Cheapest electricity tariff for a one person flat (UK)

Find the lowest-cost electricity option for your situation—based on how single-occupier flats really use power (meter type, payment method, and whether you can use cheaper off-peak rates).

  • Clear guidance for tenants and homeowners (including all-electric flats)
  • Works for smart meters, Economy 7, and standard meters
  • Includes two realistic cost scenarios with assumptions and caveats
Get your personalised electricity quote See which tariff type is cheapest

Estimates only. Your cheapest tariff depends on your region, meter type (single-rate/Economy 7/smart), payment method and supplier availability.

Fast answer: what’s usually cheapest for a one person flat?

For most UK single-occupier flats, the cheapest electricity tariff is typically the one with the lowest standing charge and a competitive unit rate—because your overall usage is often modest, so fixed daily costs can make up a bigger share of the bill.

Important: there isn’t one universal “cheapest tariff”. What’s cheapest depends on your region, meter type (single-rate, Economy 7, smart), payment method (direct debit vs prepayment), and whether you can use cheaper off-peak electricity.

If you have a standard (single-rate) meter

Look for a single-rate tariff with a low standing charge and no unnecessary add-ons. Fixed deals can be good for predictability, but always check exit fees.

If you have Economy 7 (or use lots of night electricity)

An Economy 7 tariff can be cheapest if you can shift a meaningful share of use to off-peak (often via storage heaters or timed appliances). If most use is daytime, E7 can cost more.

If you have a smart meter (and flexibility)

A time-of-use tariff (prices vary by time) may be cheapest if you can run appliances in cheaper windows. These tariffs vary a lot—check peak rates carefully.

Key takeaways for single-occupier flats

  • Standing charge matters more when you use less electricity.
  • Direct debit tariffs are often cheaper than pay-on-receipt; prepayment pricing can differ by region and supplier.
  • Don’t choose Economy 7 unless you can use a meaningful share off-peak (commonly 30–40%+, but it varies).
  • Check tariff end date, exit fees, and whether your building’s meter setup limits your options.

Compare electricity tariffs for your flat (whole-of-market)

If you want the cheapest option, the fastest route is to compare using your postcode and a few details about your meter and payment preference. We’ll show estimated costs based on current tariff pricing available for your area.

Tip for single-occupiers: have a recent bill to hand, or your annual kWh if you know it. If you don’t, use our “low/medium/high” estimate and refine later—your quote will be more accurate once usage is confirmed.

What you’ll typically need

Postcode
Used to match the correct regional electricity network charges and tariff availability.
Meter type
Single-rate, Economy 7, smart meter, or prepayment. This can change what “cheapest” looks like.
How you pay
Direct debit vs prepayment vs pay on receipt can affect unit rates and standing charges.

Prefer to browse first? Jump to the tariff comparison table to understand which type usually suits a one person flat.

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Which tariff type is usually cheapest for a one person flat?

Use this table to shortlist the tariff types worth comparing. “Cheapest” here means lowest estimated annual cost for your usage pattern—not the lowest unit rate in isolation.

Tariff type Often cheapest when… Watch-outs for single-occupiers Best for
Single-rate (variable or fixed) You use electricity fairly evenly across the day, and you want simple pricing. A higher standing charge can dominate your bill if usage is low. Most one person flats (especially with gas heating/hot water).
Economy 7 (two-rate) A meaningful share of usage is off-peak (commonly storage heating or scheduled hot water). Day rate can be higher. If your off-peak share is low, total cost can increase. All-electric flats with storage heaters / immersion heater on a timer.
Time-of-use (smart meter) You can reliably run appliances in cheaper windows (e.g., laundry, dishwasher) and avoid peak pricing. Peak periods can be expensive. Not ideal if you’re home evenings and can’t shift use. Flexible schedules, smart appliances, or anyone happy to time-shift.
Prepayment (PAYG) You need tight budget control, or your property already has a PAYG meter you can’t change easily. Deals can differ. Some tariffs may be limited by meter type; standing charges still apply. Tenants with existing PAYG meters or budgeting needs.

Decision checklist (quick shortlist)

This is likely to suit you if…

  • You’re a low-to-medium user and want simplicity (single-rate).
  • Your heating/hot water uses off-peak power (Economy 7).
  • You can shift usage away from peak times (time-of-use).
  • You want to top up and track spend closely (prepayment).

It may not suit you if…

  • You’re rarely home and standing charges dominate (consider comparing standing charges carefully).
  • You have Economy 7 but mostly use electricity in the day (E7 can backfire).
  • You can’t control when you use power (time-of-use peak rates can bite).
  • Your building has a complex meter setup (e.g., restricted meters)—options may be limited.

Before you choose, check…

  • Exit fees and contract length (especially fixed deals).
  • Standing charge vs unit rate trade-off.
  • Payment method pricing (direct debit vs pay-on-receipt vs PAYG).
  • Whether your meter can support the tariff (smart meter/time-of-use rules vary).

Two realistic cost scenarios (with numbers)

These examples show how tariff costs can change for a one person flat. They are illustrative estimates using simplified assumptions, not a promise of pricing in your area.

Assumptions used for both scenarios: electricity-only comparison (no gas), direct debit, VAT included; standing charge and unit rates are example figures to demonstrate the maths. Your region and supplier can differ significantly.

