How much is the energy price cap rising in July 2026?

Ofgem confirmed that the July 2026 price cap (Q3,) is £1,663 a year for a typical dual-fuel direct-debit home — an increase of around £221. Households that fix onto a competitive deal now can avoid most of that rise, with typical 12-month savings of around £300 versus staying on the capped variable rate.

Will my supply be interrupted when I switch supplier?

No. Switching energy supplier never interrupts your gas or electricity. You keep the same pipes, cables and meters, and Ofgem rules guarantee continuity of supply. The switch is handled behind the scenes — usually within 5 working days — and the only change you notice is who you pay and, ideally, a lower 2026 bill.

Can renters compare and switch energy supplier?

Yes. If you pay the energy supplier directly, you have the right to switch even in rented accommodation. Check your tenancy agreement for any clauses and speak to your landlord if energy is included in your rent. Our comparison is open to homeowners and tenants across the UK.

Compare UK Home Energy Suppliers for 2026 Deals — August 2026

Q: Which is the best UK home energy supplier in July 2026?

For most homes in July 2026, Octopus Energy ranks top for the combination of customer service, app and smart-tariff range, with EDF and E.ON Next strong on value and fixed deals. The genuinely 'best' supplier depends on your usage: heavy EV or smart-meter homes do best on Octopus or E.ON Next time-of-use tariffs, while households that just want price certainty should compare the cheapest 12-month fix. Run a comparison with your postcode and usage to see which supplier is cheapest for you, then fix now the current cap rise has landed.

Q: Should I fix my energy tariff under the current price cap?

For most households, yes. With the cap rising 13% to £1,663, a fixed deal priced below the new cap locks in today's lower rates and protects you from the increase. Fixing makes the most sense if you want budgeting certainty and the fixed unit rates beat the July cap. If you expect to move home soon, check the exit fees first, or choose a no-exit-fee variable or short fix.

Q: Which energy supplier has the best customer service in 2026?

Octopus Energy and Good Energy consistently rank highest for customer service in 2026, helped by responsive UK support and well-rated apps. E.ON Next and EDF score solidly mid-table, while the largest legacy suppliers tend to sit lower on complaint-handling. If service matters as much as price, weight the rankings towards Octopus, Good Energy and Utility Warehouse when you compare.

Q: Do fixed energy deals have exit fees in 2026?

Most fixed-term tariffs in 2026 charge an exit fee if you leave early, typically £25–£75 per fuel, so £50–£150 on a dual-fuel deal. Some suppliers — including several Octopus and E.ON Next fixes — offer no exit fees, letting you leave at any time. You can also usually switch penalty-free in the last 49 days of any fixed contract. Always check the exit fee before you commit, especially if you might move home.

Q: Which suppliers offer the best smart and time-of-use tariffs?

Octopus has the widest smart-tariff range in 2026, including Intelligent Octopus Go at around 7p/kWh overnight (23:30–05:30) for EV owners and Cosy Octopus for heat-pump homes. E.ON Next Drive offers roughly 6.7p/kWh off-peak EV charging, OVO Charge Anytime around 7p/kWh, and British Gas Electric Driver about 8.95p. These tariffs need a smart meter and suit households that can shift usage to off-peak windows.

Q: Is a dual-fuel tariff cheaper than separate gas and electricity?

Dual fuel — taking both gas and electricity from one supplier — is often slightly cheaper and simpler to manage, with one bill and one account. However, it is not guaranteed to be the lowest-cost option. Comparing dual-fuel deals against the cheapest separate gas and electricity tariffs on EnergyPlus shows which combination gives you the lowest annual cost for your usage.

Compare the major UK home energy suppliers on customer service, the best current fixed deals, exit fees and smart-tariff range — and lock in a rate below the £1,663 price cap.

Quick answer: which supplier should you choose in July 2026?

For most households in July 2026, Octopus Energy leads on the combination of customer service, app quality and smart-tariff range, while EDF and E.ON Next are strongest on competitively priced fixed deals. The genuinely cheapest supplier depends on your postcode and usage — but the bigger decision right now is timing. With Ofgem's confirmed 13% cap rise to £1,663 taking effect, fixing onto a deal priced below the new cap is the single most reliable way to protect your bills.

