What is the cheapest gas and electricity tariff available right now?

There is no single national cheapest tariff. The best deal depends on your postcode, meter type, payment method, and whether you want gas and electricity together or separately. Comparing using your actual details gives the most accurate result.

Is a dual fuel tariff cheaper than separate gas and electricity deals?

Sometimes, but not always. Dual fuel tariffs bundle gas and electricity from one supplier and may offer a small discount, but the best combined cost can sometimes come from separate suppliers. Always compare both options before switching.

How do I know if a fixed tariff is cheaper than the price cap this month?

Compare the estimated annual cost of the fixed deal against the cost if you stay on a standard variable tariff at current price cap rates. Account for exit fees on the fixed deal and how long you will be locked in.

Can I switch gas and electricity supplier separately?

Yes. You do not have to use the same supplier for gas and electricity. Switching independently can sometimes reduce costs if one fuel has better offers from different suppliers. Both switches follow the same basic process.

How often do the cheapest gas and electricity tariffs change?

Tariffs can change frequently, especially around Ofgem price cap reviews which happen quarterly. Fixed deals from suppliers can be launched or withdrawn at any time. Checking monthly helps you stay aware of what is available.

What should I check before switching gas and electricity tariff?

Check the estimated annual cost for your usage, the unit rate and standing charge for each fuel, exit fees if the deal is fixed, the tariff end date, and payment method requirements. Always use your postcode and meter type for an accurate quote.

Will my energy supply be interrupted if I switch both gas and electricity?

No. Switching gas or electricity supplier does not interrupt your supply. The pipes and wires are managed by network operators who do not change. Only the company billing you changes during a switch.

Are prepayment customers able to access the cheapest tariffs?

Prepayment customers can compare and switch tariffs, but the range of available deals may be smaller and prices can differ from credit meter tariffs. Some suppliers offer competitive prepayment options, particularly for smart prepay meters.

Cheapest gas and electricity tariff in the UK this month

Find the cheapest energy tariff for your home based on your meter type, payment method and region—plus see what “cheapest” really means under the current Price Cap.

Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business energy)
Clear guidance for direct debit, prepay, smart meters and Economy 7
Transparent methodology, example costs and switching checklist

Get your energy quote How we assess “cheapest”

Estimates vary by region, meter type, usage and supplier terms. We’ll show you like-for-like options and any key exclusions (e.g. eligibility, exit fees).

Fast answer: what’s the cheapest tariff this month?

There isn’t one single “cheapest gas and electricity tariff” for everyone in the UK each month. The cheapest option depends on your region, meter type (standard credit, smart, prepayment, Economy 7), payment method (direct debit vs pay on receipt) and how much you use.

In practice, “cheapest this month” usually means one of these, depending on availability and your circumstances:

A competitive fixed tariff (often priced below the Ofgem Price Cap for direct debit customers, but check exit fees).
A low standing charge variable tariff (can suit low users, but unit rates may be higher).
A tariff tailored to your meter (e.g. Economy 7 or prepayment—these can differ meaningfully from standard tariffs).

Key takeaways (UK-specific)

Region matters: standing charges and unit rates vary by distribution area.
Payment method matters: direct debit is often cheaper than pay on receipt; prepay is separate pricing.
Meter type matters: Economy 7 has two electricity unit rates; smart vs traditional can affect available tariffs.
Exit fees & discounts matter: the cheapest headline rate isn’t always the cheapest overall.

What to prepare (2 minutes)

Postcode: Used to match your region (standing charges and unit rates).
Payment method: Direct debit / pay on receipt / prepayment.
Meter type: Standard, smart, prepay, Economy 7.
Rough usage: Your last 12 months kWh (best) or an estimate (we can guide).

Compare the cheapest tariffs for your home (whole-of-market)

Use the form to get an estimated comparison based on your details. We’ll show like-for-like options and highlight important terms such as exit fees, standing charges, fixed end dates and eligibility.

Good to know: “Cheapest” can look different for low-usage vs high-usage homes. We’ll help you prioritise either lower standing charge or lower unit rates depending on your usage pattern.

