Best single rate electricity tariff UK this month
Compare whole-of-market single rate electricity tariffs in minutes with EnergyPlus.co.uk. See today’s best-value options for your home and switch with confidence.
- Whole-of-market comparison (not just a small panel)
- Single unit rate pricing (no peak/off-peak complexity)
- Check fixes vs variable deals, exit fees, and standing charges
- Results tailored to your postcode and usage
Home energy only. Switching won’t affect your supply—your electricity keeps flowing as normal.
Get today’s best single rate electricity tariff for your home
A single rate electricity tariff charges the same unit rate (pence per kWh) all day, every day—plus a daily standing charge. It’s often a strong fit if you use electricity throughout the day, work from home, or simply want predictable pricing without managing off-peak hours.
EnergyPlus.co.uk helps you compare whole-of-market home energy deals, including providers and plans that may not show on limited-panel comparison sites. Enter a few details and we’ll match you with options that make sense for your location and usage.
Tip: The “best single rate tariff” is rarely just the lowest unit rate. Standing charge, contract length, exit fees, and how you pay (Direct Debit vs prepay) can change the real cost.
What you’ll need
- Postcode (prices vary by region and network area)
- Usage estimate (kWh per year) or your latest bill
- Payment preference (e.g., monthly Direct Debit)
Compare single rate tariffs
Fill in the form and we’ll show suitable single rate electricity deals for your home.
Accuracy matters: if you can, check your annual kWh on a recent bill. More accurate usage = more accurate “best tariff” results.
What “best single rate electricity tariff” means this month
In the UK, electricity prices change frequently. Suppliers adjust rates, introduce short-lived promos, and alter fees. That’s why the “best” single rate tariff depends on your specific circumstances—especially postcode, meter type, and annual usage.
Lowest estimated annual cost
We calculate a like-for-like annual estimate using the unit rate and standing charge against your usage (or typical household benchmarks if unknown).
Good value, not just low headline rates
Some plans look cheap until you account for higher standing charges, exit fees, or payment method requirements. We surface those clearly.
Right fit for your household
The best option balances price with flexibility: contract length, price protection, customer service and how you prefer to manage your account.
Reminder: For most UK homes, the cheapest tariff for a low-usage flat may not be cheapest for a high-usage family home. Always compare using your own kWh where possible.
Why choose a single rate electricity tariff?
Simple pricing
One unit rate all day means easier budgeting and fewer surprises—particularly if your usage is spread across mornings, afternoons and evenings.
Often better for day-time use
If you’re home during the day (WFH, young family, retired), single rate can outperform off-peak deals where daytime prices are higher.
No behavioural changes needed
You don’t need to shift laundry, charging or cooking to certain hours to “make the tariff work”.
Works with most standard meters
Single rate is compatible with many standard and smart meters—ideal if you don’t want Economy 7/Economy 10 style timing.
Easy comparisons
Because there’s one unit rate, it’s faster to compare like-for-like across suppliers, contract terms and standing charges.
Suitable for many electric-only homes
If you use electric cooking or have an electric boiler but can’t easily move heavy usage to night hours, single rate can be a sensible baseline.
How single rate electricity tariffs work (UK)
You pay two main charges
| Cost component | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | What you pay for each kWh of electricity used. | The biggest driver of cost for medium/high usage homes. |
| Standing charge (p/day) | A daily fee for keeping your home connected to the network. | Has a larger impact for low-usage homes and small flats. |
| Contract terms | Length, exit fees, price changes, payment method rules. | Determines flexibility and protects you from volatility (or not). |
How to compare properly (3 steps)
-
Start with your usage
Check your annual electricity kWh (or use your last 12 months of bills). If you only know monthly spend, it can be misleading when prices have recently changed. -
Compare the annual estimate
Look at the projected yearly cost for your usage—not just the cheapest unit rate. Standing charge differences can flip the result. -
Check the small print
Fix length, exit fees, and how prices can change on variable tariffs. Make sure the tariff fits how long you want to stay.
Good to know: Switching supplier doesn’t change the cables, meter location, or who fixes power cuts. Your local network operator remains the same.
Single rate fixed vs variable: which is best right now?
