Cheapest regional electricity unit rates in the UK this week
See how electricity unit rates vary by region and check today’s cheapest home energy deals available for your postcode. Compare whole-of-market tariffs and switch online with EnergyPlus.co.uk.
- Updated weekly guidance on where rates are typically lowest (by UK region)
- Personalised results for your meter type and payment method
- Fast switch journey: submit once, we compare for you
- Whole-of-market approach (not just one supplier)
Home energy only. Unit rates and standing charges vary by region, meter type and payment method. Your personalised quote may differ from the indicative ranges shown.
Find the cheapest electricity unit rate for your region (this week)
“Cheapest” isn’t one national number. In the UK, electricity prices are split into regional distribution areas (the network that delivers power to homes). That’s why a tariff with an attractive headline unit rate in one area may not be the cheapest in another.
Use the form to get a postcode-based comparison across suppliers and tariffs available for home energy. We’ll match results to the details that change price the most: region, meter type (including smart/standard and Economy 7) and payment method.
What you’ll get
- Cheapest unit rate options available for your postcode
- Estimated monthly cost based on typical usage ranges
- Clear breakdown of unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day)
- Direct next steps to switch (with confirmation emails)
Already on a fixed deal? Checking early can still help: some households save by switching when the exit fee is low or when their fix ends soon. If you’re unsure, we’ll show options and you choose what to do next.
Cheapest regional electricity unit rates (UK) — indicative ranges
The table below shows indicative “best available” unit rate ranges (p/kWh) seen across major UK regions in the last week for typical single-rate home tariffs. Use it to understand which areas are trending cheaper this week — then use your postcode for an exact price.
Important: Your actual cheapest tariff depends on standing charge, direct debit vs prepayment, meter type (including Economy 7), tariff length, and supplier availability. The form above gives the most accurate result for your home.
| Region (distribution area) | This week: cheapest unit rate range (p/kWh) | Typical standing charge range (p/day) | What usually drives price here |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Scotland | 23–30 | 50–75 | Network costs, rural distribution, lower competition in some areas |
| South Scotland | 22–29 | 48–72 | Network charges and tariff availability by supplier |
| North West England | 20–27 | 45–68 | Competitive supply, but standing charge can vary widely |
| Yorkshire | 20–27 | 45–70 | Standing charge differences matter as much as unit rate |
| North East England | 20–28 | 46–70 | Supplier participation and meter mix in the region |
| East Midlands | 19–26 | 44–68 | Often among cheaper unit rates; check standing charge |
| West Midlands | 19–26 | 44–69 | Direct debit deals can be noticeably cheaper here |
| East of England | 19–26 | 44–70 | Unit rates can be low; standing charge varies by supplier |
| South East England | 20–27 | 46–74 | Network and standing charges can pull the total up |
| London | 21–28 | 46–78 | Higher standing charges are common; unit rate alone misleads |
| South West England | 21–29 | 48–78 | Regional network costs can raise both unit rate and standing charge |
| Wales | 21–28 | 46–74 | Supplier coverage and network charges; check prepay options carefully |
| Southern England | 20–27 | 46–74 | Often competitive; best deals depend on tariff length |
Ranges shown are indicative and can change quickly. For an accurate quote for your home, use the postcode comparison form.
Why electricity unit rates vary by region
Even when two households choose the same supplier and tariff type, they can pay different prices because the underlying electricity distribution costs (and other regional cost components) differ across Great Britain. This is why searching for the “cheapest electricity unit rate UK” is best done postcode-first.
Distribution region (DNO area)
Your home sits in a network operator region. The costs to maintain and operate that network feed into your unit rate and standing charge.
Standing charge vs unit rate trade-offs
Some tariffs advertise a low unit rate but offset it with a higher standing charge. The cheapest option depends on your usage.
Meter type and payment method
Economy 7, smart meters, and prepayment tariffs can price differently. Direct debit is often cheaper, but not always.
What “this week” means on this page
We refresh guidance frequently to reflect changes in supplier pricing and availability. Because tariffs can change daily, the fastest way to see this week’s cheapest unit rate for your region is to run a postcode comparison.
How to get the cheapest electricity unit rate (without missing the real cost)
If you only compare unit rates, you can pick the wrong tariff. Here’s a practical process to identify the cheapest overall cost for your household.
- Start with your postcode: it identifies your regional pricing area and narrows the tariffs available to your address.
- Confirm your meter setup: single-rate vs Economy 7, and whether you have (or want) a smart meter.
