Could your weekends be energy-free? Here’s how some Americans are getting electricity at no cost
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What if you could run your washer, charge your car, or binge your favorite shows all weekend—without giving your electric bill a second thought?
For some households, that’s not just wishful thinking—it’s already happening.
Thanks to a new offer from one of the state’s largest energy providers, weekend electricity can come at no cost at all.
It’s a perk that’s catching attention not only for its savings potential, but also for what it signals about the future of home energy: a shift toward smarter, more flexible plans that reward when you use power, not just how much.
While this specific deal is limited to certain areas, it’s part of a nationwide trend that could bring similar benefits to more homes in the near future.
Reliant Energy, a leading provider in Texas, has launched its Truly Free Weekends Plan—and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
From 8 p.m. Friday to midnight Monday, customers on this plan get 100% free electricity, including delivery and energy charges.
That’s a full 52 hours of guilt-free power every week.
Better still, you don’t need rooftop solar panels to qualify.
The plan includes solar energy offsets through Reliant’s “Make It Solar” program, which matches your usage with renewable energy credits.
It’s a way to support clean energy—without any expensive home upgrades.
This plan is currently available to Texans in areas served by Reliant Energy, including Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and several other regions.
If you live in these places and are interested, it may be worth checking if your home qualifies.
If you’re on this plan (or a similar one), the secret to real savings is shifting your highest energy use to the weekend.
Here’s how to take full advantage:
Even if you can’t sign up for this exact plan, many utilities across the US offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing—charging less for electricity during off-peak hours.
Some even offer lower weekend or nighttime rates in areas with lots of wind or solar power.
You can also boost your savings with everyday changes:
Programs like Reliant’s reflect a shift toward energy plans that reward flexibility and support renewable energy.
And while free weekend electricity isn’t yet nationwide, similar options are popping up across the US—especially as utility companies invest in smarter infrastructure and cleaner energy sources.
If you’re curious whether your provider offers time-of-use or renewable options, check their website or give them a call.
You might be surprised by what’s available!
Read next: Don't overpay for electricity anymore! Discover 6 secret tricks to stay warm even in the priciest state!
Have you tried a time-of-use energy plan before? Would you be willing to shift your weekend habits to take advantage of free electricity? What are your favorite ways to save on your energy bill—and have you seen any interesting offers from your provider lately? Comment below!
For some households, that’s not just wishful thinking—it’s already happening.
Thanks to a new offer from one of the state’s largest energy providers, weekend electricity can come at no cost at all.
It’s a perk that’s catching attention not only for its savings potential, but also for what it signals about the future of home energy: a shift toward smarter, more flexible plans that reward when you use power, not just how much.
While this specific deal is limited to certain areas, it’s part of a nationwide trend that could bring similar benefits to more homes in the near future.
Flexible energy plans are changing how—and when—people power their homes, with some offering major weekend savings. Image Source: Pexels / Burak The Weekender.
A closer look: free weekend electricity in Texas
Reliant Energy, a leading provider in Texas, has launched its Truly Free Weekends Plan—and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
From 8 p.m. Friday to midnight Monday, customers on this plan get 100% free electricity, including delivery and energy charges.
That’s a full 52 hours of guilt-free power every week.
Better still, you don’t need rooftop solar panels to qualify.
The plan includes solar energy offsets through Reliant’s “Make It Solar” program, which matches your usage with renewable energy credits.
It’s a way to support clean energy—without any expensive home upgrades.
Also read: Brace for impact: Find out why your electricity bill might skyrocket in June!
Who’s eligible?
This plan is currently available to Texans in areas served by Reliant Energy, including Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and several other regions.
If you live in these places and are interested, it may be worth checking if your home qualifies.
How it works
- Check if the free weekend electricity offer is available in your area by entering your ZIP code on Reliant Energy’s website.
- Sign up for Reliant’s eligible solar-backed plan
- Use power freely from Friday night to Monday morning—no energy or delivery charges apply
- No special equipment needed; Reliant handles the renewable energy match for you
Also read: Alert: Your electricity bill might skyrocket this Monday! Discover if you're one of the 1.5M in these 3 states facing surcharges
How to make the most of it
If you’re on this plan (or a similar one), the secret to real savings is shifting your highest energy use to the weekend.
Here’s how to take full advantage:
- Laundry and dishes: Run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher during the free window
- Cooking and meal prep: Batch-cook your meals or use appliances like air fryers and ovens on weekends
- Electric vehicle charging: Plug in during free hours
- Home comfort: Adjust your thermostat to cool or heat more during the free period, then let it coast afterward
- Electronics: Stream, game, and use power-hungry devices with no guilt
Also read: Could parts of the US be left in the dark? Why this energy dispute matters
Not in Texas? You can still save
Even if you can’t sign up for this exact plan, many utilities across the US offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing—charging less for electricity during off-peak hours.
Some even offer lower weekend or nighttime rates in areas with lots of wind or solar power.
You can also boost your savings with everyday changes:
Thermostat settings
- Summer: 78°F at home, 85°F away
- Winter: 68°F at home, 60–65°F when sleeping or out
- Use the 7–10 Rule—adjust your thermostat by 7–10 degrees for 4+ hours to save
Smarter appliances
- Only run dishwashers and laundry when full
- Use LED bulbs—they use up to 80% less energy
- Unplug unused electronics to avoid phantom energy drain
Keep the heat out
- Use blackout curtains or thermal drapes
- Set ceiling fans to spin counter-clockwise in summer
- Take advantage of daylight instead of turning on lights
Lesser-known savings tips
- Try the “circulate” fan setting on your thermostat to save up to $174/year
- Ask your utility about off-peak plans or senior-focused energy discounts
Programs like Reliant’s reflect a shift toward energy plans that reward flexibility and support renewable energy.
And while free weekend electricity isn’t yet nationwide, similar options are popping up across the US—especially as utility companies invest in smarter infrastructure and cleaner energy sources.
If you’re curious whether your provider offers time-of-use or renewable options, check their website or give them a call.
You might be surprised by what’s available!
Read next: Don't overpay for electricity anymore! Discover 6 secret tricks to stay warm even in the priciest state!
Have you tried a time-of-use energy plan before? Would you be willing to shift your weekend habits to take advantage of free electricity? What are your favorite ways to save on your energy bill—and have you seen any interesting offers from your provider lately? Comment below!
