Unit rates and standing charges
Your bill is made of two parts: a daily standing charge and a per-kWh unit rate. The cheapest deal for a low user often has a low standing charge; for higher users, the unit rate matters more.
Cheap Energy Deals in the UK
Compare low-cost gas and electricity tariffs from trusted UK suppliers. Switch in minutes, reduce your bills, and stay protected under Ofgem rules.
- All major UK regions and meter types covered
- No interruption to supply when you switch
- 14-day cooling-off on most domestic tariffs
Last updated: October 2025
Get your personalised cheap energy quotes
Enter a few details to see the cheapest tariffs available in your area today. We use your usage to show accurate prices, not estimates.
How our cheap energy comparison works
- Enter your details
Postcode and usage let us pull region-specific prices and standing charges.
- Compare tariffs
See fixed, variable, and green deals side-by-side, including exit fees and contract length.
- Switch online
Apply in minutes. Your new supplier handles the switch. No engineer visit needed in most cases.
Your energy will not be cut off during a switch. Ofgem’s Supplier of Last Resort process protects your supply if a supplier exits the market.
What makes an energy deal cheap?
Tariff type
Fixed tariffs lock prices for 12–24 months, protecting you from increases. Variable tariffs can go up or down and are limited by the Ofgem price cap for standard variable tariffs.
Region and network costs
Distribution charges vary by region, so the same supplier may be cheaper in one area than another.
Payment and meter
Monthly Direct Debit usually gets the lowest rates. Smart meters can unlock time-of-use or EV tariffs that are cheaper off-peak.
Types of cheap energy tariffs explained
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Fixed-rate tariffs
Price per kWh and standing charge stay the same for the term. Good for budgeting. Check exit fees before switching early.
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Standard variable tariffs (SVT)
Rates move with the market and are subject to the Ofgem price cap. No exit fees in most cases.
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Tracker and flexible tariffs
Track wholesale costs with frequent updates. Can be cheaper when markets fall but may rise quickly.
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Economy 7 / Economy 10
Cheaper night rates and higher day rates. Works best if you shift usage off-peak (e.g., storage heaters, EV charging).
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EV and time-of-use tariffs
Very low overnight rates for charging an electric vehicle or running appliances at night. Smart meter required.
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Green and renewable tariffs
Match your usage with renewable electricity or carbon-offset gas. Prices can be competitive and often include perks.
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Prepayment tariffs
Pay as you go with a key or smart top-up. New smart PAYG options offer more control and competitive rates.
How to get the cheapest energy deal today
- Use your kWh from a recent bill for accurate comparisons. If you don’t have it, estimate based on your home size.
- Decide if you prefer price certainty (fixed) or flexibility (variable).
- Check exit fees if you’re still in contract; waiting until your switching window opens can save money.
- Install a smart meter to unlock off-peak deals and better tracking.
- Consider dual fuel if the combined rate beats separate suppliers.
- Look for incentives like direct debit discounts or bill credits.
About the Ofgem price cap
The Ofgem price cap limits the unit rates and standing charges that suppliers can charge customers on default standard variable tariffs. It is reviewed quarterly. The cap is not a maximum bill, and your costs will still depend on how much energy you use. Fixed and specialist tariffs may sit above or below the cap depending on market conditions.
Compare at a glance
Below is an example of what you’ll see when you compare cheap energy deals. Exact prices depend on your region, usage, meter and payment method.
| Supplier | Tariff | Type | Est. annual cost | Exit fees | Notes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier A | Simple Fix 12 | Fixed 12m | Based on your kWh | £0–£75 | Direct Debit discount | See deal |
| Supplier B | Standard Variable | SVT | Cap-limited | None | Flexible, no tie-in | See deal |
| Supplier C | NightSaver EV | Time-of-use | Cheapest off-peak | £0–£150 | Smart meter required | See deal |
Extra ways to lower your energy bill
Shift usage off-peak
Use timers for washing machines and dishwashers. If you have an EV or storage heaters, consider Economy 7/10 or EV tariffs.
Seal and insulate
Insulation, draught proofing, and smart thermostats cut waste and reduce kWh year-round.
Monitor with a smart meter
Real-time data helps you spot high-usage appliances and reduce costs without sacrificing comfort.
Designed for every household
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Renters
You can usually switch if you pay the energy bill. Check your tenancy agreement and let your landlord know.
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Homeowners
Lock in a fixed deal for budgeting or choose flexible tariffs if you expect prices to fall.
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Prepayment customers
Compare PAYG rates and consider smart PAYG for easier top-ups and usage tracking.
Why find cheap energy with EnergyPlus?
- Fast, independent comparison across a wide range of UK suppliers
- Transparent pricing with unit rates, standing charges and exit fees shown upfront
- Guides and support if you’re new to switching
- Email alerts when cheaper deals become available
What customers say
????? 4.8/5
“Simple, clear and saved us money versus our renewal quote.”
— Alex, Manchester
Cheap energy deals: FAQs
Will my energy be cut off when I switch?
No. Your gas and electricity keep flowing. Your new supplier contacts your old one to coordinate the switch under industry rules.
What information do I need to compare deals?
Your postcode and annual usage in kWh for gas and/or electricity. You’ll find this on a recent bill or in your online account.
What is the Ofgem price cap?
It limits the rates on standard variable tariffs and is reviewed every three months. It doesn’t cap your total bill—your usage still matters.
Are fixed tariffs cheaper than variable?
It depends on market conditions. Fixed rates offer price certainty; variable can be cheaper when wholesale prices fall. Always compare based on your usage.
Can I switch if I have a prepayment meter?
Yes. Many suppliers offer competitive prepayment or smart PAYG tariffs. You may also be able to switch meters—ask your chosen supplier.
What happens if my supplier goes bust?
Ofgem will move you to a new supplier under the Supplier of Last Resort process. Your credit balance is protected in most cases.
Important information
- Prices vary by usage, region, meter and payment method. Quotes shown are indicative until confirmed by the supplier.
- Most domestic switches complete in 5–15 working days. You have a 14-day cooling-off period on most contracts.
- We aim to show a broad market view but may not include every supplier or tariff available.