekend electricity tariffs in the UK: worth it?
Free weekend electricity deals can look brilliant — but they only save you money if your household can shift enough usage to weekends and the weekday unit rate isn’t too high. Compare whole-of-market UK tariffs with EnergyPlus and see if a free weekend tariff beats your best standard, fixed or smart plan.
- Check if a “free weekend” offer beats your current unit rate & standing charge
- Find out how much you’d need to move to weekends to break even
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business)
- Quick form — we’ll match tariffs to your usage and meter type
Estimates only — actual costs depend on your supplier, region, meter type and usage. EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs vs your best alternative
“Free weekend electricity” is usually a time-of-use offer: you pay a higher unit rate at other times in exchange for 0p/kWh (or heavily discounted) electricity on weekends within set hours. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much electricity you can realistically shift (washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, EV charging, batch cooking, immersion heater timing) and the weekday rate/standing charge you’ll pay the rest of the week.
Use the form to get a tailored comparison. We’ll check whole-of-market home tariffs and highlight:
- Estimated annual cost on a free weekend tariff vs a comparable fixed/variable deal
- What proportion of your usage would need to fall within weekend free hours to break even
- Any restrictions (free window times, caps, smart meter requirements, exit fees)
Tip: If you already use most electricity on weekdays (WFH, electric cooking daily, electric heating), “free weekends” can cost more overall. If you can move big loads to weekends, it can win — but only when the weekday uplift is modest.
Get a personalised comparison (free)
Complete the form and we’ll match tariffs to your household and meter type. No scripts, no hassle.
When a free weekend electricity tariff is worth it (and when it isn’t)
Worth it if you can shift big loads
You’ll benefit most if you can reliably move high-consumption tasks into the free window — for example 2–4 laundry loads, dishwasher runs, batch cooking, electric immersion, or EV charging at weekends.
Worth it if weekday rates aren’t heavily uplifted
Some plans offset “free” weekends with noticeably higher weekday unit rates and/or standing charges. It can still work, but only if the uplift is small relative to the weekend usage you’ll move.
Not ideal if you’re home all week
WFH, daytime cooking, electric heating, or a busy weekday routine can mean most of your consumption stays Mon–Fri. In that case, a good fixed tariff or other time-of-use option may be better.
Households that often suit free weekend electricity
- EV owners who can charge mainly on weekends
- Families doing multiple laundry/dryer cycles weekly
- Homes with flexible schedules for appliance use
- People willing to use timers and smart plugs
Households that should be cautious
- All-electric homes with steady weekday demand
- Storage heaters tied to overnight/off-peak patterns (may suit other tariffs better)
- People who can’t reliably change usage habits
- Anyone attracted only by the word “free” without checking the rates
What is a free weekend electricity tariff in the UK?
A free weekend electricity tariff is a type of time-of-use tariff. Instead of one flat unit rate all week, you get a special price (sometimes 0p/kWh) for electricity during a defined weekend period — for example Saturday and Sunday between set hours. Outside that window, you pay the tariff’s normal unit rate.
The key is that suppliers recover costs elsewhere. That might be through:
- Higher weekday unit rates
- A higher standing charge
- Restrictions on the free period (specific hours only)
- Eligibility rules (often a smart meter)
Plain-English check: Free weekend electricity is only “free” during the stated time window. Your weekday rates still matter more if you use most electricity Mon–Fri.
How it typically works (in steps)
- You’re billed by time bands recorded by your meter (often smart).
- Weekend “free” hours apply — electricity in that window is discounted or 0p/kWh.
- All other times are charged at the standard unit rate (and standing charge).
- Your savings depend on behaviour: shifting usage into the free period without increasing total consumption.
If you want, jump to the break-even maths to see how to judge a deal quickly.
How to tell if “free weekend electricity” actually saves money
To judge a free weekend tariff, compare it against your best alternative tariff (often a competitive fixed deal). The simplest way is to work out whether the extra cost you pay outside the free window is offset by your weekend usage.
Quick break-even formula (practical version)
Assuming standing charges are similar (they often aren’t — check them), the break-even point is roughly:
Weekend kWh needed ˜ (Weekday rate difference ÷ Weekend discount) × Weekday kWh
In plain terms: the bigger the weekday uplift, the more weekend usage you must shift into the free hours.
