Cheapest green energy tariff to switch to in the UK (right now)

Find an estimated low-cost renewable electricity tariff that fits your home, meter and payment method. Compare whole-of-market options and switch with confidence.

  • See which tariff types are often cheapest for green electricity (and when they aren’t)
  • Check the key eligibility points: region, meter type, payment method, exit fees
  • Get a personalised quote in minutes (no guarantees; prices vary by home and location)
Get your green tariff quote How we assess “cheapest”

Estimates only. Availability and prices can change daily and depend on your postcode, usage, meter type and payment method.

Fast answer: what’s the cheapest way to switch to a green tariff in the UK?

There isn’t one single “cheapest green tariff” for everyone. The lowest estimated cost depends on your postcode (regional network charges), meter type (standard vs smart vs prepay), payment method (monthly Direct Debit is often cheapest), and how much energy you use. The best approach is to compare whole-of-market tariffs using your details and then check the tariff’s green credentials and terms.

What to look for

  • Estimated annual cost (same usage assumptions)
  • Standing charge vs unit rates
  • Exit fees and contract length
  • Renewable Electricity backed by REGOs (and any extra commitments)

Often cheaper (but not always)

  • Monthly Direct Debit tariffs
  • Online-only account management
  • Tariffs with lower standing charges for low users
  • Tariffs optimised for smart meters (time-of-use)

Key caveat

A tariff labelled “100% renewable electricity” typically means the supplier matches electricity supplied with renewable certificates (REGOs). It does not mean the power reaching your home is physically from renewable generators at all times.

Key takeaways (quick checklist)

  • Compare using your actual usage (or a realistic estimate), then check exit fees and tariff length.
  • Don’t judge by unit rate alone: standing charge can dominate for low-usage homes.
  • Green can be competitive, but “cheapest” shifts by region and meter type and can change quickly.
  • Fixed vs variable: fixed offers price certainty; variable can move up or down.

Compare and switch: get a personalised cheapest green tariff estimate

Tell us a few details and we’ll compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs, highlighting options that are marketed as renewable electricity. You’ll see estimated costs based on the information you enter.

What you’ll need (2 minutes)

  • Your postcode (to apply regional network charges)
  • Whether you have a smart meter and/or prepayment
  • A rough idea of annual usage (kWh) or your latest bill

If you rent, you can usually switch supplier if you pay the bills. If bills are included in rent, you typically can’t switch.

Which “green” tariff type is usually cheapest?

Fixed green tariffs

Often good if you want budget certainty. Watch for exit fees and check the standing charge.

Variable green tariffs

More flexible; prices can change. Suitable if you may switch again soon or want fewer tie-ins.

Smart/time-of-use

Can be cheaper if you can shift usage (e.g., EV charging). Not ideal if most usage is at peak times.

Two realistic examples (with assumptions)

Scenario A: Low user in a flat (electricity only)

Usage assumption
1,800 kWh/year
Example standing charge
55p/day
Example unit rate
24p/kWh
Estimated annual cost
~£786

Why it matters: for low usage, the standing charge can be a big part of the bill, so “cheapest” may mean prioritising a lower standing charge even if the unit rate is slightly higher.

Scenario B: Typical dual fuel home (gas + electricity)

Usage assumption
Elec 2,900 kWh + Gas 12,000 kWh/year
Example elec pricing
60p/day + 24p/kWh
Example gas pricing
32p/day + 6.2p/kWh
Estimated annual cost
~£1,510

Why it matters: dual fuel “discounts” aren’t always cheaper overall. Compare total annual cost and check if the green claim applies to electricity only (it commonly does).

These figures are illustrative examples only, using simple maths: (standing charge × 365) + (unit rate × kWh). Your rates vary by region, payment method, and tariff.

Get your green quote

We’ll use this to share your comparison results and help you switch. You can ask us to remove your details at any time.

Used to find tariffs available in your area and apply regional charges.

If you prefer, we can help by phone. Otherwise, we’ll email your results.

By submitting, you confirm you’re comparing home energy only. Prices shown are estimates and may change.

Switching basics (UK)

  • You usually won’t need an engineer visit to switch supplier.
  • Your supply won’t be interrupted during the switch.
  • Check if your current tariff has exit fees before you commit.
  • If you’re in debt to your supplier, switching may be restricted (especially for prepay).

Compare green tariff options: what usually changes the price most

Use this table to sense-check results you get from a quote. “Cheapest” tends to be driven by a few levers: standing charge, unit rates, and whether you can access a tariff that suits your meter and payment method.

Option Best for Watch-outs How it can be “cheapest”
Fixed green electricity (12–24 months) Budget certainty; households who prefer stable payments Exit fees; may miss future price drops When the fixed unit rate/standing charge undercuts alternatives for your region
Variable green electricity Flexibility; people likely to switch again soon Prices can change; check notice period and how often rates may be reviewed When a supplier prices keenly for new customers without long tie-ins
Smart / time-of-use green electricity EV owners; households that can shift usage off-peak Can be costly if most use is at peak; needs a compatible smart meter When you genuinely use more energy in cheaper time bands
Green add-on / contribution (varies by supplier) People who want extra support for renewables or carbon projects May increase cost; ensure it’s optional and understand where money goes Rarely the cheapest; value is usually in the additional benefit, not price

Decision checklist: who cheapest green tariffs tend to suit

  • You can pay by monthly Direct Debit.
  • You’re happy with paperless billing and managing your account online.
  • You’re comfortable with a 12+ month contract (or you’ve checked exit fees).
  • You have a smart meter (helpful for time-of-use tariffs).

