What are regional energy unit rates in the UK?

Regional energy unit rates are the prices you pay per unit of energy (usually pence per kWh) and they can differ by where you live in the UK. Your region can affect electricity and gas unit rates due to distribution costs and network charges, even when you’re on a similar type of tariff.

Why do energy unit rates vary by region?

Unit rates vary by region mainly because electricity and gas networks have different operating and maintenance costs across the country. These regional differences in distribution charges can change the unit rate you’re offered, even if the supplier and tariff type are the same.

How can I find my energy region?

Your energy region is typically determined by your electricity distribution area and is linked to your postcode. If you’re comparing tariffs or checking regional rates, use your postcode and current supplier details to identify the correct region and pricing.

Are today’s regional unit rates the same as the Energy Price Cap?

Not always. The Energy Price Cap sets maximum allowed rates (and standing charges) for standard variable tariffs in each region, but your actual unit rate depends on your tariff (fixed vs variable), payment method, meter type and supplier. Fixed tariffs can be above or below cap-level rates.

Do standing charges also vary by region?

Yes. Standing charges can vary by region for both gas and electricity. That’s why comparing both the unit rate (p/kWh) and the standing charge (p/day) is important when estimating your total bill.

What’s the difference between electricity unit rate and gas unit rate?

Electricity and gas are priced separately and use different networks, so their unit rates and standing charges differ. Electricity is billed in kWh. Gas is also billed in kWh but is calculated from meter readings (m³ or ft³) and a conversion factor before being charged at the gas unit rate.

How do I estimate my bill using regional unit rates?

To estimate a bill, multiply your expected usage (kWh) by the unit rate, then add the standing charge for each day in the billing period. Do this separately for electricity and gas if you have a dual fuel supply. For the most accurate result, use your recent usage from bills or smart meter data.

Can I reduce my unit rate by switching tariff or supplier?

Often, yes. If you’re on a standard variable tariff, switching to a competitive fixed tariff (or another variable deal) may reduce your unit rate and/or standing charge. Compare your current rates with available options in your region and consider total annual cost rather than unit rate alone.

Does having a smart meter change my regional unit rate?

A smart meter doesn’t automatically change your region, but it can affect which tariffs you can access (including smart/time-of-use tariffs). Your rate still depends on your supplier, tariff and region—plus any peak/off-peak pricing if you choose a time-of-use plan.

Where can I compare or check the latest regional energy unit rates?

You can use Energy Plus to view and compare regional energy unit rates and understand what you could pay in your area. Start by checking the latest rates here: https://www.energyplus.co.uk/local/regional-energy-unit-rates-uk-today and then compare options based on your postcode and typical usage.

Regional energy unit rates in the UK today (home)

Check how today’s electricity and gas unit rates can vary by region, what actually affects the price you’re offered, and compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus in minutes.

Understand your region’s typical unit rates and standing charges
See why two homes can pay different rates on the same tariff
Compare whole-of-market options for your postcode and usage
Switch online with a simple form (no phone calls required)

Compare unit rates by postcode View regional guide

Guide content is for UK homes (not business energy). Prices change frequently; your quote depends on postcode, meter type and usage.

Compare today’s home energy unit rates for your region

If you’re searching for regional energy unit rates UK today, the most accurate answer is always personalised: the tariff you’re offered depends on your postcode, payment method, meter type and estimated usage. EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home energy deals to help you find competitive electricity (p/kWh) and gas (p/kWh) unit rates and standing charges.

Tip: If you only look at the unit rate, you can miss higher standing charges. Comparing the annual cost based on your typical usage is the safest way to judge value.

What you’ll need (takes about 2 minutes)

Your postcode (to match your distribution region)
Whether you pay by Direct Debit or other method
Your meter type (credit, smart, Economy 7)
Rough annual usage (or a recent bill)

Already know your unit rates? Jump to how to read your tariff or view our regional guide table.

Get your personalised quote

Whole-of-market home energy comparison. See unit rates and estimated annual cost.

Postcode Payment method Fuel type Do you have a smart meter?

How pricing works

By continuing you confirm you’re comparing for a UK home. We’ll use your details to show suitable tariffs. No scripts on this page; you can opt out of marketing at any time.

What “unit rate” means (and what to check alongside it)

Unit rate (p/kWh)

Your unit rate is the price you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy you use. Electricity and gas have separate unit rates, and the best value depends on how much you use across the year.

Standing charge (p/day)

The standing charge is a daily fixed cost that covers network, metering and other fixed charges. A low unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge, particularly for low-usage households.

The quick way to compare

When you compare with EnergyPlus, we estimate your annual cost using your usage, unit rates and standing charges. That’s usually clearer than comparing p/kWh on its own.

Why energy unit rates vary by region in the UK

Even when suppliers set prices nationally, your final electricity and gas charges can differ by region. That’s because a portion of what you pay relates to delivering energy to your home, and those costs vary across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Electricity distribution region

Your postcode maps to a regional electricity network (the local company that maintains wires and substations). Network costs are reflected in standing charges and unit rates.