Two realistic examples (illustrative, not quotes)

Scenario A: Low-usage flat (single occupant)

Assumptions: direct debit, single-rate electricity, typical region. Annual use: 1,800 kWh elec, 6,000 kWh gas.
What often wins: a tariff with lower standing charges, even if unit rates are slightly higher.
Illustrative impact: if a tariff is ~£0.10/day lower standing charge across fuels, that’s ~£73/year before unit-rate differences.

Scenario B: Family home (higher usage)

Assumptions: direct debit, single-rate electricity. Annual use: 3,600 kWh elec, 14,000 kWh gas.
What often wins: lower unit rates, because usage makes up most of the bill.
Illustrative impact: saving 1p/kWh on gas at 14,000 kWh is ~£140/year; saving 1p/kWh on electricity at 3,600 kWh is ~£36/year (before VAT and standing charges).

These examples show why the “cheapest tariff” depends on usage and tariff structure. Your actual prices depend on supplier, region, meter type and market changes.

Get your estimate

Tell us a few details and we’ll help you compare options. Fields marked are needed to contact you about your quote.

Compare tariff types (what’s usually cheapest for who?)

Suppliers change pricing frequently. Instead of naming a single tariff that may not fit your meter/region, use this table to identify which tariff type is most likely to be cheapest for you, then compare live options by postcode.

Tariff type	Often cheapest when…	Watch-outs	Best quick check
Fixed (12–24 months)	The supplier’s fixed unit rates are below comparable variable options for your region and you value predictable pricing.	Exit fees; may not fall if market prices drop; some deals are for direct debit only.	Check exit fee and tariff end date before choosing.
Variable (standard)	You want flexibility (no long commitment) and the supplier’s variable is competitive in your area.	Prices can change (usually with notice); “cheap today” may not stay cheap.	Compare unit rate and standing charge to the Price Cap level for your payment type.
Low standing charge	You use relatively little energy (small flat, away from home a lot) and standing charges dominate your bill.	Unit rates can be higher; can cost more for larger households.	Do a quick annual estimate using your last 12-month kWh (or best estimate).
Economy 7 / two-rate	You can shift meaningful electricity use to off-peak (storage heaters, EV charging, hot water tank on timer).	Peak rate may be higher; off-peak hours vary by meter/region; not always best for gas-heated homes.	Check your off-peak times and your day/night split (often 30–40%+ off-peak to benefit).
Prepayment (PAYG)	You’re on a prepay meter and want a deal designed for PAYG pricing and budgeting.	Fewer tariffs; switching supplier can require extra steps; emergency credit rules vary.	Confirm your meter is smart prepay vs traditional key/card and whether a credit check applies.

Decision checklist: who it suits / who it doesn’t

This page is most useful if you:

Have a UK home energy account (owner or tenant).
Can provide a postcode and approximate annual usage.
Want a trust-led comparison (rates + standing charges + fees).
Are open to switching supplier or tariff.

You may need different guidance if you:

Need help with debt, disconnection risk or emergency credit (see Citizens Advice).
Are moving into a property and don’t know the current supplier (you can still start, but steps differ).
Have complex setups (heat networks, communal heating, business meters).
Need specialist tariffs (e.g. certain time-of-use products) — we can still compare, but results vary.

Quick switching steps (what usually happens)

Compare based on your postcode, usage, meter type and payment method.
Choose a tariff and review key terms (exit fees, fixed end date, billing method).
Your new supplier arranges the switch and contacts your old supplier.
Provide (or confirm) meter readings when asked for accurate final billing.
Keep an eye on opening/closing statements and direct debit setup.

Timescales and steps can differ for prepay meters, debt on the meter, or if there’s an active supplier objection.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (so “cheap” stays cheap)

Standing charges can outweigh unit-rate savings

If you use little energy, a tariff with a slightly higher unit rate but lower standing charge can work out cheaper overall. Always compare the estimated annual cost, not just p/kWh.

