Texas Guide
Consumer Advocate · 7+ years in energy markets
Energy market veteran focused on making electricity shopping simple and transparent.
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What is Free Nights & Weekends Electricity?
Free nights and weekends plans are time-of-use (TOU) electricity plans where you pay $0 for electricity during certain hours—typically 9 PM to 6 AM for free nights, or all day Saturday and Sunday for free weekends. In exchange, you pay higher rates during peak daytime hours.
How free nights plans work:
Free Nights & Weekends Plans
Real free nights and weekends plans from Texas providers
Are Free Nights and Weekends Plans Worth It?
Free nights plans can save you money—but only if you can shift at least 50% of your electricity usage to the free hours. Here's who benefits and who doesn't:
Worth it if you:
- ✓ Work outside the home during the day
- ✓ Can run appliances after 9 PM
- ✓ Have a smart/programmable thermostat
- ✓ Charge an electric vehicle at home
- ✓ Have a pool pump you can schedule
NOT worth it if you:
- ✗ Work from home during the day
- ✗ Have kids home during daytime
- ✗ Run A/C heavily during peak hours
- ✗ Can't shift your usage patterns
- ✗ Have consistent 24/7 usage
The 50% Rule
If you can't shift at least 50% of your usage to free hours, a standard fixed-rate plan (typically 9-13¢/kWh all day) will likely cost you less. Do the math before switching.
Types of Free Electricity Plans in Texas
| Plan Type | Free Hours | Best For | Peak Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Nights Most common | 9 PM - 6 AM daily (9 hours/night) | Night owls, EV owners | 18-22¢/kWh |
| Free Weekends Family-friendly | All day Sat & Sun (48 hours/week) | Families, weekend users | 16-20¢/kWh |
| Free Nights + Weekends Premium option | 8 PM - 6 AM + weekends (~110 hours/week) | Very flexible schedules | 22-27¢/kWh |
| Fixed Rate (Comparison) Standard plan | No free hours (same rate 24/7) | Consistent usage | 9-13¢/kWh |
Note: Rates shown are typical ranges and vary by provider. TDU delivery charges (typically 5-6¢/kWh) apply to all plans, including during "free" hours on some plans.
How Free Nights Electricity Works
1. Free period begins (9 PM)
Your smart meter tracks when free hours start. Any electricity used from 9 PM onwards is billed at $0/kWh for energy.
2. Peak period begins (6 AM)
When free hours end, you pay the premium daytime rate (typically 18-27¢/kWh) for any electricity used until 9 PM.
3. Your bill is calculated
Your monthly bill shows two buckets: free-hour usage (charged at $0) and peak-hour usage (charged at the premium rate). TDU delivery fees apply to all usage.
Important: TDU Delivery Charges
Most "free nights" plans only waive the energy charge during free hours. You may still pay TDU delivery charges (typically 5-6¢/kWh) even during free periods. Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) carefully to understand exactly what's included.
Free Nights & Weekends with No Deposit
Yes, you can get free nights and weekends plans without paying a deposit. Here are your options:
Prepaid Free Nights
- ✓ Pay as you go, no deposit
- ✓ No credit check required
- ✓ Same-day service available
Autopay Waiver
- ✓ Deposit waived with autopay
- ✓ Traditional free nights plans
- ✓ Link bank account or card
Find no-deposit free nights plans
Enter your ZIP code to see free nights plans available without a deposit.
How to Maximize Savings on Free Nights Plans
Schedule Appliances
Run dishwasher, washer, and dryer after 9 PM. Many appliances have delay-start features.
Smart Thermostat
Pre-cool your home before 6 AM and let it coast during peak hours. Smart thermostats can automate this.
EV Charging
Set your electric vehicle to charge after 9 PM. Free overnight charging can save hundreds per year.
Water Heater Timer
Install a timer to heat water during free hours. Hot water stays warm in the tank for daytime use.
Pool Pump
Schedule pool pumps to run overnight. Most pools only need 8-12 hours of filtration.
Monitor Usage
Use your provider's app to track peak vs. free usage. Aim for 50%+ in free hours.
