Cheapest green electricity tariff UK: switch now (without guesswork)
Find an estimated low-cost renewable electricity tariff that fits your home, meter and payment type. Compare whole-of-market options and switch with confidence.
- See what “green electricity” really means in the UK (REGOs, 100% renewable claims, and limits)
- Compare tariffs by how you pay, your meter type and your region (not just headline unit rates)
- Switch in minutes — we’ll highlight exit fees, fixed terms and important caveats
Estimates only. Prices vary by region, meter type, usage, and payment method. “Green” claims may be backed by renewable certificates (REGOs).
Fast answer: what’s the cheapest green electricity tariff in the UK?
There isn’t one single “cheapest green tariff” for everyone. The lowest estimated cost depends on your region, how you pay (Direct Debit vs prepayment), meter type (standard vs smart vs Economy 7), usage, and whether you prefer fixed or variable pricing.
Key point: Many UK “100% renewable electricity” tariffs are backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). That can be legitimate, but it’s not the same as your home being physically powered only by renewable generation at all times.
If you want the cheapest green option
- Compare estimated annual cost (not just unit rate)
- Check standing charge carefully
- Look for no/low exit fees if you may move soon
- Confirm eligibility for your meter (especially Economy 7)
If you want “greener than REGO-backed”
- Prefer suppliers that buy power directly from UK renewable generators (often called “sleeved” or “PPA-backed”)
- Consider tariffs that include additional investment in renewables
- Check the supplier’s fuel mix disclosure and environmental statements
Use the quote form below to see options matched to your home. We’ll surface the likely low-cost green choices and highlight key trade-offs (fixed length, exit fees, payment type).
Compare green electricity tariffs for your home
Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to available UK home tariffs. You’ll see estimated costs based on your inputs — and you can choose whether you want green electricity only or green + gas where available.
Tip: Have your latest bill handy. If you know your annual kWh use, your results will be more accurate.
How to choose the cheapest green option (what to check)
- 1) Estimated annual cost
- The best comparison is the estimated yearly cost using your usage, because a low unit rate can be offset by a high standing charge.
- 2) Standing charge vs unit rate
- Low users may prefer a lower standing charge; higher users often benefit more from a lower unit rate. Always compare both.
- 3) Meter and tariff type
- Economy 7 / multi-rate meters need the right tariff. Smart meters can unlock time-of-use tariffs, but they’re not always cheapest for every routine.
- 4) Exit fees and fixed term
- A fixed tariff can bring price certainty but may include an exit fee if you leave early. If you expect to move, look for lower fees or flexible terms.
- 5) What “green electricity” means
- Most “100% renewable” claims are supported by REGOs. If you want extra reassurance, look for suppliers that publish clear reporting on renewable sourcing and investment.
Get your quote
We’ll use this to find matching green tariffs and contact you with your results.
Switching is usually straightforward: your new supplier contacts your current supplier, and your energy supply stays on. You typically get a 14-day cooling-off period for distance sales (terms apply).
Green tariff comparison: what you’re really choosing
Use this table to decide what “cheapest” should mean for your household. For many homes, the best value is the lowest estimated annual cost that also fits how you use electricity and how long you plan to stay.
| Option type | Often cheapest when… | Watch outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green fixed tariff | You want price certainty for 12–24 months and can pass credit checks / set up Direct Debit. | Exit fees, moving home rules, and unit rates may be higher than some variable deals at times. | Households staying put; budgeting. |
| Green variable tariff | You want flexibility (often no exit fees) and are comfortable with prices changing. | Prices can rise; budget uncertainty. Confirm if it’s capped by the Ofgem price cap (eligibility varies). | Renters; people likely to move; cautious switchers. |
| Green Economy 7 / multi-rate | A significant share of your usage is off-peak (e.g., storage heating or charging overnight). | If you use most electricity daytime, it can cost more. Off-peak hours vary by region/meter setup. | Storage heater homes; some EV drivers. |
| Smart / time-of-use green tariff | You can shift usage to cheaper slots (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging). | Not always cheapest overall. Peak rates can be high; needs a working smart meter and compatible setup. | Flexible routines; tech-comfortable households. |
| Green prepayment tariff | You prefer pay-as-you-go control or need prepayment (legacy meter or smart PAYG mode). | Fewer deals. Ensure you compare like-for-like (standing charge can still apply). | PAYG customers; tighter budgeting. |
Quick decision checklist
- Do you have a smart meter? (If yes, you may have more time-of-use options.)
- Any exit fee now? Check your current tariff end date and fees.
- Economy 7? Confirm your off-peak times and usage split.
- Direct Debit or prepay? Cheapest deals often assume Direct Debit.
- Move soon? Prefer no/low exit fees and shorter terms.
Who a “cheapest green” switch suits (and who it doesn’t)
Usually suits: households who can pay by Direct Debit, can pass a credit check, and want a simple 100% renewable electricity claim backed by REGOs.
May not suit: households with high daytime use on time-of-use tariffs, people likely to move very soon (if the deal has exit fees), or anyone seeking a specific style of renewable sourcing beyond REGO matching.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These are illustrative estimates to show how “cheapest” can change. Actual quotes depend on supplier availability, your region, meter, and current market rates.
