How do I compare energy prices on Energy Plus?

Enter your postcode and a few details about your energy usage to see available tariffs you can compare. Review prices, contract terms and features, then choose the option that best fits your home or business.

Can I compare both gas and electricity?

Yes. You can compare electricity-only, gas-only or dual fuel options, depending on what’s available for your property and meter setup.

What information do I need to get accurate results?

For the most accurate comparison, have a recent bill handy. Your postcode, current supplier (if known), tariff type and your estimated usage (kWh) or monthly spend will help produce more relevant results.

Will switching energy supplier interrupt my gas or electricity supply?

No. Switching suppliers is typically seamless and your energy supply should not be interrupted. Your energy continues to be delivered through the same pipes and wires.

How long does it take to switch energy supplier?

Switching times can vary, but it commonly takes a few working days to a couple of weeks depending on the supplier and your circumstances. You’ll receive updates during the process.

Are there any exit fees if I switch?

Some fixed tariffs include exit fees, while others don’t. Check your current contract terms and review any fees shown during comparison before you proceed.

Can I compare energy prices if I have a smart meter or prepayment meter?

Often, yes. Availability depends on your meter type and what tariffs are offered for your address. Provide your meter details during the journey to see the most relevant options.

Is comparing energy on Energy Plus free to use?

Yes, you can compare tariffs without paying a fee. If you decide to switch, you’ll be guided through the next steps to complete your application.

How do I know which tariff is best for me?

Compare the unit rates and standing charges, contract length, any exit fees and whether the tariff is fixed or variable. If you want predictable bills, a fixed tariff may suit; if you prefer flexibility, a variable tariff may be better.

Can I switch if I’m renting or moving home?

If you’re responsible for paying the energy bills, you can usually switch. If you’re moving, you can still compare options for your new address and set up a plan at the right time.

Compare energy prices for your home (UK)

Compare gas and electricity tariffs across the market in minutes. We’ll help you check what you’re paying now, what could change, and what to watch for before you switch.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business energy)
Works for credit, prepayment and smart meters (where available)
Clear caveats: exit fees, standing charges, discounts and eligibility

Get your energy quote How switching works

Estimates are based on the details you provide and current tariff information. Prices, availability and terms vary by region, meter type and payment method.

Fast answer: how to compare energy in the UK

To compare energy prices accurately, you need five things: your postcode (region affects standing charges and unit rates), meter type (single rate, Economy 7, smart, prepayment), payment method (Direct Debit / on receipt of bill / prepay), usage (kWh or monthly spend), and whether you want fixed or variable pricing. A good comparison checks the estimated annual cost, the standing charge, the unit rate, and any exit fees or conditions.

Important: The cheapest unit rate isn’t always the cheapest overall. Standing charges, Economy 7 day/night split, and discounts for paying by Direct Debit can change the result.

Key takeaways

Compare like-for-like: same payment method, meter type and tariff length.
Use kWh if you can: bills in £ can hide seasonal changes and price rises.
Check exit fees: especially if you’re still in a fixed term.
Consider service quality: price matters, but billing support and complaint handling also count.

What you’ll need (2 minutes)

Postcode: Used to identify your electricity region and local standing charges.
Meter and payment: Credit meter vs prepay, smart meter, and whether you pay by Direct Debit.
Usage: kWh from a bill, or an estimate if you don’t have it.

Compare energy deals (no jargon)

Fill in the form and we’ll match you with tariffs available for your home. If you’re not sure about your usage, don’t worry—an estimate is fine, and we’ll show you what assumptions it’s based on.

Privacy note: We only use your details to provide your comparison results and support your switch request. You can ask us to stop at any time.

How switching works (typical steps)

Tell us about your home: postcode, meter type and payment method.
We compare tariffs: estimated annual cost (unit rate + standing charge) and key terms.
You choose: fixed or variable, green options, and tariff length.
Switch is managed: your new supplier sets up the start date; your supply doesn’t stop.
Final bill + opening reading: you’ll get a closing bill from your old supplier and start billing with the new one.

Get your quote

Share a few details and we’ll prepare an estimated comparison for your property.

Tariff types explained (UK)

Fixed tariff

Unit rate and standing charge are typically locked for the term (e.g., 12 months). You may pay an exit fee if you leave early.

