Should I switch to a tracker energy tariff in the UK?
Tracker tariffs can drop when wholesale prices fall — but they can also rise quickly. Compare whole-of-market options in minutes with EnergyPlus and see whether a tracker suits your home, risk appetite and budget.
- Compare tracker vs fixed vs variable tariffs for your postcode
- See estimated monthly costs based on your usage (electricity, gas or dual fuel)
- Switch online with support — no sales pressure
Home energy only. Whole-of-market comparison. Estimates are indicative and depend on your meter type, region and usage.
Tracker tariff: is it right for your home?
A tracker energy tariff is a type of variable tariff where your unit rates (and sometimes standing charges) track a published index — often wholesale market prices — plus a supplier margin. In plain terms: your price can change frequently (daily, weekly or monthly depending on the product).
Switching to a tracker can make sense if you’re comfortable with prices moving and you want a tariff that may fall faster than the price cap when markets drop. But if you need predictable bills, a fixed tariff may be a better fit.
Quick self-check (30 seconds)
- Budget flexibility: could your bill cope with a sudden rise this month?
- Time horizon: are you okay riding out spikes for potential longer-term savings?
- Switch readiness: would you switch again if the tracker stops being competitive?
What we compare (whole-of-market)
- Tracker tariffs (where available) alongside fixed and standard variable tariffs
- Single-rate and Economy 7 / time-of-use options (where supported by your meter)
- Gas, electricity or dual fuel for UK households (not business energy)
Ready to see if a tracker tariff stacks up for your postcode and usage? Complete the quick form — we’ll show your best available options.
Compare tariffs now
Get tailored results for your home in a few steps.
Tip: If you have a smart meter, trackers and time-of-use tariffs may be easier to manage — but you don’t always need one. We’ll show what’s available for your meter type.
Why households consider tracker energy tariffs
A tracker isn’t “better” by default — it’s a different pricing model. Here are the most common reasons people switch to a tracker tariff in the UK.
Potential to pay less when markets fall
If wholesale prices drop, a tracker can reduce faster than many fixed deals — especially when fixed rates still price in market uncertainty.
Transparency (index-linked pricing)
Many tracker products publish how rates are calculated (index + margin). You can understand what’s driving changes.
Flexibility to switch
Trackers often have low or no exit fees (not always). If prices rise, you may be able to move to a fixed tariff quickly.
May suit lower-usage homes
If your usage is modest, the impact of price spikes can be smaller — but standing charges still matter, so comparison is key.
Can complement energy-saving habits
Households that actively reduce consumption may feel more comfortable with variable pricing, because total bills are less exposed.
Whole-of-market comparison simplifies decisions
Because trackers are only one part of the market, comparing them against fixed and variable options helps avoid switching for the wrong reasons.
How tracker energy tariffs work (UK)
A tracker tariff links your unit price (p/kWh) to a reference value. Depending on the supplier and product, rates may update daily, weekly or monthly. Some trackers also vary the standing charge; others keep it fixed for a period.
Key terms you’ll see
- Unit rate: what you pay per kWh used.
- Standing charge: daily cost to have energy supplied (varies by region and meter type).
- Index / reference: the published benchmark the tariff follows (varies by product).
- Cap / collar: some trackers limit how high (or low) rates can go.
- Exit fees: charges for leaving early (many trackers have none, but check).
Tracker vs fixed vs standard variable: what’s the difference?
| Tariff type | How price changes | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracker | Moves with an index (often wholesale-linked) on a set schedule (e.g. daily) | Comfort with variability; want market-linked pricing | Bills can rise quickly; may have caps/terms to understand |
| Fixed | Unit rates fixed for the contract (e.g. 12–24 months) | Predictability and budgeting | Often has exit fees; can miss out if prices fall |
| Standard Variable (SVT) | Supplier can change prices; often aligned with Ofgem price cap (where applicable) | Short-term default option; flexibility | Can be more expensive than the best deals; changes may be less predictable |
How to decide in practice
- Compare your current tariff to tracker and fixed options using your postcode and meter type.
- Check the tracker’s update frequency (daily/weekly/monthly) and whether there is a cap.
- Look at standing charges as well as unit rates — they can drive costs, especially for low usage.
- Decide your “trigger” to switch again (e.g. if your tracker stays above a fixed deal for X weeks).
When a tracker tariff may not be a good idea
A tracker can be great in the right conditions — but it’s not designed for everyone. Consider avoiding a tracker if any of the below feel true for your household.