Use the comparison below to see live tariffs for your home, then fix now to lock in a rate below the £1,663 price cap.

Start your 2026 home energy comparison

Energy prices are about to step up again. The July 2026 price cap is £1,663 a year for a typical dual-fuel direct-debit home, so comparing and fixing now can shield you from most of the increase. Our free comparison helps you find cheaper, greener or more flexible gas and electricity plans from trusted UK suppliers in one place.

• Compare fixed and variable tariffs for 2026
• Beat the +13% July 2026 cap rise to £1,663
• Filter green, dual-fuel and smart EV tariffs
• Switch online with no interruption to your supply

All you need is a recent bill or an estimate of your usage. We'll show you tariffs from a wide range of UK home energy suppliers so you can choose the deal that fits your budget and your lifestyle.

Find 2026 home energy deals

Enter a few quick details to see available suppliers and tariffs in your area — and fix now.

UK home energy suppliers compared — July 2026

The table below ranks the major UK home energy suppliers on the factors that matter most when you compare 2026 deals: customer service, the strength of their current fixed deals, typical exit fees and how wide their smart and time-of-use tariff range is. Rankings are indicative and verified as of July 2026 — always compare live prices for your own postcode and usage before switching.

Supplier	Customer service	Best current fixed deal	Typical exit fee (dual fuel)	Smart / time-of-use range
Octopus Energy	Excellent — top-rated app and UK support	Competitive 12m fixes, often below the July cap	£0–£75 (several no-exit-fee fixes)	Widest — Intelligent Octopus Go (~7p), Cosy, Flux
EDF	Good — solid mid-table service	Strong fixed range incl. no-standing-charge option	£50–£150	Good — E7 and EV-friendly off-peak tariffs
E.ON Next	Good — improving app and support	Competitive fixes, some with no exit fees	£0–£100	Strong — E.ON Next Drive EV (~6.7p off-peak)
British Gas	Mixed — large legacy support network	Wide fixed range, regular promotions	£50–£150	Good — Electric Driver EV (~8.95p), E7
OVO	Good — well-rated app	Competitive 12m fixes	£50–£150	Good — Charge Anytime EV (~7p anytime)
Utility Warehouse	Very good — strong service scores	Bundled multi-service deals (energy, broadband, mobile)	£50–£150	Limited
Ecotricity	Good — green specialist	Green fixed tariffs	£50–£150	Limited
Good Energy	Excellent — top green service scores	100% renewable fixes; Solar Savings export deal	£50–£150	Moderate — solar/export focus

Indicative comparison, verified July 2026. Exact prices, exit fees and tariff availability vary by region and change frequently — enter your postcode above for live figures.

Why fix now the current price cap has risen?

Ofgem confirmed that the July 2026 price cap (covering July to September) is £1,663 a year for a typical dual-fuel direct-debit household — an increase of roughly £221 on the current level. The cap limits unit rates and standing charges, not your total bill, so your actual cost still depends on how much energy you use.

Because the rise is already confirmed, fixed deals priced below the incoming cap let you lock in a rate below the £1,663 price cap. For a typical home, fixing now rather than staying on the capped variable rate can save in the region of £300 over 12 months. The main reasons to fix are:

Certainty: your unit rates and standing charges are locked for the term, making budgeting easier.
Protection from the rise: a fix below the £1,663 cap shields you from the 1 July increase.
Choice of service and green options: fixing lets you pick a supplier on service and renewable credentials, not just price.

Fixing makes less sense only if you expect to move home very soon (watch exit fees) or believe wholesale prices will fall sharply later in 2026 — in which case a no-exit-fee variable or short fix keeps you flexible.

Save on bills

Compare tariffs from a wide panel of UK suppliers to find cheaper gas and electricity and beat the July 2026 cap rise.

Fix your energy costs

Lock in a fixed-rate 2026 tariff below the £1,663 cap for price certainty and easier budgeting.

Go greener at home

Filter renewable tariffs from suppliers like Octopus, Good Energy and Ecotricity that back cleaner generation.

How the major suppliers compare on each factor

Customer service

Octopus Energy and Good Energy consistently top customer-service rankings in 2026, helped by responsive UK support and well-rated apps, with Utility Warehouse also scoring strongly. E.ON Next, OVO and EDF sit solidly mid-table, while the largest legacy suppliers tend to rank lower on complaint handling. If service matters as much as price, weight your shortlist towards the higher-rated names.

