Cheapest gas and electricity deal right now (UK)
Find the lowest estimated-priced energy tariffs available to you today — based on your home, meter type and payment method. We’ll explain what “cheapest” really means, where the traps are, and how to compare safely.
- Whole-of-market style comparison across UK suppliers (tariffs and eligibility vary)
- Clear guidance for smart meters, prepay, Economy 7 and single-fuel homes
- Transparent methodology, examples with numbers, and common pitfalls to avoid
Estimates are based on the details you enter and currently available tariffs. Prices, eligibility and exit fees can change. Always check the supplier’s tariff information before switching.
The fastest answer: what’s the cheapest deal “right now” in the UK?
There isn’t one single cheapest gas and electricity deal for everyone in the UK at any given moment. The cheapest tariff for you depends on:
Where you live
Energy is priced by region. The same tariff name can cost different amounts in different parts of Great Britain.
Your meter & usage
Smart vs traditional, single-rate vs Economy 7, and your day/night split can change the “cheapest” result.
How you pay
Direct Debit is often cheaper. Prepayment and some legacy arrangements may have fewer options.
What you can do today: Get a personalised quote using your postcode, meter type and estimated usage. That’s the only reliable way to identify the cheapest deal available to your property at the moment.
Key takeaways (so you don’t overpay)
- Compare on total annual cost (standing charge + unit rates), not just the headline unit price.
- Check tariff type: fixed vs variable, and whether there are exit fees.
- Match the tariff to your meter (especially Economy 7 and smart meters).
- Be cautious with “teaser” offers (intro discounts, short fixes, or credit conditions).
- Use your real usage if possible (from bills, IHD, or online account). Estimates can mis-rank deals.
Get the cheapest available quote for your home
Tell us a few details and we’ll show eligible deals for your postcode and meter setup. It’s designed to be quick, with clear next steps.
Tip: If you have a recent bill, use your annual kWh (or monthly spend) for a more accurate ranking. If not, we can still estimate based on your household details.
How to find the cheapest deal (in 5 minutes)
- Check your meter type: credit, prepay, smart, Economy 7 (two-rate).
- Confirm payment method: Direct Debit, on receipt of bill, or prepay.
- Use realistic usage: your actual kWh (best) or a sensible estimate.
- Compare total annual cost: standing charge + unit rates, not a single headline rate.
- Review the “strings”: exit fees, minimum term, price changes, and eligibility.
Switching basics: In most cases your supply won’t be interrupted. Your new supplier handles the switch and you’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier after the closing meter reading.
Start your quote
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Compare the deal types that can be “cheapest”
When people search for the cheapest gas and electricity deal, they’re usually comparing different tariff structures. The best option depends on how stable you want your bills to be and whether you can accept exit fees.
| Deal type | What it means | When it can be cheapest | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed tariff | Unit rates (and often standing charges) are set for a term (e.g. 12 months). | When market prices rise, or when the fixed rate is competitive for your region and usage. | Exit fees, limited flexibility, and some fixes may be higher than SVT at times. |
| Variable (SVT/standard) | Prices can change. Often the default tariff if you don’t choose a fixed deal. | When you want flexibility (usually no exit fee) and plan to switch again soon. | Rates can increase; budgeting may be harder. |
| Tracker tariff | Price follows a published index (supplier-defined) and moves regularly. | When the index is low and you can tolerate ups/downs (and have a plan if it rises). | Prices can rise quickly; check caps, exit fees, and update frequency. |
| Time-of-use (e.g. Economy 7) | Different unit rates at different times (day/night). Common with storage heating. | When a meaningful share of usage is off-peak and the night rate is strong. | If most usage is daytime, a single-rate tariff can be cheaper overall. |
Decision checklist: who the “cheapest deal” suits (and who it doesn’t)
Often suits you if…
- You can pay by Direct Debit.
- You know your annual kWh (or have a recent bill).
- You’re happy to commit to a term if the maths works (fixed tariff).
- You’re not in the middle of moving home (or can tolerate admin).
- You’ll pass a credit check if required by the supplier.
Be cautious if…
- You’re on prepayment (fewer tariffs; switching rules can differ).
- You have Economy 7 but don’t know your day/night split.
- Your current tariff has exit fees (ending early can wipe out savings).
- You’re in debt to your supplier (you may need to resolve or use specific switching routes).
- You’re comparing on unit rate only (standing charges can dominate low-usage homes).
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show how the same “cheap” unit rate can work out differently once standing charges, usage and meter type are included. Figures are illustrative and rounded.
Scenario A: Low-usage flat (single-rate, Direct Debit)
- Assumed usage
- Electricity 1,800 kWh/yr, Gas 6,000 kWh/yr
- Tariff 1 (lower unit, higher standing)
- Elec 25p/kWh + 70p/day; Gas 6p/kWh + 35p/day
- Estimated annual cost
- ~£1,284
- Tariff 2 (slightly higher unit, lower standing)
- Elec 27p/kWh + 50p/day; Gas 6.5p/kWh + 28p/day
- Estimated annual cost
- ~£1,243 (cheaper for this low usage)
Why: for low usage, standing charges matter more, so the “cheapest unit rate” isn’t always the cheapest total bill.
