Cheapest regional energy unit rates in the UK this week
See how gas and electricity unit rates vary by region, what drives the price differences, and get a whole-of-market comparison for your home based on your postcode and usage.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (not just one supplier)
- Postcode-based results to match your regional rates
- Compare fixed and variable tariffs, including standing charges
- Get a personalised estimate using your actual usage
Rates change frequently and depend on your region, meter type and usage. We’ll show an up-to-date comparison for your home using your postcode.
Get the cheapest unit rates available for your region
Energy prices differ across the UK because network costs are set by region. That means two households on the same tariff can pay different electricity unit rates (p/kWh) and gas unit rates (p/kWh) depending on where they live.
To find the cheapest regional energy unit rates this week for your home, the fastest route is a postcode-based comparison. We’ll match you to tariffs available where you live and show an estimated annual cost based on typical usage (or your own figures if you know them).
Tip: Don’t judge a tariff on unit rate alone. A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge. A whole-of-market view helps you compare the total cost properly.
What you’ll need (takes about 60 seconds)
- Your postcode (to apply the correct region)
- Your name and contact details (so we can send your comparison)
- Optional: your annual kWh (from a recent bill) for higher accuracy
What “cheapest unit rates this week” actually means
When people search for the cheapest electricity unit rate or cheapest gas unit rate, they usually mean the lowest pence-per-kWh price they can get right now. In practice, the cheapest option for your household depends on a few moving parts:
Unit rate (p/kWh)
What you pay for each kWh you use. Regional network charges can shift this up or down even on the same tariff name.
Standing charge (p/day)
A daily fee regardless of usage. If your usage is low, standing charge can be the biggest factor in what’s “cheapest”.
Tariff type
Fixed tariffs can protect you from rises; variable tariffs can track market changes. The best choice depends on risk and budget stability.
Important: There isn’t one “UK-wide cheapest unit rate” that fits everyone. The cheapest for you is the tariff with the lowest expected cost once your region, payment method, meter type (including smart meter) and usage are accounted for.
This week’s UK regional unit-rate guide (what to expect)
Below is a guide to regional pricing patterns in the UK. Exact unit rates and standing charges vary by supplier and tariff, and can change during the week. Use the postcode form above to see live options available to your home.
We use “often lower / often higher” rather than publishing a single numeric figure, because regional network costs, tariff availability and supplier pricing move frequently. Your personalised comparison gives the most accurate answer for this week.
| UK region (electricity distribution area) | Typical electricity unit-rate level | Typical gas unit-rate level | Why it can differ |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Scotland | Often higher | Varies (availability dependent) | Higher network costs and geography can influence electricity pricing. |
| South Scotland | Mid to higher | Mid | Distribution charges and supplier pricing strategies vary. |
| North West | Often mid | Often mid | Balanced network costs; cheapest tariff depends on standing charge trade-offs. |
| Yorkshire | Often mid | Often mid | Tariff availability and supplier discounts can swing weekly “best buys”. |
| North East | Mid to higher | Mid | Regional electricity distribution costs can be slightly higher. |
| East Midlands | Often mid to lower | Often mid | Some areas see competitive electricity pricing; standing charge is decisive. |
| West Midlands | Often mid | Often mid | Rates depend more on tariff choice than region alone. |
| Eastern England | Often mid to lower | Often mid | Distribution charges may be slightly lower; check fixed deals for savings. |
| South East | Often higher | Often mid to higher | Network costs and demand patterns can increase costs; shopping around matters. |
| London | Often mid (can surprise) | Often mid | Different distribution area; supplier pricing can be competitive on some tariffs. |
| South Wales | Mid | Mid | Look at dual-fuel options; standing charge differences can be meaningful. |
| South West | Often higher | Often mid to higher | Distribution costs can be higher; comparing total cost is crucial. |
Want the real answer for your home? Use your postcode to compare and we’ll show the cheapest available options based on your regional rates.
How to cut your bill even if your region is more expensive
If you live in a higher-cost region, you can still reduce what you pay by choosing the right tariff structure and avoiding common switching mistakes. Here are the biggest levers that typically make a difference:
- Compare total cost, not just the headline unit rate. A slightly higher unit rate with a lower standing charge can win for low-to-medium usage homes.
