Cheapest regional electricity unit rates UK today
Compare whole-of-market home electricity tariffs by region and see which unit rates are cheapest right now for your postcode. Get matched to suitable deals in minutes with EnergyPlus.co.uk.
- See the cheapest electricity unit rates available for your UK region today
- Compare fixed and variable tariffs from multiple suppliers (whole-of-market comparison)
- Switching support end-to-end, with one simple form
For UK homes only. Unit rates vary by region, meter type and tariff. We’ll show relevant options for your address and usage.
Find the cheapest electricity unit rate for your region today
Electricity prices aren’t the same across the UK. Even on similar tariffs, unit rates (pence per kWh) and standing charges can differ depending on your region (your local distribution network) and your meter. That’s why the fastest way to identify the cheapest regional electricity unit rates UK today is to compare using your postcode.
EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you to tariffs that are actually available where you live — then you can choose the option with the best balance of price and stability.
What you’ll see when you compare
- Unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) for your region
- Whether the tariff is fixed (price certainty) or variable (price can change)
- Estimated costs based on your household usage (if provided)
Already have a tariff in mind? Still compare — the “cheapest” deal for one region can be beaten in another, and small differences in p/kWh can add up over a year.
Quick tip
If you have a smart meter or Economy 7, tariffs can price daytime and night usage differently. Comparing with your postcode ensures you’re viewing plans compatible with your meter type in your region.
Why electricity unit rates vary by region in the UK
Your electricity bill is influenced by more than the supplier you choose. The UK is split into regional electricity areas served by local distribution networks (DNOs). Suppliers price tariffs using regional cost assumptions, so the same supplier and tariff name may show different unit rates and standing charges depending on where you live.
Distribution costs
Network costs differ by area (maintenance, investment, terrain and demand). These regional factors can affect your p/kWh and p/day pricing.
Supplier pricing strategies
Suppliers may compete more strongly in some regions, offering sharper unit rates to win market share. Whole-of-market comparison helps surface these differences.
Meter and tariff type
Standard, Economy 7, smart time-of-use and prepayment meters can have different rate structures. The cheapest unit rate depends on your usage pattern.
Important: “Cheapest” is rarely just the lowest unit rate. A higher standing charge can cancel out a lower p/kWh (especially for low-usage households). Comparing both together is the best way to find true value.
Regional electricity unit rate guidance (what to look for today)
Because prices can change, publishing “today’s” exact cheapest unit rates for every region can quickly go out of date. Instead, use the table below to understand what drives cheap regional electricity rates and how to spot the best deal once you’ve compared by postcode.
| Region type | What often makes it cheaper | What to watch out for | Best next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban/high-competition areas | More suppliers actively compete, so fixed deals may show a lower unit rate. | Introductory discounts may end; always check full-term costs. | Compare by postcode and sort by estimated annual cost. |
| Rural/dispersed areas | Some suppliers offer targeted fixed pricing to gain foothold. | Standing charges can be higher; low-usage homes should compare carefully. | Check the standing charge before choosing the lowest p/kWh. |
| Areas with higher network costs | Cheapest deals tend to be those with a balanced unit rate and standing charge. | Very low unit rates may be paired with high daily charges. | Use your usage (kWh) if you know it, to see realistic estimates. |
| Economy 7 / time-of-use households | The cheapest option may be the best night rate, not the lowest standard unit rate. | Daytime unit rate can be significantly higher; wrong fit can increase bills. | Compare tariffs that match your meter and your day/night split. |
Want today’s cheapest regional rate for your home?
The quickest route is to compare using your postcode. We’ll identify your electricity region and show tariffs available to you now — including unit rate, standing charge and an estimated cost view.
How to get the cheapest electricity unit rate (without choosing the wrong tariff)
If your goal is the cheapest regional electricity unit rate in the UK today, you need to compare in a way that reflects how you actually use electricity. Follow these steps to avoid false savings.
- Start with your postcode. It determines your region, which affects both p/kWh and p/day pricing.
- Check your meter type. Standard, Economy 7 and smart time-of-use tariffs aren’t interchangeable.
- Compare both unit rate and standing charge. Low usage households often benefit from a lower standing charge even if the unit rate is slightly higher.
- Choose the right level of price certainty. Fixed tariffs can protect you from price rises; variable can be flexible but may change.
- Consider exit fees and term length. The cheapest “today” should still fit your plans for the next 6–24 months.
- Switch confidently. Once you’ve chosen, your new supplier normally handles the process; there’s typically no interruption to supply.
If you’re a low-usage household
Prioritise the standing charge. A tariff with a slightly higher unit rate but a lower standing charge can be cheaper overall.
If you use lots of electricity
Prioritise the unit rate (p/kWh). Even a small reduction can make a meaningful difference across the year.
Common mistakes when searching for the cheapest electricity rates
Only looking at p/kWh
The cheapest unit rate can be paired with a higher standing charge. Always compare the combined impact on your estimated annual cost.
Ignoring tariff structure
Economy 7 and time-of-use tariffs can be great — but only if your usage matches the cheaper periods.
Comparing the wrong region
Regional pricing means a deal shown for one area may not exist for yours. Using your postcode avoids wasted time.
A simple rule
If two tariffs look close, choose the one with the lower estimated cost for your usage, not the one that looks cheapest on a single line item.
FAQs: cheapest regional electricity unit rates in the UK
What is an electricity unit rate?
The unit rate is the price you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you use, shown in pence per kWh (p/kWh). It sits alongside the standing charge (a daily fixed cost).
Why do unit rates change by postcode?
Your postcode maps to a regional electricity distribution area. Suppliers can set different regional prices, so tariffs can have different unit rates and standing charges across the UK.
Is the cheapest tariff always a fixed deal?
Not always. Fixed tariffs can offer price certainty, but a variable tariff may be cheaper at a given moment. The best option depends on your risk tolerance, exit fees and how long you plan to stay.
Do I need to know my usage to compare?
No — your postcode is the key start point. If you know your typical annual electricity use (kWh) or have a recent bill, it helps produce more accurate cost estimates.
Will switching interrupt my electricity supply?
Normally, no. Switching supplier doesn’t change the physical supply to your home. Your new supplier usually manages the changeover process.
Can I compare if I have prepayment?
Yes, although availability varies by region and supplier. Comparing by postcode helps ensure you only see options compatible with your meter setup.
Why households use EnergyPlus.co.uk
When you’re chasing the cheapest regional electricity unit rates, clarity matters. Here’s what customers commonly value about a postcode-led, whole-of-market comparison.
“Postcode comparison made it obvious.”
I’d been looking at national averages, but the rates were different for my area. Comparing properly helped me choose a better tariff for my region.
Homeowner, North West
“Clear breakdown of unit rate vs standing charge.”
Seeing both costs side-by-side stopped me picking a low unit rate with a high daily charge. That would’ve cost me more overall.
Flat resident, London
“Straightforward switching support.”
I didn’t want to spend hours comparing. The form was quick, and I felt confident I was seeing options that actually apply to my postcode.
Family household, Yorkshire
Trust and transparency
- UK home-energy focused comparison journey
- Postcode-led results to reflect regional pricing
- Clear presentation of unit rates and standing charges
Ready to check the cheapest unit rate for your region?
Use your postcode to see electricity tariffs available where you live — with unit rates, standing charges and a clearer view of which deal is cheapest for your household today.
- Whole-of-market comparison for UK homes
- Results tailored to your region and meter type
- Quick form — no long phone queues
Start your comparison
Prices and availability change. Comparing with your postcode gives the most accurate regional view.
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