What is an energy comparison site?

An energy comparison site is an online service that lets you compare gas and electricity tariffs from different suppliers in one place. By entering details like your current supplier, tariff and usage, you can see which providers may offer you a cheaper or more suitable deal and switch directly online.

Are energy comparison sites really accurate?

Energy comparison sites are generally accurate if you provide up-to-date information about your current tariff and usage. They use live pricing feeds from suppliers to estimate your annual costs and potential savings. However, not every site compares the whole market, so it is worth checking that the service is impartial and clearly shows which suppliers it includes in its results.

Do all energy suppliers appear on comparison sites?

No, not every energy supplier appears on every comparison site. Some smaller or regional suppliers choose not to be listed, and some sites only show suppliers they have commercial agreements with. To get a fuller picture of the market you may want to use more than one comparison tool or check directly with suppliers that are not listed.

Can I trust the cheapest deal shown on an energy comparison site?

The cheapest deal on a comparison site is based on the information you have entered and the tariffs that provider has access to. While it can be a good indicator of potential savings, you should always read the tariff details, contract length, exit fees, payment method and any conditions before switching. The best tariff for you may balance price with stability, customer service and green credentials.

How can using an energy comparison site save me money?

By comparing a wide range of tariffs, an energy comparison site highlights where you may be overpaying with your current supplier. It calculates estimated annual costs on each alternative tariff and shows how much you could save by switching. Many consumers save money by moving from expensive standard variable tariffs to more competitive fixed or online deals.

How often should I compare energy prices?

It is sensible to compare energy prices at least once a year or whenever your current tariff is due to end. You should also check prices if your direct debit has increased significantly, your usage changes, or the regulator announces major price cap changes. Regular comparisons help ensure you are not rolled onto an expensive default tariff without realising.

Is it safe to switch supplier through an energy comparison site?

Switching through a reputable energy comparison site is usually safe. Most services use secure encryption to protect your personal data and send your application directly to the new supplier. You should check that the site clearly states its data protection practices, is transparent about how it makes money and confirms who your new supplier will be before you submit any payment details.

Do energy comparison sites charge me a fee?

Most UK energy comparison sites are free for consumers to use. Instead of charging you, they typically receive a commission from the supplier when a switch is completed. This should not change the price you pay for your energy, but you should look for sites that clearly explain how they are paid and whether any commercial relationships affect the tariffs they display.

What details do I need to use an energy comparison site effectively?

To get accurate results you should have your latest energy bill to hand. The key details are your current supplier, tariff name, payment method, and annual or monthly usage in kWh for gas and electricity. If you do not know your usage, most comparison tools can estimate it based on your home, but the more precise your data, the more reliable the savings estimates will be.

Can businesses use energy comparison sites as well as households?

Yes, there are specialist business energy comparison services that help companies compare electricity and gas contracts designed for commercial premises. Business energy tariffs work differently to domestic tariffs, so using a comparison service that understands business contracts, meter types and consumption patterns can help you find more competitive rates and negotiate better terms.

Energy Comparison Sites in the UK – Home Energy Guide

Comparing home energy deals has never been more important. With wholesale prices changing regularly and suppliers updating tariffs throughout the year, using UK energy comparison sites can help you find a suitable gas and electricity tariff for your home and potentially save money on your monthly bills.

This guide explains how home energy comparison works, what to watch out for, and how to switch safely and confidently while staying within Ofgem rules and UK regulations.

Compare home energy tariffs in minutes

Whether you are on a standard variable tariff or an expiring fixed deal, there may be other home energy tariffs available that better fit your usage and budget. Comparison services can highlight available options from a range of UK suppliers, from the larger brands to smaller challenger providers.

See a snapshot of tariffs that may be available in your area*
Understand estimated annual costs based on your usage
Compare fixed, variable and green home energy deals
Get guidance on how to complete your switch safely

*Tariff availability will depend on your postcode, meter type and individual circumstances. Prices and eligibility can change.

Get help comparing home energy

Leave your details and a member of our trusted partner team can talk you through your home gas and electricity options.

Full name

Postcode

Email address

Phone number

Current supplier (if known)

Property type

What do you want to compare?

Dual fuel (gas & electricity)

Electricity only

Gas only

I agree to be contacted by phone and/or email about home energy comparison and understand that this may involve a trusted third party partner.

No obligation to switch. You can opt out of communications at any time.

How UK home energy comparison sites work

Most UK home energy comparison services follow a similar process. They gather information about your property, usage and current tariff, then use this to estimate your annual consumption. They can then show you a selection of tariffs that may be available to you based on your postcode and meter details.

1. You share your details

You normally provide your postcode, current supplier, type of meter (for example, standard single rate, Economy 7 or smart meter) and whether you use gas, electricity, or both. You may be asked about the size of your home and the number of people living there.

2. Your usage is estimated

If you know your annual consumption from a recent bill, this can give a more accurate comparison. If not, many comparison tools use typical consumption for a similar property to estimate your usage and calculate indicative prices.

3. Tariffs are searched

The comparison engine searches a panel of UK home energy suppliers and tariffs. Not every site compares the whole of the market, and some may only display tariffs from suppliers that pay them a commission. Always check which suppliers are included.

4. You review and switch

You can then view tariffs that may be available, filter by type (fixed, variable, green) or payment method, and decide if you want to proceed. If you choose to switch, you will usually complete an online form and your new supplier will then manage the transfer.

Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute personalised advice. Any switch decision is entirely your own.

Benefits of using home energy comparison sites

There is no obligation to use a comparison site. You can contact suppliers directly and request tariffs. However, many households prefer to use comparison services for the convenience and overview of available options.