Exit fees and fixed end dates

A fixed tariff may be cheapest today but costly to leave early. Check the exit fee per fuel and whether it applies at any time or only in the contract term.

Direct debit assumptions

Many “best buy” tariffs assume monthly direct debit. If you prefer paying on receipt of bill, prices can be higher. Make sure your comparison matches how you actually pay.

Economy 7: the day/night split is crucial

If most of your usage is daytime, Economy 7 can be more expensive. If you’re unsure, look at past bills or ask your supplier for your day/night consumption split.

Prepay meters and debt

Some switches are restricted if there’s debt on the meter or the meter type needs exchanging. You can still compare, but expect additional checks.

Intro discounts and add-ons

Some tariffs include introductory discounts or bundled add-ons. Always confirm what happens after the discount ends and whether add-ons are optional.

Important: The Ofgem Price Cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges for many default tariffs, but it doesn’t guarantee a particular bill amount. Your bill depends on how much energy you use and your tariff structure.

FAQs

Is there a single cheapest energy supplier in the UK?

No. Prices vary by region, meter type, payment method and usage. A supplier that’s cheapest for a low-usage flat in one region may not be cheapest for a family home elsewhere.

What does “this month” mean for energy prices?

Energy deals can change at any time. Also, Ofgem’s Price Cap is updated periodically, not monthly. “This month” is best understood as: compare the currently available tariffs and pick the cheapest based on your details and current terms.

Are fixed tariffs always cheaper than variable?

Not always. Fixed tariffs can be cheaper or more expensive depending on wholesale prices and supplier strategy. They can be useful for budgeting, but check exit fees and compare the estimated annual cost.

Can I switch if I’m renting?

Usually, yes—if you pay the energy bills and your tenancy allows you to choose the supplier. If bills are included in your rent or you’re on a communal/heat network, switching may not be possible. If unsure, check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord/agent.

Will I lose supply when I switch?

Switching is designed to be seamless and you should not lose supply. If you have a prepayment meter or there are account issues (e.g. debt, incorrect address details), the process can be more involved.

What if I don’t know my annual usage in kWh?

You can still compare using an estimate, but it’s more accurate with your last 12 months of kWh from bills or your online account. As a rule, the “cheapest” tariff for low users often prioritises lower standing charges, while higher users often benefit more from lower unit rates.

Do I need a smart meter to access the cheapest deals?

Not necessarily. Many competitive tariffs are available without a smart meter. However, certain products (especially more advanced time-of-use tariffs) may require a smart meter. Always check the tariff’s eligibility criteria.

What fees should I look out for on a “cheap” tariff?

Common ones include exit fees on fixed tariffs, charges related to paper billing (depending on supplier), and costs that appear if introductory discounts end. Always review the tariff information and confirm how long the price applies.

How we assess “cheapest” (methodology you can trust)

Our approach

Like-for-like comparison: we compare tariffs based on your region, meter type and payment method.
Estimated annual cost: we focus on the estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges), rather than headline rates alone.
Whole-of-market intent: we aim to include a broad range of UK domestic tariffs where available, noting that availability changes and some tariffs can be limited to certain customer groups.
Terms and exclusions: we highlight exit fees, fixed end dates, and common eligibility constraints.

Assumptions & limitations

Prices move: suppliers can withdraw or change deals quickly.
Regional variation: standing charges/unit rates differ by distribution area.
Usage estimates: results are only as accurate as your kWh figures.
Meter constraints: some tariffs require smart meters or specific configurations.
Credit checks: some suppliers/tariffs may require checks (especially for monthly billing).

Editorial trust signals

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: April 2026

Sources (UK)

We reference UK regulators and public guidance for accuracy. Tariff availability and pricing are set by suppliers and can change.

See your cheapest gas and electricity options now

Compare tariffs based on your postcode, meter type and payment method, with clear notes on fees and eligibility.

Get your energy quote Review tariff types

Reminder: Always compare the estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges) and confirm contract terms before switching.

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Updated on 16 Apr 2026