Regional energy unit rates by postcode (UK today)
Check typical electricity (p/kWh) and gas (p/kWh) unit rates for your area and see if you could pay less. Use EnergyPlus.co.uk to compare whole-of-market home energy options based on your postcode.
- Understand why prices vary by region (DNO & distribution costs)
- See the difference between unit rate and standing charge
- Get personalised results for your postcode in minutes
Home energy only. Rates vary by payment method, meter type, and supplier. We’ll use your postcode to show relevant regional pricing and available tariffs.
Compare home energy unit rates by postcode
If you’ve searched for regional energy unit rates by postcode UK today, you’re usually trying to answer one thing: am I paying more than I need to for gas or electricity where I live? In the UK, your unit rates can vary by region because network costs differ across electricity distribution areas. Your supplier and tariff matter too—so the best next step is a postcode-based comparison.
Tip: Don’t judge a tariff by unit rate alone. Your standing charge, meter type (credit, prepay, smart), and payment method (direct debit vs pay on receipt) can change the real cost.
What you’ll get with EnergyPlus
- Postcode-based regional pricing context (so your numbers make sense for your area)
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy options
- A clear view of estimated costs based on your household details
- Simple next steps to switch when you’re ready
Get results for your postcode
Fill in the form and we’ll show relevant regional pricing and available home energy deals.
Already know your tariff? You can still compare—just enter your postcode. We’ll estimate usage bands and show options you can refine.
Regional energy unit rates by postcode: what “today” really means
When people ask for today’s regional unit rates, they usually want a quick benchmark to compare against their bill. In practice, UK energy pricing changes with tariff availability and, for some tariffs, market movements. For most households, the most relevant “today” view is:
- Your region (based on postcode and electricity distribution area)
- Your meter/payment type (credit vs prepay, direct debit vs standard credit)
- Your tariff type (fixed vs variable) and your current supplier’s pricing
- Standing charge (daily) alongside unit rate (per kWh)
Good to know: You can share the first part of your postcode (e.g. “LS”, “BS”, “G”) online for a rough area check, but comparisons are most accurate with your full postcode because it maps to the correct regional network.
Why regional unit rates matter for your home
They affect your real bill
Even a small difference in p/kWh adds up across yearly usage—especially for higher-consumption households and electric heating.
It explains “why my friend pays less”
Two homes on similar tariffs can pay different rates in different regions due to local distribution charges and regional pricing structures.
It helps you choose the right tariff
Understanding unit rates and standing charges makes it easier to pick a deal that fits your usage, not just the headline price.
It reduces switching mistakes
Many people compare only unit rate. In some regions a lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge.
It supports budgeting
Regional benchmarks can help you sanity-check direct debit changes, especially after renewals or tariff changes.
It’s relevant for smart meters
Smart meters don’t automatically lower prices—but they make it easier to track kWh usage and compare tariffs accurately.
How regional energy pricing works in the UK
Your home’s electricity price is partly shaped by where you live. The UK is split into electricity distribution regions, each maintained by a local network operator. Suppliers include these network costs in their pricing, which is why unit rates and standing charges vary by postcode.
- Postcode maps to a regional electricity distribution area (your “region”).
- Network and policy costs are applied differently across regions.
- Suppliers set tariff prices (unit rate + standing charge) for each region.
- Your bill depends on usage: kWh used × unit rate, plus daily standing charges.
Unit rate (p/kWh)
The price you pay for each kilowatt hour of energy used. This is the part that changes with usage.
Standing charge (p/day)
A daily charge covering fixed costs (maintenance, metering, customer service and network costs). You pay this even if you use no energy that day.
Gas prices can vary too, but usually less by region than electricity. Your postcode still matters because suppliers price tariffs regionally and your local charges can differ.
Regional unit rate tables (guide) + how to use them
The tables below are a guide to help you understand typical regional variation. Your actual rate depends on your supplier, tariff, meter type and payment method. For accurate results, use the postcode comparison form.
