Which energy suppliers offer tracker tariffs in the UK?
Tracker tariffs can follow a published market index or day-ahead energy costs, so your unit rates may move up and down. Use EnergyPlus to compare whole-of-market home energy deals and check whether a tracker-style tariff could suit your household.
- See which UK suppliers currently offer tracker-style tariffs (and what “tracker” means in practice)
- Compare against fixed and standard variable tariffs for your postcode
- Switch with confidence: clear explanations, no jargon, no guesswork
Home energy only. Availability varies by region, meter type and credit status. Rates can change frequently; we’ll show the latest available options when you compare.
Compare tracker tariffs (whole-of-market) for your home
Tracker tariffs aren’t always available to everyone and can differ by supplier. The quickest way to see what you can actually get is to run a personalised comparison for your postcode and meter set-up.
What you’ll get: a clear list of available home energy tariffs including tracker-style options (where offered), plus fixed and variable alternatives so you can compare risk vs certainty.
Good to know before you choose a tracker
- Unit rates can change frequently (daily/weekly/monthly depending on the tariff rules).
- Standing charges still apply and vary by region and payment method.
- Exit fees and caps can exist on some products — always check the tariff information label (TIL).
Important: “Tracker tariff” can mean different things. Some track an energy market index; others track (or discount from) the Ofgem price cap. Always check what it tracks, how often it changes, and whether there’s a cap, floor, or exit fee.
Why households compare tracker tariffs with EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market view
Tracker availability changes. We help you compare what’s available for your postcode, meter type and payment method at the point you search.
Like-for-like comparisons
See tracker-style options alongside fixed and standard variable tariffs so you can weigh potential savings against price certainty.
Plain-English guidance
We explain key terms that matter: what it tracks, how often it updates, standing charges, and any caps/exits.
What is a tracker energy tariff in the UK?
A tracker tariff is a home energy tariff where the unit rate you pay (pence per kWh) changes in line with a stated reference. Instead of setting prices for 12–24 months (like a fixed tariff), a tracker moves as the tracked reference moves.
In the UK, tracker-style tariffs usually fall into one of these categories:
Market-linked trackers
Prices change frequently and are linked to wholesale market indicators (for example, day-ahead or similar published references) plus a supplier’s costs and margin. These can move up or down quickly.
Price-cap trackers / discounted SVTs
Some products “track” the Ofgem price cap level (or sit at a discount to a supplier’s standard variable tariff). These typically change less often than market-linked trackers.
Tip: Two tariffs can both be called “tracker” but behave very differently. When comparing, focus on the tracked reference and the update frequency — not just the name.
Which energy suppliers offer tracker tariffs in the UK?
Tracker tariffs come and go, and not every supplier offers them nationwide or for every meter type. Below is a practical view of how tracker-style tariffs are commonly offered in the UK, plus what to check before applying.
Because supplier product ranges can change quickly, the most reliable way to confirm who offers a tracker tariff for your home is to run a personalised comparison. Compare tracker availability by postcode.
| Supplier type | How trackers are typically offered | Often available for | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large national suppliers | May offer limited-time tracker products, more commonly fixed or SVT. Tracker availability can be restricted by region or customer segment. | Standard credit meters, Direct Debit customers | Is it market-linked or cap-linked? Any exit fee? How often do rates change? |
| Challenger & digital-first suppliers | More likely to offer innovative pricing (including market-linked trackers), sometimes with app-based usage insights. | Smart meters, electricity-only homes, flexible customers | Daily vs monthly updates, caps/floors, standing charge level, customer service contact routes |
| Green-focused suppliers | May combine renewable-backed electricity with tracker-style pricing or fixed green tariffs. | Electricity tariffs, households prioritising greener options | What “renewable” means for the tariff, how price tracking works, any minimum term |
| Regional / niche suppliers | Sometimes offer competitive region-specific products; trackers may be rare but can appear. | Specific regions, certain meter types | Geographic eligibility, fuel availability (gas/electric), switching timelines |
The quickest way to confirm supplier availability
Rather than relying on a static list (which can go out of date), compare tariffs for your home and we’ll show the suppliers and products currently available for your postcode — including any tracker-style options that match your details.
How tracker tariff pricing works (what to read before switching)
Before you choose a tracker, it’s worth understanding the moving parts that affect your bill. Even when a tariff “tracks” something, your final costs depend on your usage pattern, standing charge, and how the tracker is calculated.
- Identify what it tracks. Look for the reference (e.g. a published market index or a cap/SVT relationship) and where it’s published.
- Check how often prices change. Some trackers update daily; others monthly or quarterly. The update frequency affects volatility and budgeting.
- Review standing charges and regional rates. Standing charges can vary by region and can make a big difference for low-usage homes.
- Look for protections. Is there a cap (maximum unit rate), a floor (minimum), or any exit fee/minimum term?
