How do I compare electricity prices on Energy Plus?

To compare electricity prices, enter your postcode and a few details about your usage (for example, estimated annual kWh or your current tariff). We’ll show available electricity deals you can switch to, so you can compare unit rates, standing charges and estimated yearly cost side by side.

What information do I need to compare electricity tariffs?

You’ll typically need your postcode and either your annual electricity usage (kWh) or details from a recent bill (your current supplier/tariff, unit rate and standing charge). If you don’t have a bill, you can still compare using an estimate.

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

The unit rate is the price you pay for each kWh of electricity you use. The standing charge is a daily fixed cost that covers things like maintaining the network and metering. When comparing tariffs, check both because either can significantly affect your total bill.

Can I switch electricity supplier if I’m in a contract?

You can usually switch at any time, but fixed-term tariffs may include exit fees if you leave early. If you’re near the end of your contract (often within 49 days of the end date), exit fees may not apply. Check your current tariff terms before switching.

How long does an electricity switch take, and will my supply be interrupted?

A switch typically completes within a few working days (timelines can vary). Your electricity supply won’t be interrupted—your power continues as normal while the administrative switch happens in the background.

Is comparing electricity deals with Energy Plus free?

Yes, using the Energy Plus electricity comparison service is free for customers. You can compare tariffs and start a switch without paying a comparison fee.

Will my credit balance and direct debit move when I switch?

Your old supplier will issue a final bill using your closing meter reading. Any credit balance is typically refunded (or any outstanding balance collected) according to their normal billing process. Your new supplier will set up a new payment arrangement.

Do I need to submit a meter reading when switching?

You may be asked for a meter reading at the start and end of the switch so your old supplier can produce an accurate final bill and your new supplier can open your account correctly. If you have a smart meter, readings may be collected automatically.

Can I compare and switch to a green or renewable electricity tariff?

Yes. When comparing electricity deals, you can look for tariffs marketed as renewable or green. Always review the tariff details to understand how the supplier matches renewable generation to your usage (for example, via Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin).

What if I have a prepayment meter—can I still switch?

In many cases, yes—prepayment customers can compare and switch, but available tariffs may differ from credit-meter deals. If you have debt on the meter, this can affect your options. Compare results based on your meter type for the most accurate choices.

Compare Electricity Tariffs UK 2026 — Find the Cheapest Electricity Deal for Your Home

Whether you have gas too or your home runs on electricity only, the cheapest electricity tariff depends on your postcode, meter type and usage. Compare electricity deals across the whole UK market — standard, Economy 7, smart and EV tariffs.

See electricity unit rates and standing charges from all UK suppliers
Compare standard, Economy 7, time-of-use and EV tariffs
Works for electricity-only homes and all-electric heating
Whole-of-market comparison based on your postcode and meter type

Compare electricity tariffs Electricity tariff types

UK residential electricity only. No obligation to switch.

Compare electricity deals for your home

The cheapest electricity deal for your home depends on your distribution region — unit rates and standing charges differ across the 14 UK electricity distribution areas. Enter your postcode and we'll compare electricity tariffs based on the rates actually available to you.

Your meter type also affects which deals you can get. Standard, Economy 7, smart and prepayment meters each have a different set of available tariffs. If you're not sure what meter you have, let us know when we contact you and we'll help confirm.

Comparing electricity only vs dual fuel

If you have gas at home, you can compare electricity-only tariffs separately from your gas deal — using a different supplier for each fuel is sometimes the cheapest combination. If you'd prefer one supplier for both, compare dual fuel deals here.

Get your electricity comparison

Enter your postcode. If you know your annual electricity usage in kWh (from your bill), that will make the comparison more accurate.

Current UK electricity unit rates — April 2026

The Ofgem price cap sets the maximum unit rate electricity suppliers can charge on a standard variable tariff. Fixed deals may be above or below this level. The rates below are typical for England (South East region, direct debit) — your actual rates depend on your distribution area.

Meter type	Unit rate (cap max)	Standing charge (cap max)	Typical annual electricity cost
Standard (single rate)	~24.50p/kWh	~61p/day	~£934 (2,900 kWh)
Economy 7 (day rate)	~28–32p/kWh	~61p/day	Depends on day/night split
Economy 7 (night rate)	~12–15p/kWh	~61p/day	Cheaper if >40% used at night

Why your rate differs: UK electricity prices are split into 14 distribution regions. Northern Scotland, for example, has different rates to the South East. Suppliers also set their own rates up to the Ofgem cap maximum — so two suppliers in the same region can charge different unit rates on a variable tariff.

UK electricity tariff types — which is right for your home?

Electricity tariffs aren't one-size-fits-all. The cheapest type depends on when you use electricity, your meter, and whether you have an EV, heat pump or solar panels. Here's how the main types compare.