Who it may not suit (or needs extra checks)

  • Prepayment customers (fewer tariffs; eligibility varies).
  • Households with complex meters (e.g., some legacy multi-rate setups).
  • If you’re mid-contract with a high exit fee that outweighs potential savings.
  • If you need phone support or paper billing (may cost more).

If you’re unsure what meter you have, check your latest bill or your meter’s display. We can still compare—just tell us what you know.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (so you don’t switch for the wrong reason)

The cheapest-looking green tariff isn’t always best once you factor in fees, billing preferences and how you actually use energy.

1) Standing charge surprises

A low unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge—especially for low-usage homes. Compare estimated annual cost, not just p/kWh.

2) Exit fees and timing

Some fixed deals charge per fuel if you leave early. Check your current tariff end date and fees before switching.

3) Payment method

Monthly Direct Debit is commonly cheapest. Paying on receipt of bill or prepay can have fewer offers and different pricing.

4) “Green” means different things

Most suppliers use REGOs to evidence renewable electricity. Some tariffs go further (e.g., investing in new generation). Decide what matters to you, then compare price vs benefits.

5) Smart tariffs and peak rates

Time-of-use tariffs can be great for EVs and flexible usage, but some have high peak rates. Check your likely usage pattern before switching.

6) Eligibility and meter constraints

Not every tariff is available everywhere. Your region, property type and meter setup (including prepay) can restrict access.

Tip: sanity-check “cheapest” in 30 seconds

  • Is the tariff type (fixed/variable/time-of-use) actually suitable for your lifestyle?
  • Is the standing charge unusually high compared to other options in your results?
  • Are there exit fees that could trap you if you need to move or switch again?
  • Does the tariff specify how it supports renewable electricity (typically via REGOs)?

FAQs: cheapest green energy tariff switching (UK)

Is green energy always more expensive in the UK?

Not always. Some renewable electricity tariffs can be priced similarly to standard tariffs. The cheapest option depends on your region, usage, meter type and payment method, and prices can change.

What does “100% renewable electricity” normally mean?

It usually means the supplier buys renewable certificates (REGOs) to match the electricity supplied over time. It doesn’t mean renewable electricity physically flows to your home every moment.

Can I switch if I’m renting?

Usually yes if you’re responsible for paying the energy bills. If energy is included in your rent (or the landlord pays the supplier directly), you typically can’t switch.

Will switching interrupt my gas or electricity supply?

Switching supplier shouldn’t interrupt your supply. The pipes and wires stay the same; only your billing supplier changes.

Can I get a “cheapest green tariff” if I have a prepayment meter?

Possibly, but choice can be more limited and eligibility varies by supplier. If you’re in debt to your supplier, you may not be able to switch until it’s reduced (rules differ by situation).

What information should I compare besides price?

Check tariff length, exit fees, payment method requirements, customer service options, and how the supplier substantiates renewable electricity claims (typically via fuel mix disclosure and REGOs).

Is dual fuel always cheaper than separate suppliers?

Not necessarily. Some suppliers offer dual fuel discounts, but the cheapest approach is the one with the lowest overall estimated annual cost for your usage and region.

Do I need a smart meter for green tariffs?

No. Many renewable electricity tariffs work with standard meters. Smart meters can unlock time-of-use pricing, but they’re not required for most fixed or variable green tariffs.

How we assess “cheapest green tariff” (methodology you can check)

Our approach

  • Whole-of-market comparison for home energy where available, based on the details you enter (postcode, usage, meter type, payment method).
  • Cheapest refers to the lowest estimated annual cost shown in your results at the time you run your quote, using the supplier’s published rates and your inputs.
  • Green refers to tariffs marketed as renewable electricity (commonly backed by REGOs) and/or where the supplier’s tariff information indicates renewable electricity supply claims.

Limitations (important)

  • Tariff availability and prices can change quickly (sometimes daily).
  • Some tariffs have eligibility rules (e.g., smart meter required, online-only, region restrictions).
  • “Green” claims vary by supplier; always check the tariff’s supporting details and the supplier fuel mix disclosure.
  • Estimated costs assume your usage matches what you enter and that rates remain as stated for the relevant period.

Trust details

Last updated
April 2026

Sources (UK)

We aim to keep this guide current, but supplier tariffs and rules can change. Always check the supplier’s tariff information and terms before completing a switch.

Ready to find the cheapest green tariff for your home?

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Reminder: “cheapest” is based on estimates for your details at the time you compare. Always review tariff terms, exit fees and eligibility before switching.

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Updated on 21 Apr 2026