Can I move to an Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) tariff in the UK?

In most cases, you can’t ‘switch to’ an Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) tariff as if it were a standalone deal. The EPG is a government-backed mechanism that limits the unit rates suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs (SVTs) and some default tariffs. If your supplier applies EPG rates to eligible tariffs, they should be reflected automatically in your prices. If you’re on a fixed tariff, moving to a variable tariff may be possible, but check any exit fees and whether switching makes financial sense for your usage.

Is the Energy Price Guarantee the same as the energy price cap?

No. The energy price cap (set by Ofgem) limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge customers on default tariffs. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) is a separate government policy that, when active, reduces prices below what the Ofgem price cap would otherwise allow. Your actual rates depend on your region, meter type and tariff.

Will switching supplier affect whether I get EPG rates?

If the EPG is active and your new tariff is eligible (typically a supplier’s standard variable/default tariff), the discounted rates should be applied in line with the rules. However, fixed deals are priced by suppliers and may not track EPG levels, so compare the unit rate and standing charge before switching.

Should I leave my fixed tariff to move onto an EPG-eligible variable tariff?

It depends on your current fixed rates, remaining term and any exit fees. Compare your current unit rates and standing charges against the variable tariff rates you’d move to. If your fixed deal is higher than the variable rates (after any fees), switching could reduce your bills. If your fixed rates are lower, staying put may be better.

How do I check if my tariff is covered by the Energy Price Guarantee?

Check your latest bill or online account for the tariff name and your current unit rates and standing charge. Then review your supplier’s tariff information and compare it with the latest government/Ofgem guidance for your region and payment method. If in doubt, contact your supplier and ask whether your tariff is treated as eligible for EPG support.

What information do I need to compare tariffs accurately?

Use your annual usage (kWh) for gas and electricity, your region, meter type (credit, prepayment, smart), and your current unit rates and standing charges. For the most accurate comparison, estimate total annual cost rather than focusing only on the headline unit rate.

Can I switch if I have a smart meter or prepayment meter?

Yes, you can usually switch with a smart meter or prepayment meter, but available tariffs and rates may differ by meter type and region. Always check the tariff’s eligibility and the quoted unit rates and standing charges for your meter type before proceeding.

How long does an energy switch take in the UK?

Most switches complete within around 5 working days under current switching rules, though timings can vary. You should not experience any interruption to your energy supply.

Where can I compare my options and start a switch?

You can review your current rates, compare available deals and decide whether switching could reduce your bills. Start from the EnergyPlus cost saving advice hub at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice and follow the guidance for your situation.

Can I move to an Energy Price Guarantee tariff in the UK?

If you’re wondering whether you can switch to an Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) tariff, the key point is this: the EPG wasn’t a single tariff you can “move to” — it was a Government price support mechanism applied to eligible domestic tariffs. We’ll help you understand what that means now, and compare whole-of-market options that may reduce your bills.

Check whether switching now could lower your unit rates and standing charges
Compare fixed and variable home energy tariffs across UK suppliers
Get a tailored shortlist based on your postcode and usage

Compare tariffs & check savings How the EPG worked

Whole-of-market comparison for home energy. Switching availability depends on supplier and tariff eligibility. Prices shown (where available) are based on the details you provide.

Compare home energy tariffs (whole-of-market)

Because the Energy Price Guarantee wasn’t a tariff you could simply choose, the most practical question is: what can you switch to now, and will it reduce your overall costs?

Use the form to check available deals for your property and usage. We’ll look across UK suppliers to show fixed and standard variable options, then help you understand the trade-offs (exit fees, price certainty, and how standing charges affect your bill).

Tip: If you’re on a prepayment meter, Economy 7, or have a smart meter, you can still compare — tariffs may differ by meter type and region.

What you’ll get after submitting

A shortlist of available tariffs for your postcode
Estimated costs based on the details you provide
Clear guidance on switching timelines and any fees

Why people search for “move to an Energy Price Guarantee tariff”

You want price protection

The EPG acted like a cap on the unit rate you paid (not a cap on the total bill). Today, the closest equivalent is choosing between a standard variable tariff (moves with the market) or a fixed tariff (locks in rates for a period).

You’re checking if switching is allowed

Many households worry switching will disrupt supply. In the UK, switching is normally seamless: your energy keeps flowing, and the only change is who bills you and at what rates.

You want the best deal, not just “a cap”

Even with price support, your standing charge and unit rate still matter. Comparing whole-of-market options can help you find a tariff that suits your usage pattern and meter type.

Energy Price Guarantee explained (plain English)

The UK Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) was a Government mechanism that reduced the price per unit of gas and electricity for eligible domestic customers, via suppliers. It’s commonly misunderstood as a specific tariff you can switch to.

Important: You could not “choose” an EPG tariff in the same way you choose a fixed deal. The support was applied to qualifying tariffs supplied to households, subject to the scheme rules at the time.

What the EPG did (and didn’t) do

It did

Reduce the effective unit rates customers paid on eligible domestic tariffs
Apply automatically via most major suppliers for eligible customers
Help households during extreme wholesale price volatility

It didn’t

Cap your total bill (your usage still mattered)
Remove standing charges
Create a single “EPG tariff” you could request from any supplier

So, can you move to an EPG tariff now?

