Energy Tariff Comparison in the UK: Best Deals & Switching Tips 2025
Energy bills have become a moving target in recent years, with price caps shifting and suppliers updating rates more often than most of us check our meters. It’s no wonder many households feel unsure about whether they’re getting a fair deal.
The truth is, sticking with your current tariff out of habit can mean paying more than necessary. That’s where energy tariff comparison comes in. It’s not just about finding the cheapest number on a screen, but understanding which tariff suits your usage, protects you from sudden price jumps, and gives you the best value long term.
In this guide, you’ll see how to compare tariffs effectively, the tools that make it simple, and the steps to switch and save on your bills with confidence.
Types of Energy Tariffs in the UK
Before you jump into comparing deals, it helps to understand how your energy bill is structured and how different types of tariffs affect what you pay.
Every energy bill in the UK is made up of two main charges:
Unit rate: this is the amount you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity or gas you use.
Standing charge: this is a fixed daily fee that covers the cost of delivering energy to your home, maintaining the network, and other admin charges. You pay it even if you don’t use any energy that day.
When you compare energy tariffs, both of these charges will vary depending on the deal, the supplier, your region, and how you pay (e.g. Direct Debit or prepayment).
And what is the Ofgem price cap?
The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) sets an Energy Price Cap to limit how much suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity, as well as the daily standing charge on standard variable tariffs. It changes every three months and is based on wholesale prices and other costs.
The price cap is not a cap on your total bill; your final cost still depends on how much energy you use. But it does offer a safety net, especially for those who don’t switch regularly.
Now, let’s break down the main types of energy tariffs you’ll come across in the UK:
Fixed-Rate Tariffs
With a fixed tariff, your unit rates and standing charges stay the same for the length of your contract, usually 12 or 24 months. This doesn’t mean your bill will be the same every month (it still depends on your usage), but it does mean the price per unit won’t change during the term.
Pros:
Protects you from price hikes.
Helps with budgeting: you know what rate you’re paying.
Cons:
You might miss out if prices drop.
There’s often an exit fee if you want to leave early (though you’re allowed to switch fee-free in the final 49 days before the contract ends).
Price cap? No, fixed deals aren’t covered by the price cap, so rates can be higher or lower than the capped standard tariff depending on the market.
Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs)
Standard variable tariffs are the default tariffs you’re likely on if you’ve never switched or your fixed deal ended, and you didn’t pick a new one.
Both unit rates and standing charges can go up or down, often in line with changes to the Ofgem price cap. These tariffs are fully covered by the cap, and suppliers don’t usually charge exit fees, so you’re free to switch at any time.
Pros:
Flexibility, no contract or exit fees.
Beneficial when market prices fall.
Cons:
Less certainty, prices can rise often.
Harder to budget long-term.
Price cap? Yes, both unit rates and standing charges are capped.
Dual Fuel Tariffs
A dual fuel tariff means you get both your gas and electricity from the same supplier, often on the same plan. This makes account management easier and can come with small discounts or loyalty perks.
Pros:
One supplier, one bill.
May be eligible for bundled offers or incentives.
Cons:
Not always the cheapest option. Sometimes you’ll get a better deal by splitting your gas and electricity between different suppliers.
Time-of-Use (TOU) Tariffs
These tariffs charge different rates depending on when you use electricity, usually cheaper overnight and more expensive during the day.
Economy 7 and Economy 10
These are older-style tariffs where you get 7 (or 10) hours of cheaper off-peak electricity, typically during the night. The exact hours vary by supplier and region. To benefit, you need to use a lot of energy overnight, for example, by charging an electric vehicle, using storage heaters, or running appliances on timers.
Pros:
Lower overnight rates if your usage is off-peak.
Can work well for homes with high electric heating needs or EVs.
Cons:
Daytime rates are often higher than on standard tariffs.
You need a compatible Economy 7/10 meter to sign up.
