About EnergyPlus: whole-of-market energy comparison
We help UK households compare gas and electricity tariffs across the market, understand what affects prices, and switch with confidence—using clear assumptions and transparent methodology.
- Compare tariffs by payment method, meter type, and region
- See estimated costs with assumptions explained (no unrealistic promises)
- Switch guidance for tenants, prepay, smart meters, and EV tariffs
Estimates are based on the details you provide and typical industry assumptions where information is missing. Tariffs, eligibility, and availability vary by supplier, meter, and postcode.
Fast answer: what EnergyPlus does (and what we don’t)
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market home energy comparison service for UK households. We help you compare tariffs and switching options using your postcode, meter type and (where available) your usage. If you choose to proceed, you can submit your details for a quote and we’ll guide you through next steps.
Key takeaways
- UK-specific results: region and network costs vary by postcode, and some tariffs depend on meter setup.
- Like-for-like comparisons: we use your payment method and consumption (or a sensible estimate) so quotes are comparable.
- Transparent caveats: some tariffs have eligibility rules (e.g., smart meter required, EV ownership, online-only billing).
- Designed for confidence: we highlight exit fees, fixed-term end dates, and common switching pitfalls.
What we don’t do
- We don’t guarantee savings—your actual bills depend on usage, tariff terms, and supplier billing.
- We don’t provide business energy comparisons on this page (home energy only).
- We don’t override supplier acceptance: credit checks, meter compatibility, and tariff availability can affect outcomes.
If you’re unsure what meter you have (credit vs prepayment, smart vs traditional), don’t worry—enter what you know and we’ll explain what it means for your options.
Get a home energy quote
Share a few details and we’ll match you with available tariffs for your area and meter type. We use this info to produce estimated costs and highlight key terms (like fixed end dates and exit fees where applicable).
How our comparison works
- 1) We match tariffs to your postcode and meter setup
- Energy costs can differ by region and network charges. Some tariffs are only available for certain meters (e.g., smart time-of-use).
- 2) We estimate costs based on your usage (or a stated assumption)
- Where you don’t know your annual kWh, we may use typical usage estimates and show what that implies.
- 3) We highlight terms that change the real-world cost
- Standing charges, unit rates, fixed-term length, exit fees, discounts, and billing requirements can all matter.
What we compare (and why it matters)
Energy tariffs aren’t just about the headline unit rate. The best option depends on your meter, payment method, and how you use energy (e.g., day vs night usage on time-of-use tariffs).
| Comparison factor | What it is | Why it can change your cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standing charge | Daily fixed amount you pay regardless of usage. | Higher standing charges can outweigh lower unit rates, especially for low users. |
| Unit rate(s) | Price per kWh (sometimes multiple rates for different times). | Time-of-use tariffs can be cheaper if you can shift usage to off-peak hours. |
| Payment method | Direct Debit, credit (on receipt of bill), or prepayment. | Some tariffs are only available on Direct Debit; prepay prices/availability can differ. |
| Meter type | Traditional, smart, Economy 7/10, or specialist set-ups. | Some meters support multi-rate pricing; not all suppliers support all configurations. |
| Tariff length & exit fees | Fixed vs variable, contract end dates, and any early exit charges. | Exit fees can reduce the benefit of switching again soon; variable tariffs may change. |
| Eligibility rules | Requirements like smart meter, online billing, EV ownership, or new-customer-only. | A “cheapest” tariff may not be available to your home or meter. |
Quick decision checklist
- Know your meter: smart vs traditional; single-rate vs Economy 7.
- Confirm payment method: Direct Debit usually has the widest choice.
- Check your current tariff: fixed end date and any exit fees.
- Use realistic usage: annual kWh from a bill is best (electric + gas).
- Consider your lifestyle: can you shift usage to off-peak for time-of-use?
Who our comparison suits (and who it may not)
Best for
- Homeowners and tenants paying their own energy bills
- Anyone out of contract or nearing a fixed end date
- Households that can provide (or estimate) annual usage
May not be ideal for
- “All bills included” rentals (you may not be able to choose the supplier)
- Homes in complex metering set-ups (some tariffs may be limited)
- Short-term moves where exit fees could outweigh benefits
If you’re a tenant: you can usually switch supplier if you pay the bills, but you should check your tenancy agreement and ensure there are no debt issues on the meter.
Two realistic scenarios (with stated assumptions)
Scenario A: low-use flat on single-rate electricity
Assumptions (example only): 1-bed flat, electricity-only, single-rate meter, pays by Direct Debit. Annual use 1,800 kWh. Standing charge £0.55/day. Unit rate £0.27/kWh.
- Estimated unit cost: 1,800 × £0.27 = £486/year
- Estimated standing charge: 365 × £0.55 = £200.75/year
- Estimated total: £486 + £200.75 = £686.75/year (before any discounts/credits)
Why this matters: for low users, standing charge is a big share of the bill—so comparing standing charges can be as important as unit rates.
