Are free electricity weekends worth it on UK energy tariffs?
Free weekend electricity can be great for the right household — but only if the weekday unit rates and standing charge don’t cancel out the perk. Compare whole-of-market energy deals with EnergyPlus and see what’s genuinely cheaper for your home.
- Check if you can shift usage to weekends without hassle
- See the real cost: weekday unit rates, standing charge, and any caps
- Compare against standard variable, fixed, and time-of-use tariffs
- Get a tailored estimate using your postcode and usage
UK home energy only. No obligation. Typical time to complete: ~2 minutes. Availability and pricing vary by region and meter type.
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs — and see the real price
“Free electricity on weekends” sounds simple, but the value depends on how much electricity you actually use and when you use it. Many free-weekend tariffs are a type of time-of-use deal: you may get a zero (or heavily discounted) unit rate on certain weekend hours, while weekday rates and/or standing charge can be higher.
EnergyPlus helps you compare home energy options across the market so you can weigh free weekends against: fixed tariffs, standard variable tariffs, and other smart/time-of-use tariffs.
Good to know: Free weekend electricity deals are usually available to households with a smart meter (or a compatible meter setup) because half-hourly or time-banded pricing needs accurate usage data.
Quick checks before you switch
- Meter: Do you have a smart meter (or can you get one fitted)?
- Usage shift: Could you move laundry, dishwasher, EV charging, or batch cooking to the free period?
- Caps and windows: Is the “free” period all weekend or limited hours? Any fair-use limits?
- Total cost: What’s the weekday unit rate and standing charge compared with alternatives?
Check deals available at your postcode
Get whole-of-market comparisons, including time-of-use and free-weekend options (where available).
Tip: If you can’t reliably move high-use appliances to weekends, a strong fixed tariff can beat “free” weekends on total annual cost.
When free electricity weekends are worth it (and when they aren’t)
Worth it if you can shift a lot of kWh
These tariffs reward households that can move big loads (washing, tumble drying, dishwasher runs, batch cooking, immersion heater, EV charging) into the free window. The more kWh you shift, the more the “free” rate matters.
Not worth it if weekday rates jump
If the weekday unit rate is noticeably higher than a good fixed tariff, you can lose money Monday–Friday and never fully win it back. Always compare annual cost — not just the headline perk.
Mixed results with low electricity use
If your home’s electricity use is modest (for example, gas heating, no EV, efficient appliances), the free weekend benefit can be small. In that case, standing charge differences can dominate the bill.
A simple rule of thumb
Free weekends tend to work best when you can shift at least 20–30% of your weekly electricity usage into the free period and weekday rates are competitive. If you can only shift a small amount, focus on a low unit rate and sensible standing charge instead.
If you have solar or a battery
If you generate or store electricity, the best tariff isn’t always the one with “free” power. The right choice depends on your export rate, when you import, and whether you can schedule charging. Use a tailored comparison to avoid overpaying.
How “free electricity weekends” tariffs work in the UK
In most cases, a free weekend electricity tariff means your electricity unit rate is reduced (sometimes to £0.00/kWh) during a specified weekend time band. Outside that time band, you pay a different unit rate. You will still usually pay a standing charge every day.
- Check the free window: Is it all Saturday & Sunday, or only certain hours?
- Confirm requirements: Many deals require a smart meter and/or half-hourly readings.
- Understand the trade-off: Weekday unit rates (and standing charge) may be higher to fund the free period.
- Plan your usage: Schedule high-use appliances for the free window (safely and sensibly).
- Compare total annual cost: The only reliable verdict is the full-year estimate for your home.
What does “whole-of-market” comparison mean?
It means we help you compare across a broad range of home energy tariffs and structures — including fixed and time-of-use options — so you can see whether a free-weekend deal is genuinely competitive for your postcode, meter type, and usage pattern.
