FreePhase - unlock savings and free energy
Shift happens with EDF. And it's a good thing!
Ready to shift, save, and get free electricity?
Join the energy revolution with our two FreePhase smart tariffs: designed to help lower bills, reduce carbon emissions and give free electricity moments!
What is FreePhase?
FreePhase offers smart time-of-use tariffs with three energy rates - red, amber, and green - designed to help you save by shifting electricity usage to cheaper times.
- FreePhase Dynamic: Rates change daily, tracking wholesale market prices
- FreePhase Static: Rates stay fixed for predictable pricing
And when wholesale prices go negative, you get free electricity - no matter which tariff you're on!
What makes FreePhase smart tariffs so exciting?
- Get free electricity: during special periods
- Save money: the more electricity you shift outside of red hours, the more you save!
- More flexibility: take greater control of your energy bills with a smart, time of use tariff - you choose when to use energy!
- Feel good energy: when shift happens, you’ll help reduce pressure on the grid and cut carbon emissions.
Ready to make shift happen?
Save with Freephase!
When energy demand is highest, like in the evening, the National Grid may use more expensive, fossil-fuel electricity which pushes up the cost of energy. Freephase calls these busy times “red.”
When energy demand is lower, the National Grid may use less expensive and less carbon-intensive electricity which pushes the cost of energy down. FreePhase calls these quieter times “green".
See different levels of daily carbon intensity!
So, if you shift your energy use to green or amber moments during the day, you may be able to save money! The graph below demonstrates that in 2024, Freephase’s Dynamic amber and green prices, were on average, cheaper than our Standard Variable tariff (which is the same rate as Ofgem’s price cap) and the red price in every quarter of the year.
Which FreePhase smart tariff is best for your home?
| Tariff | Ideal if... | Perfect for... |
|---|---|---|
| FreePhase Dynamic | You're able to regularly check rates to avoid more expensive times. Green and Amber moments will almost always be the cheapest but daily checks mean you'll help maximise your savings. | Smart homes, EV owners, and anyone who enjoys optimising their bills. |
| FreePhase Static | You want simplicity, predictability, and don’t want to worry about daily price changes. Green and Amber will always be cheapest for Static, and the rates for all periods will not change. | Those who want price certainty a complete set-and-forget approach to managing their energy |
The beta smart tariff that moves with you!
Ready to take control of your energy bill?
Shift your electricity use to cheaper times (especially green and amber moments) and watch your savings grow. The more you shift, the more you save!
FreePhase Dynamic gives you:
- Power to plan ahead: Plan for tomorrow's amber and green times and check if there's going to be a free electricity period with our FreePhase Dynamic price tracker!
- A 12 month fixed daily standing charge: no nasty surprises for a year
- No exit fees!
Maximum-price guarantee: your unit rate will never go above 75p/kWh, no matter what happens in the market
To get this tariff you'll need a healthy smart meter that can send us half-hourly reads. Read eligibility and terms and conditions
Get a quote to see what happens if you use red, amber or green electricity!
Plus, get free electricity periods!
Enjoy free power when the market goes negative - usually when renewable energies are generating high amounts and demand's low.
- We’ll send you a text alert before a free period starts so you can make the most of the free energy!
- All electricity used during the free period is on us - you won't be charged during the free electricity period
- Daily standing charge still applies
- There's no guarantee of when we'll be able to offer free electricity, or a minimum number of free electricity periods
Dynamic versus Static smart tariff
| Feature | FreePhase Dynamic | FreePhase Static |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rates | Change daily (capped at 75p/kWh) | Fixed for 12 months |
| Standing charge | Fixed for 12 months | Fixed for 12 months |
| Exit fees | No | No |
| Smart meter | Yes - that sends half hourly reads | Yes - that sends half hourly reads |
| Time moments | Red, amber, green | Red, amber, green |
| Free electricity | Yes, when market goes negative | Yes, when market goes negative |
| How to save | Shift usage to green or amber times | Shift usage to green or amber times |
| Best for | Flexible, tech-savvy users | People who like to plan |
| Price tracker | Check daily for next day’s rates | Not needed (rates fixed) |
Benefits of time of use tariffs
- Get lower costs during off-peak hours: shift your energy use to off-peak times, when electricity is cheaper, to help lower your bill
- Help reduce carbon emissions: using electricity during off-peak periods can mean the grid is using more renewable energy sources like wind or solar; this helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels
- Grid efficiency and stability: time of use tariffs help balance electricity demand across the day; this helps ease pressure on the grid during peak times
- Smart meter friendly: Time of use tariffs work with smart meters that provide half-hourly readings; this allows energy suppliers to offer more tailored pricing and energy-saving schemes, and customers can get a better sense of visibility and control over their electricity usage
What is a time of use tariff?
These are a type of tariff that has more than one unit-rate. For example, FreePhase or Economy 7 are time-of-use tariffs.
What is a smart tariff?
A type of tariff that can work with a smart meter.
Energy solutions for every household
Whether you enjoy our Sunday Saver challenges or use a FreePhase tariff, you can enjoy free electricity - just in different ways. The Sunday Saver challenge is tailored for customers on one or two-rate tariffs, while FreePhase offers a unique three-rate structure that may better suit your household’s energy habits. With a range of tariffs and products designed to match different lifestyles, there’s an energy solution to fit every home.
About the FreePhase trial
Why are you trialling the FreePhase tariffs – and what does the trial mean for me?
We're on a mission to help our customers save cash and carbon.
FreePhase is a new type of tariff that gives you more control over the price you pay for your electricity. It also helps to take the strain off the national grid at busy times.