- Compare unit rate and standing charge together: lower unit rates can be outweighed by a higher standing charge—especially for low-usage homes.
- Check tariff length and exit fees: a 12–24 month fix can protect you from price changes, but exit fees may apply.
- Choose based on your usage pattern: if you use lots of electricity, unit rate matters more; if you use little, standing charge often matters more.
Quick check: when unit rate matters most
Higher usage households (e.g. electric heating, lots of appliances, home working) typically benefit most from shaving pennies off the p/kWh unit rate—provided the standing charge isn’t excessive.
Quick check: when standing charge matters most
Low usage homes (e.g. small flats, single occupancy, frequent travel) can overpay on tariffs with a high standing charge—even if the unit rate looks cheap.
Want the shortest route? Run a postcode comparison and we’ll show you the cheapest options available in your region right now.
Common mistakes when chasing the cheapest electricity unit rate
Comparing only p/kWh
The cheapest tariff for your home is based on total cost: unit rate + standing charge + your usage pattern.
Not matching the right meter type
Economy 7 tariffs can look cheaper or dearer depending on day/night split. Always compare against your actual meter configuration.
Ignoring renewal timing
If your fix ends soon, you may be moved onto a variable tariff. Comparing a few weeks before renewal often opens up better options.
Regional considerations that can change your “cheapest” result
Two households in the same city can still see different outcomes depending on their tariff structure and home setup. When comparing the cheapest regional electricity unit rates in the UK this week, keep these factors in mind:
Prepayment vs Direct Debit
Prepayment tariffs can be higher in some regions and may have different standing charges. If you can switch to direct debit, you may unlock cheaper deals.
Economy 7 and time-of-use
If you use most electricity overnight (e.g. storage heaters), a split-rate tariff could lower bills even if the daytime unit rate is higher.
Electric heating and EV charging
High-consumption households should prioritise competitive unit rates, but also consider specialist tariffs (where available) that fit charging times.
Standing charge sensitivity
In some regions, standing charges trend higher. For low usage homes, a slightly higher unit rate with a lower standing charge can be cheaper overall.
Tip for quick accuracy
If you have a recent bill, look for your current unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day). Compare those directly against your quote results after you submit the form.
FAQs: cheapest regional electricity unit rates
What is an electricity unit rate?
It’s the price you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity you use, shown in pence per kWh (p/kWh). Your bill also includes a standing charge.
Why do regional electricity prices exist in Great Britain?
Because delivering electricity has different costs across distribution networks. Those regional charges contribute to the overall tariff price offered to your address.
Is the lowest unit rate always the cheapest tariff?
Not always. A low unit rate can come with a higher standing charge. The cheapest tariff for you depends on how much electricity you use.
Can I switch electricity supplier if I’m renting?
In many cases, yes—if you pay the energy bills. You’ll need the landlord’s permission only if the tenancy agreement specifically restricts changes or if there are metering constraints.
How often do electricity unit rates change?
Variable tariffs can change, and fixed tariffs can be withdrawn at any time for new customers. That’s why postcode comparisons are the most reliable “this week” check.
Do you compare the whole market?
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a comparison service designed to search widely across available home energy tariffs. Availability can vary by region and supplier participation at the time you compare.
Still unsure which rate is best for your usage? Submit your postcode and details and we’ll show options clearly, including unit rate and standing charge.
Why households use EnergyPlus.co.uk
When you’re searching for the cheapest regional electricity unit rates in the UK this week, trust and clarity matter. We focus on showing the numbers that drive real bills: unit rate, standing charge and estimated cost for your region.
Transparent comparisons
We prioritise tariff breakdowns, not vague promises—so you can compare like-for-like.
Postcode-accurate results
Regional pricing is built into your results, helping you avoid misleading national averages.
Switch support
If you choose to proceed, you’ll get clear next steps and confirmation messages through the process.
“The postcode check made it obvious that the ‘cheap’ rate I saw online wasn’t actually cheapest in my area. The breakdown was easy to compare.”
Homeowner, West Midlands
“I was focused on unit rate only. Seeing standing charges side-by-side helped me pick the cheaper overall option for my flat.”
Renter, London
Trust indicators
- UK home energy comparisons tailored by postcode
- Clear tariff breakdowns: unit rate + standing charge
- Accessible, mobile-friendly journey
Ready to see your cheapest unit rate this week?
Get a postcode-accurate comparison for your home and find the best-value electricity tariff available in your region today.
Energy prices can change quickly. For the most accurate “this week” result, use your postcode and compare current availability.
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