The provision of free electricity during specific periods, such as nights and weekends, represents a distinct category of promotional offers within the Texas energy market. These plans are structured by Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) to incentivise consumers to shift their energy consumption away from peak demand hours, typically daytime periods when solar generation is high. The offers are exclusively available to new customers and are contingent upon entering into a fixed-term contract, usually for 12 or 24 months. A critical component of these plans is the associated fixed monthly charge, which is levied by both the REP and the transmission and distribution utility (TDU), in this case, Oncor. This charge applies regardless of whether any electricity is consumed during the free periods.
The core mechanism of these plans involves a dual-rate structure: a higher energy charge per kilowatt-hour (kWh) applies during paid periods, while a zero or significantly reduced rate applies during the designated free periods. For example, a plan might offer free electricity from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with a rate of approximately 20-30 cents per kWh charged between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. The total cost per kWh must be calculated by adding the TDU fee, which is consistently reported as 4.4076 cents per kWh, to the REP's energy charge. This results in a total daytime rate often exceeding 24 cents per kWh. Plans are generally classified into three primary types: free nights, free weekends, and prepaid electricity options that incorporate free periods.
Several providers offer these plans within the Oncor service territory. For instance, Amigo Energy provides a "Nights Free Plan – 12" with a fixed charge of $3.42 per month (charged by Oncor) and an energy charge of 20.0924 cents per kWh during paid hours (7:00 AM to 9:00 PM), leading to a total daytime rate of 24.5 cents per kWh. The free period runs from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM with no TDU charge. Similarly, the "Weekends Free Plan – 12" from the same provider charges 18.5924 cents per kWh between Monday 12:00 AM and Friday 7:59 PM (total 23 cents per kWh with fees) and offers free electricity from Friday 8:00 PM to Sunday 11:59 PM.
Other providers have variations. Pulse Power's "Free Energy Nights 12" plan charges a higher energy rate of 27.3 cents per kWh during the day (6:00 AM to 7:59 PM), resulting in a total of 31.7076 cents per kWh when the TDU fee is included. The free period is from 8:00 PM to 5:59 AM. Direct Energy's "Twelve Hour Power 12" plan charges 28.97 cents per kWh between 9:00 AM and 8:59 PM (total 33.3776 cents per kWh) and provides free power from 9:00 PM to 8:59 AM. This plan also mentions a 0.50 cent per kWh discount with autopay for the 12-month plan.
Weekend-specific plans follow a similar structure. Just Energy's "Weekends Free Plan – 12" charges a total of 22.9 cents per kWh during weekdays (Monday 12:00 AM to Friday 6:59 PM) and offers free electricity from Friday 7:00 PM to Sunday 11:59 PM. The fixed charge for this plan is $4.95 per month, which includes the $3.42 Oncor charge. Pulse Power also offers "Free Energy Weekends 12," with a weekday rate of 27.3 cents per kWh (total 31.7076 cents per kWh) and free power from Friday 8:00 PM to Monday 5:59 AM.
Some plans incorporate additional incentives. Direct Energy's "Free Power Weekends 24 + Amazon Prime On Us" includes an Amazon Prime subscription in the 24-month plan. The energy charge is 22.53 cents per kWh during weekdays (Monday 12:00 AM to Friday 5:59 PM), with a total rate of 26.9376 cents per kWh including fees. Free electricity is available from Friday 6:00 PM to Sunday 11:59 PM. Reliant offers "Truly Free Nights 100% Solar 12" and "Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 12," which tie the free period to solar energy generation, though the specific rates for these plans are not fully detailed in the provided data.
It is important to note that these offers are specific to the Texas electricity market and are not available in the United Kingdom. The information is derived from a comparison of Electricity Facts Labels (EFL) for plans within the Oncor service territory. New customers are typically subject to credit verification. The availability of more than 30 free electricity plans in this territory indicates a competitive market for such promotional offers.
Conclusion
Free electricity nights and weekends plans in Texas are a promotional tool used by Retail Electricity Providers to manage grid demand and attract new customers. These plans feature a dual-rate structure, with a zero or reduced rate during designated free periods and a higher rate during paid periods. The total cost of electricity must account for both the REP's energy charge and the fixed TDU fee. Prominent providers offering such plans include Amigo Energy, Pulse Power, Direct Energy, Just Energy, and Reliant, with contract terms typically spanning 12 or 24 months. While these plans can offer significant savings for consumers who can shift their energy usage to off-peak times, the higher daytime rates and fixed monthly charges require careful calculation to determine overall value. The offers are exclusive to the Texas energy market and are not applicable to UK consumers.