Example comparison (illustrative only)
| Item | Free weekend tariff | Good fixed tariff | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend unit rate (within free window) | 0p/kWh (example) | Same all week | Exact hours matter; outside the window you’ll pay normal rates |
| Weekday unit rate | Higher than standard (example) | Lower/competitive | This often decides the winner for most households |
| Standing charge | May be higher | May be lower | Higher standing charges reduce savings even if weekend is free |
| Best for | People who can move lots of kWh to weekend free hours | People with steady usage across the week | Match the tariff to your lifestyle and appliances |
Figures shown are examples for explanation. Your region, supplier and meter setup will change the rates.
Mini checklist before you switch
- What are the exact free hours on Sat/Sun?
- Is the “free” price capped or truly 0p/kWh?
- What’s the weekday unit rate (and is it split by time bands)?
- How does the standing charge compare?
- Any exit fees or minimum term?
- Do you need a smart meter?
Common pitfalls with free weekend tariffs
1) Focusing on “free” and ignoring weekday rates
If your weekday unit rate is meaningfully higher than a competitive fixed tariff, you’ll need a substantial amount of weekend usage inside the free window to compensate. For many households, weekday usage dominates annual costs.
2) Not checking the weekend “free” hours
Some tariffs only offer free electricity for certain hours. If the window is narrow, your appliances may not fit — especially if you’re out or if noise restrictions limit tumble dryer use.
3) Assuming savings without measuring usage
Savings depend on kWh, not just habits. If you can access half-hourly usage (smart meter app, supplier portal), you can estimate how much electricity you’ll realistically shift to weekends.
4) Paying more via standing charge
A higher standing charge affects every day of the year. Even if weekend electricity is free, a higher standing charge can erode savings — particularly in low-usage households or small flats.
Eligibility, meter types and regional considerations
Do you need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many time-of-use tariffs (including “free weekend electricity”) rely on half-hourly readings, which typically means a smart meter. Some suppliers may allow certain meter setups, but smart meters are the most common requirement.
What if you’re on prepayment?
Availability varies. Some time-of-use products are limited to credit meters or specific smart prepay arrangements. If you’re on prepayment, we can still compare suitable home tariffs available in your area.
Does your postcode matter?
Yes. Electricity standing charges and unit rates vary by region (distribution network). That’s why a UK-wide headline rate can be misleading — we always compare using your postcode.
Best appliances to shift to weekend free hours
- Washing machine & tumble dryer
- Dishwasher
- Electric oven (batch cooking)
- Immersion heater (with timer)
- EV charger (if you have an EV)
Always follow manufacturer guidance and safety advice when using timers and smart plugs.
Want us to prioritise weekend deals?
Tell us in the form that you’re interested in free weekend electricity. We’ll highlight weekend offers and show the closest non-weekend alternatives so you can make a fair choice.
Go to the comparison formFree weekend electricity tariff FAQs (UK)
Is weekend electricity really free?
It can be 0p/kWh during a defined window, but you still pay the standing charge and you’ll pay the normal unit rate outside the free hours. Always check the exact terms and time bands.
Do free weekend tariffs work for dual fuel?
Free weekend offers usually apply to electricity only. If you’re on dual fuel, you should compare the overall package: electricity rates, gas rates, and both standing charges.
How much usage do I need to shift to weekends?
There’s no universal number — it depends on the weekday uplift and your current tariff. Use the break-even section and then run a personalised comparison with your postcode and meter type.
Could I end up paying more?
Yes. If you don’t use much electricity in the free window, or if the weekday unit rate/standing charge is higher than alternatives, your annual cost can rise.
Is this the same as Economy 7?
Not exactly. Economy 7 typically provides cheaper electricity overnight for a set number of hours. Free weekend tariffs focus on weekend periods and may use different time bands.
Can EnergyPlus compare the whole market?
Yes — we compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs, then help you understand which options fit your usage pattern, including free weekend electricity deals where available.
What people like about comparing with EnergyPlus
“I thought free weekends would be a no-brainer. EnergyPlus showed the weekday rate was higher and a fixed deal was cheaper for us.”
Homeowner, Greater Manchester
“We have an EV and do laundry at weekends. The comparison made it clear how much we needed to shift — and we’re saving now.”
Family household, West Midlands
“Helpful explanation of standing charges and time bands. The form was quick and the options were easy to compare.”
Flat owner, Edinburgh
Trust note: Reviews shown are representative testimonials for the comparison experience and don’t guarantee savings. Your outcome depends on rates and usage.
Ready to see if free weekend electricity is right for your home?
Compare whole-of-market UK tariffs with your postcode and meter type. We’ll highlight weekend deals and the best non-weekend alternatives so you can choose based on total annual cost — not headlines.
EnergyPlus.co.uk compares home energy tariffs across the UK. Switching availability depends on supplier coverage and eligibility.
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