Home energy guides & FAQs (UK) — bills, tariffs & switching

Straight answers for UK households. Use our whole-of-market comparison service to find a suitable gas and electricity deal, understand your bill, and switch with confidence.

  • Clear explanations of tariffs, standing charges, unit rates, and the Ofgem price cap
  • Step-by-step switching help, including what happens if you rent or move home
  • Practical tips to reduce usage without sacrificing comfort
  • Quick form to compare home energy deals across the market
Compare home energy deals Jump to FAQs

For domestic (home) energy only. Switching availability depends on your address, meter type, and supplier acceptance.

Compare home energy deals with real UK guidance

If you’re unsure whether to switch, start here. EnergyPlus helps you compare gas and electricity tariffs across the market and understand the details that impact what you actually pay — including unit rates, standing charges, contract length, and exit fees.

Complete the form to request a comparison for your household. If you have a recent bill to hand, your results can be more accurate — but you can still begin without it.

Tip: Your postcode helps identify your local electricity distribution region, which affects pricing. If you know your annual usage (kWh) it can improve estimates, but it’s not essential to start.

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Learn tariff types

By submitting, you’re asking EnergyPlus to contact you about home energy comparisons. We’ll use your details to progress your enquiry. Please ensure your postcode is correct for accurate regional pricing.

Prefer to read first? Use the jump links above to check switching rules, meters, and common pitfalls — then return here to compare.

What you’ll typically need (optional but helpful)

  • Your current supplier name (if known)
  • Whether you have gas, electricity, or both
  • Your meter type (smart, prepayment, economy 7, standard)
  • Recent usage in kWh (from your bill) — or your monthly spend for a rough estimate

Home energy basics (UK): what actually affects your bill

Unit rate (p/kWh)

This is the price for each unit of energy you use. If you use more energy, the unit rate matters more.

Standing charge (p/day)

A daily fixed cost for keeping you connected to the network. Even if you use very little, standing charge can be significant.

Your meter & tariff type

Prepayment, Economy 7, and smart meters can affect what tariffs are available and how your prices apply across the day.

The Ofgem price cap limits the maximum price suppliers can charge for default tariffs (like Standard Variable) in Great Britain. It does not cap your total bill — your usage still drives your cost.

How switching energy works in the UK

Switching is usually straightforward for domestic customers. In most cases, your energy supply won’t be interrupted — you’re changing the company that bills you, while the physical pipes and wires stay the same.

  1. Check your current tariff — note any end date and whether there’s an exit fee.
  2. Compare like-for-like — same payment method, same meter type, and consider both unit rate and standing charge.
  3. Submit your switch — your new supplier starts the process and contacts your current supplier.
  4. Provide a meter reading — often requested around the switch date to ensure final and opening bills align.
  5. Switch completes — you’ll be billed by the new supplier going forward. Keep an eye on direct debits during the transition.

Good to know: If you’re in debt to your current supplier, you may still be able to switch depending on the amount, payment arrangement, and meter type (especially for prepayment meters).

Tariffs explained: fixed, variable, Economy 7 and more

Energy tariffs describe how you’re charged. The best choice depends on your household’s usage pattern, risk preference, and whether you can commit to a contract.

Tariff type What it means Best for Watch-outs
Fixed rate Unit rate and standing charge stay the same for the agreed term. Households who want predictable pricing. May include exit fees; check what happens at the end date.
Standard Variable (SVT) Prices can change (often in line with price cap updates). People who want flexibility and no fixed-term commitment. Prices may rise; not always the cheapest long-term option.
Economy 7 / multi-rate Different rates at different times (usually cheaper overnight). Homes with storage heaters or overnight-heavy usage. Day rate may be higher; timings vary by region and meter setup.
Prepayment Pay as you go (key/card/app) rather than monthly billing. Households wanting tighter spend control. Tariff choice can be narrower; top-up access matters.
Green / renewable-backed Supplier supports renewable generation via certificates or direct sourcing. Households prioritising environmental impact. Definitions vary; check the supplier’s fuel mix and claims.

Not sure what you’re on today? Many bills show tariff name and whether it’s fixed or variable. You can also look for your standing charge and unit rate — then compare properly.

Understanding your gas and electricity bill

A bill can look complicated, but most of the cost comes down to a few key lines. If you’re comparing tariffs, focus on the items below.

Key bill items to locate

  • Tariff name and contract dates
  • Unit rate (pence per kWh)
  • Standing charge (pence per day)
  • Usage (kWh) and the dates covered
  • Payment method (direct debit, on receipt of bill, prepayment)

Common bill issues (and what to do)

  • Estimated readings: submit an actual meter reading to correct the bill
  • High direct debit: ask for a review, but check you won’t build up debt later
  • Unexpected increases: compare unit rate + standing charge and check if your tariff ended
  • Final bill confusion: keep opening/closing readings from the switch date

Quick check: If your fixed deal ends, you may be moved onto a variable tariff. That’s a good time to compare options — especially if your usage is higher in winter.