Reading the tables: If your region shows higher electricity distribution costs, you may see higher standing charges and/or unit rates. The best deal isn’t always the lowest unit rate—check both.
Electricity: example regional variation (illustrative)
| Region (electricity distribution area) | Typical unit rate range (p/kWh) | Typical standing charge range (p/day) | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | Mid-range vs UK average | Mid-range | Compare fixed deals vs current tariff—standing charge differences can be meaningful. |
| South East | Often mid to slightly higher | Can vary widely | If you’re low usage, prioritise lower standing charge. |
| North West | Often competitive | Mid-range | Check tariffs with cheaper unit rates if you have higher kWh usage. |
| Yorkshire | Varies by tariff | Varies by supplier | Look at annual estimate, not only p/kWh. |
| Scotland (South/North) | Can be higher in some areas | Often higher standing charges | Consider tariff availability; compare both fuel types together if dual fuel. |
| Wales | Can differ by network area | Often mid to higher | Pay attention to standing charge if you’re frequently away from home. |
Gas: example variation (illustrative)
| Area | Typical unit rate range (p/kWh) | Typical standing charge range (p/day) | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Britain (most regions) | Often similar across regions | Can differ by supplier | If gas is your main heating fuel, small p/kWh differences can add up quickly. |
| Rural / edge-of-network areas | May be slightly higher | May be higher | Check availability; if you’re off-gas, compare electricity-only options instead. |
Want your exact figures? Check your postcode rates here and we’ll tailor results to your region and household.
Regional considerations that can change your price
Prepayment vs credit meters
Prepay customers can see different tariffs and prices. If you’ve changed meter type recently, your available deals may change too.
Economy 7 / time-of-use
If you have Economy 7, regional rates matter because day and night unit rates differ. The best choice depends on when you use electricity.
Electric-only homes
Flats and all-electric homes can be more sensitive to electricity unit rates. Comparing by postcode helps you see what’s competitive in your area.
Standing charge changes
Two tariffs can have similar unit rates but very different standing charges. Low-usage households often benefit from a lower standing charge.
FAQs: postcode energy unit rates in the UK
Do energy unit rates really vary by postcode?
Yes. Electricity prices vary by region because distribution network costs differ. Your supplier then sets tariff pricing for each region, so two postcodes can see different unit rates and standing charges.
What’s more important: unit rate or standing charge?
It depends on how much energy you use. Higher-usage homes tend to benefit more from a lower unit rate. Lower-usage homes may benefit more from a lower standing charge. A comparison based on your usage is the safest way to decide.
Can I check regional energy prices without giving personal details?
You can view general benchmarks online, but to get accurate regional results and available tariffs for your address, suppliers and comparisons typically need a postcode. If you want tailored results, use the form above.
Why are my rates different from a friend in another city?
Different distribution areas have different charges, and suppliers may set pricing differently by region. Your meter type, tariff, and payment method can also cause differences even within the same region.
Is this page for business energy?
No. This page and the comparison form are for home energy in the UK.
Still unsure? Check your postcode and we’ll guide you through what the numbers mean for your household.
Why households use EnergyPlus
“Clear explanation of rates”
“I didn’t realise standing charge made such a difference. The postcode comparison helped me understand my region and pick a better option.”
Homeowner, UK
“Fast and straightforward”
“Entered my postcode and got options quickly. Helpful to see regional context rather than guessing from random numbers.”
Tenant, England
“Felt more confident switching”
“Seeing the estimated annual cost based on my usage made it easier to choose between similar tariffs.”
Household bill payer, Scotland
Trust focus: Whole-of-market comparison approach, postcode-based regional context, and clear breakdowns to support informed choices.
Ready to check your regional unit rates?
Get a postcode-based view of typical pricing in your area and see which home energy tariffs may suit your household.
- Postcode-specific regional context
- Unit rates + standing charges explained clearly
- Quick form—no complicated steps
Start with your postcode
Go to the formHome energy comparison only. Prices depend on tariff, meter type and payment method.
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