Best current fixed deals

The most competitive 12-month fixes in July 2026 come from Octopus, EDF, E.ON Next and OVO, several priced below the incoming July cap. EDF and Ecotricity also offer no-standing-charge fixes (around 30–32p/kWh) that can suit very low electricity users. Always compare the unit rate and standing charge together — a low headline rate with a high standing charge may not be cheapest overall.

Exit fees

Most fixed tariffs charge an exit fee if you leave early — typically £25–£75 per fuel, so £50–£150 on a dual-fuel deal. Several Octopus and E.ON Next fixes carry no exit fees, giving you freedom to leave at any time. You can also switch penalty-free in the final 49 days of any fixed contract. Check the exit fee before committing, especially if you might move home during the term.

Smart and time-of-use tariffs

Octopus has the widest smart range in 2026 — Intelligent Octopus Go at around 7p/kWh overnight for EV owners, plus Cosy Octopus for heat-pump homes. E.ON Next Drive offers roughly 6.7p/kWh off-peak, OVO Charge Anytime around 7p/kWh, and British Gas Electric Driver about 8.95p. These need a smart meter and suit households that can shift usage to off-peak windows. See our guide to time-of-use tariffs for more.

How our 2026 home energy comparison works

Our comparison makes switching supplier for 2026 simple and transparent. We show tariffs from a panel of UK gas and electricity suppliers and highlight the key features and estimated costs based on the details you provide.

Tell us about your home. Enter your postcode, property type and typical usage or number of bedrooms.
Compare suppliers and tariffs. We match your details with available 2026 deals in your area.
Choose the right tariff. Filter by price, contract length, green energy and exit fees.
Fix now. Complete your application in a few minutes to lock in below the new cap. Your new supplier handles the rest.

Your gas and electricity continue to flow as normal during the switch. There's no need for new pipes, cables or meters in most cases, and your supply stays protected under Ofgem's rules.

What you'll need to compare accurately

• Your postcode
• A recent gas and electricity bill (if available)
• Current supplier and tariff name
• How you pay (direct debit, on receipt of bill, prepayment)

Don't have these to hand? You can still compare using typical usage for a property like yours. Results may be less precise, but you'll still see which 2026 suppliers could be cheaper.

Types of 2026 home energy tariffs you can compare

Different households have different priorities. Our comparison makes it easy to see a range of tariff types from UK home energy suppliers, so you can decide whether low price, flexibility or sustainability matters most in 2026.

Fixed-rate tariffs for 2026

Fixed-rate tariffs lock your unit rates and standing charges for a set period, often 12–24 months. With the July 2026 cap is £1,663, fixing below that level protects you from the increase and makes budgeting easier.

Exit fees may apply if you leave early. The comparison highlights any exit fees, contract length and end dates before you switch.

Standard variable and flexible tariffs

Standard variable tariffs move with the market, tracking the Ofgem price cap — which means they rise to the £1,663 level. They offer flexibility if you don't want to be tied into a contract.

You can usually switch supplier or tariff at any time with no exit fees, which suits you if you expect cheaper deals later in 2026.

Dual fuel tariffs

With a dual fuel tariff, one supplier provides both your gas and electricity. Many UK suppliers offer discounts or simpler billing for dual fuel customers.

If you currently have separate suppliers, comparing dual fuel 2026 deals could save money and reduce paperwork with a single monthly statement.

Green and renewable tariffs

Green tariffs match some or all of your electricity with renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydro. Suppliers like Octopus, Good Energy and Ecotricity lead on renewable credentials, and some offset gas emissions too.

Our comparison lets you filter for green 2026 deals, so you can cut your carbon footprint without losing control of your bills. Homes with solar can also explore the best SEG export rates for 2026.

What to look for when choosing a 2026 home energy deal

Price is important, but it's not the only factor. When you compare UK home energy suppliers for 2026, consider these key points before you switch:

Unit rates and standing charges: Check the cost per kWh and the daily standing charge (national typical ~63p/day), not just the estimated annual bill.
Price vs the July cap: Compare the fixed rate against the incoming £1,663 cap to judge the saving.
Contract length: Decide whether you want a short fix or a longer deal that runs well into 2027.
Exit fees: Some fixed tariffs charge if you leave early — important if you may move home or switch again.
Payment method: Monthly direct debit is usually cheaper than paying on receipt of bill or prepayment.
Green credentials and service: Look at the renewable mix and customer-service ratings, not just headline price.

