Cheapest regional energy unit rates UK today

Find today’s cheapest home energy unit rates by region, compare whole-of-market tariffs, and switch with confidence. Tell us your postcode to see deals available where you live.

  • Whole-of-market comparison for UK households (not business)
  • Regional prices explained: why your unit rate differs by postcode
  • Fixed and variable tariffs, with clear unit rate & standing charge breakdowns
  • Quick quote form — see eligible offers for your address

Unit rates and standing charges vary by region and supplier. Results depend on availability, payment method and meter type (including smart/prepay). EnergyPlus is a comparison service.

Check the cheapest unit rates in your region

When people search for the cheapest regional energy unit rates in the UK today, what they usually need is a clear answer for their postcode. Your electricity and gas prices depend on your distribution region (and sometimes meter type), so “national average” unit rates can be misleading.

EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy tariffs and shows the best options available for your area — including a full breakdown of unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) so you can compare like-for-like.

What counts as the “cheapest”?

The cheapest tariff is the one with the lowest total annual cost for your usage — not just the lowest unit rate. A low unit rate with a high standing charge can cost more overall (and vice versa). We help you compare both.

Get regional rates for your postcode

Complete the form to see available home energy deals in your area.

View regional guide

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about home energy options. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and support your switch. Your data is handled in line with our privacy policy.

Prefer to browse first? Jump to regional unit rate factors and then come back to compare.

Why regional energy unit rates matter (and how to save)

If you’re trying to reduce bills, it helps to understand what you can and can’t control. Region affects baseline pricing; your tariff choice and usage patterns determine what you pay in reality.

Compare like-for-like

See unit rate and standing charge together, so you can identify genuinely cheaper deals for your household usage.

Regional accuracy

Your postcode maps to a distribution region. We surface tariffs available in your area, rather than generic UK averages.

Switching support

We guide you through the switch and help you avoid common pitfalls like exit fees, unsuitable tariffs, or mismatched meter types.

Fixed vs variable clarity

Understand how fixed deals can offer price certainty, while variable tariffs can change with market conditions.

Payment method options

Direct Debit, pay on receipt, and prepayment can price differently. We’ll highlight what’s available for your setup.

No guesswork

If you don’t know your exact usage, we can still help you compare based on typical household consumption and refine later.

Regional energy unit rates in the UK: what changes by location?

UK household energy pricing isn’t identical nationwide. Even on similar tariffs, your electricity unit rate (p/kWh) and standing charge (p/day) can differ due to regional network costs and how electricity is distributed to homes in your area. Gas also varies, though the difference is often smaller.

Regional pricing in plain English

  • Distribution region: Your postcode sits within an electricity distribution area (DNO). Charges can vary across these regions.
  • Standing charge vs unit rate: A region may have a lower unit rate but a higher standing charge, or the other way around.
  • Meter type: Standard credit, Economy 7, smart meter, and prepay meters can be priced differently.
  • Payment method: Direct Debit tariffs can differ from pay-on-receipt.

Typical factors that influence the cheapest regional unit rates

Electricity distribution (DNO) costs

Your local network operator’s costs are factored into tariffs. These vary by region due to infrastructure and operating costs.

Tariff availability by postcode

Some deals are limited by supplier, meter type, or payment method. Entering your postcode shows what you can actually switch to.

Standing charge structures

If your home uses less energy (e.g. smaller household), a high standing charge can outweigh a competitive unit rate.

Single-rate vs multi-rate meters

Economy 7-style tariffs can look cheap off-peak but expensive at peak times. The “best” rate depends on when you use electricity.

Quick comparison checklist (before you switch)

What to compare Why it matters
Unit rate (p/kWh) Lower unit rates benefit higher-usage homes, but must be assessed with standing charges.
Standing charge (p/day) A higher standing charge can make a “cheap unit rate” tariff more expensive overall.
Tariff type (fixed/variable) Fixed = predictable costs; variable = can go up/down. Your preference matters.
Exit fees Leaving a fixed tariff early may have fees; factor this into switching decisions.
Meter & payment method Some tariffs require smart meters or Direct Debit; eligibility can affect “cheapest” options.

Important: The cheapest energy unit rate in your region today may not be the cheapest tariff for your home. Always compare the estimated annual cost for your usage — we’ll help you do that in the quote results.

How EnergyPlus finds the cheapest home energy rates in your area

We focus on clarity: you’ll see what’s available for your region, what you’re likely to pay, and what to check before switching. If you want to start now, go back to compare rates by postcode.

