Cheapest UK Home Gas and Electricity Suppliers Now

Who are the cheapest UK home gas and electricity suppliers now?

The cheapest UK home gas and electricity supplier changes regularly. Energy companies frequently update their tariffs in response to wholesale prices, Ofgem's price cap and market competition. There is no single provider that is always the cheapest for every household, so it is vital to compare deals based on your own usage and location.

Some of the suppliers that often offer competitive home energy tariffs in the UK include:

• Octopus Energy – Known for simple, transparent tariffs and great customer service, with a mix of fixed and flexible deals.
• OVO Energy – Offers competitive fixed-rate tariffs and rewards for energy efficiency.
• British Gas – The UK's largest supplier, sometimes offers competitive introductory or fixed deals for new customers.
• EDF Energy – Provides a range of fixed home tariffs and options for smart meters.
• E.ON Next – A major supplier with fixed and flexible tariffs and green add-ons.
• ScottishPower – Offers dual fuel tariffs and discounted rates when paying by direct debit.
• Smaller challenger brands – Newer suppliers may occasionally launch cheap introductory tariffs to attract new customers.

Remember that the cheapest supplier for one household may not be the cheapest for another. Your postcode, the type of meter you have (standard or smart, single rate or Economy 7), and your annual energy consumption all influence which tariff will cost you the least.

Using our comparison service ensures you see up-to-date prices from a wide selection of UK home suppliers, so you can quickly identify the deals that are genuinely cheapest for you right now.

Types of cheap home energy tariffs explained

When comparing the cheapest gas and electricity suppliers, you'll see different types of tariffs. Understanding the options helps you choose the right deal for your home.

Fixed-rate tariffs

Fixed-rate tariffs lock in your unit rates for gas and electricity for a set period, usually 12 to 24 months. Your bill can still vary based on how much energy you use, but the price per kWh and standing charge stay the same for the contract term.

• Pros: Protection from price rises, easier budgeting, often some of the cheapest deals available when wholesale prices are rising.
• Cons: May include exit fees if you want to leave early, might not benefit if prices fall significantly.

Variable-rate tariffs

Variable tariffs move up and down in line with the energy market and the Ofgem price cap. They can sometimes be among the cheapest options, especially when suppliers cut prices, but they can also go up.

• Pros: Often have no exit fees, you can switch any time, may become cheaper if market prices fall.
• Cons: Less certainty, your costs can rise with relatively short notice.

Dual fuel tariffs

Dual fuel deals give you both gas and electricity from the same supplier. Many UK energy companies offer discounts or incentives when you combine fuels, which can make dual fuel one of the cheapest and most convenient options for home energy.

• Pros: One supplier, one bill, often a cheaper overall price than separate single fuel deals.
• Cons: In some cases, using different suppliers for gas and electricity can be cheaper – this is why comparison is important.

Economy 7 and time-of-use tariffs

Homes with storage heaters or electric-only heating may use Economy 7 or other time-of-use tariffs, where you pay cheaper rates at night and higher rates during the day. These can be very cheap if you shift most of your energy use to off-peak times.

Tips to get the cheapest home gas and electricity

Finding the cheapest supplier is only part of the picture. The way you use energy and how you pay for it can also significantly affect your annual costs.

• Pay by monthly direct debit: Most suppliers offer a discount for this payment method compared to quarterly cash or cheque.
• Choose online billing: Paperless billing can unlock additional savings and makes it easier to track your usage.
• Provide regular meter readings: Accurate readings (or a smart meter) help avoid estimated bills and large catch-up charges.
• Review your tariff annually: Don't let fixed deals roll onto expensive standard variable rates; compare and switch when your contract ends.
• Improve energy efficiency: Simple changes like LED lighting, draft-proofing and better heating controls can cut your consumption and your bill.
• Use smart tariffs with care: If you have an EV or can run appliances off-peak, specialist tariffs can be among the cheapest overnight options.

Is it safe to switch to a cheaper supplier?

Yes. In the UK, all domestic gas and electricity suppliers are regulated by Ofgem. No matter which company supplies your energy, your actual gas and electricity come through the same pipes and cables. Your safety and supply continuity are protected.

If a supplier ever stops trading, Ofgem's "Supplier of Last Resort" process ensures your energy keeps flowing. Another supplier is appointed automatically, and your credit balance is usually protected. You're free to compare and switch again if you don't like the new tariff.

What information do I need to compare the cheapest suppliers?

You can start a price comparison with just your postcode and a rough idea of your usage, but for the most accurate results and the best chance of finding the absolute cheapest tariff, it helps to have:

• Your latest gas and electricity bill
• Your current supplier's name and tariff name
• Your annual kWh usage for gas and electricity (or monthly spend)
• Whether you have a smart meter or Economy 7 meter
• Your preferred payment method (direct debit, on receipt of bill, prepayment)

Don't worry if you don't have all these details to hand. Our tool can still estimate your usage based on typical households in your area and show you which UK home suppliers are likely to be cheapest.

Frequently asked questions about cheap UK home energy

Will I lose supply when I switch?

No. Your gas and electricity supply continues without interruption. Only your billing and account management move to the new supplier. The physical network remains exactly the same.

How long does switching to a cheaper supplier take?

Most domestic energy switches in the UK complete within 5–15 working days, depending on your new provider and any cooling-off period. You'll receive confirmation emails and letters at each stage.

Do I have to pay exit fees?

If you're on a fixed-term tariff, your current supplier may charge exit fees if you leave early. However, Ofgem rules mean you can usually switch penalty-free within the last 49 days of your contract. Always check your current terms before you move.

Are prepayment meters eligible for cheap tariffs?

Prepayment (pay-as-you-go) tariffs are often more expensive than direct debit tariffs, but comparison can still help you find a cheaper deal within the prepayment market. Some households may also be able to switch to a credit meter, subject to a credit check and the supplier's terms.

How does the Ofgem price cap affect the cheapest tariffs?

Ofgem's price cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges that suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs for typical usage. It doesn't cap your total bill, and it doesn't apply directly to all fixed tariffs. Many of the cheapest home energy deals are still found by comparing fixed and discounted tariffs rather than relying on the cap alone.