Cheapest gas and electricity deals this week (UK)
Find the lowest estimated unit rates and standing charges available to you right now, based on your postcode, meter type and payment method. We’ll show what “cheapest” really means and when it’s worth switching.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes (not business energy)
- Clear explanation of fixed vs variable, exit fees, and eligibility
- Two realistic bill scenarios with worked numbers (assumptions shown)
Prices and availability change frequently. “This week” refers to the latest market scan on this page (see Last updated). Estimates depend on region, meter type, and how you pay.
Fast answer: the “cheapest deal” depends on your postcode and meter
In the UK, you can’t reliably name one nationwide cheapest gas and electricity tariff each week because suppliers price by region, meter type (smart, traditional, prepay), and payment method (Direct Debit vs Pay on Receipt). The lowest headline unit rate can still work out more expensive once standing charges, contract terms and your usage are considered.
What to look for this week
- Lowest estimated annual cost for your actual kWh usage
- Standing charges (often the swing factor for low usage)
- Exit fees and whether the rate is fixed
Quick rule of thumb
If you’re on a standard variable tariff (SVT), a competitive fixed deal can be attractive when the estimated annual cost is lower and exit fees are reasonable for your switching horizon.
When not to rush
If you’re in a contract with high exit fees, have complex meters, or are moving home soon, check the numbers carefully before switching.
Important: Any prices you see in marketing or news headlines may not apply to your region or meter. Use a personalised quote to see the cheapest available to you today.
Check the cheapest deals available for your home
Tell us where you are and how to contact you. We’ll compare across the market and show options based on your meter type and payment method. You’ll see estimated annual cost, unit rates, standing charges and key terms.
What “cheapest” means on this page
- Cheapest for you
- The tariff with the lowest estimated annual cost using your region, meter type, payment method and (where possible) your usage.
- Not just lowest unit rate
- Standing charges and tiered structures can make a “cheap per kWh” tariff cost more overall, especially for low usage.
- Availability changes
- Suppliers can pull tariffs, change prices, or limit eligibility with little notice. Always confirm rates at application.
Good to know: You can switch even if you owe money, but your current supplier may object in some cases (especially with prepayment meters). We cover this in the FAQs.
Get a personalised quote
Takes about 60 seconds. We’ll use your postcode to match regional prices.
Compare deal types: what’s usually cheapest for different households
Use this to shortlist before you request a quote. The best choice depends on whether you value price certainty, low standing charges, or flexibility.
| Tariff type | Often cheapest when… | Watch outs | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed (12–24 months) | You want price certainty and the fixed’s estimated annual cost beats your current deal. | Possible exit fees; may not fall if market prices drop. | Most households, especially if budgeting matters. |
| Standard Variable (SVT) | You need flexibility or are between homes/tenancies. | Price can change; not usually the cheapest long term. | Short-term stays, people waiting to switch at the right time. |
| Tracker / indexed | You accept variability and the tracker rule is transparent. | Can rise quickly; check caps, formulas and notice periods. | Confident switchers who can tolerate swings. |
| Prepayment-focused tariff | You have a prepay meter and want competitive prepay pricing. | Eligibility can be tighter; switching can take longer for some setups. | Households that top up and want clearer control. |
Decision checklist (quick)
- Do you have gas + electricity with the same supplier (dual fuel), or separate?
- What’s your payment method (Direct Debit usually prices lower than pay on receipt)?
- What’s your meter type (smart, traditional credit, prepayment; Economy 7)?
- How long will you stay in the property (exit fees matter)?
- Is your priority lowest estimated annual cost or bill certainty?
Who a “cheapest this week” switch is for
- You’re on an SVT and a fixed deal undercuts your current estimated cost.
- You can pay by Direct Debit and your meter is standard or smart.
- You’ve checked the contract length and exit fees suit your timeline.
Who should slow down and double-check
- You’re in a fixed deal with meaningful exit fees.
- You have Economy 7 / multi-rate, a complex meter, or you rely on prepayment.
- You’re in debt to your current supplier or have had supply issues—still possible, but needs care.
Next: Two realistic scenarios below show why the cheapest unit rate isn’t always the cheapest bill.
Two bill scenarios (with numbers)
These examples are illustrative to help you evaluate deals. Actual prices vary by region and supplier. We’re using a simple annual-cost model:
Estimated annual cost = (electricity unit rate × annual electricity kWh) + (gas unit rate × annual gas kWh) + (electricity standing charge × 365) + (gas standing charge × 365)
Scenario A: low-use flat (standing charges dominate)
Assumptions: 1,800 kWh electricity/year, 6,000 kWh gas/year (small flat). Paying by Direct Debit.
| Deal | Unit rates (elec/gas) | Standing charges (elec/gas) | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deal 1 (lower unit rate) | 25p / 6.0p | 60p / 35p | ~£1,224 |
| Deal 2 (higher unit rate, lower standing) | 26p / 6.3p | 45p / 28p | ~£1,156 |
Even with slightly higher unit rates, lower standing charges make Deal 2 cheaper for a low-use home in this example.