Smart Time-of-Use / Dynamic Tariffs
These newer tariffs use half-hourly pricing based on real-time wholesale costs. Some smart tariffs, like Octopus Agile or Intelligent Octopus, offer ultra-cheap rates when demand is low or renewables are high. You’ll need a smart meter and the ability to shift usage — think EVs, home batteries, or dishwashers set to run overnight.
Pros:
Big savings if you can use energy flexibly.
Encourages greener usage patterns.
Cons:
Prices vary daily, so you need to keep an eye on them or automate your usage.
Not ideal for households with fixed routines.
Prepayment Tariffs (Pay-As-You-Go)
With a prepayment meter, you pay for your energy in advance by topping up with a card, key, or app. This can help with budgeting and avoiding debt. In the past, prepayment plans were usually more expensive because of a higher standing charge, often called a “prepayment premium.”
That extra charge has now been scrapped, and at the moment, standard variable prepayment tariffs are actually a bit cheaper than the more common Direct Debit option, where your supplier automatically takes monthly payments from your bank account.
Pros:
Pay-as-you-go control, no surprise bills.
Helps manage budgets.
Cons:
You must keep credit topped up.
You have fewer tariff options than Direct Debit customers.
What to Consider When Comparing Energy Deals
Energy tariffs comparison isn’t just about finding the lowest headline price. It’s about making sure the deal fits your usage habits, payment preferences, and long-term goals. Here’s what to look at before you commit:
Get your details ready
Grab your most recent bill. You’ll need your postcode, current supplier and tariff name, annual usage in kWh, plus your current unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day). This information makes your quotes accurate and ensures you’re comparing like-for-like.
Understand the two parts of your bill
Every tariff has a unit rate (what you pay per kWh you use) and a standing charge (a fixed daily fee you pay even if you use no energy). Don’t be tempted by a low unit rate alone — a high standing charge could wipe out any savings. Always compare the total annual cost for your usage.
Know the price cap and why it matters
If you’re on a standard variable tariff, Ofgem’s price cap limits the unit rates and standing charges your supplier can charge. It’s reviewed every three months, and as of 1 July–30 September 2025, the typical Direct Debit bill is capped at £1,720/year, 7% down from £1,849 in the previous quarter.
Looking ahead: 2025 energy price predictions and early 2026 forecasts suggest relatively stable bills, with a possible rise by spring. Here’s the current picture from industry analysts and suppliers:
Period | Predicted typical-use bill (Direct Debit) | Notes |
Oct–Dec 2025 | £1,698 – £1,760 | Slight decrease or flat vs summer, depending on supplier forecasts. |
Jan–Mar 2026 | £1,713 – £1,769 | Stability expected, minor variation between forecasters. |
Apr–Jun 2026 | £1,760 – £1,860 | Some predict a rise; higher end from British Gas & EDF forecasts. |
Jul–Sep 2026 | £1,718 – £1,830 | Mixed predictions — possible dip from Octopus, slight rise from others. |
How to use this: If prices are forecast to rise, locking into a fixed deal now could make sense. If they’re expected to fall or stay flat, a variable tariff might work in your favour.
Watch contract terms and timing
Fixed deals often come with early exit fees. You can switch fee-free in the last 49 days of your contract — your “switching window.” Keep that date in mind. You also get a 14-day cooling-off period after agreeing a new contract in case you change your mind.
Match the tariff to your usage
High overnight usage (EV charging, storage heating)? Look at Economy 7 or smart time-of-use deals.
Want price certainty? Fixed-rate tariffs keep rates steady for the term.
Prefer flexibility? Variable tariffs usually have no exit fees, but prices move with the market.
Check your meter and payment method
Some tariffs need a specific meter (Economy 7 or smart). Your payment type (Direct Debit, prepayment, or quarterly billing) also affects the rates you’re offered.
Consider customer service and reviews
Consider the supplier’s reputation, response times, and support options. Good service can make a major difference if issues arise.