  1. Enter your postcode so we can identify the correct region and tariff availability.
  2. Review unit rates and standing charges across suppliers — not just one brand.
  3. Compare estimated cost based on your typical usage and household profile.
  4. Choose a tariff (fixed or variable) that matches your priorities: price certainty, flexibility, or a balance of both.
  5. Switch smoothly — your supply shouldn’t be interrupted, and you’ll receive confirmation of next steps.

What you’ll need (if you have it)

  • Your postcode (required)
  • Approximate annual kWh use for gas and electricity (helpful)
  • Current supplier and tariff type (helpful)
  • Whether you have a smart, standard credit, prepay, or Economy 7 meter

What not to worry about

  • No engineer visit is usually needed for a supplier switch
  • You won’t lose supply during a normal switch
  • Your region is automatically identified from your postcode
  • If your usage is unknown, you can still compare and refine later

How to get a cheaper energy price in your region

Region sets part of the price, but you can still reduce your overall energy cost. Use these practical checks before you switch.

1) Compare total cost, not headlines

Look at estimated annual cost using your usage level. A slightly higher unit rate can still be cheaper with a lower standing charge.

2) Check your meter type

Economy 7 and prepay pricing can differ. Make sure the tariff you pick matches your meter (or your ability to change it).

3) Align fixed length with your plans

If you may move home soon, a shorter fixed tariff (or one with low exit fees) can avoid surprise costs.

4) Avoid “rate-only” comparisons

The cheapest unit rate in a region may be paired with a standing charge that raises the total cost for low-to-medium users.

5) Use Direct Debit where possible

Many suppliers price Direct Debit more competitively. If it works for you, it can open up more deals.

6) Recheck when deals change

Availability and rates can shift. If you last compared months ago, it’s worth checking again for your postcode.

Ready to check your region?

Use your postcode to see tariffs available where you live, with unit rates and standing charges clearly shown.

Compare rates now

FAQs: cheapest regional energy unit rates

Why are energy unit rates different in different parts of the UK?

A key reason is that electricity distribution network costs vary by region. Your postcode maps to a distribution area, and those network charges can affect both unit rates and standing charges. Supplier pricing and tariff availability can also differ by meter type and payment method.

Is the lowest unit rate always the cheapest deal?

Not always. The cheapest tariff for your home is usually the one with the lowest total cost for your expected usage. A tariff with a low unit rate can still be expensive if the standing charge is high (particularly for lower-usage households).

Do gas rates vary by region too?

Yes, gas pricing can vary, though regional differences are often more noticeable for electricity. The most reliable way to see what applies to your home is to compare tariffs using your postcode.

Can I switch if I have a prepayment meter?

Often, yes — but the range of tariffs may differ compared with standard credit meters. Your options may also depend on whether you have a smart prepay meter. Enter your postcode and details to see what’s available.

Will my energy supply be interrupted if I switch?

In normal circumstances, no. Switching supplier is an administrative change and your supply should continue without interruption.

How often do regional unit rates change?

Rates can change as suppliers update pricing and as market conditions shift. That’s why it’s worth checking “today” rates when you’re ready to switch — and comparing total cost rather than relying on an old quote.

Still unsure what your region is? Your postcode automatically identifies it. Use the form in Compare rates to view eligible tariffs.

Trusted comparison for UK households

When you’re comparing the cheapest regional unit rates, accuracy matters. We focus on transparent comparisons and straightforward switching guidance.

Real people, real help

“Clear explanation of unit rates vs standing charges. I finally understood which deal was actually cheaper for my usage.”

— UK homeowner, online enquiry

Regional accuracy

“Other sites showed averages. This asked for my postcode and the prices made much more sense.”

— Household switcher, England

No jargon

“Simple steps, no pressure. I liked seeing both unit rate and standing charge without hunting for them.”

— First-time switcher, Scotland

What you’ll always see in your results

  • Unit rate and standing charge shown clearly
  • Tariff type (fixed/variable) and key terms
  • Eligibility considerations (meter/payment method)

See today’s cheapest regional unit rates for your home

Stop relying on UK averages. Enter your postcode to check the cheapest available tariffs in your region, with unit rates and standing charges explained.

  • Whole-of-market home energy comparison
  • Fixed and variable deals available in your area
  • Clear breakdown so you can compare confidently

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Check rates by postcode

Home energy only. Quotes depend on tariff availability, region and meter type.

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Updated on 9 Jan 2026