Single rate describes how you’re charged per kWh (one rate). You can still choose between fixed and variable tariffs. The right choice depends on your risk tolerance and how likely you are to switch again soon.
| Type | Pros | Cons | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Price certainty for the unit rate and standing charge for the contract term. | May include exit fees; you can miss out if market prices fall. | Households who want stable bills and plan to stay put for 12–24 months. |
| Variable | More flexibility; often no exit fees; can drop if the supplier reduces rates. | Rates can rise (and sometimes with short notice), making budgeting harder. | People who want flexibility, may move home, or plan to review again soon. |
Practical approach: If a fix is only marginally cheaper than a variable, check the exit fees and how long you realistically plan to stay. “Best” includes flexibility.
Ready to see current options? Compare single rate electricity tariffs now.
How much could you save on a single rate electricity tariff?
Savings depend on your current tariff and usage. The biggest opportunities typically come from:
- Moving off an out-of-contract standard variable tariff if you’re paying a higher unit rate or standing charge than competitive deals.
- Matching the tariff to your usage pattern (single rate can beat Economy 7-style tariffs if most use is during daytime).
- Reducing standing charge impact (important for low usage homes—sometimes a slightly higher unit rate with a lower standing charge wins overall).
A simple way to sense-check “best value”
Use this quick mental model when looking at quotes:
- Low usage: standing charge matters more—compare that first.
- Medium usage: balance standing charge and unit rate.
- High usage: unit rate dominates—small differences add up.
What not to do
- Don’t compare tariffs without your postcode (regional network costs change pricing).
- Don’t choose based on unit rate alone—standing charge can outweigh it.
- Don’t ignore exit fees if you may switch again soon.
- Don’t assume Economy 7 is cheaper—check your day vs night usage split.
Want an accurate figure? Use the form above and include your best estimate of annual kWh. We’ll rank single rate tariffs by estimated annual cost for your home.
Regional pricing: why your postcode changes the “best” tariff
Electricity standing charges and unit rates can vary across Great Britain because network costs differ by region. That means a tariff that’s “best” in one area may not be best in another—even within the same supplier.
Distribution networks
Your local network operator charges suppliers to deliver electricity. Those costs feed into the standing charge and rates you see.
Supplier pricing zones
Suppliers publish region-specific prices. That’s why comparison must start with a postcode, not a national headline rate.
Meter & payment method
Prepayment and some meter setups can have different price structures. We’ll filter to what you can actually switch to.
To get the best single rate electricity tariff for your address, start here: compare by postcode.
FAQs: best single rate electricity tariff UK
Is a single rate tariff the same as a standard variable tariff?
Not exactly. Single rate means one unit rate all day. A standard variable tariff (SVT) is a type of tariff whose prices can change. An SVT can be single rate, but single rate can also be fixed.
When is Economy 7 better than single rate?
Economy 7 (two-rate) can be better if a significant share of your electricity use happens during off-peak hours (often overnight)—for example, storage heaters or EV charging. If most usage is daytime/evening, single rate is often better value and simpler.
Will switching interrupt my electricity supply?
No. Your electricity supply continues as normal. The switch is administrative—your local network stays the same.
How long does it take to switch electricity tariff in the UK?
Timescales vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete within a few working days to a couple of weeks. Your new supplier will confirm the start date and handle most of the process.
Do I need a smart meter for a single rate tariff?
Usually not. Many single rate tariffs work with standard meters. A smart meter can make readings easier and can open access to certain smart products, but it’s not always required.
What details should I check before choosing the “best” tariff?
- Unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day)
- Contract length and any exit fees
- Whether prices are fixed or variable
- Payment method (monthly Direct Debit, receipt of bill, prepay)
- Any discounts or conditions (e.g., online-only)
Can I switch if I’m renting?
Often yes—if you’re the named bill payer. If bills are included in your rent or the landlord controls the account, you may not be able to change supplier. If unsure, check your tenancy agreement.
Still unsure? Start with your postcode and we’ll narrow it down: compare single rate electricity tariffs.
What homeowners like about EnergyPlus comparisons
“It was clearer than my bill. I could actually compare standing charges properly and found a single rate fix that suited our usage.”
“The postcode-based results made a difference. Other sites kept showing deals that weren’t available in my area.”
“I wanted simple pricing, not off-peak schedules. The single rate options were easy to shortlist and switch.”
Trust signals that matter: whole-of-market comparisons, clear tariff terms, and postcode-accurate pricing—so you can choose based on real annual cost, not just headline rates.
Find the best single rate electricity tariff for your postcode
Compare whole-of-market home electricity tariffs and get options matched to your usage. One quick form—then choose the deal that fits.
- Compare fixes and variables
- See unit rates and standing charges clearly
- Switch without supply interruption
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