Why do energy prices vary by postcode in the UK?

UK electricity and gas tariffs can vary by postcode because networks charge different regional distribution costs. Your supply region (set by your postcode) affects parts of the unit rate and standing charge, so two homes with the same supplier and tariff type may pay different prices in different areas.

How do I find the cheapest energy tariff for my postcode?

Enter your postcode, fuel type (gas, electricity or dual fuel) and typical usage to compare tariffs available in your region. The cheapest option depends on your region, payment method, meter type and how much energy you use. Start here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/local/cheapest-regional-energy-tariff-rates-by-postcode-uk

Do standing charges differ by region?

Yes. Standing charges often differ between regions due to network and policy costs. Comparing by postcode helps you see the standing charge and unit rate you’re likely to pay in your area.

What information do I need to compare regional tariff rates accurately?

For the most accurate comparison, have your postcode, current supplier and tariff name, payment method (direct debit, prepayment, etc.), meter type (standard or smart), and annual usage in kWh (or a recent bill). If you don’t know usage, you can estimate based on household size.

Is the cheapest tariff always the best option?

Not always. The cheapest tariff on paper may include longer contract terms, exit fees, or different customer service and features. Consider total annual cost (unit rate + standing charge), contract length, exit fees, and whether the tariff suits your usage pattern.

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m in a contract?

Usually, yes—but you may pay an exit fee if you leave before the end of a fixed-term deal. Many suppliers allow penalty-free switching in the final weeks of your contract. Check your tariff terms before switching.

How long does it take to switch energy suppliers in the UK?

Switching typically completes in around 5 working days for most domestic switches, though timings can vary. Your supply shouldn’t be interrupted; only the billing and who you pay changes.

Will my smart meter work if I switch supplier?

In most cases, smart meters continue to work after you switch. Some older smart meters may lose smart functionality temporarily, but they still record energy use and you won’t lose supply.

What is the difference between a fixed and variable energy tariff?

A fixed tariff locks in your unit rate and standing charge for a set period, which can help with budgeting. A variable tariff can change (up or down) over time, often tracking market conditions or price cap changes.

How can I reduce my energy bills besides switching?

Alongside comparing postcode-based tariffs, you can lower costs by improving insulation, using heating controls efficiently, reducing standby power, and choosing efficient appliances. But switching to a better tariff for your region is often one of the quickest ways to reduce bills.

Cheapest regional energy tariff rates by postcode (UK)

Compare whole-of-market electricity and gas prices for your area. Enter your postcode to see the cheapest available home energy tariff rates and switch in minutes with EnergyPlus.

See prices that reflect your regional electricity distribution area
Compare fixed, tracker and variable home tariffs
Whole-of-market comparison with clear unit rates & standing charges
No jargon: we show the best match for your usage

Check cheapest rates by postcode How regional pricing works

For UK domestic customers. Prices vary by region, meter type and payment method. We’ll show personalised estimates based on your details.

Find the cheapest home energy tariff rates for your postcode

In Great Britain, energy prices aren’t identical everywhere. The unit rate and standing charge you see can change based on your electricity distribution region (your local network area), plus your meter type and payment method. That’s why “UK cheapest tariff” lists can be misleading.

EnergyPlus uses your postcode to identify the correct region and show whole-of-market tariffs available to you, with clear pricing so you can compare like-for-like.

Good to know: Your cheapest option depends on your annual usage. We’ll estimate your annual cost using your details, then sort results by value—not just headline rates.

What you’ll see after you submit

Cheapest tariffs for your area (based on your postcode)
Unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day)
Estimated annual cost and key tariff terms
Which options suit dual fuel or electricity-only homes

Why energy tariff rates vary by postcode in the UK

Your postcode helps identify your electricity distribution region. Suppliers buy electricity and pay network charges to deliver it—those charges differ by region and can influence both the standing charge and unit rate. That’s why the “cheapest tariff” in one area can be beaten in another.

1) Regional network costs

Electricity is delivered via regional networks (DNOs). Charges differ, so price caps and supplier tariffs can vary between regions.

2) Your meter & payment type

Smart meters, traditional meters and prepayment can attract different pricing. Direct Debit tariffs often price differently from pay-on-receipt.

3) When you use energy

If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, off-peak and peak rates matter. The “cheapest” plan depends on your usage pattern.

Tip: Comparing on unit rate alone can be expensive if the standing charge is high for your region. We show your estimated annual cost so you can choose the right balance.

Why compare regional tariff rates with EnergyPlus

If you want the cheapest home energy tariff by postcode, you need pricing that’s accurate for your region and easy to compare. Here’s how EnergyPlus helps you make a confident choice.

Whole-of-market comparison

You’ll see a broad range of UK domestic tariffs across suppliers, not a limited shortlist.

Clear pricing for your area

We show the relevant unit rates and standing charges for your postcode region, so you can compare like-for-like.

Optimised for your usage

A low unit rate isn’t always cheapest. We factor in standing charges and estimated consumption to rank value.

