Energy tariffs with free electricity hours in the UK
Compare whole-of-market tariffs that offer free electricity hours (often overnight or at set times) and see if you could cut your home energy costs. Fill in the form to check eligibility and find suitable deals for your postcode.
- Whole-of-market comparison across UK suppliers (where available)
- Find “free hours” tariffs that suit EV charging, heat pumps and home batteries
- See the important details: peak rates, standing charges and fair-use limits
- No obligation — get matched to options for your home and usage
Available tariffs vary by supplier, meter type and region. Free-hour periods and rates are set by the supplier and can change. Always check the full tariff details before switching.
See if a free electricity hours tariff could work for your home
“Free electricity hours” tariffs can be excellent for households that can shift usage into the free window — for example EV charging overnight, heating water with an immersion heater, running a heat pump more during off-peak, or charging a home battery. But the headline “free” is only half the story: suppliers often balance it with higher peak unit rates and/or higher standing charges.
EnergyPlus.co.uk compares whole-of-market options (where available) and helps you identify tariffs that match your meter type, region and usage pattern. Complete the form and we’ll match you to suitable deals and explain what to look out for.
Quick suitability check
- Best fit: EV drivers, homes with heat pumps, smart meters, or battery storage.
- May not suit: households that can’t shift usage, or that use most power during evenings.
- Key detail: the peak unit rate matters as much as the “free” period.
Get matched to free-hours tariffs
Tell us a few details and we’ll check options available for your postcode.
Tip: If you have an EV, battery or heat pump, mention it when we contact you — it helps us prioritise tariffs with the right off-peak/free windows.
What are “free electricity hours” tariffs?
In the UK, some suppliers offer tariffs where electricity is priced at £0 per kWh for specific hours (for example overnight, or an occasional daytime window). Outside those hours, you pay the standard unit rate set by the tariff plus a standing charge.
These tariffs are usually designed to encourage flexible demand — shifting consumption away from the busiest times on the grid. They’re most effective when you can move high-usage activities (EV charging, dishwashers, tumble dryers, battery charging) into the free window.
Set free hours
Free electricity applies during a defined time window. You still pay the standing charge and any usage outside the window.
Usually requires a smart meter
Many free-hour tariffs rely on half-hourly readings to apply the correct rate by time of day.
Not always cheaper overall
The peak unit rate can be higher than a standard tariff. The goal is to ensure the “free” hours outweigh any higher costs.
Why households choose free electricity hours tariffs
If your home can flex when it uses power, free-hour tariffs can reduce your effective unit cost — but the real benefit depends on your timing and the tariff’s peak price.
Lower EV charging costs
Charge your EV during the free window (where supported by your charger/app settings) and reduce the cost per mile.
Make a home battery work harder
Charge a battery for free, then run your home from stored energy during peak times (subject to system limits).
Shift flexible loads
Dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and immersion heaters can often be scheduled to run at lower-cost times.
Clear time window
Unlike complex dynamic pricing, free-hour windows can be easy to understand and plan around.
Support a greener grid
Using electricity outside peak times can reduce strain on the network and may align with periods of higher renewable generation.
Potential bill savings
If you can move enough kWh into the free window, you can offset a higher peak rate and come out ahead.
Want to check whether you can shift enough usage? Fill in the form and we’ll help you assess fit based on your setup.
How free electricity hours tariffs work (simple steps)
Most tariffs follow the same logic: a fixed window where electricity is free, and a paid rate outside that window. Here’s how to evaluate them properly before you switch.
- Confirm your meter setup. Many free-hour tariffs require a smart meter and half-hourly readings to bill accurately.
- Check the free window times. Note the exact hours and whether they apply daily, weekdays only, or seasonally.
- Compare the peak unit rate and standing charge. “Free” can be offset by higher rates at other times.
- Estimate how many kWh you can shift. EV charging and batteries can shift a lot; normal appliance use may shift less.
- Check any limits or fair-use wording. Some deals include conditions; always read the tariff information label and terms.
The most common mistake
Choosing a tariff based on the free hours alone, without checking the paid unit rate. If most of your consumption happens during evenings, a higher peak rate can outweigh any free-period savings.
