5 energy suppliers offer free or cheap electricity – all the deals and who’s eligible
Five UK energy suppliers have recently introduced promotions offering free or discounted electricity during specific periods.
With the average gas and electric bill per UK household now at ~£1,800 per year as of Q1 2026, families will be eager to save where they can.
And looking at just the average cost of electricity in the UK, families are spending about £84 per month or £1,003 a year on electricity. While prices have stabilized compared to the peaks of previous years, the slight 0.2% rise in the cap this January means that finding ways to 'beat the cap' remains a priority for many.
Here's an overview of some current deals:
E.ON Next's free electricity on bank holidays
E.ON Next has continued its popular incentive into 2026, offering free electricity on specific festive and bank holiday periods for those on its 'Next Direct' and 'Next Pledge' tariffs.
For example, customers on the Next Direct 18m v1 tariff recently enjoyed three days of free electricity over the 2025 Christmas period (Dec 24–26).
While the previous bank holiday scheme runs until March 31, 2026, the provider frequently refreshes these 'free power' windows for customers who have a working smart meter. Its 'Next Pledge' tracker remains a standout option in 2026, as it is guaranteed to stay at least £50 below the Ofgem price cap.
EDF's Sunday Saver Challenge
EDF's Sunday Saver Challenge allows customers to earn between 4 and 16 hours of free electricity each week by shifting usage away from peak times (typically 4 pm to 7 pm) during weekdays.
The free electricity can then be utilised on Sundays.
By shifting energy usage from peak periods, customers can earn credits toward free electricity, which will be applied to their accounts.
Customers need a smart meter capable of half-hourly readings to participate. Enrolment in the challenge can be done through the EDF MyAccount platform.
Octopus Energy's Octoplus & Saving Sessions
Octopus continues to lead the market with its Octoplus rewards scheme, which is now a central part of their app experience.
- Saving Sessions: These "turn-down" events are still active. Customers earn Octopoints for using less energy during specific sessions. These points can be converted into bill credit or spent on rewards.
- Free Electricity Sessions: A newer 2026 feature where Octopus identifies times of high renewable generation (very windy or sunny) and gives customers 100% free electricity for a set window (e.g., 1 hour), provided they opt in.
- Entertainment & Dining: Octoplus members get "exclusive" perks, such as £8 family day passes to National Trust sites and free weekly coffee or food items from partners like Greggs or Rakuten TV codes.
British Gas's PeakSave
British Gas has expanded its PeakSave programme beyond Sunday:
- PeakSave Sundays: This is the flagship offer, providing half-price electricity every Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Unlike other schemes, you don't need to opt in every week; once joined, the discount is automatic.
- PeakSave Green Flex: These are ad-hoc events triggered when renewable energy is abundant. Customers are notified to "flex" their energy use to these two-hour windows to get half-price power.
- PeakSave for Business: In a 2026 expansion, British Gas now offers similar half-price windows (e.g., Wednesdays 10 am–3 pm) for small businesses to help them manage overheads.
To sign up, click here.
Scottish Power's half-price weekends
Scottish Power has expanded and rebranded its incentive as the 'Power Saver' service for 2026.
Under the current terms (updated February 2026), eligible customers can enjoy half-price electricity every Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm. By registering for Power Saver and opting for half-hourly smart meter readings, you can earn credit back on your bill for shifting your usage to these off-peak windows.
This scheme is currently scheduled to run until at least March 1, 2026, with participants then automatically transitioning to the updated 'Power Saver' terms to continue their weekend savings.
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