Energy Tariff Calculator (UK) — Compare Home Deals
Use our whole-of-market energy tariff calculator to estimate your annual costs and compare electricity and gas tariffs for your home. Enter a few details to see options that fit your usage and payment preferences.
- Compare fixed, variable and tracker tariffs in one place
- Works with kWh usage or simple “£/month” estimates
- Personalised results by postcode, meter type and payment method
- Fast form — get your comparison started in minutes
Home energy only. Estimates are based on the information you provide and may differ from your final bill. Availability varies by region, meter and supplier.
Calculate your home energy tariff — then compare
An energy tariff calculator helps you estimate what you might pay on different tariffs by factoring in your home’s likely usage and your local unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day). With EnergyPlus, you can start your comparison by telling us the basics — we’ll use your details to match you with tariffs available in your area.
If you know your annual usage from a bill (in kWh), that’s ideal. If not, you can still begin with a good estimate and refine later. Either way, the goal is the same: find a tariff that fits your household and avoids nasty surprises.
Tip: Have a recent bill handy. Look for “Electricity usage (kWh)” and “Gas usage (kWh)” and your current payment method (Direct Debit, prepayment or pay on receipt).
What you’ll get after submitting
- A clear view of tariff styles available for your meter and region
- Help comparing fixed vs variable vs tracker based on your preference
- Guidance on what information to check before switching (exit fees, contract length, payment type)
Start your tariff comparison
Fill in the form and we’ll use your details to run your comparison.
Prefer to estimate first?
Scroll to typical usage examples and come back to the form when you’re ready.
Why use EnergyPlus for an energy tariff calculation?
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare a broad range of UK home energy tariffs so you can see options beyond a single supplier’s deals.
Built around how you actually pay
Direct Debit, prepayment meter, or pay on receipt — payment type affects available tariffs and rates.
Clear, decision-ready info
We help you understand unit rates, standing charges, contract length and exit fees — the details that change your true cost.
Works with limited bill info
If you don’t know your exact kWh, you can start with typical usage and refine once you find your latest bill.
UK meter types considered
Smart meters, credit meters, and prepayment meters can have different tariff availability and switching steps.
Support throughout
Not sure what tariff suits you? Submit the form and we’ll guide you to options aligned to your preferences.
How an energy tariff calculator works
Every UK energy bill is mainly driven by two numbers: the unit rate (the price for each kWh you use) and the standing charge (a daily charge for being connected). An energy tariff calculator estimates your annual cost by combining those with your estimated usage.
- You provide your key details (postcode, contact details, and any usage info you have).
- We match tariffs available in your area (availability varies by region, meter and payment type).
- We estimate cost based on usage and explain where the biggest differences come from (unit rate vs standing charge).
- You choose a direction: fixed for budget certainty, variable for flexibility, or tracker for market-linked pricing.
The simple cost formula (per fuel)
Estimated annual cost ˜ (Annual usage in kWh × Unit rate) + (Standing charge × 365)
Your true cost can vary with seasonal usage, tariff changes (for variable/tracker), and any discounts or fees. Use the calculator as a practical guide to compare like-for-like.
What you need for the best estimate
- Annual kWh for electricity and/or gas (from your bill)
- Current payment method (Direct Debit, prepayment, pay on receipt)
- Meter type (smart, credit, prepayment; Economy 7 if relevant)
- Any exit fees if you’re in a fixed deal
UK tariff types explained (and when they can make sense)
Different tariffs behave differently over time. The “best” option depends on how you feel about price changes, how long you plan to stay in your home, and whether you’re happy with contract terms.
Quick check: If you’re on a fixed tariff, review your contract end date and any exit fee before switching. If you’re not sure, submit the form and we’ll help you confirm.
Typical usage examples (to help you estimate)
If you don’t know your annual kWh yet, use the examples below as a starting point. These are broad guidelines for UK homes — your actual usage can differ depending on insulation, heating type, occupants and lifestyle.
Electricity-only homes
- Low: small flat, 1–2 occupants
- Medium: average flat/house, 2–3 occupants
- High: larger home, 4+ occupants, more appliances
If you also heat with electricity (e.g., storage heaters), your electricity use can be much higher and a time-of-use tariff may matter.
Gas + electricity homes
- Electricity varies with occupancy and appliances
- Gas is driven by heating and hot water demand
- Seasonality: gas use usually peaks in colder months
For best accuracy, use a full year of bills (or your annualised kWh figures) to capture winter heating.
Want the most accurate comparison? Enter your postcode now and add your kWh later. Start here: tariff calculator form.
Common mistakes when comparing energy tariffs
Focusing only on “£/month”
Monthly estimates can be misleading. Always compare using the underlying unit rate and standing charge and consider your annual usage.
Ignoring meter and payment type
A tariff might look great but not be available for your meter (e.g., prepayment) or your chosen payment method.
Missing contract details
Fixed deals may have exit fees and specific end dates. Make sure switching won’t cost more than it saves.
Do energy prices vary by postcode in the UK?
They can. While national factors influence pricing, your regional electricity network area can affect standing charges and unit rates. That’s why a postcode is essential for a meaningful comparison.
What postcode helps us account for
- Local distribution region differences
- Tariff availability for your area
- Meter and payment options more likely in your location
If you’ve recently moved
Start by comparing using your new postcode. If you don’t yet know your annual usage at the new property, your last 12 months from the previous home can still help build an estimate — then adjust once you have a new bill.
Energy tariff calculator FAQs
What information do I need to compare energy tariffs?
At minimum: your postcode and contact details to start the comparison. For the best estimate, add your annual electricity and gas usage in kWh from a recent bill, plus your payment method and meter type.
Can I use the calculator if I’m on a prepayment meter?
Yes. Prepayment tariffs can differ from Direct Debit deals, and availability varies. Submitting your details helps us identify what’s realistic for your meter and options if you want to change payment type.
What’s more important: unit rate or standing charge?
Both. If you use little energy, a lower standing charge can matter more. If you use a lot, the unit rate often has the bigger impact. The calculator approach helps you weigh both against your usage.
How long does switching take?
It varies by supplier and your circumstances, but many switches complete within a few weeks. If you’re in a fixed deal, check your end date and any exit fees before switching.
Will my supply be interrupted if I switch?
No — your energy supply continues. Only the billing and tariff change. You’ll normally provide meter readings at the start/end to ensure accurate final bills.
Is this page for business energy?
No. This tariff calculator is for UK home energy comparisons only.
Trusted help for comparing home energy tariffs
“The comparison was straightforward and the explanation of unit rate vs standing charge made it much easier to choose.”
“I didn’t have my kWh figures at first, but I could still start the process and finish it when I found my bill.”
“Clear options and no confusing jargon. Helpful for understanding fixed vs variable.”
What we focus on: tariff fit for your home, transparent cost drivers, and practical switching considerations — not hype.
Ready to calculate and compare your energy tariff?
Start with your postcode and a few details. We’ll help you compare UK home energy tariffs available for your meter and payment type.
EnergyPlus.co.uk provides a comparison service for UK households. Terms and availability apply.
Before you submit
- Check your current tariff end date if fixed
- Have a recent bill ready (optional but helpful)
- Make sure the postcode matches your supply address
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