Scenario B: family home (unit rates matter more)
Assumptions: 3,800 kWh electricity/year, 12,000 kWh gas/year (typical family home). Paying by Direct Debit.
| Deal | Unit rates (elec/gas) | Standing charges (elec/gas) | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deal 1 (lower unit rate) | 25p / 6.0p | 60p / 35p | ~£1,983 |
| Deal 2 (higher unit rate, lower standing) | 26p / 6.3p | 45p / 28p | ~£2,004 |
For higher usage, unit rates can outweigh standing charge differences—so Deal 1 is cheaper in this example.
Caveat: These scenarios use simple, rounded rates for explanation. Your quote should reflect your region (electricity is regional), meter configuration (single vs multi-rate), and any time-of-use pricing.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
If you’re hunting the cheapest deal this week, these are the details that most often change the outcome.
1) Standing charges can beat “cheap unit rates”
For low-use homes, a slightly higher unit rate with lower standing charges can cost less overall. Always compare estimated annual cost using your usage.
2) Regional pricing (electricity) changes the “cheapest”
Electricity distribution regions have different charges, which flow through into standing charges and unit rates. A tariff can be competitive in one region and average in another.
3) Payment method affects price
Direct Debit deals are often cheaper than paying on receipt. If you need non-Direct Debit billing, filter quotes accordingly to avoid surprises.
4) Exit fees and contract length
A “cheapest” fixed tariff can still be poor value if you leave early and pay exit fees. Check the fee per fuel and whether it applies during any cooling-off period.
5) Meter type exclusions (prepay, Economy 7, complex meters)
Some tariffs don’t support certain meters or require a smart meter. Economy 7 and other multi-rate setups need the right tariff structure to avoid higher bills.
6) Cashback, vouchers and “intro” deals
One-off incentives can help, but the ongoing rate matters more for long contracts. Treat incentives as a bonus, not the main decision factor.
Practical tip: Have a recent bill handy. If you can’t find annual usage, look for your electricity (kWh) and gas (kWh) over 12 months, or your monthly kWh and multiply by 12 (seasonality can make this less accurate).
FAQs: cheapest energy deals (UK)
Are dual fuel deals always cheaper?
Not always. A dual fuel discount can help, but you can sometimes get a lower total cost by splitting gas and electricity across suppliers—especially if one fuel has a particularly competitive tariff for your region and meter type.
Can I switch if I’m renting?
Usually, yes—if you’re the person responsible for paying the energy bills. If energy is included in rent, or the landlord manages the account, you may not be able to switch. Always check your tenancy agreement.
How long does a switch take in the UK?
Many switches complete in around 5 working days, but timings vary, especially for prepayment meters, complex meter setups, or if there are data mismatches. You should not lose supply during a normal switch.
Will switching affect my smart meter?
Often your smart meter will continue to work, but smart features can vary by supplier and meter type. Some tariffs also require a compatible smart meter (or an upgrade) for certain features like time-of-use pricing.
Can I switch if I owe money to my current supplier?
Sometimes. With credit meters, you can often switch and the debt remains with the old supplier (you still need to repay it). With prepayment meters, debt can prevent switching in certain circumstances. If you’re unsure, we can help you check options.
What if I’m on Economy 7 (or another multi-rate tariff)?
Compare using the right structure (day/night rates) and your approximate split between them. A single-rate tariff can be cheaper if most usage is in the daytime—however it can also increase costs if you rely on off-peak electricity for heating or hot water.
Is there a “best day” of the week to switch?
Not reliably. Prices move as suppliers adjust and add/remove tariffs. The most important factor is whether a tariff is competitive for your region and usage when you check—plus whether the contract terms work for you.
What should I check before committing to the cheapest deal?
Confirm: unit rates, standing charges, contract length, exit fees, payment method, whether prices are fixed, and any eligibility requirements (meter type, smart meter requirements, online-only billing). If you’re close to moving, factor that in too.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page ownership
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: May 2026
We update guidance when UK market rules, Ofgem guidance, or supplier availability changes, and we refresh examples to keep them realistic.
How we assess “cheapest deals this week”
When we refer to “cheapest”, we mean lowest estimated annual cost for a given set of user inputs, not a single nationwide tariff. Our comparison approach is designed to reflect how energy is billed in the UK:
- Inputs that matter: postcode/region (electricity), meter type (credit, smart, prepay, multi-rate), payment method, and estimated annual usage (kWh).
- Cost calculation: unit rates × kWh usage + standing charges × days, shown per fuel and combined for dual fuel where applicable.
- Terms review: contract length, whether prices are fixed or variable, exit fees, and eligibility notes (e.g., smart meter requirements).
- User-first ranking: we prioritise tariffs that are available to you and clearly present full costs and key terms, rather than focusing only on headline rates.
Limitations: Supplier prices can change daily and some tariffs have restricted availability. Time-of-use tariffs and multi-rate meters require usage splits that may not be known precisely. Always confirm rates during the application process.
Independent sources we use
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — rules, price cap context and consumer protections.
- Citizens Advice: energy — switching rights, complaints and practical support.
- GOV.UK: energy bills guidance — official information on help available and consumer guidance.
Editorial standards (what we won’t do)
- We don’t promise specific savings—results depend on usage and eligibility.
- We don’t present a single “UK-wide cheapest” tariff without postcode context.
- We clearly label examples as estimates and show assumptions.
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