Switching support

If you decide to switch, we guide you through the information suppliers typically need and what happens next.

Home energy only

This page is designed for domestic customers—gas and electricity for your home, not business energy.

Fast, postcode-led results

No hunting through supplier PDFs. Start with your postcode and get results relevant to where you live.

Regional tariff pricing: what changes (and what doesn’t)

Below is a practical guide to what your postcode affects. Use it to understand why your quote might not match a friend’s in another part of the UK.

Pricing element	Can vary by postcode/region?	What it means for you
Electricity standing charge	Yes	Often influenced by regional network costs. Can be the deciding factor for low-usage homes.
Electricity unit rate (p/kWh)	Yes	Affects every kWh you use. Especially important for higher-usage households.
Gas standing charge	Sometimes	Can vary by region and supplier pricing model; differences are often smaller than electricity.
Gas unit rate (p/kWh)	Sometimes	May vary by supplier and product; your payment method and tariff type also matter.
Exit fees (on some fixed deals)	No (tariff-specific)	Usually set by the tariff terms rather than region—important if you might switch again soon.
Tariff availability	Yes	Some deals may be limited by region, meter type, or whether you have smart meter capability.

Looking for the cheapest regional energy tariff rates by postcode UK? The fastest route is to compare your postcode-specific prices alongside your usage. Use the form above to see what’s cheapest for you.

How to find and switch to a cheaper tariff (postcode-led)

If you’ve never compared regional rates before, here’s the straightforward process. It’s designed to prevent the most common “quote shock” issues where the displayed rate isn’t actually valid for your area.

Enter your postcode so we identify the correct regional pricing area.
Add a few contact details so we can send your comparison and help if you decide to switch.
Review tariffs by estimated annual cost, then check unit rate and standing charge to understand the trade-off.
Choose a tariff type (fixed, tracker, variable) based on your appetite for price changes and your budget planning.
Switch—your new supplier handles the admin. You’ll keep your energy supply throughout.

Fixed tariff: best for budgeting

You lock in unit rates and standing charges for a set term. Check any exit fees if you might switch again before it ends.

Tracker tariff: moves with the market

Your rates can go up or down. Trackers can be competitive, but you’ll want to be comfortable with price movement.

Common mistakes when searching for the cheapest tariff by postcode

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure the “cheapest” deal is genuinely the cheapest for your home and region.

Comparing headline unit rates only

A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge. Always compare estimated annual cost.

Ignoring meter setup

Some tariffs require a smart meter or suit certain meter types. Regional availability can also vary.

Using someone else’s postcode

Even nearby postcodes can fall into different pricing regions. Use your own postcode for accurate rates.

Quick check: If your home uses very little electricity (e.g., small flat), a lower standing charge can matter more than a slightly lower unit rate. For larger families, unit rate tends to dominate.

FAQs: cheapest regional energy tariff rates by postcode UK

Does the Energy Price Cap mean rates are the same everywhere?

No. The cap sets a maximum level and is applied in a way that can vary by region (especially for electricity). Your capped rates can differ depending on your electricity distribution area and meter type.

What counts as “regional” for electricity pricing?

Most domestic electricity pricing is linked to your regional network area (commonly referred to as the DNO region). Your postcode is an efficient way to identify that region for quoting.

Will I be without gas or electricity if I switch?

No. Switching is handled between suppliers. Your supply stays on; the main changes are the company that bills you and the tariff rates you pay.

Is dual fuel always cheaper?

Not always. Sometimes the cheapest electricity and cheapest gas tariffs are with different suppliers. A whole-of-market comparison helps you weigh convenience against total annual cost.

What details do I need to get the most accurate comparison?

Your postcode is the key starting point. If you have them, your annual kWh usage (or a recent bill) improves accuracy. Meter type and payment method can also affect what’s available and how it’s priced.

Do you compare home energy only?

Yes—this page and form are for UK domestic (home) energy comparisons, not business premises.

What customers value about postcode-based comparisons

When you compare energy by postcode, accuracy matters. Here’s what people typically appreciate when switching with regional pricing in mind.

“The first comparison I tried didn’t match my bill. Using my postcode made the rates line up properly and I could finally compare fairly.”

Domestic customer • North West

“Clear breakdown of standing charge vs unit rate. It helped me pick the right tariff for a smaller flat.”

Domestic customer • London

“The steps were straightforward and I understood what was changing before I switched. No surprise charges.”

Domestic customer • Scotland

Trust check: Always confirm the tariff’s unit rates, standing charges, contract length and any fees before you switch. If anything looks unclear, compare again using the same postcode and meter details.

Ready to see the cheapest tariff rates for your postcode?

Get postcode-accurate regional pricing and compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs. It takes a couple of minutes to start.

Compare cheapest rates now Read FAQs

UK domestic only. Your results depend on region, tariff availability and your usage profile.

Quick checklist (best results)

Use your exact postcode
Have a recent bill handy (optional)
Know if you have a smart meter
Compare by annual cost, not just unit rate

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Updated on 17 Feb 2026