Cheapest gas and electricity tariff UK this month
Find the cheapest eligible tariffs available for your home right now—based on your postcode, meter type and payment method. We explain what “cheapest” really means (unit rates, standing charges and fees) so you can switch with confidence.
- Whole-of-market comparison for households (not business energy)
- UK-specific: regional pricing, payment method and smart/prepay meters
- Clear methodology, realistic examples and common pitfalls to avoid
Prices and availability vary by region, meter type and eligibility. Results are estimates and may change daily.
Fast answer: what is the cheapest tariff this month?
There isn’t one single “cheapest gas and electricity tariff” for everyone in the UK, because prices depend on your region, meter type (credit, smart, prepayment), payment method (Direct Debit vs pay on receipt) and sometimes eligibility (new customers only, online-only, paperless billing).
Most households: the cheapest option this month is typically the lowest total estimated annual cost across eligible tariffs, not simply the lowest unit rate. Standing charges and exit fees can change the result.
Key takeaways (quick check)
- Compare using your postcode: regional standing charges and unit rates vary across Great Britain.
- Check your meter type: some of the cheapest tariffs aren’t available for prepayment meters.
- Look at the whole bill: unit rates + standing charges + discounts/fees + contract length.
- Fixed vs variable: a fixed deal can protect you from price changes, but may have exit fees.
- Dual fuel isn’t always cheapest: sometimes separate gas and electricity suppliers win on total cost.
If you want the cheapest eligible tariff today: run a quote with your current usage and meter details (takes ~2 minutes).
If you want to understand what you’re seeing: use the table and checklist below to avoid “looks cheap” traps.
Compare tariffs for your home (whole of market)
Tell us a few basics and we’ll show estimated annual costs and key terms. You’ll be able to filter by fixed, variable, no-exit-fee, and whether the tariff supports your meter type.
What you’ll need
- Postcode (pricing is regional)
- Payment method (e.g. Direct Debit)
- Meter type (credit/smart/prepay)
- Usage (kWh) or spend (optional but helps accuracy)
What “cheapest” means here
We rank by estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges), then highlight terms like exit fees, discounts, and any eligibility rules.
Tip: If you don’t know your exact usage, use your last bill or annual statement. If you’re renting, you can still switch in most cases (you just need to be the bill payer).
Fixed, variable and tracker: quick guide
- Fixed tariff
- Unit rates and standing charges are set for the term (often 12–24 months). Can include exit fees. Good if you want bill stability.
- Variable tariff
- Prices can change (often aligned to market movements and/or the Ofgem price cap for standard variable tariffs). Usually no exit fees.
- Tracker tariff
- Rates move regularly against a published formula (for example daily/weekly). Can be cheaper at times, but can rise quickly—best if you’re comfortable with variability.
Get your quote
We’ll use your details to return accurate eligibility and pricing for your area. Your information is used to process your request.
Comparison table: what to check before you choose “cheapest”
Use this to sanity-check deals that look low-cost. The best tariff for you is usually the one with the lowest estimated annual cost once you factor in fees and how you actually pay.
| Check | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rates (p/kWh) | Main driver of cost if you use a lot of energy. | Separate gas and electricity unit rates; whether rates are fixed or can change. |
| Standing charges (p/day) | Affects low users most; paid even if you use zero. | Higher standing charge can cancel out a low unit rate (and varies by region). |
| Payment method | Some tariffs are cheaper on Direct Debit vs pay on receipt. | Make sure the quote matches how you’ll pay (monthly Direct Debit, prepayment, etc.). |
| Meter compatibility | Not all deals support prepayment or specific smart meter setups. | Tariff states it supports your meter type; ask supplier if unsure. |
| Exit fees & term length | Leaving early can cost more than you save. | Exit fee per fuel; contract end date; rules for moving home. |
| Discounts & conditions | Some “cheap” rates assume online-only billing or new-customer status. | Eligibility (new customer, paperless, smart meter); any time-limited discounts. |
Decision checklist: who the “cheapest” tariff suits
- You’re the bill payer and can switch supplier at your address.
- You’re comfortable with the tariff’s term length and any exit fees.
- The tariff is available for your region, meter type and payment method.
- You’ve checked the estimated annual cost using realistic usage (not a guess that’s too low).
When the “cheapest” tariff might not be best
- You may move home soon (exit fees or admin hassle may outweigh savings).
- You’re on a prepayment meter and options are limited—focus on compatibility first.
- You strongly prefer no contract / no exit fees (a slightly higher variable tariff may suit).
- You need predictable monthly payments and the cheapest option is a volatile tracker.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show how a tariff that looks cheap on unit rate can lose once standing charges and terms are included. Numbers are illustrative estimates for learning—your quote will differ by region and tariff availability.
Scenario A: low user in a 1-bed flat (Direct Debit)
Assumptions: Electricity 1,800 kWh/year; Gas 6,000 kWh/year; typical single-rate meter; illustrative standing charges: electricity 60p/day, gas 35p/day.
| Option | Unit rates (elec/gas) | Standing charges | Estimated annual total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deal 1 (low unit, high standing) | 22p / 5.5p | 70p/day + 45p/day | ≈ £1,192 |
| Deal 2 (slightly higher unit, lower standing) | 24p / 6.2p | 55p/day + 32p/day | ≈ £1,096 |
For a low user, standing charges dominate. Deal 2 can win overall even with higher unit rates.