Top Tools & Websites for UK Tariff Comparison
To get the best deal, you need the right tools for energy tariff comparison in the UK. The most reliable tools are Ofgem-accredited price comparison sites. These sites voluntarily follow Ofgem’s Confidence Code, which means they:
Show tariffs and prices clearly and accurately.
List all available deals for your postcode and meter type, not just the ones they make commission on (or clearly label if a tariff is missing).
Are upfront about how results are ordered and whether you can switch directly through them.
In short, they’re checked and monitored, so you can trust the results.
Here’s a list of Ofgem-accredited comparison sites:
Uswitch: Good for quick quotes and broad market coverage. Use filters for fixed vs variable, Economy 7, and smart-meter-only deals.
MoneySuperMarket: Strong deal-finding and alerts. Helpful if you want an email nudge when a tariff beats what you pay now.
Energylinx: Solid baseline check against others. Useful for regional pricing differences.
The Energy Shop: Clear tariff breakdowns; good for seeing exit fees and contract length at a glance before switching.
My Utility Genius: Handy if you want to play with usage sliders to see how off-peak shifting or seasonal changes affect your costs.
Simply Switch: Straightforward flow for first-time switchers.
Switch Gas and Electric: Useful for quick comparisons if you’re gas-heavy or electric-only.
Other useful resources:
Citizens Advice Energy Price Comparison: Independent and impartial, with added advice on smart meters, switching, and supplier service.
Citizens Advice Supplier Ratings: See how suppliers rank for billing accuracy, complaint handling, and customer support.
Pro tip: Don’t rush the switch. Use at least two Ofgem-accredited comparison sites and spend 10–15 minutes cross-checking results and reading the small print. The best deal for you is the one that balances price, contract terms, and service quality — not just a strikingly low unit rate on the screen.
Best Practices for Switching Energy Deals
Once you’ve picked your new tariff, the switch itself should be simple, but there are a few things you can do to make sure it goes smoothly, and you get the savings you expect.
Choose the right moment: If you’re on a fixed deal, wait until you’re within the final 49 days to avoid early exit fees. Variable and prepayment tariffs can be switched at any time.
Apply and confirm details: When you sign up, double-check your personal details, supply address, and payment method. Errors here can delay the switch.
Cooling-off period: You’ll have 14 days to change your mind after agreeing the new contract. If you cancel in this window, you’ll stay with your current supplier without penalty.
Take and submit meter readings: On the day your switch starts, take dated photos of your meters and submit them to both suppliers. This ensures your final and opening bills are accurate.
Don’t cancel your Direct Debit too soon: Leave your existing Direct Debit in place until you’ve had your final bill and any credit refunded from your old supplier.
Track the switch timeline: Most switches complete in up to 5 working days. You should get confirmation from both suppliers. If anything is delayed or you’re switched in error, you may be entitled to compensation.
Tips to Save on Your Energy Bills
Cutting your energy costs doesn’t always mean big renovations. Small changes can add up, and bigger upgrades can follow when the time’s right. Here are some practical energy saving tips:
Track and check your usage
Send regular meter readings or get a smart meter so your bills match your actual use. Review your Direct Debit a couple of times a year to avoid overpaying or building up unnecessary credit.
Make your tariff work for you
If you’re on Economy 7 or a smart time-of-use deal, shift heavy-use appliances, like EV chargers, hot-water heaters, washing machines or dishwashers, to off-peak hours. Timers and smart plugs make this easy.
Keep heat where you need it
Shut doors between rooms, seal draughts, close curtains at dusk, and fit radiator reflector panels on external walls. Bleed radiators regularly and keep them clear of furniture for better heat flow.
Use heating controls wisely
Program heating for when you’re actually home. Turn down unused rooms with TRVs. If you have a combi boiler, lowering the flow temperature to the low 60s°C can improve efficiency without making rooms colder. For homes with hot-water cylinders, keep the water at 60°C for safety and wrap it in insulation.
