Best energy tariffs with free electricity weekends in the UK
Compare whole-of-market UK energy deals that offer weekend-free (or heavily discounted) electricity windows. Get matched to tariffs that suit your usage, meter and postcode—then switch with confidence.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not tied to one supplier)
- Check eligibility: smart meter requirements, regions, and tariff types
- Estimate savings if you can shift laundry, cooking or EV charging to weekends
- Switch support and clear explanations—no jargon
Availability varies by supplier, region and meter type. “Free” typically means a zero unit rate for set weekend hours; standing charges and other charges may still apply.
Find the best free-electricity weekend tariffs for your home
Weekend-free electricity tariffs are designed to reward households that can shift more usage to the weekend—think washing, tumble-drying, batch cooking, immersion heaters, EV charging and running high-load appliances. But the best tariff depends on your meter, region, household pattern and whether you can reliably move consumption into the “free” window.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market UK comparison service. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to suitable weekend-free or weekend-discounted tariffs where available—alongside strong alternatives (like low unit-rate fixed deals or smart time-of-use tariffs) so you can make a like-for-like decision.
Quick reality check
“Free electricity weekends” usually means a 0p/kWh unit rate for set weekend hours. You’ll still typically pay a standing charge, and outside the free window the unit rate may be higher than standard deals. The best choice depends on how much energy you can shift.
Get matched to weekend-free tariffs
Complete the form and we’ll compare suitable home energy tariffs for your postcode, meter type and usage.
Tip: If you can shift even 15–30% of your electricity to the weekend window, weekend-free tariffs can become very competitive—especially for EV drivers or households running laundry-heavy weekends.
Why choose a free electricity weekend tariff?
Lower bills if you shift usage
Move high-consumption tasks to the free window (washing, drying, dishwasher, meal prep, immersion heating, EV charging) and cut the cost of those kWh to zero during qualifying hours.
Works well with smart habits
If you already do your laundry at weekends, enjoy batch cooking, or plug in an EV overnight, these tariffs can align with real life rather than forcing constant daily optimisation.
Simple “free window” messaging
Some time-of-use tariffs have multiple bands and changing rates. A weekend-free window can be easier to plan around—provided you understand the non-free unit rate and standing charge.
Potentially ideal for EV owners
Charging an EV can be one of the largest electricity loads in a home. If your tariff includes free weekend hours, you may shift a meaningful chunk of annual kWh into the free period.
Good for bigger households
More people usually means more laundry, cooking, and device charging—often concentrated at weekends—making the free period more valuable.
Compare alternatives side-by-side
Sometimes a strong fixed tariff beats a weekend-free deal. Whole-of-market comparison helps you choose based on your projected annual cost—not just the headline offer.
How “free electricity weekends” tariffs work in the UK
Although each supplier sets their own rules, most weekend-free offers follow a similar structure: a set block of weekend hours with a zero (or very low) unit rate, and a separate unit rate outside the free window plus a daily standing charge. It’s a trade-off: you benefit when you can move enough usage into the free hours to offset any higher weekday rates.
1) You get a defined free window
The tariff specifies which weekend hours qualify (for example, Saturday and Sunday with a set time block). Only electricity used during those hours receives the free (or discounted) unit rate.
2) A smart meter is often required
To apply time-based pricing accurately, suppliers frequently require a working smart meter sending half-hourly reads. Without it, weekend-free tariffs may not be available.
3) Weekday unit rates can be higher
Some deals “fund” the free period by increasing the non-free unit rate. The right way to compare is by your expected annual cost, not the headline “free” claim.
4) Standing charge still applies
Even with free weekend kWh, you’ll typically pay a daily standing charge to cover the cost of keeping you connected to the network.
Key tariff terms to compare
Fair comparison tip: Ask “What’s my projected annual cost?” using your typical weekly pattern (weekday vs weekend). A tariff can look great on paper but disappoint if your usage is mostly weekdays.
Eligibility: who can get weekend-free electricity tariffs?
Eligibility depends on supplier rules, your location, and your meter. Use this checklist before you switch to avoid surprises.
You’re usually a strong match if you have:
- A working smart meter (or you’re willing to have one installed)
- Flexible weekend usage (laundry, cooking, heating water, or EV charging)
- Higher electricity consumption overall (the free window can matter more)
- Comfort with time-based pricing and checking a defined free window
You may need extra checks if you have:
- Legacy multi-rate meters (e.g., Economy 7)—some tariffs won’t support them
- Prepayment meters—availability varies by supplier
- Limited ability to shift usage away from weekdays
- Very low electricity usage (standing charge and weekday rates can outweigh benefits)
Regional note: Unit rates and standing charges differ across UK regions and distribution networks. That’s why the same “free weekends” tariff can be great value in one area and mediocre in another.
