What are regional energy unit rates and why do they vary by postcode?

Regional energy unit rates are the per-kWh prices you pay for electricity and gas. In Great Britain, prices can vary by region because network costs (distribution and transmission), loss factors, and local infrastructure charges differ across areas. Your postcode helps identify the pricing region used to estimate the rates available where you live.

How do I find the cheapest electricity and gas unit rates for my postcode today?

Use a postcode-based comparison to see estimated unit rates for your area, then compare tariffs like-for-like (same payment method, meter type, and contract length). For the most accurate result, also check your current tariff details (unit rate and standing charge) from a recent bill and compare the total annual cost, not just the headline unit rate.

Is the cheapest unit rate always the cheapest deal overall?

Not always. A tariff with a slightly higher unit rate may still be cheaper overall if it has a lower standing charge or better fits your usage pattern. To maximise savings, compare both the unit rate (p/kWh) and the standing charge (p/day) and check the estimated annual cost for your postcode and usage.

Do standing charges vary by region too?

Yes. Standing charges can differ by region because parts of the network and policy costs vary geographically. When comparing tariffs by postcode, always review both the standing charge and the unit rate for electricity and gas.

What details do I need to get an accurate quote for my postcode?

For the most accurate quote, you typically need your postcode, property type, payment method (direct debit, prepayment, etc.), meter type (standard, smart, Economy 7), and your annual usage (kWh) for electricity and gas. If you don’t know your usage, a recent bill can help estimate it.

How often do energy unit rates change?

Energy prices can change due to wholesale market movement, supplier pricing decisions, and updates to regulated charges. Fixed tariffs usually keep unit rates stable for the contract term, while variable tariffs can change. Check the latest rates for your postcode regularly, especially before switching.

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m in a high-cost postcode area?

Yes. You can switch supplier in most cases, and comparing deals by postcode helps identify which suppliers and tariffs are competitive in your region. Switching won’t change regional network costs, but it can reduce your overall bill if you find a better tariff structure and pricing.

How long does switching take and will my supply be interrupted?

Switching typically takes a few working days in Great Britain and your energy supply will not be interrupted—only the billing changes to the new supplier. You’ll usually provide a meter reading around the switch date to ensure accurate final and opening bills.

What’s the quickest way to see my potential savings by postcode?

Compare your current unit rate and standing charge against the latest postcode-based offers, then look at estimated annual cost and any exit fees. If you share your usage and tariff details, you can get a clearer view of potential savings and the best-value plan for your home.

Cheapest regional energy unit rates by postcode (UK today)

Check today’s cheapest gas and electricity unit rates available for your area, based on your postcode. Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs and get a personalised quote in minutes.

See rates that apply to your region (not national averages)
Compare unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day)
Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (not business)
No obligation — submit your details to receive matching tariffs

Check rates by postcode How regional pricing works

Rates vary by network region, meter type and payment method. Results are for domestic customers and depend on tariff availability at the time you apply.

Find the cheapest unit rates available in your postcode

In the UK, energy prices aren’t the same everywhere. Your electricity distribution region and gas network area affect the standing charge and unit rate you’ll be offered. That’s why searching for the cheapest regional energy unit rates by postcode is the quickest way to see what’s realistically available for your home today.

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs. Submit your postcode and a few details and we’ll match you with available deals and highlight where you could reduce your p/kWh and/or p/day charges.

Tip: The “cheapest” tariff isn’t always the lowest unit rate. A slightly higher unit rate with a lower standing charge can be cheaper overall for low-to-medium usage households.

What you’ll get

Regionalised results using your postcode (no guesswork)
Clear view of unit rates and standing charges
Tariffs suited to your meter and payment preference
A quick route to switch if a better deal is available

Get today’s regional rates

Complete the form and we’ll compare domestic tariffs available for your postcode.

Already know your tariff? You can still compare. The biggest differences by postcode often come from standing charges and regional network costs, not just the supplier.

Why “cheapest by postcode” beats national averages

National headlines can be useful, but they don’t tell you what you’ll actually pay. Your address determines key parts of your bill, so postcode-led comparisons are the most accurate way to find a cheaper tariff.

Region-specific standing charges

Standing charges vary across electricity distribution areas and can materially change which tariff is cheapest, especially for smaller homes and low usage.

Your meter and payment method

Smart meters, traditional credit meters, and prepayment meters can have different pricing. Direct Debit tariffs may differ from pay-on-receipt options.

Realistic, available deals

Availability changes day-to-day. Comparing “today” means you see what you can actually apply for now, in your postcode, for your household.

How regional energy unit rates work in the UK

When you search for the cheapest electricity and gas unit rates by postcode, you’re effectively narrowing pricing to the network costs and rules that apply where you live. Here’s what typically drives differences between regions:

Electricity distribution region

The UK is split into distribution areas. Network charges differ by area and affect both the standing charge and, in some cases, the unit rate. Your postcode identifies your region.