We aim to make this trial tariff run as smoothly as all our other tariffs. If we have to make improvements as we go, we'll do this as quickly as possible. We'll welcome any feedback and suggestions.
We want everyone to be happy with the tariff they choose. So if you find FreePhase isn't right for you, you can change to a different EDF tariff at any time without paying any exit fees.
Is my bill accurate?
Yes, depending on when you consume electricity, you’re charged the relevant rate.
However, as our FreePhase tariffs are still at the trialing stage, there are a few issues with the presentation of the bill that we’re working on fixing:
- The red, amber and green unit rates are not shown in the bill but you can see a daily breakdown in a graph. You can also check your consumption/costs in Energy Hub. For the short term, on Dynamic, we're showing a weighted average unit-rate.
- At the moment we can't show the daily unit rate changes on your bill, the estimated annual cost shown is only taking into account the standing charge. You’re currently told you're on our cheapest electricity tariff – if you’re managing to shift your usage, you hopefully are, but if you're on FreePhase Dynamic, please take the time to check our quoting tool
Why doesn’t my In-Home Display (IHD) show my FreePhase prices?
Right now, IHDs aren’t able to show smart tariff prices like FreePhase Dynamic. These prices update frequently, and the IHD wasn’t designed to handle that level of real-time data. We know this isn’t ideal, and working on improvements.
In the meantime, there are easier ways to track your prices and energy use:
- EDF Price Watch page – see today and tomorrow’s prices
- EDF Energy Hub – explore your usage and costs.
- Third-party apps and tools – our FreePhase community has built great tools to help track prices and usage
- For tech enthusiasts – if you love data, you can dive into your usage with our open API
Will I pay any exit fees to leave my current tariff if I want to sign up to FreePhase?
No, you won't pay any exit fees if you leave your current tariff early, when signing up to one of our FreePhase tariffs.
Do I pay any exit fees if I want to leave my FreePhase tariff early?
No, you won't pay any exit fees to leave your FreePhase tariff early. You can change to a different EDF tariff at any time without penalty if you find the FreePhase tariff isn't right for you. But if you do decide to leave your FreePhase tariff for any reason, you may not be able to join another FreePhase tariff for nine months.
Can I take part in the Sunday Saver challenge if I'm on a FreePhase tariff?
No, you can't take part, as you have to be on a one or two-rate tariff to do the Sunday Saver challenge. Our FreePhase tariffs have three electricity rates.
How do I qualify for FreePhase tariffs?
To join FreePhase you must:
- Be an existing EDF customer
- Or, join EDF on one of our standard tariffs
- You'll also need a working smart electricity meter that can send us half-hourly reads.
How do I switch to a FreePhase tariff?
If you're already an EDF customer simply get a quote; you'll then be given an estimate which will depend on how much electricity you think you'll use during each of three time periods. You can then choose to join the trial if you're happy with your quote.
If you're not yet an EDF customer you'll need to join one of our standard tariffs first. Find out more about how to switch energy supplier.
What's the difference between EDF's standard tariffs and FreePhase tariffs?
FreePhase tariffs are time-of-use trial tariffs that offer cheaper prices during off-peak periods (amber and green) unlike conventional tariffs such as fixed priced tariffs or standard variable ones.
Are time of use, smart, three phase and multi rate tariffs the same?
Yes, and no!
- "Time-of-use" refers to a type of smart tariff; unlike conventional tariffs which charge a constant rate throughout the day, time of use tariffs offer different rates at different times
- Multi-rate tariffs can be compatible with both smart and non-smart meters; however, instead of using registers to track usage, smart meters track prices using half-hourly readings
- Three phase meters are legacy meters and not compatible with our FreePhase trial tariffs
How do you calculate the red, amber and green rates?
Prices change every day based on wholesale electricity costs for the next day. We use Nord Pool’s day-ahead market prices and apply a formula:
- Red:
Price = C × W + P
(Coefficient × Wholesale Price + Peak Premium)
- Amber & Green:
Price = C × W
(Coefficient × Wholesale Price)
What do C, W, and P mean?
- C (Coefficient): A multiplier that covers extra costs suppliers pay (like network charges). It varies by region.
- W (Wholesale Price): The average market price for electricity during that time period.
- P (Premium): An extra amount added only during peak hours (4pm–7pm) to cover higher costs at that time. Also varies by region.
Price cap
No individual unit rate will ever exceed £0.75 per kWh (including VAT), no matter what happens in the market.
What are the current C and P values?
| Region | Grid Supply Point | C | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern | A | 2.05 | 13.16 |
| East Midlands | B | 2.05 | 6.46 |
| London | C | 2.15 | 9.29 |
| Merseyside & North Wales | D | 2.17 | 7.52 |
| Midlands | E | 2.03 | 7.04 |
| Northern | F | 2.03 | 6.08 |
| North Western | G | 2.08 | 11.06 |
| Southern | H | 2.08 | 8.6 |
| South Eastern | J | 2.01 | 15.54 |
| South Wales | K | 2.08 | 8.64 |
| South Western | L | 2.01 | 11.26 |
| Yorkshire | M | 2.04 | 4.35 |
| South of Scotland | N | 2.05 | 7.21 |
| North of Scotland | P | 2.2 | 6.48 |
Will these values change during my tariff?
Yes. Changes to Coefficient and Premium values will occur automatically every April but only in a manner which is fully linked to fluctuations in non-energy and peak hour costs, which regrettably we do not control! Once they have been changed, we will ensure the current applicable C & P values are available here so you will also have visibility of the latest values.
In short
Your price each day = wholesale electricity cost × a regional multiplier (C), plus a small extra charge (P) during peak hours. This ensures prices reflect real market costs while covering essential supplier expenses.
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