- Check whether fixed tariffs beat your current variable rate. If you value predictable monthly payments, a competitive fixed deal can help with budgeting.
- Use your real usage (kWh) if you can. Estimates are fine, but your annual kWh from a bill makes comparisons more accurate.
- Confirm your meter setup. Smart meters and traditional meters can have different tariff availability. Some homes also need to confirm Economy 7 compatibility.
- Review exit fees and end dates. Some fixed tariffs charge to leave early; timing your switch can save money.
Quick win: dual fuel vs separate suppliers
Sometimes the cheapest overall price comes from separate gas and electricity suppliers. A whole-of-market comparison helps you see both routes clearly.
Quick win: payment method
Direct Debit tariffs can differ from pay-on-receipt options. If you can, comparing Direct Debit plans may unlock lower rates.
Common mistakes when chasing the cheapest unit rate
Ignoring standing charge
The cheapest p/kWh isn’t always the cheapest bill. Standing charge differences add up quickly over a year.
Not comparing like-for-like
Economy 7, smart tariffs and standard single-rate tariffs aren’t directly comparable without aligning your usage pattern.
Using the wrong region
Regional pricing is based on your distribution area, not your council or county. Postcode comparison avoids this.
Regional energy rates: what affects your price?
Your region is one piece of the puzzle. These are the other key factors that influence the cheapest energy unit rates you can get this week:
Your usage (kWh) and household size
High-usage homes may benefit more from lower unit rates, while low-usage homes can be better off prioritising lower standing charges.
Meter type and tariff eligibility
Economy 7 and some smart tariffs are designed for specific usage patterns. The right plan can lower your effective cost per kWh.
Payment method
Some tariffs price differently for Direct Debit compared to paying on receipt. It’s worth checking both where available.
Tariff availability this week
Suppliers can add or withdraw deals. A “best buy” can change quickly, which is why a fresh comparison matters.
If you want the cheapest energy prices available in your distribution area, run a postcode comparison and we’ll identify the best-value options based on today’s market.
FAQs: cheapest regional energy unit rates
Why are electricity unit rates different across the UK?
A big driver is regional electricity distribution costs (the local network that delivers power). Suppliers price tariffs with these regional charges in mind, so the same tariff can have different unit rates and standing charges depending on your postcode.
Is the cheapest tariff always the one with the lowest unit rate?
Not necessarily. The standing charge can change the overall cost significantly. The cheapest tariff for you is the one with the lowest estimated annual cost based on your usage and region.
How often do unit rates change?
It depends on the supplier and tariff type. Variable tariffs can change, and fixed tariffs can appear or disappear as suppliers update their offers. That’s why checking “this week” can produce different results from last month.
Will you show tariffs for prepayment meters?
Tariff availability depends on your meter and supplier options in your area. Using your postcode is the best way to see what’s available for your setup.
Do I need a recent bill to compare?
No. A comparison can be produced using typical household consumption estimates. If you do have your annual kWh from a bill, it helps improve accuracy.
Is EnergyPlus a supplier?
No. EnergyPlus.co.uk is a whole-of-market comparison service for home energy, designed to help you identify better-value tariffs based on your postcode and preferences.
What homeowners say about comparing with EnergyPlus
“The postcode comparison made it clear why my rates were higher than friends in another area. I found a better tariff with a lower standing charge.”
— Homeowner, West Midlands
“I was only looking at unit rates. The comparison showed the total cost difference once standing charges were included.”
— Homeowner, South East
“Quick form, clear results. I liked that it was based on my area rather than generic UK averages.”
— Homeowner, Yorkshire
Trust and transparency: We focus on helping you compare home energy tariffs available in your area. Always review tariff terms (including unit rates, standing charges and exit fees) before switching.
Ready to see the cheapest unit rates in your region?
Use your postcode to get a whole-of-market comparison for your home. We’ll show options available this week and help you identify the best-value tariff based on total cost.
Home energy only. Results depend on tariff availability, meter type and postcode region.
You’ll compare:
- Electricity and gas unit rates (p/kWh)
- Standing charges (p/day)
- Fixed vs variable tariffs
- Estimated annual cost for your usage
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