Meters & smart meters: what they mean for switching

Standard credit meter

You’re billed monthly/quarterly. Switching options are typically widest. Keep readings for accurate billing.

Smart meter

Can send readings automatically. Most smart meters should continue to work after switching, but features can vary by supplier and meter model.

Prepayment meter

You top up in advance. You can often switch, but available tariffs and acceptance criteria may differ.

Economy 7 & multi-rate meters

If you have storage heaters or charge an EV overnight, a multi-rate tariff may help. However, if most of your use is during the day, it could cost more. Check your day/night split before choosing.

Moving home: set up energy correctly from day one

When you move, you usually inherit the existing supplier at your new address. You can switch, but it’s important to record readings to avoid being billed for someone else’s usage.

  1. On moving day: take gas and electricity meter readings (and photos if possible).
  2. Notify the existing supplier: give the readings and your move-in date.
  3. Set up your account: confirm contact details and payment method.
  4. Compare tariffs: once you’re set up, you can switch to a deal that suits your household.
  5. Keep records: save confirmation emails and final statements from your previous address.

Renting? You can usually choose your own energy supplier unless your rent includes bills or there’s a specific arrangement in your tenancy (common in some HMOs).

Practical ways to reduce home energy use (without guesswork)

Switching is one lever — reducing consumption is another. Here are improvements that typically make a noticeable difference for UK homes.

Fast wins (today/this week)

  • Reduce boiler flow temperature (if appropriate) and check radiator balancing
  • Use draught excluders; close curtains early in cold weather
  • Run appliances on eco cycles; wash at 30°C where possible
  • Turn off standby at the wall for high-draw devices

Bigger savings (planning)

  • Loft and cavity wall insulation (if suitable for your property)
  • Heating controls (smart thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves)
  • Double/secondary glazing improvements and sealing gaps
  • Efficient appliances when replacing old models

If you’re on Economy 7: savings depend on shifting usage to off-peak hours. Check your meter’s off-peak window before changing habits.

Home energy FAQs (UK)

Will my supply go off if I switch?

Typically no. Switching changes who bills you; the infrastructure stays the same. In rare cases, admin issues can delay completion, but supply interruptions are not expected.

Can I switch if I’m renting?

Often yes, as long as you pay the bills and your tenancy doesn’t include energy. If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement or ask your letting agent/landlord.

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

The unit rate is what you pay per kWh you use. The standing charge is a fixed daily cost. Comparing both gives a truer picture, especially for low-usage households.

Do I need my MPAN or MPRN?

Not always. Your MPAN (electricity) and MPRN (gas) can help identify your supply, especially where addresses are similar, but you can usually start with your postcode.

Is a fixed tariff always best?

Not necessarily. Fixed tariffs offer price certainty, but can include exit fees. Variable tariffs can be more flexible. The best choice depends on pricing, your usage, and how long you expect to stay.

Why do prices vary by region?

Electricity distribution costs differ by area. Your postcode maps to a regional network, which can affect your standing charge and unit rates.

How can I avoid estimated bills?

Submit regular meter readings (or ensure your smart meter is communicating). Estimated bills can create surprises later when actual readings catch up.

Can I switch if I have a prepayment meter?

Often yes, but supplier acceptance and tariff availability can be different. If you’re in debt, options may depend on the amount and repayment plan.

Common mistakes when comparing energy

Comparing by monthly cost only

Direct debits can be smoothed across the year. Always compare the tariff’s rates and estimated annual cost where possible.

Ignoring standing charge

Low-usage homes can be disproportionately affected by a high daily charge, even if the unit rate looks competitive.

Not checking meter type

Economy 7 and prepayment setups can restrict tariff options. Ensure you’re comparing deals available to your meter.

Trusted by UK households: what people value in a comparison

“The guide finally explained standing charges in plain English. The comparison helped me see why my old deal looked cheap but wasn’t.”

— Hannah, Manchester

“Moving home was stressful — the checklist made it simple. I took readings, then compared deals once I was set up.”

— Liam, Bristol

“I didn’t realise Economy 7 timings could vary. After checking, I picked a tariff that actually matched our usage.”

— Priya, Glasgow

Transparency matters: Always check unit rates, standing charges, contract length, and any exit fees before agreeing to a tariff.

Ready to compare your home energy options?

Complete the form to request a whole-of-market comparison for your address. It takes a couple of minutes and helps you see suitable tariffs based on your household and meter type.

  • Domestic gas and electricity comparisons
  • Fixed, variable and multi-rate options (where available)
  • Guidance for renters, movers and smart/prepayment meters
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Already filled the form? Use the section links above to double-check tariff types, meter details, and moving-home steps.

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Updated on 21 Jan 2026