Cheapest energy tariffs for new customers in the UK this month
Compare whole-of-market options for your home and see which tariffs are likely to be cheapest for your postcode, meter and payment method — with clear caveats and a transparent method.
- Updated guidance on what “cheap” really means under the Ofgem price cap
- See common new-customer eligibility rules (smart meters, direct debit, region)
- Two realistic cost scenarios with assumptions you can sanity-check
Estimates only. Prices vary by region, usage, meter type and payment method. Eligibility, credit checks and exit fees may apply.
Fast answer: what are the cheapest energy tariffs for new customers?
In the UK, the “cheapest” tariff for a new customer is usually the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your:
Region
Unit rates and standing charges vary by distribution area, so the same tariff name can cost different amounts by postcode.
Meter type
Credit, smart, prepayment and Economy 7/10 can all price differently. Some tariffs exclude certain meters.
Payment method
Many of the keenest “new customer” deals assume monthly Direct Debit. Pay-on-receipt can be higher.
Important: Under the Ofgem price cap, lots of tariffs cluster near the cap. The cheapest option for you may be a tariff with a slightly higher unit rate but a lower standing charge (or vice versa), depending on your usage.
Key takeaways (quick scan)
- Don’t shop by headline unit rate alone — check standing charges and your usage.
- New-customer pricing can be conditional (Direct Debit, online-only, smart meter, credit checks).
- Fixes aren’t always cheapest this month — but they can add price certainty. Consider exit fees.
- Dual fuel isn’t automatically cheaper. Sometimes separate gas/electricity suppliers win.
- Your best next step: run a postcode-based comparison and review the tariff details before you switch.
Compare new-customer tariffs for your home (whole of market)
We’ll show you estimated costs for tariffs available to new customers in your area. You’ll be able to compare like-for-like based on meter type and payment method.
What you’ll need
- Postcode
- Rough usage (or current bills)
- Whether you have a smart / prepay / Economy 7 meter
What we’ll show
- Estimated annual cost (based on your inputs)
- Unit rates + standing charges
- Fix length, exit fees and key eligibility notes
Tip: If you don’t know your annual usage in kWh, you can still compare. Use an estimate now and refine it later — the ranking may change if your usage is much higher/lower.
Two realistic examples (with numbers)
Scenario A: Low-use flat (electricity only)
- Assumptions
- Single-rate electricity meter, monthly Direct Debit, typical low use: 1,800 kWh/year. Region and tariff availability vary.
- How “cheapest” can differ
- A tariff with a slightly higher unit rate but a lower standing charge may come out cheaper for low usage. If standing charges are high in your area, they can dominate the bill.
Scenario B: 3-bed home (dual fuel)
- Assumptions
- Gas + electricity, monthly Direct Debit, typical medium use: 2,900 kWh electricity + 12,000 kWh gas per year. Standard single-rate electricity meter.
- How “cheapest” can differ
- A competitive gas unit rate can outweigh a slightly higher electricity standing charge (or vice versa). Fixes may cost a touch more today but reduce future price risk; check exit fees before choosing.
These scenarios are illustrative (not promises). Your actual tariff options and pricing depend on postcode, supplier availability, meter and payment method.
Get a personalised quote
Complete this form and we’ll use your details to help match you with tariffs available to new customers. We’ll contact you with next steps.
Trust note: We compare across the market and show estimates based on the information provided. Always check the supplier’s full terms (including exit fees and eligibility) before switching.
Compare tariff types that can be cheapest for new customers
“Cheapest this month” depends on what you’re optimising for: the lowest estimated annual cost today, fewer fees, or price certainty. Use the table below to narrow the right type before you compare specific deals.
| Tariff type | Why it can be cheapest for new customers | Watch-outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed (12–24 months) | Introductory pricing may be set below comparable variable offers; you lock rates for the term. | Exit fees can apply; you might miss future price drops; some fixes require Direct Debit and online billing. | Households wanting predictable bills and willing to commit. |
| Tracker / variable linked to a benchmark | Can move down quickly if underlying prices fall; sometimes low/no exit fees. | Prices can rise; not ideal if you need certainty; check how the tracker is calculated and any caps. | Risk-tolerant households who monitor bills and may switch again. |
| Standard variable (SVT) | Often no exit fees; can be a safe “parking” option if you plan to switch soon. | May be higher than the best new-customer deals; prices can change with notice. | People who value flexibility or are mid-move and need simplicity. |
| Time-of-use (smart meter) | Off-peak rates can reduce bills if you can shift usage (e.g., EV charging, washing). | Requires a compatible smart meter; peak rates can be higher; not suitable for everyone. | EV owners or households that can reliably use electricity off-peak. |
Decision checklist: who “new customer cheap deals” suit (and who they don’t)
Usually suits you if…
- You can pay by monthly Direct Debit and manage your account online.
- You know your meter type (or can confirm it) and can provide a postcode.
- You’re happy to compare standing charges as well as unit rates.