How to estimate savings from free weekend electricity
The key question is: How many kWh can you realistically move into the weekend free window? If you can only shift a small amount, a cheaper all-week unit rate may beat a weekend-free offer. If you can shift a meaningful chunk, weekend-free can shine.
A simple home calculation
- List weekend tasks you can shift (laundry, dishwasher, oven batch-cook, EV charging).
- Estimate kWh per task (your appliance manual or smart meter app can help).
- Add them up for a typical weekend.
- Multiply by 52 to get annual weekend-shifted kWh.
- Compare: savings from “free” kWh vs any higher weekday unit rate.
Where savings commonly come from
- EV charging: the biggest single weekend load for many homes
- Tumble dryer + washer: concentrated weekend laundry routines
- Dishwasher runs: multiple cycles across Saturday/Sunday
- Cooking: batch cooking can shift oven use into the free period
- Hot water: where you can schedule immersion heating safely
Costs to watch so you don’t overpay
Not sure? Submit the form above and we’ll look at weekend-free tariffs and strong alternatives, so you can choose the most cost-effective option for your household.
Common mistakes when choosing a weekend-free tariff
Only focusing on “free”
A tariff can advertise free weekends but have a higher unit rate the rest of the week. Always compare the total annual cost for your usage profile.
Underestimating weekday usage
If you work from home or have electric cooking/heating loads on weekdays, the weekday rate matters a lot. Model realistic weekdays, not ideal ones.
Ignoring meter requirements
Many weekend-free offers are smart-meter dependent. Check you can provide the required readings and your smart meter is communicating correctly.
Not checking the actual weekend hours
A “weekend” window may not be 48 hours. Make sure the timings fit your routine—especially if you plan to run appliances overnight.
Forgetting standing charges
Standing charges vary by region and can materially affect low-usage households. Always include them when comparing.
Switching without a plan
The tariff works best when you consistently schedule weekend loads. Set routines and use appliance timers to capture the free period.
FAQs: free electricity weekends (UK)
Are free electricity weekend tariffs really free?
They can be free in the sense that the unit rate for qualifying weekend hours is 0p/kWh. You’ll usually still pay a standing charge, and electricity outside the free window is charged at the tariff’s standard unit rate.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Because suppliers need to measure your usage by time band, many weekend-free tariffs require a smart meter capable of sending half-hourly data. If you don’t have one, you may still be able to switch, but the tariff options could be limited.
Is this the same as Economy 7?
Not necessarily. Economy 7 is traditionally an overnight two-rate tariff. “Free weekends” is a separate structure focused on weekend hours. Some homes on older multi-rate meters may need additional checks for compatibility.
Will a weekend-free tariff suit a low-usage household?
It can, but it’s less common. If your overall consumption is low, standing charges and a potentially higher weekday unit rate may outweigh weekend benefits. A straightforward low-cost tariff can be better value.
What if I already have solar panels?
Solar can reduce daytime grid usage, but many households still import a lot during evenings and at weekends. A weekend-free window may still help—especially for EV charging or high weekend appliance use. We’ll consider your situation when matching options.
How quickly can I switch?
Switch times vary, but many UK switches complete within days to a few weeks depending on circumstances. You’ll normally stay on supply with no interruption—only billing and tariff terms change.
Want personalised guidance? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you assess whether a weekend-free tariff beats other options for your home.
Why households use EnergyPlus to compare tariffs
“We were tempted by ‘free weekends’ but didn’t know if it would actually save money. EnergyPlus helped us compare it properly against fixed deals and we chose the best annual cost.”
— Homeowner, Yorkshire
“Clear explanation of the weekend hours and what we’d still pay. No pressure—just options that matched our smart meter setup.”
— Couple, Greater Manchester
“We charge an EV and do laundry at weekends. The comparison highlighted how much we’d need to shift—and the saving was worth it.”
— Family, Kent
Trust & transparency
- Whole-of-market approach (where available for your details)
- Clear explanations of rates, windows and key terms
- UK home energy focus (not business energy)
What you’ll get
- Tariff options matched to your postcode and meter setup
- Support comparing weekend-free vs other time-of-use and fixed deals
- Switch guidance and next steps
Ready to compare weekend-free energy tariffs?
If your household can shift energy use to weekends, a free electricity window may reduce your bills. Share a few details and we’ll match you to suitable UK home tariffs—plus alternatives—so you can choose based on total cost.
Remember: “free” usually applies to electricity unit rates during set weekend hours. Standing charges and non-free rates still apply. Eligibility varies.
Fast checklist before you submit
- Do you have (or want) a smart meter?
- Can you shift laundry/dishwasher to weekend hours?
- Do you charge an EV or run high-load appliances at weekends?
- Do you know your postcode and contact details?
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