Time saving: Quickly view a selection of tariffs without contacting each supplier individually.
Cost visibility: See estimated annual costs based on your usage so you can compare like-for-like.
Tariff choice: Compare fixed, variable and green tariffs, as well as different payment methods such as direct debit or pay on receipt of bill.
Switch support: Many services provide guidance or customer support if you have questions during the switching process.
Review information: Some comparison sites include customer ratings or service measures to help you assess suppliers beyond price.

Things to check before switching supplier

Before you commit to a new home energy tariff, take a few extra minutes to make sure you understand the key terms and how they apply to you.

Exit fees and contract length

Some fixed tariffs charge an exit fee if you leave before the end of the term. Check how long the contract lasts, whether fees apply to each fuel separately, and how soon before the end date you can switch without paying a fee.

Standing charges and unit rates

Your bill is based on both the standing charge (a daily fee) and the unit rate (per kWh of gas or electricity). A tariff with a low unit rate but high standing charge may not always be the cheapest for low usage households.

Payment method and meter type

Prices can vary depending on whether you pay by monthly direct debit, quarterly bill, or prepayment meter. Make sure the comparison is based on the way you actually pay and the type of meter you have.

Eligibility and special circumstances

Some tariffs may only be offered to new customers, to certain regions, or to households with smart meters. If you receive support through government schemes or the Priority Services Register, check how this will work if you switch.

Always read the tariff terms and conditions on the supplier's website before you agree to switch.

Regulation, price caps and protection for households

The home energy market in Great Britain is regulated by Ofgem, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets. Ofgem sets rules for suppliers, including how tariffs must be presented and how customers should be treated if things go wrong.

The energy price cap, set by Ofgem, limits the maximum price that suppliers can charge per unit of energy and for the standing charge on certain tariffs, typically standard variable tariffs for households paying by direct debit, standard credit or prepayment. The cap level can change every three months and may go up or down.

Important points to understand:

The price cap is not a cap on your total bill. Your bill will still depend on how much energy you use.
Some fixed tariffs can be above or below the price cap level because they are not usually covered by the cap.
If your supplier fails, Ofgem's Supplier of Last Resort process is designed to move you to a new supplier, helping to protect your credit balance and continuity of supply.

For the latest information on the price cap and consumer protections, visit Ofgem's official website.

Step-by-step: comparing home energy deals

Find a recent bill: Look for your current tariff name, standing charge, unit rates and annual consumption in kWh if available.
Note your meter type: Check whether you have a single rate, Economy 7, smart meter or prepayment meter, and whether you use gas, electricity, or both.
Use a trusted comparison service: Choose a service that clearly explains which suppliers it compares and how it makes money. Some are accredited under Ofgem's Confidence Code.
Enter accurate information: The more precise your usage figures, the more realistic the estimates you will see for each tariff.
Compare more than price: Look at customer service scores, contract length, exit fees and whether the tariff is fixed or variable.
Double-check details with the supplier: Before you finalise a switch, read the tariff information label and key terms on the supplier's website.
Take meter readings: On the day your switch completes, take meter readings for your records and share them with both suppliers if requested.

Common home energy tariff types

When you compare energy online, you will typically see a selection of different tariff types. Understanding how these work can help you choose an option that suits your home and attitude to risk.

Fixed rate tariffs

With a fixed tariff, your unit rates and standing charges are usually fixed for a set period, for example 12 or 24 months. Your monthly payments can still change if your usage changes, but the prices per unit should stay the same during the contract term unless specific circumstances apply.

Variable tariffs

Standard variable and other flexible tariffs can move up or down with the market, usually with notice. Many households are on variable tariffs by default. When the price cap changes, variable tariffs that are subject to the cap may change too.

Green and renewable tariffs

Some tariffs are marketed as green because the supplier buys renewable energy or offsets some or all of your usage. There are different ways suppliers can support renewable energy, so check the details to understand how each tariff works.

Tariff features and availability change frequently. Always review the latest information direct with the supplier.

Frequently asked questions about energy comparison sites

Do all comparison sites show the same energy deals?

No. Each comparison service works with its own panel of suppliers and may receive commission when you switch through them. Some sites compare a larger part of the market than others. Always look for a clear explanation of which suppliers are included and whether results are ordered by price, commission or other factors.

Can I compare gas and electricity together?

Yes. Many households use dual fuel tariffs, where you have both gas and electricity with the same supplier. Comparison tools can often show dual fuel deals alongside single fuel options so you can see which works out better for you.

Will my energy supply be interrupted when I switch?

No. Your gas and electricity physically come through the same pipes and cables, regardless of who your supplier is. When you switch, the change is mainly administrative. There should be no interruption to your supply during a standard home energy switch.

How long does it take to switch home energy supplier?

Switching typically takes around 5 working days once you have agreed a new tariff, although this can vary. You have a cooling-off period (normally 14 days) during which you can change your mind. Your new supplier should explain the timetable when you sign up.

Is it always cheaper to switch?

Not always. Sometimes your current supplier may already be offering a competitive tariff for your circumstances, or there may be fewer alternative deals on the market. A comparison can still help you understand your options and check whether you are comfortable staying on your existing plan.

Can I compare if I have a smart meter?

Yes. Many suppliers support smart meters, but how they work with different meter types can vary. When you use a comparison service, make sure you indicate that you have a smart meter and confirm with any new supplier how your meter will be used after the switch.

Ready to review your home energy options?

If you are unsure which comparison route is right for you, or you would like help understanding your bill and usage, you can request a call-back and talk through your situation with a specialist.

Start my home energy comparison

Independent advice may also be available from organisations such as Citizens Advice for households who need additional support.

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Updated on 7 Dec 2025