Common UK tariff types that include “free hours” or off-peak periods
Not every supplier uses the phrase “free electricity hours”. Some offer similar value through off-peak pricing. Here’s how the main options compare.
| Tariff type | How it’s priced | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free electricity hours | £0/kWh for a set window; paid rate outside; standing charge applies | EVs, batteries, households that can schedule usage | Peak unit rate can be higher; check fair-use and exact times |
| Time-of-use (TOU) | Multiple unit rates by time block (e.g., peak/off-peak) | Flexible households, smart home scheduling | More complex; savings depend on your actual timing |
| EV tariffs | Low overnight rate (sometimes “free” promos), higher daytime rate | Regular EV charging at home | May require smart meter and/or specific charger/app integration |
| Legacy Economy 7/10 | Cheaper night rate, higher day rate (not “free”, but off-peak) | Storage heaters, some older setups | May be less competitive; times can vary by region/meter |
If you’re not sure which category you’re in, submit your details and we’ll point you to the most relevant tariff types for your meter and home setup.
Free-hours tariff comparison checklist (UK)
Use this checklist to judge whether a tariff with free electricity hours is genuinely good value for you — not just attractive on paper.
Pricing details to confirm
- Peak unit rate (p/kWh) outside the free window
- Standing charge (p/day)
- Whether the tariff is fixed or variable
- Any exit fees or contract minimum term
- Whether free hours apply every day or only on certain days
Home & usage considerations
- Do you have a smart meter (or can you get one)?
- Can you schedule EV charging or appliances in the free window?
- Do you have solar PV and/or a home battery?
- How much electricity do you use in evenings (often peak)?
- Do you rely on electric heating or a heat pump?
Regional note (UK)
Unit rates and standing charges can vary by distribution region (linked to your postcode). That’s why the same free-hours tariff can look different in different parts of England, Scotland and Wales.
Eligibility: who can get free electricity hours tariffs?
Eligibility depends on the supplier and the specific tariff. These are the most common requirements and constraints in the UK market.
Smart meter (often required)
Many suppliers need half-hourly consumption data to apply time-based pricing.
Payment method
Some tariffs are offered only for Direct Debit customers, or via online account management.
Equipment conditions (sometimes)
Certain EV-focused tariffs may work best (or only) with specific charging setups or integrations.
To check availability for your area and meter type, use the matching form.
FAQs: free electricity hours tariffs
Are free electricity hours tariffs really free?
Electricity unit rates can be £0/kWh during the defined free window, but you still pay the standing charge and you’ll pay the normal (often higher) unit rate outside the free hours. Your total bill depends on how much you use within the free period.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Many suppliers need smart meter readings to bill different rates at different times. If you don’t currently have a smart meter, some suppliers may offer installation — but eligibility depends on your property and region.
Are free hours always overnight?
Not always. Some tariffs focus on overnight periods, others may include a daytime promotional window. Always check the tariff information label and the supplier’s terms to confirm exact times.
Can I use free hours for anything (washing, cooking, heating)?
Usually, yes — the pricing applies to your whole home electricity use during the free window. Practicality depends on what you can safely schedule. If you’re using timers, follow appliance safety guidance and avoid running high-heat appliances unattended.
Will switching affect my gas supply too?
Free-hours offers are typically about electricity. You can still compare dual-fuel options, but it’s important to evaluate the gas unit rate and standing charge separately, especially if a cheap electricity offer is paired with a less competitive gas rate.
How quickly can I switch?
Switch times vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within a few days to a couple of weeks. Your exact timing may depend on meter setup and any additional checks required.
What customers look for when comparing free-hours tariffs
Because free-hour tariffs can be nuanced, households value clear explanations and comparisons that account for real-life usage patterns.
“The big help was understanding the peak rate. I nearly switched just for the free hours, but the comparison showed it wouldn’t suit our evening usage.”
“We charge our EV overnight and run the dishwasher later. Having the free window written out clearly made it easy to plan.”
“The advice on using our battery with the free hours was spot on. We now charge it in the free period and use it in the evening.”
Trust & transparency
- We focus on the numbers that change your bill: peak rate, standing charge and usable free window.
- We’ll explain trade-offs plainly so you can make an informed choice.
- Availability depends on supplier and region — we check what applies to your postcode.
Ready to compare free electricity hours tariffs?
Get matched to tariffs available for your home, meter type and region — and see whether the free window could reduce your overall bill.
- Whole-of-market comparison (where available)
- Clear explanation of peak rates and key terms
- Designed for UK homes (not business energy)
No scripts, no spam — just tailored options for your postcode.
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