If your goal is to get the lowest possible rates, the action to take now is to compare current tariffs and choose the best option for your home. Whether a tariff is cheaper depends on your region, meter type, and how much energy you use.

Who can switch energy supplier in the UK?

Most households can switch

Owner-occupiers and tenants (with responsibility for the bill)
Credit meters and most prepayment setups
Homes with smart meters (SMETS1/SMETS2) and traditional meters

Common reasons a switch may be delayed

Debt on the meter/account (supplier rules may apply)
Ongoing account disputes or missing final bill information
Incorrect address/postcode or meter details

Not sure what meter you have? Submit the tariff comparison form and we’ll help identify what’s compatible with your home.

What to choose instead: fixed vs standard variable

If you searched for an EPG tariff, you’re likely looking for stability. Here’s how UK tariff types typically compare.

Tariff type	How pricing works	Best for	Watch outs
Fixed	Unit rates and standing charges are set for an agreed term (e.g. 12 months).	Budgeting, peace of mind, avoiding in-year price changes.	May include exit fees; could miss out if market prices fall.
Standard Variable (SVT)	Prices can change (typically in line with market conditions and regulatory caps where applicable).	Flexibility; no long contract; easy to switch away.	Rates may rise; not always the cheapest.
Time-of-use (where available)	Different rates at different times (often requires a compatible smart meter).	Households that can shift usage (EV charging, washing at off-peak times).	Not ideal if most usage is during peak hours.

How to decide in 60 seconds

If you need certainty for budgeting, start by checking fixed deals.
If you plan to move home soon, SVT may be simpler (then switch later).
If your standing charge is high, compare carefully — it can outweigh a small unit-rate difference.
Use your postcode because pricing varies by region and network charges.

Ready to see what you can get? Compare tariffs for your home.

Unit rates vs standing charges: what actually drives your bill

Unit rate (pence per kWh)

This is what you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy you use. If your household uses more energy (bigger property, more occupants, electric heating), unit rate differences can matter a lot.

Gas unit rate affects cooking and heating costs
Electricity unit rate affects appliances and electric heating

Standing charge (pence per day)

This is a daily amount you pay regardless of how much energy you use. If you’re a low user (small flat, rarely home), standing charge differences can outweigh unit-rate savings.

Charged every day even if you use no energy
Can vary significantly by region

Practical tip: When comparing tariffs, look at the estimated annual cost (based on your usage) as well as the unit rate and standing charge. The cheapest unit rate is not always the cheapest overall.

Switching timeline: what happens after you choose a tariff

1) Choose your best-fit deal

Compare available tariffs by region, meter type, and your usage. Make sure you understand contract length and any exit fees.

2) New supplier arranges the switch

In most cases you don’t need an engineer visit. Your supply stays on; only the billing changes.

3) Give a meter reading & get your final bill

You may be asked for a reading (or it’s taken automatically with smart meters). Your old supplier issues a final bill and closes the account.

To start, use the comparison form — it takes a minute.

FAQs: moving to an Energy Price Guarantee tariff

Is the Energy Price Guarantee the same as the Ofgem price cap?

They’re different mechanisms. The Ofgem price cap limits what suppliers can charge on default tariffs (expressed through unit rates and standing charges, varying by region). The EPG was Government support that reduced the effective price customers paid during the period it operated. If you’re trying to pay less now, the practical step is to compare current tariffs.

Can I ask my supplier to put me on an EPG tariff?

Typically no, because the EPG wasn’t a selectable product like a fixed tariff. If you want a similar outcome (predictability), check fixed deals and compare overall costs including standing charges.

Will switching affect my supply?

Your gas and electricity supply continues as normal. Switching changes who bills you and at what rates. You may be asked for a meter reading (or it’s taken automatically if you have a smart meter).

What if I’m on a prepayment meter?

You may still be able to switch, but availability can depend on the supplier and your meter setup. Use your postcode in our form to see what’s available and we’ll guide you through your options.

Is a fixed tariff always cheaper than a variable tariff?

Not always. A fixed tariff can be cheaper, but it may also cost more if market prices fall. The right choice depends on your preference for price certainty, your expected time in the property, and the specific rates/standing charges available in your region.

What information do I need to compare accurately?

Your postcode is the biggest factor for accurate pricing. If you have it, your annual usage in kWh helps too — but you can still start with postcode and contact details and we’ll help refine the comparison.

Trusted comparison support for UK households

Whole-of-market approach

We focus on finding suitable options across suppliers — not pushing one brand. Availability varies by region and meter type.

Clear, practical guidance

We explain fixed vs variable, exit fees, and what to look for so you can choose confidently.

Home-focused support

This page and comparison are for domestic energy customers in the United Kingdom (not business).

“Clear and straightforward.” I didn’t realise the EPG wasn’t a tariff. EnergyPlus helped me compare what I could actually switch to and what it would cost.

— UK household customer (feedback)

“No jargon.” The explanation of unit rates vs standing charges made it much easier to pick the right deal for my usage.