Scenario B: family home, higher use (considering a fixed deal)
Assumptions: Electricity 3,600 kWh/year; Gas 12,000 kWh/year; illustrative standing charges: electricity 60p/day, gas 35p/day. Fixed deal has £100 exit fee (£50 per fuel).
| Option | Type | Estimated annual total | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deal 1 | Variable (no exit fee) | ≈ £1,690 | May change during the year |
| Deal 2 | Fixed 12 months | ≈ £1,640 | £100 exit fee if you leave early |
If you might move or switch again soon, the exit fee could wipe out the difference. If you’ll stay put, fixed can be worth it for stability.
Remember: quotes are personalised. The “cheapest tariff” in one region (or for one meter type) can be unavailable or more expensive elsewhere.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls
Most tariff regrets come from small-print mismatches: the right deal, wrong meter; a great rate that assumes Direct Debit; or exit fees when plans change. Here are the big ones to watch.
1) Standing charges can outweigh unit savings
If you’re a low user (small flat, away often), a tariff with a higher standing charge can cost more overall even if the unit rate is lower.
2) Exit fees (and how they apply)
Fixed tariffs may charge an exit fee per fuel. If you switch only electricity or only gas, you may still pay a fee for that part of the contract.
3) Payment method changes the price
Some tariffs are priced for monthly Direct Debit. If you pay on receipt of bill, prices can be higher. Always compare like-for-like.
4) Prepayment and smart meter eligibility
Some of the lowest-cost tariffs may exclude prepayment meters, or require smart functionality. If you’re prepay, prioritise compatible deals and check top-up/billing arrangements.
5) “New customer” and online-only conditions
A tariff may be available only if you haven’t been with that supplier recently, or only with paperless billing and online account management.
6) Getting usage wrong can mis-rank tariffs
If you underestimate your kWh, you can accidentally favour a tariff with low standing charges but higher unit rates (or vice versa). Use a bill if you can.
If you’re in debt to your current supplier: you may still be able to switch, but there can be restrictions depending on the amount owed and your meter type. If you’re unsure, see guidance from Citizens Advice on energy supply and switching.
FAQs
Is the cheapest tariff always a fixed tariff?
Not always. A variable or tracker tariff can be cheaper at times, but it can rise. A fixed tariff trades potential upside for predictability, and may include exit fees.
Why do tariffs show different prices for different postcodes?
Energy costs include regional network charges. Suppliers set unit rates and standing charges by region, so two households using the same kWh can still see different prices.
Can I switch if I rent?
Usually yes, as long as you’re the person responsible for paying the energy bills. If bills are included in your rent or the landlord is the account holder, you normally can’t switch.
Do I need to contact my current supplier to switch?
In most cases, no. The new supplier arranges the switch. You’ll typically only need to provide meter readings if requested (or it’s done automatically with a smart meter).
Will switching affect my supply?
No—your gas and electricity still come through the same pipes and wires. Switching changes the company billing you, not the physical supply.
What if I’m on a prepayment meter?
You can often still compare and switch, but some tariffs may not be available. Make sure your quote is set to prepay so results reflect compatible plans and any different pricing.
What does the Ofgem price cap mean for the “cheapest tariff”?
The price cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge on default tariffs (like standard variable tariffs) for typical customers. It doesn’t mean your bill is capped, and fixed deals can be priced below (or sometimes above) capped SVTs.
Is dual fuel always cheaper than separate suppliers?
No. Some suppliers price competitively for one fuel but not the other. Comparing total annual cost across both fuels is the simplest way to see whether dual fuel actually saves you money.
How we assess “cheapest” (methodology), trust and sources
Page accountability
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: May 2026
Our ranking approach (plain English)
When we say “cheapest this month”, we mean lowest estimated annual cost among tariffs you’re eligible for, based on the details you enter (postcode, meter type, payment method and usage where available).
Important limitations
- Tariffs can change or be withdrawn quickly.
- Eligibility rules vary by supplier (e.g. new customer, online-only).
- Exact costs depend on your actual kWh usage and future price changes (for variable/tracker).
Methodology details (what we include)
We consider:
- Regional pricing (postcode-linked region)
- Payment method (e.g. Direct Debit vs other)
- Meter type (credit/smart/prepay where supplied by the user)
- Tariff structure (fixed/variable/tracker) and contract length
- Standing charges and unit rates for gas and electricity
- Key fees and rules such as exit fees, paper billing charges, and eligibility requirements where available
Estimated annual cost:
Where you provide kWh usage, we estimate annual cost as:
Estimated annual cost = (Electricity kWh × electricity unit rate) + (Electricity standing charge × 365) + (Gas kWh × gas unit rate) + (Gas standing charge × 365) ± any clearly stated discounts/fees.
For variable or tracker tariffs, the estimate assumes today’s rates continue. Real costs can change if rates change.
UK sources we use (and recommend)
- Ofgem (energy regulator, price cap information and consumer rules)
- Citizens Advice: Energy (switching guidance and consumer support)
- GOV.UK (official government information, including cost of living and household support schemes when available)
Editorial promise: We aim to make comparisons understandable and practical. If you spot something unclear or out of date, use our quote form and add a note in your message to flag it—our editorial team reviews feedback during updates.
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