Variable tariff

Prices can change. The most common is the supplier’s default tariff (often linked to Ofgem’s price cap for typical use). Usually more flexible, often no exit fee.

Economy 7 / two-rate

Different day and night electricity rates. Can suit storage heaters or high overnight usage—can cost more if you mostly use power in the day.

Green tariffs: “Renewable electricity” can be backed by certificates and supplier purchasing. Always check the supplier’s fuel mix and any additional carbon offset claims before deciding.

Compare energy options: what matters most

Use this table to shortlist tariffs, then confirm the full terms (rates, standing charges, payment rules and fees). Tariffs can be withdrawn or changed by suppliers, and availability varies by region and meter type.

Option	Best for	Watch-outs	What to check before switching
12–24 month fixed	Stability-minded households budgeting monthly.	Exit fees; may miss future price drops.	Exit fee amount, end date, DD requirements, and what happens at end of term.
Rolling variable	Flexibility; renters or people expecting a move.	Rates can change; budgeting can be harder.	How and when rates can change, notice periods, payment method price differences.
Economy 7 / two-rate	Homes with storage heaters or consistent overnight use.	Day rate can be higher; timing varies by region/meter.	Your day/night split, night hours, and whether your appliances/heating really use off-peak.
Prepayment tariffs	Topping up; managing spend week-to-week.	Fewer deals; standing charges still apply; debt recovery settings can affect top-ups.	Top-up method, emergency credit, friendly credit times, and support if you’re struggling.

Decision checklist (quick)

Do you have an exit fee? Check your current tariff end date.
Credit vs prepay: deals can differ a lot.
Economy 7? Find your day/night split from bills or your in-home display.
Any eligibility rules? Some tariffs require Direct Debit, online billing, or smart meters.
Standing charge impact: especially important for low users or small flats.

Who comparing suits (and who it might not)

Usually suits: households off-contract, people who’ve never switched, anyone wanting to check if their Direct Debit looks high for their usage.

May not suit right now: if you’re mid-fix with a large exit fee, or your tenancy includes energy in rent (bills included).

Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how comparison maths works. They’re not a promise of savings. Actual quotes depend on your region, meter, payment method and tariff availability.

Scenario A: Low electricity user (standing charge matters)

Assumptions: Electricity only, single-rate, credit meter, Direct Debit.
Usage: 1,800 kWh/year.
Tariff 1: 26p/kWh unit rate + 65p/day standing charge.
Tariff 2: 28p/kWh unit rate + 45p/day standing charge.

Estimated annual cost (ignoring any discounts):
Tariff 1: (1,800×£0.26)=£468 + (365×£0.65)=£237.25 ? £705.25
Tariff 2: (1,800×£0.28)=£504 + (365×£0.45)=£164.25 ? £668.25

Even with a higher unit rate, Tariff 2 can be cheaper for low users because the standing charge is lower.

Scenario B: Economy 7 flat (day/night split changes everything)

Assumptions: Electricity only, Economy 7, Direct Debit.
Total usage: 3,200 kWh/year.
Tariff E7: Day 33p/kWh, Night 16p/kWh, standing 55p/day.
Single-rate alternative: 27p/kWh, standing 55p/day.

If 45% is used at night (1,440 kWh night / 1,760 kWh day):
E7 energy: (1,760×£0.33)=£580.80 + (1,440×£0.16)=£230.40 ? £811.20
Standing: (365×£0.55)=£200.75 ? £1,011.95
Single-rate energy: (3,200×£0.27)=£864 + £200.75 ? £1,064.75

If only 15% is used at night (480 kWh night / 2,720 kWh day):
E7 energy: (2,720×£0.33)=£897.60 + (480×£0.16)=£76.80 ? £974.40
Standing: £200.75 ? £1,175.15

Economy 7 can help if you genuinely use a large share overnight. If you don’t, it may cost more than a single-rate tariff.

Rates used are illustrative. Your actual standing charge and unit rates depend on where you live and your meter/payment type.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls

Energy comparisons are only as good as the assumptions behind them. These are the issues most likely to change the “cheapest” result for UK homes.

Exit fees and fixed-term end dates

If you’re in a fixed tariff, leaving early may cost an exit fee per fuel. Check your latest statement or online account and weigh the fee against the estimated difference in annual cost.