Gas transport and metering

Gas pricing can vary by local transport costs and metering arrangements. If you’re gas-only, standing charges can matter more than you expect.

Tariff type and payment method

Fixed vs variable tariffs, Direct Debit vs prepayment, and smart/Economy 7 meters can all lead to different unit rates even within the same region.

Important: “UK today” pricing changes frequently. The best way to get a current figure is a postcode-based comparison that accounts for your meter and usage.

Regional energy unit rates UK today: guide (what to expect)

This is a non-quote guide to the types of UK regions that can influence unit rates and standing charges. For an accurate “today” price for your home, use the postcode form.

Region type	Common examples (not exhaustive)	What you may notice	Best comparison approach
London & South East	Greater London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, parts of Thames Valley	Tariffs can differ due to regional electricity distribution costs and supplier pricing strategies	Compare by postcode and check both unit rate and standing charge
Midlands	West Midlands, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire	Some areas can have different standing charges vs other regions	Use annual cost comparisons for your usage level (low/medium/high)
North of England	Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Yorkshire, North East	Unit rates can be competitive, but check for higher standing charges on some tariffs	Filter by tariff type (fixed/variable) and confirm meter setup
South West & Wales	Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Cardiff, Swansea, rural Wales	Rurality can affect network costs; Economy 7 homes should compare day/night rates carefully	Compare with exact meter type (single rate vs Economy 7)
Scotland	Central Belt, Highlands, Islands	Network charges and supplier coverage can shift pricing and availability	Compare availability first, then focus on annual cost and exit fees
Northern Ireland	Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Newry and surrounding areas	Different market structure to Great Britain; comparisons need NI-specific tariffs	Use a NI-ready comparison with postcode and payment details

Want the real number for your address? Compare by postcode to see current unit rates and estimated annual cost for your home.

How to lower your energy costs (even if regional rates are higher)

Compare on annual cost

A tariff with a slightly higher unit rate can still be cheaper if the standing charge is lower for your usage level. Always review the yearly estimate.

Check your meter setup

Economy 7 and smart meters can change your pricing options. If you don’t use electricity mostly at night, Economy 7 can cost more overall.

Review tariff features

Look out for exit fees on fixes, discounts linked to payment type, and whether prices are capped or variable. The cheapest deal depends on how long you plan to stay.

Common mistake: ignoring standing charges

If you’re a low-usage household (for example, a flat with one or two occupants), standing charges can make up a large share of your bill. Comparing only p/kWh can lead to the wrong choice.

How EnergyPlus works (whole-of-market comparison)

Tell us your postcode and setup
We use your postcode to match your region and available tariffs, then account for meter type and payment method.
Compare unit rates + standing charges
See electricity and gas pricing plus an estimated annual cost based on your usage.
Choose a deal and switch
Pick a tariff that suits your household. If you switch, your new supplier handles the process and your supply won’t be interrupted.

Ready to see today’s rates for your region? Start your comparison.

FAQs: regional unit rates and today’s prices

Are unit rates the same across the UK?

Not always. Even with similar tariffs, the final rates and standing charges can vary by region due to electricity distribution and other network-related costs. Your tariff quote is best checked using your postcode.

What’s the difference between electricity and gas unit rates?

Electricity is typically priced higher per kWh than gas, but gas appliances may use more kWh overall for heating. Comparing dual fuel on annual cost helps you see the full picture.

Do standing charges vary by region?

Yes, they can. Standing charges often reflect fixed network and metering costs that can differ by area. That’s why two households on similar tariffs may see different daily charges.

Can I get “today’s unit rate” without a postcode?

You can find general averages, but they won’t be accurate enough to pick a tariff. For a usable number you can act on, you need a postcode-based quote that includes your meter type and payment method.

Is this page for business energy?

No. This page and the comparison form are for home energy in the United Kingdom. Business tariffs and contract structures differ.

Will switching interrupt my supply?

No. Switching supplier is administrative. Your gas and electricity supply stays on during the transfer, and your new supplier will confirm your switch date.

What customers value about comparing with EnergyPlus

Clear pricing view

“I could finally see unit rates and standing charges side by side, and the annual cost estimate made it simple.”

Homeowner, UK

Easy postcode comparison

“The postcode check was quick and the results felt relevant to my area and meter type.”

Tenant, UK

More confidence to switch

“I was worried about standing charges. Seeing the total yearly estimate helped me choose the right tariff.”

Family household, UK

Trust markers to look for when comparing

Whole-of-market approach (where available) rather than a limited panel
Transparent view of unit rates, standing charges and exit fees
Quotes based on your region, meter type and usage

Check your regional unit rates and switch if it saves money

Use your postcode to view current home energy options for your area, including unit rates, standing charges and estimated annual cost.

Whole-of-market home comparison
Postcode-based regional accuracy
Designed to help you choose on annual cost

Start now

Back to Local Home Energy

Updated on 28 Dec 2025