Regional electricity unit rates UK today (by area)
See why electricity prices differ across the UK, what you might pay in your region today, and how to compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus.
- Understand your unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day)
- Check what affects prices in your distribution region
- Compare home tariffs from across the market and switch in minutes
Home energy only. Quotes depend on tariff type, payment method, meter and region. We’ll use your postcode to identify your electricity distribution area.
Compare home electricity prices for your region (today)
Electricity unit rates in the UK are typically shown in pence per kilowatt hour (p/kWh), plus a standing charge in pence per day (p/day). Your exact costs depend on your distribution region (identified by postcode), tariff type, and meter setup.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. Use the form to get a tailored comparison based on your postcode and current supply details. You’ll see the best available options for your area—then switch without the guesswork.
Tip: Compare like-for-like
For the most accurate results, keep your usage and payment method the same when comparing. Small differences in standing charge can offset a lower unit rate, especially for low users.
Get my regional rates & best deals
What are electricity unit rates and standing charges?
Unit rate (p/kWh)
This is what you pay for each unit of electricity you use. If your unit rate is 28p/kWh and you use 10kWh in a day, the usage part of that day’s cost is £2.80.
Standing charge (p/day)
A daily fixed fee that helps cover the cost of keeping your home connected to the electricity network (plus metering and supplier costs). You pay it even if you use no electricity that day.
Why “regional electricity unit rates UK today” is a postcode question
The UK has multiple electricity distribution network regions. Your region affects network costs and therefore influences the typical unit rates and standing charges you’ll see on offers and price cap-linked tariffs. That’s why the quickest way to get accurate figures is to compare using your postcode.
Why do electricity unit rates vary by region in the UK?
Two homes on the same tariff type can still have different electricity costs because regional charges and operating costs vary. While suppliers set prices, parts of your bill reflect the cost to transport electricity and maintain local infrastructure.
Distribution network costs
Each region has its own network operator and cost base. Geography, population density and local infrastructure needs can influence charges.
Meter type & tariff structure
Standard single-rate meters, Economy 7, and smart meters can be priced differently. Some tariffs have time-of-use rates or different standing charges.
Supplier pricing & competition
Suppliers may compete more aggressively in certain areas, offer different discounts, or change pricing based on acquisition costs and risk.
Important: “Today’s” electricity unit rate could mean your current tariff’s rate, a supplier’s latest fixed tariff rate, or a price-cap-linked variable tariff rate. The best way to find a suitable option is to compare using your postcode and usage.
Regional electricity unit rates in the UK: what to look for
Rather than listing potentially outdated p/kWh figures that change with tariff updates, the table below shows how to interpret regional electricity pricing and what to check on quotes for your area. Use it to make quicker, more confident comparisons.
Best practice: Get your exact regional rates from your tariff information label, bill, or by running a postcode comparison. If you want a tailored quote now, use the EnergyPlus form.
| Region factor | What it changes | What to check on your quote | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity distribution area (postcode) | Typical unit rate and standing charge | Confirm the quote shows your postcode and region | Ensures you’re comparing the right prices for your network |
| Single-rate vs Economy 7 / time-of-use | Different day/night (or peak/off-peak) unit rates | Check whether there are two rates and what times apply | Wrong tariff type can increase costs even if the headline rate looks lower |
| Payment method | Rates can differ for Direct Debit vs other methods | Confirm you’re comparing on the same payment basis | Avoids “apples vs oranges” comparisons |
| Tariff type (fixed vs variable) | Price stability vs flexibility | Check exit fees, end date, and what happens after it ends | Helps you weigh risk and avoid bill surprises |
| Standing charge vs unit rate trade-off | Total annual cost changes with your usage | Compare annual estimate using your usage or typical consumption | A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge |
If you want your regional rate “today”, here’s the fastest route
- Find your postcode (this identifies your distribution region).
- Check your current bill for your unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day), or your supplier’s online account.
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs for your region with EnergyPlus to see if you could pay less.
Want to sanity-check your current rate?
Submit your postcode and (optionally) your current supplier in the comparison form. We’ll show options available for your area and help you understand whether switching could reduce your annual estimate.
How to lower your electricity costs (without changing how you live)
If you’re searching for regional electricity unit rates in the UK today, you’re usually trying to answer one question: am I paying too much? These are the practical levers that make the biggest difference for many households.
Switch to a better tariff for your region
Even in the same postcode area, suppliers can price differently. A switch can reduce your unit rate, standing charge, or both.
Match the tariff to your meter & habits
Economy 7 or time-of-use can work well if you can shift usage. If not, a single-rate tariff may be more predictable.
Check your Direct Debit is realistic
Overpaying builds credit; underpaying can lead to catch-up bills. Use accurate readings and review your payment plan regularly.
Common mistakes that skew comparisons
- Comparing unit rate only and ignoring the standing charge.
- Using the wrong meter type (e.g. Economy 7 vs single-rate).
- Not checking the tariff end date and what happens after it ends.
- Estimating usage too low or too high, which changes “best deal” results.
Regional considerations across the UK (what people often ask)
England, Scotland and Wales
Prices vary within each nation because regions are based on electricity distribution networks and postcodes. Your “region” may not match county or council boundaries.
Urban vs rural
Network maintenance can be more complex in rural areas, which can influence distribution costs. That’s one reason nearby towns can still see slightly different pricing.
If you’ve recently moved
When you move home, you usually start on the property’s existing supplier. Your unit rate and standing charge may not be competitive for your region. A quick postcode comparison can help you find a better fit.
FAQs: regional electricity unit rates in the UK
How can I find my electricity unit rate today?
Check your latest bill, your supplier app/online account, or your tariff information label. It will show your unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day). For alternative options in your area, run a postcode comparison.
Why is my standing charge so high compared to someone else’s?
Standing charges can vary by region and tariff. Two people can be on different suppliers or tariff structures, and network costs differ by distribution area.
Do smart meters change my unit rate?
A smart meter doesn’t automatically lower prices, but it can make it easier to access certain tariffs and keep readings accurate. Some suppliers offer smart/time-of-use tariffs where prices vary by time of day.
Is it better to look for the lowest unit rate or lowest standing charge?
It depends on usage. Low users often feel standing charges more, while high users benefit more from a lower unit rate. Compare using an annual estimate based on your actual consumption.
Will I lose power if I switch electricity supplier?
No. Your electricity keeps flowing through the same regional network. Switching changes who bills you—not how your home is physically supplied.
Do I need my MPAN to compare?
Not usually. A postcode is typically enough to identify your region for comparison. Having your latest bill can help confirm your meter type and current rates.
Trusted comparisons for home energy
People use EnergyPlus to make sense of tariff details and compare options available in their area. Here’s what customers commonly value:
“Clear and easy to compare.”
Helped me understand the standing charge vs unit rate trade-off for my postcode area.
— Homeowner, UK
“Found a better tariff quickly.”
The postcode comparison made it obvious which deals were actually available in my region.
— Customer, England
“No jargon.”
Explained unit rates and my meter type in plain English.
— Customer, Scotland
What you can expect
- Whole-of-market home energy comparison
- Postcode-based regional pricing context
- Switch support from start to finish
Ready to check your regional electricity unit rate and switch?
Enter your postcode to see which home electricity tariffs are available where you live. Compare unit rates, standing charges and estimated annual cost—then choose the option that suits your household.
- Whole-of-market comparisons for UK homes
- Postcode-based regional pricing accuracy
- Clear breakdowns: unit rate, standing charge and estimated cost
Compare for my postcode
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