Tariff type	How it works	Best for	Requires
Standard (single rate)	One unit rate applies 24/7, fixed or variable	Most households using electricity throughout the day	Any meter
Economy 7	Cheaper night rate (7 hours) + higher day rate	Homes with storage heaters, immersion water heaters	Economy 7 or smart meter
Time-of-use (smart)	Rates vary by half-hour — cheap overnight, peak at demand times	EV owners; households who shift usage to off-peak	Smart meter (SMETS2 recommended)
EV tariff	Very cheap overnight rate (often 7–12p/kWh) for EV charging	Electric vehicle owners charging at home overnight	Smart meter; usually a home EV charger
Prepayment	Pay-as-you-go via key, card or smart meter	Budget control; required by some households or landlords	Key, card or smart prepayment meter

Not sure which meter you have? A smart meter will usually have a digital display showing kWh used and possibly the time. Economy 7 meters typically show two registers labelled "Low" and "Normal" or "Rate 1" and "Rate 2".

Electricity-only homes — what you need to know about comparing

Homes without a gas connection — including many flats, new-builds heated by heat pumps, and all-electric properties — compare electricity tariffs only. If this is you, there's no gas element to the comparison and the focus is purely on finding the cheapest electricity unit rate and standing charge for your region and meter type.

Who typically has electricity-only supply

Flats and apartments (especially high-rise) without gas connections
New-build homes designed around air source or ground source heat pumps
All-electric homes with electric heating, water heating and cooking
Properties in areas where mains gas is not available
Homes that have had their gas supply disconnected

Electricity tariffs for heat pump owners

Heat pumps use significantly more electricity than standard appliances — typically 2,000–5,000+ kWh per year for heating alone. This makes the electricity unit rate particularly important for heat pump households.

Some suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs that work well with heat pump scheduling — allowing lower-cost overnight heating of a hot water cylinder, for example. Mention your heat pump when we contact you so we can flag relevant options.

Higher electricity usage means unit rate matters more

For a typical household, a 1p/kWh difference in electricity unit rate is worth around £29/year at 2,900 kWh usage. For all-electric homes using 6,000–8,000 kWh/year, the same 1p difference is worth £60–£80/year — making the comparison more valuable the more electricity you use.

Economy 7 electricity — is it still worth it in 2026?

Economy 7 gives you a cheap night-time electricity rate (usually 7 hours) in exchange for a higher daytime rate. Whether it saves money depends on how much of your electricity you can shift to the off-peak window — and whether the day/night rate spread in your region justifies it.

Economy 7 works well if you…

Have storage heaters that charge overnight
Heat your hot water with an immersion heater on a timer
Charge an EV overnight (though dedicated EV tariffs may be better)
Can run your washing machine and dishwasher overnight
Use at least 40% of your electricity in the off-peak window

Economy 7 is less suitable if you…

Use most electricity during the day with limited overnight demand
Don't have storage heaters or a timed immersion heater
Work from home and have high daytime electricity use
Could get a cheaper flat-rate deal from a single-rate tariff comparison

If you're currently on Economy 7 and unsure whether it's still saving you money, include your meter type in the comparison form and we'll check whether a single-rate tariff would give a lower annual cost based on your usage.

Electricity comparison — frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest electricity deals available in the UK right now?

The cheapest electricity deal available to you depends on your distribution region, meter type and payment method. Nationally, some fixed deals currently undercut the Ofgem variable rate on unit cost. However, the "cheapest" deal when you factor in standing charges varies significantly by region. Use the comparison form above to see what's actually cheapest at your postcode — a national list won't reflect your regional rates.

Can I compare electricity without switching gas?

Yes. You can compare and switch electricity supplier independently of your gas supplier. Your gas supply is unaffected. This is useful if you want to find the cheapest electricity deal separately, or if you're happy with your current gas supplier but think your electricity rate could be cheaper. When submitting the form, select "electricity only" to focus the comparison on electricity tariffs.

Is Economy 7 electricity cheaper than a standard tariff?

Economy 7 can be cheaper than a standard tariff if you use at least 40% of your electricity in the off-peak overnight window. If most of your usage is during the day, the higher daytime rate on Economy 7 will typically make your bill more expensive than a single-rate tariff. If you're unsure, submit the comparison form with your meter type and we can help assess whether switching meter type would save money.

Do I need a smart meter to get the best electricity deals?

No — many competitive electricity tariffs (including fixed deals) are available without a smart meter. However, smart meters unlock access to time-of-use tariffs (including EV tariffs and agile pricing) and make it easier for suppliers to bill accurately without estimated meter readings. If you don't currently have a smart meter, you can request one from your existing supplier — it's free and doesn't commit you to any tariff change.

How do electricity unit rates vary across the UK?

UK electricity is distributed across 14 regional networks, each with different cost structures that feed into the unit rates suppliers charge. In broad terms, South West and rural Scotland regions often have higher unit rates than South East England or the Midlands — though the exact differences vary by supplier and whether you're on a variable or fixed tariff. This is why it's essential to compare electricity prices by postcode rather than using a national average.

Ready to find a cheaper electricity deal?

Start with the comparison form above. Let us know your meter type, any special requirements (EV, heat pump, storage heaters) and whether you want electricity only or a dual fuel comparison.

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Updated on 12 Apr 2026