Texas Providers with Free Nights & Weekends Plans
Several Texas electricity providers offer free nights and/or weekends plans. Plan availability varies by TDU area and changes frequently.
Common Free Nights/Weekends Providers:
Compare current offers: Plan availability and rates change daily. Enter your ZIP code to see all free nights and weekends plans currently available at your address with real-time pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a free nights and weekends electricity plan?
A free nights and weekends plan is a time-of-use (TOU) electricity plan in Texas where you pay $0 for electricity during certain hours (typically nights from 9 PM to 6 AM) or days (weekends). In exchange, you pay higher rates during peak daytime hours. These plans work best for customers who can shift most of their electricity usage to the free periods.
Are free nights and weekends plans worth it?
Free nights and weekends plans are worth it if you can shift at least 50% of your electricity usage to the free hours. They work best for: people who work during the day and are home mainly at night, households that can run major appliances during free periods, homes with smart thermostats that can pre-cool/pre-heat, and EV owners who charge at night. They are NOT worth it if you work from home, have consistent daytime usage, or cannot shift your consumption patterns.
What are the free hours on a free nights plan?
Free hours vary by provider and plan, but typically free nights plans offer free electricity from 9 PM to 6 AM (9 free hours per night). Some plans offer 8 PM to 6 AM (10 hours) or other variations. Free weekends plans typically cover all day Saturday and Sunday. Always verify the exact free hours before signing up, as they can differ significantly between providers.
Can I get free nights and weekends with no deposit?
Yes, several Texas electricity providers offer free nights and weekends plans with no deposit. Options include: prepaid free nights plans (pay-as-you-go with no credit check), autopay discount plans where the deposit is waived with automatic payments, and providers who do not require deposits for customers with good credit. Enter your ZIP code to see no-deposit free nights options in your area.
What is the catch with free nights and weekends plans?
The "catch" is higher daytime rates. While nights or weekends are free, the electricity rate during peak hours (typically 6 AM to 9 PM on weekdays) is significantly higher than standard fixed-rate plans—often 18-27¢/kWh compared to 9-13¢/kWh for regular plans. If you use most of your electricity during peak hours, you will pay MORE than with a standard plan.
How do I maximize savings on a free nights plan?
To maximize savings: 1) Run dishwasher, washer, and dryer after 9 PM, 2) Use a programmable thermostat to pre-cool your home before 6 AM, 3) Charge electric vehicles overnight, 4) Use timers on water heaters to heat water during free hours, 5) Shift cooking and high-energy activities to free periods, 6) Consider a battery storage system to store free electricity for daytime use.
Which electric companies offer free nights and weekends in Texas?
Several Texas retail electricity providers offer free nights and/or weekends plans, including TXU Energy, Reliant, Gexa Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Champion Energy, and others. Plan availability and specific free hours vary by provider and may change over time. Compare current offers by entering your ZIP code to see all free nights and weekends plans available at your address.
Can I combine free nights with solar panels?
Yes, free nights plans can work well with solar panels in certain scenarios. During the day, your solar panels generate electricity while rates are high, potentially earning you more credit. At night when solar is not producing, your electricity is free. However, the math depends on your solar production, usage patterns, and whether your provider offers net metering. Run the numbers carefully before choosing this combination.
What happens if I use electricity during peak hours on a free nights plan?
When you use electricity during peak hours (typically 6 AM to 9 PM on weekdays), you pay the premium daytime rate specified in your plan—usually 18-27¢/kWh. This rate is significantly more than standard fixed-rate plans (9-13¢/kWh). Even with free nights, heavy daytime usage can result in higher total bills than a traditional fixed-rate plan.
Is free weekends or free nights better?
It depends on your lifestyle. Free nights is better if you: work traditional hours (out during the day, home at night), can run appliances and charge EVs overnight, have a programmable thermostat. Free weekends is better if you: are home all day Saturday and Sunday, do laundry and cleaning on weekends, entertain guests on weekends. Analyze your usage patterns before choosing.
Free electricity during off-peak hours
Find Free Nights Plans in Your Area
Compare free nights and weekends plans from Texas providers. See which plans work best for your usage patterns.