The real-cost breakdown: what to compare
The headline “free” feature is only one line on the bill. To judge value, compare the entire tariff structure. Use the table below as a checklist when reviewing quotes.
| What to check | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend unit rate | This is where you “save” — but only on the kWh you actually use in the free window. | Exact hours/days; whether it’s £0/kWh or discounted; any usage cap/fair-use. |
| Weekday unit rate | A higher weekday rate can erase weekend savings, especially for WFH households. | Compare to best fixed deals available for your region and payment method. |
| Standing charge | Paid daily regardless of use. A few pence difference adds up over a year. | Check electricity and (if relevant) gas standing charges. |
| Exit fees & contract length | If prices fall or your usage changes, fees can trap you in a poor fit. | Clear exit fee terms; fixed vs variable; any minimum term. |
| Meter/readings requirements | Time-of-use tariffs often need smart meter data to bill correctly. | Smart meter needed? Half-hourly readings required? What if readings stop? |
A quick way to sanity-check the value
Estimate how many weekend kWh you can realistically shift (not how many you want to shift). Multiply that by the weekday unit rate difference versus a strong alternative. If the extra weekday cost is larger than the weekend saving, the tariff probably isn’t worth it.
Who benefits most from free weekend electricity?
Best-fit households
- Homes with an EV that can charge mainly on weekends
- Families doing multiple laundry loads at weekends
- Households at home less during weekdays (lower weekday electricity use)
- People comfortable using timers/scheduling to run appliances safely
May not suit you if
- You work from home most days and have high weekday usage
- You can’t reliably shift usage (care routines, accessibility, noise constraints)
- Your appliances can’t be scheduled (or you prefer not to run them unattended)
- You’re mainly looking to reduce gas costs (free weekends only affect electricity)
Regional and network differences
Energy rates vary by region and network area. A tariff that looks strong in one part of the UK may be less competitive elsewhere due to different standing charges and unit rates. Always compare using your postcode.
Common mistakes when choosing a free weekend tariff
Comparing only the “free” headline
The right comparison is the estimated annual bill based on your usage profile — including standing charge and weekday rates.
Overestimating how much you’ll shift
If you assume you’ll move everything to weekends but don’t, you’re left paying the higher weekday rate without the benefit.
Ignoring meter and billing requirements
Time-of-use tariffs typically rely on smart meter data. Check what happens if readings fail or if you change meter setup.
Safety note on running appliances
Only run appliances when it’s safe for your household. If you use timers overnight or when out, follow manufacturer guidance and keep ventilation and fire safety in mind.
FAQs: free electricity weekends in the UK
Is weekend electricity really free?
Usually it means the unit rate is £0.00/kWh (or heavily discounted) during a defined weekend window. You’ll typically still pay a standing charge, and you may pay higher rates outside the window.
Do I need a smart meter?
Often, yes. Time-banded pricing typically needs smart meter readings so your supplier can correctly apply different rates depending on the time/day you used electricity.
Will it reduce my bill if I’m on a tight budget?
It can, but it depends on your usage pattern. If you can’t shift usage to weekends, a competitive fixed tariff may be cheaper overall. Use a comparison to see which option is best for your home.
What about gas — do I get “free gas weekends” too?
Free weekend offers usually apply to electricity only. If you’re on dual fuel, compare both fuels — sometimes electricity savings are offset by less competitive gas pricing (or vice versa).
Can I switch again if it doesn’t work out?
It depends on the tariff. Some fixed deals have exit fees. Before switching, check contract length and exit terms, especially if you’re trying a time-of-use plan for the first time.
How do I know if I can shift enough usage to weekends?
Look at your current routine: laundry days, dishwasher cycles, cooking patterns, and any EV charging. If you have a smart meter, recent usage data can help. If not, be conservative in your estimate and compare total annual cost.
Want a quick answer for your postcode? Use the comparison form and we’ll show the best-fitting tariffs available to you, including free-weekend options where they exist.
Why households compare with EnergyPlus
“The weekend deal looked great… until we checked weekdays.”
“EnergyPlus helped us compare properly. We ended up on a tariff that’s cheaper overall for our usage, not just on paper.”
— Homeowner, North West
“Clear explanation of time-of-use tariffs.”
“I didn’t understand how free weekend hours worked. The comparison made it obvious what I’d pay the rest of the week.”
— Flat owner, London
“Found a better fit for our EV charging.”
“We assumed free weekends were best. After comparing, we picked a tariff that matched our charging and weekday driving.”
— Family household, Midlands
Trust and transparency
- UK home energy comparisons tailored by postcode and meter type
- Whole-of-market approach to help you avoid “headline-only” deals
- Clear focus on total cost, not just promotional windows
Get your personalised verdict: worth it for your home?
Compare free weekend electricity tariffs against fixed and variable options — based on your postcode and household needs. It takes about two minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison
- Shows the total estimated annual cost
- Find tariffs that match your usage pattern
Start comparison
No obligation. UK households only. Deals subject to eligibility and regional availability.
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