- Compare to a fixed alternative. If you value bill certainty, a competitive fixed may suit you better even if the headline tracker rate looks lower today.
| Feature | Tracker tariff | Fixed tariff | Standard variable (SVT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price movement | Moves in line with a defined reference (often more frequently) | Set for the fixed term (subject to contract conditions) | Can change when supplier updates prices (often aligned to cap changes) |
| Budget certainty | Lower (costs can rise quickly) | Higher (stable unit rates) | Medium (changes happen, but not always as frequently as market trackers) |
| Potential upside | Can benefit quickly when the tracked reference falls | Limited during the term (good for certainty) | May benefit when price cap falls, but depends on supplier pricing |
| Common gotchas | Update frequency, caps/floors, exit fees, standing charges | Exit fees, end-of-term renewal pricing | Often not the cheapest, but simple if you don’t want a contract |
Tracker tariffs: pros, cons and who they suit
Potential advantages
- Can be cheaper when markets fall than fixed deals available at the same time.
- Transparency if the tracked reference and calculation are clearly published.
- Flexibility on some products (shorter terms or lower exit fees than many fixed deals).
Potential disadvantages
- Volatility: costs can rise quickly, especially on daily trackers.
- Budgeting is harder if your monthly Direct Debit needs frequent adjustments.
- Not always available for prepayment meters or certain regions/meter types.
Rule of thumb: If a sudden price increase would put pressure on your household budget, consider comparing a competitive fixed tariff alongside any tracker you’re offered. Compare both in one quote.
Eligibility and practical considerations
Whether you can switch to a tracker tariff depends on the supplier and the specific product. These are the most common factors that affect availability for UK homes:
Meter type
Some trackers prefer (or require) smart meters, especially for more dynamic pricing. Traditional credit meters may still qualify depending on the supplier.
Payment method
Monthly Direct Debit tends to have the widest choice. Prepayment options may be more limited, but it varies by supplier.
Region & network costs
Standing charges and unit rates differ by region because of distribution costs. A tracker that looks strong in one area may be less competitive elsewhere.
Moving home?
If you’re moving, you can still compare trackers, but it’s worth checking how the new supplier handles switch dates and whether you can start on a deemed tariff temporarily. Use the form above and select “I’m moving home” to keep results relevant.
Common mistakes when choosing a tracker tariff
Comparing only today’s unit rate
A tracker’s value is about how it behaves over time. Check the update frequency, any cap/floor, and whether you could afford a period of higher rates.
Ignoring standing charges
Two tariffs can have similar unit rates but very different standing charges. If you’re a low-usage household, standing charges can dominate the bill.
Not checking exit fees or terms
Some trackers are flexible, but others include an exit fee or minimum term. That matters if you plan to switch quickly when the market changes.
Assuming “tracker” means “cheapest”
In some periods, a well-priced fixed tariff can beat a tracker once standing charge and risk are factored in. Compare both for your postcode.
FAQs: tracker energy tariffs UK
Are tracker tariffs regulated in the UK?
Domestic energy suppliers operate under Ofgem regulation, but a tracker’s price can still move according to its published rules. Always read the tariff terms and the tariff information label (TIL) to understand what it tracks and how prices are calculated.
Do I need a smart meter for a tracker tariff?
Not always. Some tracker-style tariffs are available without a smart meter, but the more dynamic products are often designed around smart metering. The best way to check is to compare using your postcode and current meter set-up.
Can tracker tariffs be capped?
Yes, some have a maximum unit rate (a cap) or other protection. Others do not. If there’s a cap, check exactly what it applies to (electricity, gas, or both) and whether the standing charge can change separately.
How often do tracker prices change?
It depends on the product. Some update daily, others weekly or monthly. More frequent changes can mean faster savings when prices fall, but also quicker increases when prices rise.
What’s the difference between a tracker tariff and the Ofgem price cap?
The Ofgem price cap limits what suppliers can charge on standard variable/default tariffs (with values changing periodically). A tracker tariff is a specific product where your rate changes based on its defined reference. Some trackers may follow the cap level; others follow wholesale markets.
Will a tracker tariff definitely save me money?
No. Savings depend on market movements, the tariff’s calculation, standing charges, and your usage. That’s why it’s worth comparing trackers against fixed deals using your own postcode and estimated usage.
Ready to see which tracker tariffs you can actually get?
Run a personalised comparison for your postcode and we’ll show available tracker-style tariffs (where offered) alongside fixed and variable alternatives — so you can choose with confidence.
No obligation. Home energy only. Availability depends on your region and meter type.
Back to Energy Suppliers
Trusted by UK households comparing home energy
“The explanation of tracker vs fixed was clear, and the comparison made it obvious which option suited our budget.”
Hannah, Manchester
“I didn’t realise standing charges varied so much by region. The quote helped me avoid a deal that looked cheap but wasn’t.”
David, Bristol
“Quick form, useful options, and I could compare tracker-style tariffs alongside fixed prices in minutes.”
Priya, Glasgow
Trust indicators: Whole-of-market comparison approach • UK home energy focus • Clear tariff explanations and next steps.