EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Meet the people behind our whole-of-market home energy comparisons. See how we research, write and review our guides—so you can compare with confidence.
- UK-focused content on tariffs, switching, meters and billing
- Clear methodology and regular updates when rules or market conditions change
- Trust-led comparisons designed around Ofgem guidance and real household needs
Energy prices and availability can change quickly. We show estimates and explain assumptions so you can make an informed decision.
Fast answer: what the Editorial Team does
EnergyPlus’s Editorial Team researches and writes our energy comparison content for UK households—then our Energy Specialist reviews key pages for technical accuracy. We focus on clarity, UK rules (like Ofgem guidance), and practical switching steps so you can compare tariffs without guesswork.
People-first guides
We write for real scenarios: prepay meters, Economy 7, smart meters, renters, and households in debt or on support schemes.
Transparent assumptions
Where we use examples, we label them as estimates and show what could change (unit rates, standing charges, region, payment method).
Update discipline
We refresh pages when market conditions change or when Ofgem/GOV.UK guidance updates—plus scheduled reviews.
Compare energy with confidence (whole-of-market)
If you’d like help comparing home energy deals, our team-designed journey keeps the questions simple—postcode, contact details and a few key details about your home setup. We’ll use this to match you with suitable options and next steps.
Who we are (and what we’re responsible for)
- Editorial Team
- Plans guides, researches Ofgem and supplier terms, writes and edits content, and ensures pages answer common UK household questions clearly.
- Energy Specialist (Reviewer)
- Reviews technical points (meters, billing structures, switching rules) and checks claims are accurate and appropriately caveated.
- Product & UX
- Helps ensure forms are clear, mobile-friendly and privacy-aware—so users can complete comparisons without confusion.
What our editorial pages typically cover
- Fixed vs variable tariffs (and when each can make sense)
- Standing charges and unit rates (what to check)
- Payment types: Direct Debit, cash/cheque, prepayment
- Meter types: smart, traditional credit, Economy 7/10
- Exit fees, contract end dates and switching timing
- Regional differences (distribution area affects charges)
- Support options (e.g., Warm Home Discount eligibility notes)
- How to avoid common switching or billing pitfalls
How our team helps you choose: a simple comparison table
We don’t assume one tariff suits everyone. The table below reflects the questions we design our content around—so you can quickly see what matters for your household.
| Option | Best for | Watch-outs (UK-specific) | What we check in our guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed tariff | Households that want price certainty for a set term. | May include exit fees; rates can be higher than the current price cap level at the time you sign up. | Exit fees, term length, payment method differences, and what happens at end-of-fix. |
| Standard variable | People who want flexibility and no fixed-term commitment. | Prices can change; in Great Britain the price cap applies to default tariffs, but it doesn’t guarantee the cheapest deal for you. | How price cap levels relate to bills, and what “cap” does/doesn’t cover. |
| Economy 7 / time-of-use | Homes that can use more electricity overnight (e.g., storage heaters). | Day rate can be higher; timings vary by region/meter; switching tariffs may require meter compatibility. | Your usage split assumptions (day vs night) and meter type implications. |
| Prepayment (PAYG) | People who prefer pay-as-you-go or who have been placed on prepay. | Switching can be restricted if you owe money; topping up method matters (key/card/app); standing charge still applies. | Debt/arrears considerations, emergency credit, and when to get support before switching. |
Decision checklist (who our comparison suits)
- You have a UK home energy supply (gas, electricity, or both).
- You can share your postcode and contact details for tailored options.
- You want help factoring in standing charges, unit rates and tariff terms.
- You’re not sure which meter type you have (we can help you figure it out).
When it may not be the right next step
- You need business energy (we focus on home energy only).
- You’re in an active dispute or you’ve recently moved and your account isn’t set up yet (get the opening read/bill first).
- You’re on prepay and have significant arrears—you may need a debt solution/support route before switching.
- You only want to compare a single supplier’s in-house deals (we’re whole-of-market, not supplier-owned).
Two realistic examples (estimated)
Scenario A: Dual fuel, Direct Debit, typical usage
Assumptions: Great Britain; dual fuel; Direct Debit; typical annual use of 2,700 kWh electricity and 11,500 kWh gas; illustrative unit rates of 24p/kWh electricity and 6p/kWh gas; standing charges of 50p/day electricity and 30p/day gas.
- Estimated electricity: 2,700 × £0.24 = £648
- Estimated gas: 11,500 × £0.06 = £690
- Estimated standing charges: (0.50 + 0.30) × 365 = £292
- Estimated annual total: £648 + £690 + £292 = £1,630
- Estimated monthly equivalent: £1,630 ÷ 12 ˜ £136
Why we show this: it highlights how standing charges can add up even if you use less energy.