Scenario A: flat, low-to-medium user on single-rate
- Home: 2-bed flat, single-rate meter, Direct Debit
- Annual electricity use (assumed): 2,400 kWh
- Tariff 1 (lower unit, higher standing): 24p/kWh + 60p/day
- Tariff 2 (higher unit, lower standing): 27p/kWh + 45p/day
Estimated annual cost:
Tariff 1 ≈ (2,400 × £0.24) + (365 × £0.60) = £576 + £219 = £795/year
Tariff 2 ≈ (2,400 × £0.27) + (365 × £0.45) = £648 + £164 = £812/year
In this example, the lower unit rate wins even with a higher standing charge — but the gap is small, and a lower-usage home could see the opposite result.
Scenario B: Economy 7 home with storage heating
- Home: 3-bed house, Economy 7, Direct Debit
- Annual electricity use (assumed): 6,000 kWh
- Off-peak share (assumed): 60% off-peak / 40% peak
- Economy 7 tariff: 16p/kWh off-peak, 33p/kWh peak + 55p/day
- Single-rate green tariff: 27p/kWh + 50p/day
Estimated annual cost:
Economy 7 energy ≈ (3,600 × £0.16) + (2,400 × £0.33) = £576 + £792 = £1,368
Add standing charge ≈ 365 × £0.55 = £201
Total Economy 7 ≈ £1,569/year
Single-rate ≈ (6,000 × £0.27) + (365 × £0.50) = £1,620 + £183 = £1,803/year
With a high off-peak share, Economy 7 can be cheaper. If your off-peak share is low, the Economy 7 peak rate may make it worse value.
Reminder: The UK electricity grid is shared. “100% renewable electricity” tariffs typically mean the supplier matches your annual consumption with renewable certificates (REGOs), not that renewable electrons are exclusively delivered to your home.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
These are the issues that most often stop a “cheap” green tariff being genuinely good value once you’re on it.
Standing charges can dominate low usage
If you use less electricity (e.g., a small flat), the standing charge can be a large part of the bill. Comparing only p/kWh can mislead.
Direct Debit vs prepayment pricing
Some of the lowest tariffs assume Direct Debit and credit checks. If you’re on prepayment, available “green” options may be fewer.
Economy 7 and time-of-use can backfire
If you can’t shift usage to off-peak, you may pay more. Confirm your off-peak hours and your real usage pattern before switching.
Exit fees and moving home
Fixed green tariffs may charge an exit fee per fuel. If you might move, check whether you can transfer the tariff to a new address or leave without penalties.
“100% renewable” doesn’t always mean “additional”
Some tariffs are primarily certificate-backed. If your priority is additional renewable investment, check for transparent reporting, PPAs, and supplier disclosures.
Regional price differences
Unit rates and standing charges vary by region (and sometimes by meter type). Always compare using your postcode for an accurate estimate.
If you’re in debt or vulnerable: switching may be restricted in some situations (for example, certain debt arrangements). Citizens Advice can help you understand your options before you switch.
FAQs
Is green electricity more expensive in the UK?
Not always. Some green tariffs can be competitively priced, especially when suppliers use certificate matching (REGOs). The cheapest option for you depends on standing charge, unit rate, payment method and region.
What does “100% renewable electricity” mean on UK tariffs?
In many cases it means your supplier matches your annual electricity supply with renewable certificates (REGOs). It’s a recognised mechanism, but it doesn’t mean the power physically delivered to your home is always from renewables at the moment you use it.
Can I switch to a green tariff if I have a prepayment meter?
Often yes, but your choice may be more limited. Some suppliers offer green tariffs for prepayment, including smart PAYG setups. Compare like-for-like and check any requirements to change meter mode.
Will my supply go off when I switch?
Normally no. Switching suppliers doesn’t involve physical work at your property in most cases, and your electricity supply should remain on. Your new supplier manages the switch and start date.
How long does switching take in the UK?
Timescales vary by supplier and circumstances. Some switches can complete quickly, but allow extra time if there’s a meter issue, address mismatch, or if you’re moving home.
Do I need a smart meter to get a cheap green tariff?
No. Many green tariffs are standard single-rate plans. A smart meter can open up time-of-use options, but they’re only cheaper if you can shift usage to cheaper periods.
What if I’m renting — can I still switch?
Usually yes, if you pay the energy bills and your name is on the account. If bills are included in rent or the landlord controls the account, you may not be able to switch.
Could I pay an exit fee to leave my current tariff?
Possibly. Fixed tariffs commonly include exit fees (often per fuel). Before switching, check your current contract end date and whether an exit fee applies. Any saving should be weighed against the fee.
Trust, transparency and how we assess “cheapest green”
Page ownership
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: May 2026
Our methodology (what “cheapest” means on this page)
We treat “cheapest” as the lowest estimated annual cost for a user’s circumstances, not the lowest headline unit rate. When we compare options, we focus on:
- Estimated annual cost (unit rate × usage + standing charge × days)
- Tariff structure (single-rate, Economy 7, time-of-use)
- Payment method (Direct Debit, cash/cheque, prepayment)
- Contract terms (fixed/variable, exit fees, length)
- Eligibility constraints (meter type, credit checks, smart meter requirements)
- Green electricity claim type (typically REGO-backed; where disclosed, we note clearer sourcing approaches)
Limitations: Tariffs and prices can change quickly. Not every supplier is available in every region or for every meter type. “Green” labelling varies and may rely on certificates (REGOs). Always read the supplier’s tariff information label and terms before you agree to switch.
Sources and further reading
Ready to switch to a cheaper green electricity tariff?
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