Scenario B: family home with gas + electricity
Assumptions (example only): 3-bed house, gas + electricity, pays by Direct Debit. Annual use 3,100 kWh electricity and 12,000 kWh gas. Standing charges: £0.55/day (electric) and £0.33/day (gas). Unit rates: £0.26/kWh electric, £0.065/kWh gas.
- Electric: (3,100 × £0.26) + (365 × £0.55) = £806 + £200.75 = £1,006.75/year
- Gas: (12,000 × £0.065) + (365 × £0.33) = £780 + £120.45 = £900.45/year
- Estimated dual fuel total: £1,006.75 + £900.45 = £1,907.20/year
Why this matters: unit rate changes have a bigger impact at higher usage—so fixed vs variable and the contract end date can matter more.
These scenarios are illustrative and not a prediction of your bill. Actual bills can differ due to regional charges, VAT, price changes on variable tariffs, and how suppliers round or calculate charges.
Costs, exclusions, and common pitfalls
Switching is usually straightforward, but a few UK-specific details can affect whether a tariff is available—or whether it’s genuinely best for your household.
Exit fees & timing
- Some fixed tariffs charge an exit fee if you leave early.
- You may be able to switch close to the end of a fixed term without fees (supplier terms vary).
- Put a reminder in for your tariff end date to avoid defaulting onto a more expensive option.
Meter compatibility
- Economy 7/10 and multi-rate meters can limit tariff options.
- Some smart tariffs require a communicating smart meter.
- Prepayment meters may have fewer tariffs and different pricing.
Direct Debit vs pay on receipt
- Direct Debit typically unlocks the widest range of tariffs.
- Pay-on-receipt can suit people who prefer control, but prices may differ.
- Make sure your comparison uses the same payment method as your real plan.
Common switching pitfalls
- Comparing with the wrong usage: using “typical” kWh can mis-rank tariffs for your household.
- Not accounting for night usage: Economy 7/time-of-use only works if your usage pattern fits.
- Ignoring standing charges: especially important for low-use homes.
- Overlooking eligibility: EV and smart tariffs can have extra requirements.
- Moving home soon: exit fees or admin steps can reduce the benefit.
What can delay a switch?
Most switches are designed to be seamless, but these issues can slow things down:
- Incorrect address or meter details
- Debt on a prepayment meter (rules and options vary)
- Complex meter set-ups (e.g., multiple MPANs or restricted meters)
- Supplier checks (where applicable)
If you’re moving in: take meter readings on day one and keep photos. It helps avoid disputes and makes the first bill on the new supply more accurate.
FAQs
Is EnergyPlus whole-of-market?
We aim to cover the market for home energy comparisons and present results based on your details (postcode, meter type, and payment method). Availability can still vary by supplier, tariff eligibility, and regional constraints.
Will switching interrupt my gas or electricity supply?
In normal circumstances, switching supplier should not interrupt your supply. Your physical pipes and wires stay the same; only the company billing you changes. If there are issues (e.g., meter data problems), switching can be delayed rather than causing an outage.
Can tenants switch energy supplier?
Often yes—if you pay the energy bills and your tenancy agreement doesn’t prohibit switching. If bills are included in rent, the landlord or managing agent usually chooses the supplier. Always check your agreement first.
What if I have a prepayment meter?
You can still compare tariffs, but options can be more limited and pricing can differ from credit meters. If there is debt on the meter, switching may be restricted depending on the amount and supplier rules.
Do I need a smart meter for the best deals?
Not necessarily. Many competitive fixed and variable tariffs work with traditional meters. However, some specialist tariffs (such as time-of-use and certain EV-focused options) may require a working smart meter.
What details make my quote more accurate?
Your postcode, payment method, meter type (single-rate vs Economy 7), and annual usage in kWh from a recent bill. If you don’t have kWh figures, we can still provide estimates, but rankings may change once actual usage is known.
Are there any fees for switching?
Switching supplier is typically free, but your current tariff may have an early exit fee (most commonly on fixed tariffs). Always check your latest statement or online account for the exact terms.
Why do prices differ by postcode in Great Britain?
Electricity distribution and gas network costs vary by region, which can affect standing charges and unit rates. That’s why postcode is essential for accurate comparisons.
Trust, methodology, and sources
Editorial accountability
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- February 2026
We update this page when there are material changes to switching rules, market-wide policy, or how tariffs are structured and presented.
How we assess and present comparisons
Our goal is to help you make a like-for-like decision. Here’s what that means in practice:
- Inputs we use: postcode (region), fuel type (gas/electric/dual), meter type (where known), payment method, and consumption in kWh (where provided).
- Where estimates are used: if you don’t know your usage, we may use typical consumption assumptions to illustrate cost. We label results as estimated and encourage checking against a bill.
- What we compare: standing charges, unit rate(s), tariff type (fixed/variable), contract length, and key eligibility restrictions (where available).
- What can change after the quote: supplier acceptance (e.g., meter compatibility), confirmation of your exact meter configuration, and updates to variable pricing.
Ready to compare tariffs for your home?
Get an estimated quote based on your postcode and details. We’ll show the key terms clearly so you can decide what’s right for you.
You’ll always see estimated figures and key assumptions. Tariff availability and terms vary by supplier and location.
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