Scenario B: Electricity-only, Economy 7-style split
Assumptions: electricity-only; total annual use 3,600 kWh; 40% night and 60% day; night rate 16p/kWh, day rate 30p/kWh; standing charge 55p/day.
- Estimated night use: 1,440 × £0.16 = £230
- Estimated day use: 2,160 × £0.30 = £648
- Estimated standing charges: 0.55 × 365 = £201
- Estimated annual total: £230 + £648 + £201 = £1,079
- Estimated monthly equivalent: £1,079 ÷ 12 ˜ £90
Why we show this: Economy 7 only tends to work if you can reliably shift usage to the cheaper rate.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK households)
Our editorial team calls these out because they’re the most common reasons people end up on a tariff that doesn’t suit them.
Exit fees & contract end dates
Some fixed tariffs charge an exit fee if you leave early. We encourage checking your current tariff’s end date and any fees before switching.
Standing charges (often overlooked)
A low unit rate doesn’t always mean a lower bill. Standing charges vary by region and payment type and can materially affect low-usage homes.
Meter & tariff compatibility
Economy 7/time-of-use tariffs may need a compatible meter. Smart meters can help, but not every tariff is available for every setup.
Prepayment switching limits
If you owe money to your current supplier, you may not be able to switch immediately. Your options can depend on the debt amount and your meter arrangements.
Direct Debit vs other payment methods
Some tariffs are priced differently depending on how you pay. We signpost where “headline” prices assume Direct Debit and what changes for other methods.
Common editorial exclusions (so it’s clear)
- We don’t provide legal advice, debt advice, or benefits advice (we link to the appropriate UK bodies).
- We don’t promise that switching will reduce your bill—any savings are estimated and depend on your tariff and usage.
- We focus on domestic energy only (not business premises).
FAQs
Is EnergyPlus independent?
Our editorial content is written to help UK households understand options across the market. We avoid recommending a single supplier as “best for everyone” and we explain trade-offs like exit fees and standing charges.
How often do you update your energy guides?
We schedule reviews and also update pages when there’s a material change (for example, regulatory updates, major market changes, or new consumer guidance). We show a “Last updated” date where possible.
Do you cover Northern Ireland?
Energy rules and the price cap differ between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Where relevant, our guides will flag jurisdiction differences and signpost official sources. Availability of comparisons may vary by region.
Can I switch if I’m renting?
Often yes, but it depends on your tenancy and who is responsible for the energy bill. If the account is in your name, you can usually switch supplier. If bills are included in rent, you may not be able to choose the supplier.
Will a smart meter change which tariffs I can get?
It can. Some time-of-use tariffs require smart metering. However, having a smart meter doesn’t automatically mean every tariff is available to you—suppliers may apply eligibility rules based on meter setup and region.
What information do I need to compare accurately?
A recent bill helps (annual kWh usage, tariff name, and whether you pay by Direct Debit or prepay). If you don’t have this, you can still start with postcode and contact details and we’ll help you fill in the gaps.
Why do quotes vary by postcode?
Your region affects network charges and sometimes the standing charge. That’s why we ask for postcode early—it’s essential for showing realistic options and estimated costs.
Do you guarantee savings?
No. We show estimates and explain assumptions, but your bill depends on your actual usage, tariff terms, and future price changes (especially on variable tariffs). Always check the tariff information before you switch.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page accountability
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: February 2026
How we assess and write (our methodology)
When we create or refresh guides, we use a consistent checklist so advice stays practical and UK-specific:
- User intent first: we answer the main question early, then expand with steps and caveats.
- Household variables: region, payment method, meter type, and eligibility constraints.
- Tariff structure: unit rates, standing charges, contract length, exit fees, and what happens at the end of a fix.
- Switching friction: prepay limitations, debt/arrears considerations, move-in/move-out timing, and meter compatibility.
- Plain English checks: we remove jargon and add short examples so it’s easy to act.
Limitations (what can change)
- Tariff availability can change daily and may differ by region and meter type.
- Estimates vary with household usage patterns and weather.
- Supplier terms, discounts and fees can change—always confirm before agreeing to switch.
- Rules and guidance can differ across the UK (e.g., Great Britain vs Northern Ireland).
Sources we use and link to
- Ofgem (regulator guidance, consumer protections and market rules)
- Citizens Advice: Energy (practical consumer help, complaints and switching support)
- GOV.UK (official information on support schemes and eligibility guidance)
Ready to compare home energy options?
Start your quote in minutes. We’ll keep it clear, UK-specific and focused on the details that actually affect your bill.
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