Free weekend electricity tariffs in the UK: are they worth it?
Some tariffs offer “free” electricity at weekends — but they’re not always cheaper overall. Compare whole-of-market options and check if a free weekend tariff fits your household’s usage before you switch.
- See when free weekend electricity can save you money (and when it won’t)
- Learn the common catches: higher weekday unit rates, standing charges, and time windows
- Get a personalised comparison for your home in minutes (whole-of-market)
Free to compare. No obligation to switch. For home energy customers in the UK.
Check if a free weekend electricity tariff is actually cheaper for your home
“Free weekend electricity” sounds like an easy win — especially if you run the washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher or charge an EV on Saturdays and Sundays. But in the UK, these deals often come with higher weekday unit rates, a narrow free-time window, or a higher standing charge.
EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs so you can see whether a weekend-free offer beats standard variable, fixed, and other time-of-use tariffs.
A tariff can be “free at weekends” and still cost more overall if most of your usage happens Monday–Friday or outside the free hours. The only reliable way to judge is to compare using your estimated annual usage (kWh) and expected weekend shift.
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Tell us a few details and we’ll show you suitable home electricity tariffs — including any weekend or time-of-use offers.
When a free weekend electricity tariff can be worth it
These tariffs can be a good fit — but only for certain usage patterns and home setups.
You can shift a meaningful chunk of usage to weekends
If you can move laundry, dishwashing, batch cooking, immersion heating, or EV charging into the free window, the savings can outweigh higher weekday rates.
You’re already a higher electricity user
“Free” units have more value if your household uses more kWh overall (for example, larger homes, electric cooking, home working, heat pumps, or EV charging).
Your home can use smart scheduling
Appliances with timers (or smart plugs) help you reliably hit the free period, rather than “hoping” you remember every weekend.
You can avoid high weekday peak rates
Some tariffs penalise weekday evenings. If you’re out at work and use less during those hours, the downside is smaller.
You’re comparing the full cost, not the headline
The best deal is the one with the lowest total annual cost for your pattern — not necessarily the most “free” hours.
You want flexibility
If the tariff is a rolling contract or a shorter fix, you can reassess when rates change — useful if your routine changes.
How free weekend electricity tariffs work in the UK
“Free weekend electricity” is usually a time-of-use offer: electricity is priced at one rate during the “free” weekend window, and a different rate at all other times. The exact structure varies by supplier and product, so always check the tariff information before switching.
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The supplier defines a free-time window.
Common examples include Saturday and Sunday (sometimes with start/end times). Electricity outside the window is charged at the standard rate. -
Weekday rates can be higher to “fund” the free period.
Your total cost depends on how much energy you use during paid hours versus the free hours. -
Standing charges still apply.
Even if some unit rates are £0 during the free window, you’ll still pay a daily standing charge. -
A smart meter is commonly required.
Time-of-use billing typically needs half-hourly readings. If you don’t have a smart meter, you may have fewer options. -
Your behaviour matters.
The more you can shift to the free period — without increasing total usage — the better the deal tends to be.
Costs & savings check: the quick way to judge “free weekends”
To decide if a free weekend electricity tariff is worth it, you need to compare total annual cost — not just the headline. Use this checklist and table as a practical guide.
| What to check | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Free window timings | If the free period is limited, you may miss it with normal routines. | List the appliances you can run in that window (laundry, dishwasher, EV, batch cooking). |
| Weekday unit rate(s) | Higher weekday rates can outweigh free weekend units. | Estimate weekday kWh you can’t shift (cooking, lighting, heating controls, home working). |
| Standing charge | A higher standing charge affects you every day, even if you use little electricity. | Compare the daily charge across options, especially for smaller households. |
| Exit fees & fix length | If you need to switch again, fees can erase savings. | Check terms before committing — especially if you’re trialling a new routine. |
| How you’ll measure success | If you don’t track usage, you can’t tell if the tariff is working. | Use your in-home display/app, or compare kWh and costs on your first 2–3 bills. |
A simple rule of thumb
The deal improves as you shift more kWh into the free weekend window. If you can’t shift much (or you’re home using lots of power on weekdays), a competitive fixed tariff may beat it.
Want the accurate answer?
Run a comparison based on your home, then shortlist the weekend/time-of-use options and compare total annual cost.
Compare for my postcodeEligibility, meters & practical considerations
Smart meter requirements
Most free weekend/time-of-use tariffs rely on smart meter readings to apply the correct rate by time. If you don’t have one, you may need to request installation or choose a different tariff.
All-electric homes & EVs
If you use electricity for more of your home energy, the tariff structure matters more. EV charging can make a weekend deal attractive — but compare it against EV-focused off-peak tariffs too.
Weekend routine changes
If you’re often away at weekends, you may not benefit. Conversely, if weekends are your heavy-usage days, the free window could work well.
Common mistakes to avoid with free weekend electricity deals
1) Assuming “free” means cheaper overall
If weekday rates are higher, you can pay more even after enjoying free weekend units. Always compare total annual cost.
2) Forgetting the standing charge
Standing charges can vary and are paid daily. A higher charge can blunt the benefit, especially for low usage households.
3) Not matching the free window to your schedule
If the free hours don’t suit your routine, you won’t capture enough kWh at £0 to make it worthwhile.
4) Shifting usage — but increasing it
It’s easy to run extra loads because it feels “free”. Savings come from shifting, not adding.
5) Ignoring exit fees and renewal pricing
Check contract length, any exit fees, and what happens when the fix ends so you’re not caught out later.
6) Comparing against the wrong baseline
Compare against your current tariff and other suitable deals available now — not a headline rate from a different region or meter type.
FAQs: free weekend electricity tariffs (UK)
Are free weekend electricity tariffs really free?
The unit rate in the defined weekend window may be £0, but you’ll still pay a standing charge and you’ll pay for electricity used outside the free period. Check the tariff details for exact times and rates.
Do I need a smart meter for a weekend-free tariff?
Often, yes. Time-of-use pricing generally relies on smart meter readings to bill by time band. If you’re not sure, compare options for your postcode and meter type.
What appliances make the biggest difference at weekends?
High-consumption appliances are typically laundry (tumble dryer), dishwasher, electric oven, immersion heater, and EV charging. A heat pump can be significant too, depending on season and settings.
Could a fixed tariff still be better?
Yes. If your weekday consumption is high or you can’t reliably shift usage, a competitively priced fixed tariff can cost less overall. Always compare total estimated annual cost.
Does “whole-of-market” comparison include weekend and time-of-use deals?
It can — availability depends on supplier, region, and meter type. Use the comparison form to see which home tariffs are available for your postcode and circumstances.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Switching supplier changes who bills you, not the physical electricity supply to your home. There’s no interruption in service in normal circumstances.
What households like about comparing with EnergyPlus
A good comparison helps you avoid headline traps and pick the tariff that fits your routine.
“I was tempted by a free weekend deal, but the weekday rate was higher than I expected. The comparison made it obvious.”
— Homeowner, Greater Manchester
“We shifted laundry and dishwasher to Sunday and it works for us. Helpful to see the full-year cost, not just ‘free’ hours.”
— Family of four, Bristol
“Clear, quick, and I could check other time-of-use options too. I didn’t realise there were alternatives that suited my schedule better.”
— EV driver, West Sussex
Ready to see if a free weekend tariff beats your current deal?
Compare whole-of-market home electricity tariffs for your postcode — and make sure the “free” hours really stack up.
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- Check total estimated annual cost (not just the headline)
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