Gas network area

Gas prices can vary by network and tariff type. For many households, the biggest movement is still in standing charges, but postcode targeting keeps results accurate.

What “unit rate” and “standing charge” mean

Unit rate (p/kWh): what you pay for each unit of energy you use. If you use a lot of energy (larger households, electric heating), this has a bigger impact.

Standing charge (p/day): a daily fixed charge to cover supply and network costs. This matters more if you use less energy or are away from home often.

How to check the cheapest rates for your postcode (steps)

Enter your postcode so we can identify your regional pricing and network.
Add basic contact details so we can send your matched results and support your switch.
Review available tariffs and compare unit rates vs standing charges.
Choose the best fit for your household usage and preferences.

Good to know: “Today’s” rates can change with market updates and supplier availability. If you’re close to the end of a fix, checking again closer to your renewal window may unlock better options.

Regional rate guide (what changes by postcode)

This guide explains where regional differences typically show up. Exact cheapest unit rates depend on current tariffs, your meter, and payment method — use the form above for postcode-accurate results.

Factor	What it affects	Why it varies by postcode	What to do
Electricity standing charge	Daily fixed cost	Distribution network charges differ across regions	Compare by postcode and evaluate low/medium usage tariffs
Electricity unit rate	Cost per kWh	Some tariffs reflect regional cost differences and competition	Check unit rate and exit fees if fixing
Gas standing charge	Daily fixed cost	Network and regional supply costs can vary	Compare total annual cost, not just p/kWh
Meter type	Eligibility and pricing	Some tariffs are restricted by meter or setup	Confirm you’re comparing domestic tariffs for your meter
Payment method	Monthly cost and tariff options	Suppliers price differently for Direct Debit vs other methods	Choose the option you’ll actually use to avoid surprises

Looking for the cheapest unit rate only? We’ll show you that — but we’ll also highlight whether it’s likely to be cheapest overall once standing charges are included.

Common mistakes when searching for the cheapest energy rates

Comparing without your postcode

If you don’t include your postcode, you’ll likely see averages. That can hide higher standing charges (or better deals) in your specific region.

Focusing on p/kWh and ignoring p/day

A tariff with a very low unit rate can still cost more overall if the standing charge is higher in your region.

Not accounting for usage patterns

Households with electric vehicles, heat pumps, or larger families may benefit from different structures than low-use flats.

Assuming the cheapest fix is always best

Some fixed tariffs include exit fees. If you’re likely to move, it can be worth comparing flexible options too.

Best practice: Compare on estimated annual cost using your postcode and meter type, then sanity-check the unit rate and standing charge breakdown.

FAQs: cheapest regional energy unit rates by postcode

Do energy unit rates really vary by postcode in the UK?

Yes. Your postcode links to an electricity distribution region and (for gas) a network area. Those regional network costs influence the standing charge and can influence the unit rate depending on the tariff.

What’s the difference between “cheapest unit rate” and “cheapest tariff”?

The cheapest unit rate (p/kWh) is only one part of your bill. The cheapest tariff overall considers both unit rate and standing charge (p/day) against your expected usage.

Can I compare if I’m on a prepayment meter?

In many cases, yes — but available tariffs and pricing can differ from credit meters. Submit your details and we’ll focus on domestic options available for your setup.

How often do the cheapest rates change?

Tariff availability can change frequently. Suppliers can launch, amend, or withdraw deals, and your region can affect which offers you can access. If you’re not switching immediately, it’s worth checking again nearer to your decision date.

Will switching affect my supply?

No. Your energy continues without interruption. Switching changes who bills you and the rates you pay, not the physical supply to your home.

Why do you need my email and phone number?

We use your details to send your comparison results and help you complete your switch if you choose to proceed. Providing a phone number can speed up support, but you can still request results using email.

Still unsure? Check your rates by postcode and we’ll show what’s available for your home today.

Trusted support for postcode-accurate comparisons

Whole-of-market approach

We focus on domestic tariffs across the market, so you can compare options that fit your postcode, meter type and preferences.

Clear breakdown of costs

We highlight what matters: unit rates, standing charges and key terms — so you can make a confident decision.

Real customer experiences

“Quick to use and the results actually matched what I could get for my postcode.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands

Privacy-first: We only request the details we need to provide postcode-accurate comparisons and to contact you with your results.

Domestic focus: This page is for home energy. If you’re looking for business energy, use the dedicated business comparison route instead.

Ready to see the cheapest rates for your postcode?

Get domestic tariffs matched to your region today. Compare unit rates and standing charges side-by-side and request your personalised results.

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EnergyPlus is a UK comparison service. Final prices depend on tariff terms, region, meter configuration and eligibility checks by the supplier.

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Updated on 17 Feb 2026