You need stable monthly bills
If you’re on a tight budget or you’re already worried about winter costs, a fixed tariff may offer better peace of mind.
You don’t want to monitor prices
Trackers work best when you’re willing to check rates occasionally and be ready to switch if it stops being competitive.
You have high usage and limited headroom
Large homes, electric heating and heavy usage can magnify the impact of price spikes.
You’re close to moving home
If you may move soon, you might prioritise flexibility and low admin — compare no-exit-fee options across all tariff types.
Good to know: the Ofgem price cap (where applicable) limits what suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs, not what you’ll pay on every tracker product. Always check the product terms and whether any caps apply.
Could a tracker tariff save you money?
It depends on when you join, how the tracker is structured, your region (standing charges vary), and your usage profile. The safest way to answer “should I switch?” is to compare personalised quotes rather than headline rates.
What to compare (so you don’t get misled)
| Item | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge | A higher standing charge can wipe out lower unit rates for low users | Compare daily cost by region and meter type |
| Update frequency | Daily trackers can change quickly during volatile markets | Daily vs weekly vs monthly, plus whether notifications are available |
| Cap / protection | Limits the worst-case cost scenario | Is there a cap on unit rate, standing charge, or both? |
| Exit fees | A fee can prevent you switching away when prices rise | £0 exit fee is ideal for trackers; if not, compare the break cost |
| Direct Debit level | Payments can be smoothed across the year, but may be adjusted | Ask how/when DD is reviewed and how credit balances are handled |
Seasonality matters
UK household energy usage is typically higher in colder months. If you switch to a tracker just before winter, your exposure to price spikes may be higher. Comparing a tracker against a fixed deal for the same period can help you see the trade-off clearly.
If you want the simplest answer for your situation, use the comparison form and we’ll show tracker and non-tracker options side-by-side.
Common mistakes when switching to a tracker tariff
Comparing only the unit rate
Standing charges can vary by region and meter type. Always compare the estimated annual cost based on your usage, not a single headline p/kWh.
Not checking how often prices change
A daily tracker behaves very differently from a monthly tracker. If you want less volatility, frequency matters.
Ignoring caps, collars and terms
Some trackers include caps; others don’t. Some have introductory periods or specific calculation rules. Read the tariff information carefully.
Assuming switching is always instant
Switching usually takes a short period. If prices move during that time, the rate you start on may differ from what you saw initially.
Tracker energy tariff FAQs (UK)
Are tracker tariffs capped in the UK?
Some tracker tariffs include a built-in cap (or other protection), but many do not. The Ofgem price cap generally applies to standard variable tariffs (where applicable), not automatically to all tracker products. Always check the tariff terms.
Do I need a smart meter for a tracker tariff?
Not always. Some tracker tariffs can work with traditional meters. However, a smart meter can make readings and billing more accurate and may improve eligibility for certain tariff types.
Can my energy price go up every day?
Yes, on a daily tracker your unit rate may change each day (up or down). If you prefer fewer changes, compare weekly or monthly trackers, or consider fixing.
Is a tracker tariff cheaper than a fixed tariff?
It can be, but not guaranteed. Fixed tariffs price in expected future costs; trackers follow current market movements. The right choice depends on market conditions and how much certainty you need.
Will switching affect my supply?
No. Your gas and electricity supply continues as normal. The change is administrative — your supplier changes, not the physical energy delivered to your home.
What if I’m on a prepayment meter?
Availability can be more limited, but options exist. Use the comparison form and select prepayment to see what’s available for your postcode and meter type.
What households say about switching with EnergyPlus
“The comparison made it clear how the tracker could change month to month. We went in with our eyes open and saved versus our old SVT.”
“I liked seeing the standing charges side-by-side. The cheapest unit rate wasn’t the cheapest overall — the tool helped.”
“Switching was straightforward. We chose a tariff with no exit fee so we can fix later if prices rise.”
Trust & clarity
- Whole-of-market comparison focused on UK households
- Clear breakdown of unit rates and standing charges
- Support through the switch process
Compare tracker tariffs the simple way
See whether a tracker is worth it for your home — and what you’d pay on a fixed or variable tariff instead. Use your postcode and get tailored results.
No disruption to supply. Switching is handled for you. Home energy only.
Want a quick recommendation?
- Prefer certainty? Compare fixed deals first.
- Comfortable with movement? Check trackers with £0 exit fees.
- Not sure? Compare all three types side-by-side.
Back to Energy Cost Saving Advice