Standing charges can outweigh unit rates

Low users are often hit hardest by higher standing charges. Always compare the estimated annual cost, not just “pence per kWh”.

Payment method changes the price

Suppliers can price differently for Direct Debit vs pay-on-receipt, and prepayment tariffs may be more limited. Compare using the method you’ll actually use.

Meter constraints (prepay, Economy 7, smart)

Not every supplier supports every meter setup in every region. Economy 7 timing can differ, and prepayment switches can involve extra steps.

If you’re struggling to pay

If you’re in energy debt or worried about keeping the lights on, switching may not be the first step. You can ask your supplier about payment plans, emergency credit (for prepay), and hardship support. Independent guidance is available from Citizens Advice.

Quick “before you switch” checks

Take (or submit) a meter reading close to the switch date if requested.
Confirm whether your new tariff includes paperless billing or requires a smart meter.
Check whether any discounts depend on paying by Direct Debit and staying for the full term.
If you’re moving home soon, consider a flexible tariff to avoid exit fees.

Compare energy FAQs

Will my gas or electricity supply stop if I switch?

No—your physical supply stays the same. The change is mostly administrative (who bills you). You may be asked for an opening meter reading around the switch date.

How do I find my usage in kWh?

Look on a recent bill or statement for “kWh used” for gas and electricity. If you only have £ amounts, you can still compare using an estimate, but kWh is more accurate because it separates usage from price changes.

Is dual fuel always cheaper?

Not always. Some suppliers offer a small dual-fuel discount; others price each fuel competitively on its own. Comparing both approaches can be worthwhile, especially if you’re electricity-only or gas-only.

Can I switch if I have a prepayment meter?

Often, yes—but options can be more limited and some switches involve extra checks. If you have outstanding debt, it may affect which tariffs you can move to. Always read the new supplier’s terms for prepay customers.

What’s the difference between unit rate and standing charge?

The unit rate is what you pay per kWh of energy you use. The standing charge is a daily fixed cost to keep your home connected. For low usage homes, standing charges can be a big part of the bill.

Do smart meters affect what tariffs I can get?

Sometimes. A supplier may require smart meter readings for certain tariffs, or offer time-of-use tariffs where prices vary by time. If you have a smart meter, check whether it’s operating in smart mode and whether your tariff needs half-hourly readings.

I’m renting—can I change supplier?

Usually yes, if you pay the energy bills and your tenancy doesn’t include energy. If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord/letting agent. You may also want a tariff with no or low exit fees if you expect to move.

How quickly can prices change after I compare?

Tariffs can change at any time and may be withdrawn by suppliers. Variable tariffs can also change their rates with notice. If you see a suitable deal, it’s sensible to review the tariff terms and apply promptly.

Trust, methodology and sources

Editorial accountability

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: March 2026

How we assess and present comparisons

When we discuss “cheaper” vs “more expensive”, we’re referring to an estimated annual cost based on standard bill components:

Unit rate (p/kWh) × estimated annual usage
Standing charge (p/day) × 365
Any tariff-specific fees or conditions (e.g., exit fees, Direct Debit requirements) are flagged, not assumed away.

We aim to be clear about what affects availability and pricing in the UK, including region, meter type (single-rate, Economy 7, smart, prepay), and payment method. We avoid implying guaranteed savings.

Limitations (what comparisons can’t always capture)

Future price changes: variable tariffs can change; fixed tariffs can end and move you to a different rate.
Usage uncertainty: if you don’t have kWh figures, estimates can be off—especially after home changes (new boiler, working from home, EV charging).
Economy 7 behaviour: your actual day/night split can significantly change costs.
Eligibility & operational constraints: some tariffs may require smart meters, online billing, or specific payment methods.

Sources (UK)

Ofgem (Great Britain energy regulator) — price cap, switching rules and consumer protections.
Citizens Advice: energy — independent guidance on bills, debt and complaints.
GOV.UK — official information, including support schemes and eligibility where applicable.

Ready to compare energy for your home?

Get a quote based on your postcode, meter type and payment method—then decide if switching makes sense for you.

Start my comparison Review the key takeaways

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Updated on 20 Mar 2026