What is an energy unit rate (p/kWh) and why does it matter?

The unit rate is the price you pay for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of gas or electricity you use. A lower unit rate usually reduces your bill the most if you have average or high usage, but your total cost also depends on the daily standing charge and how much energy you consume.

Is the lowest unit rate always the cheapest tariff overall?

Not always. Some tariffs with very low unit rates have higher standing charges. The cheapest option depends on your expected annual usage and your region. Compare total estimated annual cost (unit rate × usage + standing charge × days) before switching.

How do I find the best low unit rate tariff for my postcode?

Prices vary by region and meter type. Use your postcode and meter details (single-rate, Economy 7, smart meter, prepayment) to compare like-for-like tariffs and see which low unit rate option gives the lowest overall annual cost for your home.

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m on a fixed tariff or in contract?

Yes, but you may pay an exit fee if you leave a fixed deal early. Check your current tariff terms and compare any exit fee against potential savings from moving to a lower unit rate. Many fixes allow fee-free switching in the final 49 days.

How long does it take to switch to a lower unit rate tariff in the UK?

Most UK supplier switches complete within around 5 working days under the faster switching process, though times can vary if there are meter or account issues. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted during the switch.

Will my smart meter work if I switch supplier?

In most cases, yes. Many SMETS2 meters work fully after switching. Some older SMETS1 meters may temporarily lose smart features, but they typically regain functionality once enrolled into the smart network.

What’s the difference between a low unit rate tariff and the Energy Price Cap?

The Energy Price Cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges on default variable tariffs in Great Britain. A “low unit rate” tariff is a deal (often fixed) priced below typical market rates for your region—potentially below the capped variable rates—so it may reduce your overall costs if the standing charge and your usage suit the tariff.

Are low unit rate tariffs available for Economy 7 or dual-rate meters?

Yes, but Economy 7 pricing has separate day and night unit rates plus a standing charge. The best deal depends on how much electricity you use at night. Compare tariffs using your day/night split to avoid choosing a low day rate that’s offset by a high night rate (or vice versa).

What information do I need to compare and switch to a cheaper tariff?

Have your postcode, current supplier and tariff name, payment method (direct debit, prepay), meter type, and typical usage (kWh) from a recent bill. If you don’t know your usage, you can estimate based on household size and heating type, then refine once you see supplier quotes.

How can I reduce my total bill if I can’t find a much lower unit rate?

If unit rates are similar, look for a lower standing charge, choose a tariff length that suits your risk (fixed vs variable), pay by direct debit if cheaper, and improve efficiency (heating controls, insulation, smart usage). Small savings in both unit rate and standing charge can add up over a year.

Energy tariffs with low unit rates UK this month

Compare whole-of-market home energy deals to find low unit rate tariffs available for your postcode, usage and payment type — with clear explanations, no jargon, and a quick quote form.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (gas, electricity or dual fuel)
Focus on low unit rates and fair standing charges — not misleading headline prices
See deals by payment method (Direct Debit, prepayment, smart meter)
Fast form — we’ll match tariffs to your address and typical usage

Check low unit rate tariffs Learn how unit rates work

For home energy only. Availability varies by region, meter type and supplier. Unit rates and standing charges can change — always confirm before switching.

Compare low unit rate energy tariffs for your home

Looking for low unit rates for electricity (p/kWh) or gas (p/kWh) this month? The best choice depends on your postcode, meter type, and how much energy you use. Some tariffs advertise a low unit rate but offset it with a higher standing charge — and others do the opposite.

Use the form to tell us the basics. We’ll compare whole-of-market options from across UK suppliers and help you identify tariffs that suit your usage pattern — whether you’re a low user trying to reduce fixed costs or a higher user prioritising a cheaper unit rate.

Quick tip before you compare

To judge whether a tariff is truly “low”, compare the unit rate and standing charge together against your annual kWh. If you can, have your last bill to hand — or use your best estimate.

Who this page is for

UK households switching electricity, gas or dual fuel
People wanting a lower electricity unit rate to reduce usage-based costs
Homes considering fixed tariffs vs standard variable tariffs
Customers with smart meters, traditional meters, or prepayment meters

Get your low unit rate comparison

Fill in a few details and we’ll match tariffs available where you live.

Prefer to keep it simple?

If you’re not sure about your exact usage, still complete the form — we can show typical options and explain what to look for in the unit rate and standing charge.

Why a low unit rate matters (and when it doesn’t)

Your unit rate is the price you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh). If your home uses lots of energy (for example, electric heating, a larger family, or frequent appliance use), a lower unit rate can make a bigger difference than shaving a few pence off the standing charge.

High usage households

A low unit rate often delivers the biggest savings because most of your bill is usage-based.

Low usage households

Standing charge can dominate. A slightly higher unit rate may still work out cheaper if the standing charge is lower.

Time-of-use tariffs

If you can shift usage (EV charging, washing) to off-peak, you may beat a “low single rate” tariff overall.

