Cheapest regional electricity rates in the UK today

See how electricity prices vary by region, then compare whole-of-market home tariffs and switch in minutes. Enter your postcode to view the cheapest available options for your area.

  • Whole-of-market comparison for UK households
  • Regional price differences explained in plain English
  • Find fixed, variable and Economy 7 options by postcode
  • Quick online form — no obligation to switch

Prices change frequently and can vary by payment method, meter type and supplier availability. We’ll show what’s available for your postcode today.

Compare the cheapest electricity rates for your region

The cheapest electricity rate in the UK is not the same everywhere. Your local distribution network, meter type (including smart meters and Economy 7), and available suppliers all affect the unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) you can get.

EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. Tell us where you live and a few details about your household energy use, and we’ll show relevant electricity tariffs available today in your area — so you can switch with confidence.

Tip: If you don’t know your annual usage, you can still compare. Your last bill can help, but it’s not required.

What you’ll see after submitting

  • Estimated monthly cost for each tariff (based on your inputs)
  • Unit rate and standing charge for your region
  • Tariff type (fixed/variable), exit fees, and key features
  • Options that suit Economy 7 and smart meters (where available)

Get today’s cheapest rates by postcode

Complete the form and we’ll match you to available regional electricity tariffs.

We use this to identify your electricity region and available tariffs.

Optional — add a number if you’d like help comparing or switching.

How we compare

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your energy comparison. You can opt out at any time. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and improve your experience.

Already on a smart meter? Great — smart tariffs may be available depending on your region and supplier.

Why electricity rates vary by region in the UK

When people search for the cheapest regional electricity rates UK today, they’re usually trying to understand why a friend in another part of the country pays less. A big reason is that electricity is delivered through regional networks with different costs. This feeds into the tariff pricing you see as a standing charge and a unit rate.

Network costs

Your local distribution network operator (DNO) charges suppliers to maintain the wires, substations and local infrastructure. These costs vary by region and are reflected in tariffs.

Tariff availability

Not every supplier offers every tariff in every region. Some deals are postcode-limited, and smart/Economy 7 options can differ depending on local set-up.

Meter type & usage

Standard, Economy 7, prepayment, and smart meters can price differently. Your consumption profile also affects which deal is cheapest overall.

UK electricity regions: what your postcode affects

Suppliers price tariffs across regional electricity areas. You don’t need to know your DNO code — your postcode is enough to identify the relevant region for comparison.

Good to know: If you’ve moved home, your previous tariff prices can be misleading — your new property may fall under a different region with different standing charges.

Common regions people compare

England

  • London
  • South East / Southern
  • South West
  • East of England / Eastern
  • East Midlands / West Midlands
  • North East / North West
  • Yorkshire

Wales & Scotland

  • South Wales
  • North Wales / Merseyside & North Wales
  • Southern Scotland
  • Northern Scotland

If you’re specifically looking for the cheapest electricity in my area, the most accurate approach is to compare live tariffs for your postcode — because supplier pricing can change and some deals are only available in certain regions.

How to find the cheapest electricity tariff (not just the lowest unit rate)

A low unit rate can look attractive, but the standing charge can make a big difference — especially for low-usage households. The true “cheapest” tariff is the one with the lowest total cost for your usage in your region.

  1. Start with your postcode. This sets the regional rates and which suppliers/tariffs can be shown.
  2. Choose the right meter set-up. Standard, Economy 7, prepayment and smart can all price differently.
  3. Compare total estimated cost. Look at unit rate + standing charge over time, not a single headline number.
  4. Check key tariff terms. Fixed vs variable, exit fees, and any eligibility requirements.
  5. Switch when it suits you. If you’re on a deemed tariff after moving, comparing is often worthwhile.

Quick comparison checklist

Unit rate (p/kWh)

What you pay for each unit of electricity used. Lower isn’t always cheaper overall if standing charges are high.

Standing charge (p/day)

A daily fixed cost. Often varies by region. Can heavily affect households with lower consumption.