Our comparison brings these details together so you can weigh up each 2026 tariff at a glance.

Ready to see your options?

Provide your postcode and a few details about your home to view tariffs and estimated savings for 2026 — and fix now.

Start comparison

No hidden fees. You'll only switch if you choose a new supplier.

How we rank suppliers

Our supplier rankings weigh four factors equally: independent customer-service and complaint-handling reputation, the competitiveness of each supplier's best current fixed deal versus the price cap, typical exit fees, and the breadth of smart and time-of-use tariffs. Figures reflect published rates and the confirmed July 2026 price cap of £1,663 (Ofgem). We don't rank by commission, and live prices for your postcode always take priority over these indicative scores.

Reviewed by the EnergyPlus research team. Last updated July 2026.

Frequently asked questions about 2026 home energy deals

Which is the best UK home energy supplier in July 2026?+

For most homes, Octopus Energy ranks top for the mix of customer service, app and smart-tariff range, with EDF and E.ON Next strong on value and fixed deals. The 'best' supplier depends on your usage — heavy EV or smart-meter homes do best on Octopus or E.ON Next time-of-use tariffs, while households wanting price certainty should compare the cheapest 12-month fix. Run a comparison with your postcode, then fix under the current price cap.

How much is the price cap rising in July 2026?+

Ofgem confirmed that the July 2026 cap is £1,663 a year for a typical dual-fuel direct-debit home — about £221 more. Fixing onto a competitive deal now can avoid most of that rise, with typical 12-month savings of around £300 versus staying on the capped variable rate.

Should I fix my energy tariff under the current price cap?+

For most households, yes. With the cap at £1,663, a fixed deal priced below the new cap locks in today's lower rates and protects you from the increase. Fixing suits you if you want budgeting certainty and the fixed rates beat the July cap. If you might move home soon, check the exit fees first, or pick a no-exit-fee variable or short fix.

Which supplier has the best customer service in 2026?+

Octopus Energy and Good Energy consistently rank highest, helped by responsive UK support and well-rated apps. E.ON Next and EDF score solidly mid-table, while the largest legacy suppliers tend to sit lower on complaint handling. If service matters as much as price, weight your shortlist towards Octopus, Good Energy and Utility Warehouse.

Do fixed energy deals have exit fees in 2026?+

Most fixed-term tariffs charge an exit fee if you leave early, typically £25–£75 per fuel, so £50–£150 on dual fuel. Some suppliers — including several Octopus and E.ON Next fixes — have no exit fees, letting you leave any time. You can also switch penalty-free in the last 49 days of any fixed contract. Always check the exit fee before committing.

Which suppliers offer the best smart and time-of-use tariffs?+

Octopus has the widest smart range in 2026, including Intelligent Octopus Go at around 7p/kWh overnight for EV owners and Cosy Octopus for heat-pump homes. E.ON Next Drive offers roughly 6.7p/kWh off-peak, OVO Charge Anytime around 7p/kWh, and British Gas Electric Driver about 8.95p. These need a smart meter and suit homes that can shift usage to off-peak windows.

Is a dual-fuel tariff cheaper than separate suppliers?+

Dual fuel is often slightly cheaper and simpler — one bill, one account — but not guaranteed to be the lowest-cost option. Comparing dual-fuel deals against the cheapest separate gas and electricity tariffs shows which combination gives you the lowest annual cost for your usage.

Will my supply be interrupted when I switch, and can renters switch?+

No — switching never interrupts your gas or electricity; you keep the same pipes, cables and meters, with continuity guaranteed under Ofgem rules and switches usually completing within 5 working days. Renters who pay the supplier directly can switch too — check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord if energy is included in your rent.

Compare UK home energy suppliers and fix under the current price cap

Take control of your gas and electricity costs before the cap is £1,663. See 2026 deals from leading UK suppliers and switch online when you're ready.

Start your 2026 comparison

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Updated on 27 Jul 2026