The right approach is to compare the total estimated annual cost — but if your priority this month is a low electricity unit rate (or low gas unit rate), we’ll help you identify tariffs that align with that goal.

What you’ll actually pay: unit rate + standing charge

UK energy bills typically include two key parts. Understanding both helps you spot genuinely competitive tariffs (including those with low unit rates) and avoid “false bargains”.

Unit rate (p/kWh)

The price per unit of energy you use. Lower unit rates matter most if your usage is higher.

Standing charge (p/day)

A daily fixed cost that covers network costs, metering and maintaining your supply — paid even if you use little or no energy.

Simple cost example

Item	Tariff A (lower unit rate)	Tariff B (lower standing charge)	What it means
Electricity unit rate	Lower	Higher	Better for higher usage if standing charge isn’t excessive
Standing charge	Higher	Lower	Can matter most for low usage households
Estimated annual cost	Depends on your kWh	Depends on your kWh	Always compare total cost for your usage and region

We’ll show you options that prioritise low unit rates, but we’ll also highlight when the standing charge changes the overall value.

How unit rates work in the UK (and why they vary)

Unit rates and standing charges are not the same for everyone. In the UK, your tariff pricing can vary depending on:

Region: Network costs differ across England, Scotland and Wales, and between distribution areas.
Payment method: Direct Debit, pay on receipt of bill, and prepayment tariffs can be priced differently.
Meter type: Smart meters, traditional meters, Economy 7, and prepayment meters can affect available deals.
Tariff structure: Single-rate vs time-of-use (e.g., day/night) changes how “low unit rate” should be judged.
Supplier pricing decisions: Suppliers adjust tariffs over time based on wholesale costs and risk.

Fixed vs variable

A fixed tariff keeps unit rates and standing charges set for the fixed term (subject to contract terms). A standard variable tariff can change.

Dual fuel vs single fuel

Some suppliers price competitively on one fuel but not the other. We’ll help you compare dual fuel and separate suppliers where available.

If you’re specifically searching for low unit rate electricity tariffs this month, make sure you compare within your region and meter type — that’s where the meaningful differences appear.

Common mistakes when chasing low unit rates

Comparing without your postcode

Rates vary by region. A “great” unit rate elsewhere may not exist in your distribution area.

Ignoring standing charges

A low unit rate can be offset by a high standing charge, especially if you use less energy.

Not checking exit fees

Some fixed deals include exit fees. If you might move or switch again soon, factor that in.

Wrong tariff for your lifestyle

If you’re out all day, a time-of-use tariff could beat a low single unit rate — or vice versa.

Want help picking the right one?

Start your comparison and we’ll show tariffs that match your priorities (low unit rate, lower standing charge, fixed term, or flexible).

Compare tariffs for my postcode

FAQs: low unit rate energy tariffs

What is a “low unit rate” in the UK?

“Low” is relative to your region, payment method and tariff type. The best way to judge is to compare today’s available tariffs for your postcode and look at both unit rate and standing charge.

Is it better to focus on electricity unit rate or total bill?

Total bill is the best overall measure. However, if your goal is to reduce usage-based costs (e.g., high kWh usage), prioritising a low unit rate can be a sensible strategy.

Do fixed tariffs always have lower unit rates?

Not always. Fixed tariffs give price certainty, but the unit rate can be higher or lower than variable options depending on the market and supplier.

Can I switch if I’m in a fixed contract?

Usually yes, but you may have an exit fee. We recommend checking your current supplier’s terms (or your latest bill/app) before switching.

Does my meter type affect unit rates?

Yes. Economy 7 and some smart tariffs have multiple rates. Prepayment and traditional meters may have different available deals and pricing.

Will switching interrupt my supply?

No — switching supplier shouldn’t interrupt your gas or electricity supply. Your energy continues to be delivered through the same pipes and wires.

What customers say about comparing with EnergyPlus

“Clear breakdown of unit rates vs standing charges. Helped me avoid a deal that looked cheap but wasn’t for my usage.”

— Homeowner, West Midlands

“Quick form, and the options made sense for my postcode. I specifically wanted a lower electricity unit rate.”

— Tenant, Greater Manchester

“No hard sell. Just a practical comparison that helped me choose a fixed tariff with a fair unit rate.”

— Couple, South Wales

Trust & transparency

Whole-of-market comparison approach
UK household energy focus (not business energy)
Tariffs compared using unit rates, standing charges and estimated annual costs

Ready to find a low unit rate energy tariff for your postcode?

Complete the form to compare home energy tariffs available this month. We’ll help you spot genuinely competitive unit rates and avoid deals where the standing charge cancels out the savings.

Start my comparison Read FAQs

Switching is typically seamless with no interruption to supply. Tariffs and rates are subject to change and eligibility.

What you’ll need

Your postcode
Rough usage (if you know it)
Whether you want gas, electricity or both

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026