Save hot water
Showers usually use less than baths. Fit aerators to taps and showers, fix drips quickly, and only heat water when you need it if you have a timed cylinder.
In the kitchen and laundry
Wash clothes at lower temperatures, run full loads, and line-dry when possible. Only boil the water you need, keep fridge/freezer doors closed, and defrost regularly.
Cut wasted electricity
Switch devices off at the socket or use smart plugs to schedule shutdowns. Chargers, set-top boxes and games consoles can draw power even when idle.
Think long-term with solar and storage
If you’re serious about cutting bills over the long run, consider pairing solar panels with a battery. Even a modest system can reduce the amount you buy at peak prices, capture cheap daytime generation, and give you a degree of resilience when the grid is expensive or unreliable.
The smart benefit is being able to time when you charge and discharge: charge from cheap or sunny energy, then use that stored power through the evening peak when tariffs are highest.
If you want a straightforward, beginner-friendly setup that’s flexible, the EcoFlow STREAM Ultra X is a good fit. It’s an all-in-one unit with integrated storage and a built-in microinverter, so you don’t need separate inverter hardware.
Ultra X features an expandable 3.84 kWh to 23 kWh LFP battery, sufficient to meet the evening peak electricity demand of many households. Its four MPPT trackers can support up to 2,000W of PV input. Paired with EcoFlow’s high-efficiency solar panels (available in 400W, 450W, or 520W), it delivers strong power generation capability even in bright daytime conditions.
The EcoFlow app ties it together: set tariff-aware charging schedules, use built-in solar forecasts, and let the system charge on cheap or sunny periods and discharge during peak hours automatically, no manual juggling.
EcoFlow STREAM Ultra X
Conclusion
Finding the right tariff and using energy wisely go hand in hand. With regular energy tariff comparison, smart switching, and a few practical changes at home, you can cut costs without compromising comfort. The market moves fast, but with the right tools, clear information, and a bit of planning, you’ll be in control of your bills all year round.
FAQs
Who is the cheapest energy supplier in the UK now?
There’s no single cheapest supplier for everyone. Your best deal depends on where you live, how you pay, your meter type, and how much energy you use. Right now, some of the most competitive offers (Aug 2025) include Octopus Energy’s variable tariff at around £1,514/year, Outfox Energy’s fixed rate near £1,520/year, and EDF’s fixed deal at about £1,549/year—roughly £300 below the price cap.
Utility Warehouse can also be cost-effective if you bundle services, and Scottish Power is cheapest among the Big Six in some regions. To find your personal best price, compare live deals on Ofgem-approved sites like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket.
What are the current energy tariff rates in the UK?
From 1 July to 30 September 2025, the Ofgem price cap for customers paying by Direct Debit is set at 25.73p per kWh for electricity with a daily standing charge of 51.37p, and 6.33p per kWh for gas with a daily standing charge of 29.82p (all prices include VAT).
For a typical dual-fuel household, that’s about £1,720 a year. Your exact cost will vary depending on your usage, location, and meter type. If you want to see the rates for your specific region, Ofgem publishes detailed tables with localised unit rates and standing charges.
Is it worth switching energy suppliers?
It can be, especially if you can get a tariff that’s cheaper than the price cap or has lower standing charges. A fixed deal at least 2% below the current cap is likely to save you money, while pricier fixes may not. Switching is simple and should take no more than five working days. If it takes longer, you may be entitled to £30 compensation under Ofgem rules. Just remember to check deals based on your own usage before making the move.
How much can I save by switching energy supplier in the UK?
Right now, the typical household on the price cap (from 1 July to 30 September 2025) pays around £1,720 a year. That means a deal 2% cheaper would save about £34 a year, 5% cheaper about £86, and 10% cheaper around £172—before factoring in any cashback offers or sign-up incentives.
Your savings will depend on your usage, location, and whether energy prices move up or down later. Some fixed or discounted-variable tariffs do beat the cap but always check the small print for exit fees or smart meter requirements before committing.