Scenario A: Typical single-rate flat (gas heating)

Profile: 1 person in a 1-bed flat, gas boiler for heating/hot water, electric cooking, laptop/TV, occasional washing machine use.

  • Annual electricity use (estimate): 1,800 kWh
  • Example tariff: single-rate at 26p/kWh
  • Example standing charge: 55p/day

Estimated annual cost

Unit cost: 1,800 × £0.26 = £468
Standing charge: 365 × £0.55 = £200.75
Total: ~£669/year (~£56/month)

Why it matters: for low usage, the standing charge can be a large share of your bill, so comparing standing charges is often as important as unit rates.

Scenario B: All-electric flat with Economy 7-style usage

Profile: 1 person, storage heaters and/or immersion heater timed overnight; more electricity used off-peak.

  • Annual electricity use (estimate): 3,200 kWh
  • Off-peak share (example): 45% off-peak / 55% peak
  • Example E7 rates: 16p/kWh off-peak, 31p/kWh peak
  • Example standing charge: 55p/day

Estimated annual cost

Off-peak: 1,440 × £0.16 = £230.40
Peak: 1,760 × £0.31 = £545.60
Standing charge: 365 × £0.55 = £200.75
Total: ~£977/year (~£81/month)

What to compare: run the same usage through a single-rate tariff too. If your off-peak share drops (for example, you stop charging storage heaters overnight), Economy 7 can become less competitive.

Reality check: If you don’t know your kWh usage, it’s easy to pick the wrong tariff type. A quote using your postcode and meter details is the safest way to compare like-for-like.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (especially for flats)

These are the issues that most often stop a “cheap-looking” tariff being genuinely cheapest for a one person flat.

1) Standing charges can outweigh low usage

If you’re out a lot, or you’re very energy-efficient, the daily standing charge can be a big slice of your annual cost. Always compare total estimated annual cost, not just unit rate.

2) Economy 7 doesn’t work unless you use off-peak

Economy 7 can be good for all-electric flats—but if you mostly cook, wash and heat water at peak times, the higher day rate can make it more expensive overall.

3) Meter and building constraints

Some flats have restricted meters, complex communal arrangements, or legacy setups. If you’re unsure, check your bill or ask your landlord/agent what meter type you have before switching.

4) Fixed tariff exit fees

Some fixed deals have exit fees if you leave before the end date. That can matter if you’re on a short tenancy or planning to move.

5) Payment method differences

Tariffs can differ between direct debit, pay on receipt, and prepayment. If you switch payment method later, your rates may change.

6) “Low unit rate” with high standing charge

This is a common trap for single-occupiers. If usage is low, a higher standing charge can wipe out the benefit of a slightly lower unit rate.

If you rent: you can usually switch supplier if you pay the bills, but check your tenancy agreement and make sure you don’t remove or tamper with any meter equipment. Keep your landlord informed where appropriate.

FAQs

What is a typical electricity usage for one person in a flat?

It varies widely. A single person in a flat with gas heating may be around 1,500–2,200 kWh/year, while an all-electric flat can be higher. The most reliable figure is your annual kWh from a recent bill.

Is it better to be on a fixed or variable electricity tariff?

Fixed tariffs can help budgeting (price stability for a set term). Variable tariffs can be more flexible. The cheapest option depends on current market pricing, your risk tolerance, and whether there are exit fees on fixed deals.

Do I need a smart meter to get the cheapest tariff?

Not always. Many competitive tariffs are available without a smart meter. However, time-of-use tariffs usually require one, and a smart meter can make readings and billing more accurate.

Can I switch electricity supplier as a tenant in a flat?

In many cases, yes—if you are responsible for paying the energy bills. Check your tenancy agreement for any conditions, and keep records of meter readings at move-in and switch date.

I have Economy 7. Should I stay on it?

Only if you can use enough electricity off-peak. If you’ve moved into a flat with storage heaters/immersion heating, it may be worthwhile. If your usage is mostly daytime, compare against a single-rate tariff using the same annual kWh.

Why do prices differ by postcode in the UK?

Electricity network charges vary by region, and suppliers price tariffs accordingly. That’s why a tariff that’s cheap in one area may not be cheapest in another.

Does prepayment always cost more?

Not always, but it can be different from direct debit pricing. Availability and rates depend on the supplier, your meter type, and your region. If you can change payment method, compare both options.

What if I don’t know my kWh usage?

Start with a reasonable estimate (low/medium/high), then update once you have a bill or meter history. The key is to compare tariffs using the same assumed usage, so the ranking stays meaningful.

Trust, methodology and sources

Editorial details

How we assess “cheapest” for a one person flat

We focus on what typically drives cost for single-occupier flats: standing charge sensitivity, meter/tariff compatibility, and ability to use off-peak electricity. When comparing, we prioritise:

  • Total estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges) for the same usage assumptions
  • Eligibility constraints (meter type, smart meter requirements, payment method)
  • Contract terms (exit fees, end dates, what happens after a fix ends)
  • User fit (whether your usage pattern suits single-rate vs Economy 7 vs time-of-use)

Limitations: Tariffs change frequently and vary by region. This guide provides decision support and examples, not a live price promise. Always confirm rates, standing charges and fees in your quote before switching.

UK sources we use and recommend

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Updated on 18 Jun 2026