- You’ll read the key facts: contract length, exit fees, and eligibility.
Think twice (or get help) if…
- You have prepayment or Economy 7 and you’re unsure what rates apply.
- You’re in debt to your current supplier (switching may be restricted in some cases).
- You’re moving home imminently (check whether the tariff is portable and any fees).
- You need predictable costs but are considering a tracker without understanding the risk.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (what can stop a tariff being “cheap”)
These are the most common reasons a tariff that looks cheapest on paper ends up disappointing once you read the terms or your first bill arrives.
Standing charge vs unit rate
Low unit rates can be paired with higher standing charges. Low users often do better with a lower standing charge, even if the unit rate is a bit higher.
Payment method assumptions
Many new-customer prices assume monthly Direct Debit and online billing. If you pay on receipt or want paper bills, the price can change.
Exit fees and contract length
A fix can be great for certainty, but exit fees may apply if you leave early. Always weigh the potential benefit against the cost to switch again.
Meter and tariff compatibility
Time-of-use tariffs typically require a working smart meter. Economy 7 and prepayment customers may have fewer “new customer” deals available.
Discounts that expire
Watch for introductory credits, cashback or limited-time discounts. They can change the first-year cost but not the ongoing rate.
Usage estimates and Direct Debit levels
Your monthly Direct Debit may be set to smooth costs across the year. If your usage estimate is wrong, you could build credit or fall behind.
If you’re on prepayment: you can still compare and switch, but availability can be narrower and prices can differ. If you’re struggling to pay, check support options (including the Warm Home Discount and supplier help) before prioritising a switch.
FAQs: cheapest energy tariffs for new customers
Are the cheapest tariffs only available to new customers?
Often, the keenest deals are marketed to new customers, but not always. Existing customers can sometimes access retention deals by contacting their supplier, and some suppliers price the same for everyone. The safest approach is to compare based on your postcode and meter, then check eligibility wording before applying.
Will switching affect my supply? Will my power go off?
No — in normal circumstances your gas and electricity supply stays on. The pipes and wires don’t change; only the company that bills you changes. If you have a smart meter, readings can be automated depending on compatibility.
How long does an energy switch take in the UK?
Timelines vary, but many switches complete within a few working days once set up. It can take longer if there are address details to reconcile, meter details to confirm, or if you’re switching prepayment or complex meters. Your new supplier should keep you updated.
Is a fixed tariff always cheaper than a variable tariff this month?
Not necessarily. A fix trades flexibility for certainty. Some months, fixes can be cheaper; other months, the best value is a variable or tracker. If you choose a fix, check exit fees and whether the tariff is portable if you move home.
Do I need my MPAN/MPRN to get the cheapest deal?
Usually no — you can compare with postcode and usage. MPAN (electricity) and MPRN (gas) can help with accuracy if you have a complex meter setup or similar addresses. They’re typically on your bill.
Can I get a “new customer” tariff if I’m moving home?
Sometimes. You may be able to switch after you move in, or take over the existing supply and then switch. If you’re signing a fixed deal just before moving, check if the supplier allows you to transfer the tariff to your new address and what happens if they can’t supply that property.
What if I have a prepayment meter — can I still access cheap deals?
Yes, but options can be more limited, and prices can differ from credit meters. If you can move from prepayment to credit, some suppliers may require eligibility checks. If you’re in financial difficulty, consider support routes first and get advice before switching.
What does “whole of market” mean on EnergyPlus?
It means we aim to compare across a broad range of UK domestic suppliers and tariffs, rather than a limited panel. Availability still depends on region, meter type and supplier participation, and some niche or closed tariffs may not be open to switching at a given time.
How we assess “cheapest this month” (transparent methodology)
What we mean by “cheapest”
We treat “cheapest” as the lowest estimated annual cost for the same household details (postcode, meter type, payment method and usage). We don’t pick a single UK-wide tariff winner because prices vary by region and customer profile.
Inputs we use
- Your postcode (for regional standing charges and unit rates)
- Meter type (credit, smart, prepayment, Economy 7/multi-rate)
- Payment method (e.g., monthly Direct Debit)
- Your usage (kWh/year, or an estimate if unknown)
What we show alongside price
- Standing charge and unit rates (where available)
- Contract length and whether the tariff is fixed/variable
- Exit fees and key restrictions we can identify
- Any eligibility notes (e.g., smart meter required)
Limitations and caveats (read this)
- Estimates depend on your usage inputs. If your kWh estimate is off, the “cheapest” ranking can change.
- Some tariffs are time-limited, region-limited, or only available via certain channels.
- We can’t guarantee acceptance: suppliers may apply credit checks or eligibility criteria.
- We recommend confirming full tariff terms on the supplier’s documentation before completing a switch.
Editorial and review details
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem — information on the price cap, switching and consumer protections
- Citizens Advice: Energy — practical guidance on bills, switching and complaints
- GOV.UK heating and energy support — official information on schemes and support
We prioritise official regulators and UK consumer bodies for policy and consumer-rights context.
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