Scenario B: Economy 7 home with storage heating
- Assumed usage
- Electricity 4,200 kWh/yr, with 60% night / 40% day; no gas
- E7 Tariff (two-rate)
- Day 31p/kWh, Night 14p/kWh, Standing 55p/day
- Estimated annual cost
- ~£1,002
- Single-rate alternative
- 26p/kWh, Standing 50p/day
- Estimated annual cost
- ~£1,123 (more expensive for this night-heavy usage)
Why: Economy 7 can be cheaper only if enough usage is off-peak. If your night share is low, a single-rate deal may win.
Important: Standing charges and unit rates vary by region and may change. Always use a personalised quote and confirm rates on the supplier’s tariff information label / tariff details page.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
The cheapest-looking quote can become poor value if it doesn’t fit your situation. Here are the main things that change the true cost.
Exit fees
Many fixed tariffs charge a fee if you leave early. Factor this into any “saving” if you might move or switch again soon.
Standing charges
A low unit rate can be offset by a higher daily charge. This is especially important for low-usage homes and single occupants.
Payment method
Direct Debit may unlock lower pricing. Paying on receipt of bill or prepay can reduce the number of available tariffs.
Meter type mismatch
Switching onto the wrong tariff for your meter can increase costs.
- Economy 7: confirm you’re comparing with other two-rate tariffs and you know your day/night split.
- Smart meters: most tariffs work fine, but some advanced time-of-use products have specific requirements.
- Prepay meters: ensure the quote is for prepayment, not credit meter pricing.
Eligibility & credit checks
Some tariffs are only available if you meet certain conditions.
- Direct Debit required for certain deals.
- Online-only account management or e-billing may be required.
- Credit checks may apply for some suppliers/tariffs.
- Warm Home Discount / vulnerable customer support varies by supplier and eligibility rules.
Common mistake: choosing “cheapest electricity” based on unit rate while ignoring a higher standing charge — or selecting a cheap Economy 7 deal when your usage is mostly daytime.
If you’re in debt to your current supplier: you may still be able to switch, but there can be restrictions (particularly for prepayment). If you’re unsure, check guidance from Citizens Advice and contact your supplier before starting a switch.
FAQs
Is there a single “cheapest” energy supplier in the UK right now?
Not reliably. Prices vary by region, meter type, payment method and usage, and tariffs can open/close. The cheapest result is specific to your postcode and consumption.
Should I compare using monthly cost or annual cost?
Use estimated annual cost for comparisons because it includes standing charges and your expected usage. Monthly Direct Debit amounts can be adjusted by suppliers and may not reflect true cost in the first month.
Do I need my MPAN/MPRN to find the cheapest deal?
Usually no for an initial quote — postcode and meter details can be enough. Having your MPAN (electricity) and MPRN (gas) can help confirm supply points and avoid errors, especially for complex meters or address-matching issues.
Will my energy supply be cut off if I switch?
In normal circumstances, no. Switching is an administrative process. You’ll stay connected to the same pipes and wires; only the billing supplier changes.
Can I switch if I rent (tenant)?
Often, yes — if you pay the bills and have a choice of supplier. If bills are included in rent or the landlord controls the supply, switching may not be possible. Check your tenancy agreement.
Are prepayment (PAYG) deals ever the cheapest?
They can be competitive for some homes, but availability varies by supplier and region, and you may have fewer tariff options than credit meters. Always compare using prepay pricing and your actual usage.
What’s better: dual fuel or separate gas and electricity suppliers?
Dual fuel can be convenient, but it isn’t automatically cheaper. Sometimes the best value is using separate suppliers. The only safe way to decide is comparing total annual cost for both fuels.
What should I check before choosing a fixed tariff?
Check the unit rates, standing charges, term length, exit fees, and what happens at the end of the fix (you usually move to a variable tariff unless you choose another deal).
Trust, methodology and sources
How we assess what’s “cheapest”
On EnergyPlus, “cheapest” refers to the lowest estimated total cost for a home over a year, based on the information provided. We prioritise clarity over hype and encourage you to verify key tariff details before committing.
What we include in comparisons
- Estimated annual cost using unit rates + standing charges
- Tariff type (fixed/variable/tracker/time-of-use)
- Payment method differences (e.g. Direct Debit vs other)
- Meter type compatibility (e.g. Economy 7, prepay)
- Key terms where available (e.g. exit fees, term length)
Assumptions (and why they matter)
- Usage is based on what you enter (or a reasonable estimate if unknown).
- Regional pricing is driven by postcode (GB regions vary).
- Where time-of-use applies, results depend heavily on your day/night split.
- Quoted totals are estimates; bills vary with weather, occupancy and behaviour.
Limitations & caveats
- Tariffs can be withdrawn or repriced quickly.
- Some deals are restricted by supplier criteria (e.g. credit checks, online-only).
- Exit fees and contract terms can change the true value for short stays.
- If your meter details are wrong, the quote ranking can be wrong — we recommend confirming your meter type from a bill or your current supplier.
Sources and further reading (UK)
- Ofgem (Great Britain energy regulator) — guidance on tariffs, switching and consumer protections.
- Citizens Advice: Energy — practical help with switching, billing issues and complaints.
- GOV.UK: Energy — government information on support schemes and energy advice.
Editorial promise: We aim to keep this guide accurate and up to date, and we’ll revise it when market conditions, regulations or common tariff structures change.
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