Tariff structure

Fixed vs variable, Economy 7 day/night rates, smart time-of-use options, and contract length.

Regional rate examples: what changes from area to area

Below is a simple example of how regional pricing can change the overall cost. Figures are illustrative only (tariffs and caps can change, and supplier pricing differs). Your real options are shown after you compare by postcode.

Example region What often varies Impact on bills What to do
London Standing charge and availability of specific supplier offers A slightly higher standing charge can outweigh a low unit rate for low usage Compare by postcode and sort by total cost
South West Network costs and tariff eligibility Different standing charges can change the break-even point between tariffs Check fixed vs variable and exit fees
Northern Scotland Regional charges and supplier coverage Fewer tariffs may be available, making whole-of-market comparison more valuable Compare all available suppliers in one place
North West Unit rate vs standing charge mix across suppliers High usage homes may benefit more from lower unit rates even if standing charge is higher Enter usage details for a more accurate cheapest match
Important: “Cheapest” depends on your total annual cost. Two households in the same region can see different cheapest tariffs if their usage patterns differ.

Common mistakes when searching for the cheapest electricity

Comparing without your postcode

National “average” rates can be misleading. Regional standing charges and supplier coverage can change what’s cheapest in practice.

Focusing only on the unit rate

A very low p/kWh can still cost more overall if the standing charge is higher — especially for smaller households.

Ignoring meter set-up

Economy 7 and smart time-of-use tariffs can be great in the right home, but only if your usage matches the pricing structure.

Not checking tariff terms

Look for exit fees, contract length, and what happens at the end of a fixed deal. Cheapest today should still be suitable tomorrow.

FAQs: cheapest regional electricity rates

What does “whole-of-market” mean for electricity comparisons?
It means we aim to compare a broad range of available home electricity tariffs across the market rather than showing only a small panel. Availability can still vary by region, meter type and supplier eligibility.
Why do standing charges differ by region?
Standing charges include regional network and policy costs that can vary depending on local infrastructure and distribution arrangements. Suppliers reflect these differences in their regional pricing.
Can I switch electricity supplier if I’m renting?
In many cases, yes — if you pay the electricity bills. You typically won’t be able to change the meter without permission, but you can often switch tariff/supplier. If you’re unsure, compare first and then check your tenancy terms.
Is a fixed tariff always the cheapest?
Not always. A fixed tariff can offer price certainty, while a variable tariff may be cheaper at a moment in time. The cheapest option depends on what’s available in your region and your preference for certainty vs flexibility.
Do you support Economy 7 comparisons?
Yes. Economy 7 tariffs have different day and night rates. If you use more electricity overnight (for example, storage heaters), an Economy 7 tariff may be cheaper in your region — but it depends on your usage pattern.
How often do electricity rates change?
Suppliers can update pricing and withdraw deals at short notice. That’s why comparing by postcode with current availability is the best way to find the cheapest regional electricity rates today.

Still unsure what counts as “cheap” for your home? Use the postcode form to see live options for your area.

What customers like about comparing with EnergyPlus

Real outcomes vary by household, region and tariff availability. These comments reflect typical reasons people choose a postcode-based comparison.

“The regional charges finally made sense. The quotes were clearer than what I found searching manually.”
Homeowner, South East
“I thought I had a cheap unit rate, but the standing charge was high. Switching saved us over the year.”
Tenant, West Midlands
“Quick postcode check, then I could compare fixed deals that were actually available in my area.”
Home mover, Scotland
Trust & transparency: We focus on showing the tariff details that matter — unit rate, standing charge, contract length and fees — so you can make a like-for-like comparison.

Ready to see the cheapest electricity rates for your postcode?

Regional pricing can change what “cheap” means. Compare whole-of-market home tariffs available in your area today and switch when you’re happy.

Compare by postcode Read FAQs

Energy comparisons are for domestic customers. Availability and pricing depend on region, meter type, and supplier criteria.

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Updated on 13 Jan 2026