Switch energy supplier in the UK — beat the July 2026 price cap rise
From 1 July 2026 the Ofgem price cap rises +13% to £1,862 a year for a typical dual-fuel home. Switching to a fixed deal now is one of the simplest ways to lock in a lower rate before the increase — compare whole-of-market gas and electricity tariffs in minutes.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home energy (gas, electricity, or both)
- Fixed deals from £1,602/yr already undercut the new £1,862 cap
- Switching is free, takes ~5 working days, and needs no smart meter
For UK homes. Switching is usually seamless — your energy supply stays on during the changeover.
Compare energy tariffs and switch in minutes
EnergyPlus helps UK households compare home energy tariffs across the market, so you can switch with confidence. With the price cap climbing to £1,862/yr from 1 July 2026, fixing now can shield you from the rise — whether you’re on a standard variable tariff, coming to the end of a fixed deal, or moving into a new home, one quick form shows options that match your needs.
What you’ll need (if you have it)
- Your postcode
- Whether you want to switch gas, electricity, or both
- Estimated usage (kWh) or your current monthly spend (either works)
- Preferred payment method (Direct Debit, prepay, etc.)
Not sure what tariff you’re on? That’s common. You can still compare — we’ll guide you through the options and explain key terms like unit rate, standing charge, fixed vs variable, and exit fees in plain English.
The July 2026 price cap rise — and why fixing now beats it
On Wednesday 27 May 2026 Ofgem confirmed a new energy price cap for 1 July to 30 September 2026. A typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit will see their capped annual cost rise to £1,862/yr — a +13% increase on the £1,649 cap in force until 30 June 2026. The rise is driven mainly by higher wholesale gas prices linked to Middle East conflict: the gas unit rate jumps around 24% while electricity rises about 5%.
Remember the cap is a cap on unit rates and standing charges, not a cap on your total bill — use more energy and you’ll pay more than £1,862; use less and you’ll pay less. Crucially, the cap is not the cheapest option: several fixed tariffs already sit well below the new July cap, so switching to a fix can lock in savings before 1 July.
Regional and payment-method variations apply. Figures are the GB direct-debit average for the July–September 2026 cap period.
Cheapest fixed tariffs in June 2026
All of the fixes below undercut the new £1,862 July cap (typical dual-fuel Direct Debit, per year). Fixing locks your unit rates for the term, so you’re protected if the cap rises again in the autumn.
Prices are typical dual-fuel Direct Debit estimates for June 2026 and vary by region and usage. Octopus charges £0 to leave; E.ON Next and EDF charge £25/fuel (£50 dual fuel). Compare to see the exact cost for your home.
Why switching energy can be worth it
With the cap rising +13% in July 2026, anyone sitting on a standard variable tariff is about to pay more by default. Switching isn’t about chasing the “cheapest ever” headline; it’s about choosing the right balance of price, stability and service for your household — and right now a fixed deal can land you below the cap.
Better value for your usage
Tariffs are priced differently. A lower unit rate might suit high usage, while a lower standing charge can help if you use less. Comparing helps you match pricing to how you actually live.
More certainty with fixed deals
A fixed tariff locks your rates for the term — useful protection if the cap rises again after September 2026. We highlight exit fees and end dates clearly so there are no surprises.
Options that fit your preferences
From green electricity options to payment methods and smart meter compatible tariffs, switching lets you choose what matters to your household.
Good to know: switching supplier doesn’t change the electricity or gas coming into your home. Your local network still delivers it — you’re simply choosing who you pay and which tariff you’re on. You don’t even need a smart meter to switch.
How energy switching works in the UK
Switching is mostly admin — not engineering. It’s free, usually takes around 5 working days, and in most cases your supply stays on throughout while your new supplier handles the handover. The key is choosing a tariff that fits your household, then providing accurate details so your opening bill is correct.
- Compare tariffs: tell us your postcode and a few preferences, then review suitable tariffs and projected costs against the £1,862 cap.
- Choose a tariff: pick a deal based on unit rates, standing charges, term length and any exit fees.
- We arrange the switch: the new supplier contacts your current supplier and coordinates the changeover — typically within about 5 working days.
- Take meter readings: submit readings (or smart readings) around the switch date for accurate final and opening bills.
- Welcome to your new tariff: your new supplier confirms details and your Direct Debit/payment schedule starts.
What EnergyPlus compares
Tariff costs (the numbers that matter)
- Electricity and gas unit rates (p/kWh)
- Standing charges (p/day)
- Estimated annual cost based on your inputs
- Discounts or online-only pricing (where applicable)
Tariff features (how it fits your life)
- Fixed vs variable terms
- Exit fees and contract end dates
- Payment methods and billing preferences
- Green electricity options (when available)
Does switching cost money? What to expect
Free to switch
You don’t pay a switching fee to move supplier — it’s free and takes around 5 working days. The main potential cost is an exit fee if you’re leaving a fixed tariff early (for example £25/fuel with E.ON Next or EDF; £0 with Octopus). Check your current plan before confirming.
Savings depend on your tariff, not just your bill
Because the cap is a unit-rate cap, two homes can pay very different totals for the same usage. We compare on unit rates and standing charges, not vague “from” prices, so a fix like E.ON Next at £1,602 can be measured properly against the £1,862 cap for your usage.
A quick way to sanity-check a tariff
- High usage? focus on the unit rate (p/kWh) first.
- Low usage? standing charge (p/day) can make a bigger difference.
- Want certainty? consider fixed terms below the £1,862 cap and note any exit fees.
- Paying by Direct Debit? ensure you’re comparing like-for-like payment methods.
Who can switch? Eligibility and common scenarios
Most UK households can switch energy supplier, and you don’t need a smart meter to do it. The details vary slightly depending on your current setup — particularly if you have a prepayment meter, a debt on the meter, or you’re in the middle of moving home.
Renting
If you pay the energy bills, you can often switch. If bills are included in rent, you usually can’t. When in doubt, check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord/agent.
Moving home
When you move, you’ll usually start on a deemed/variable tariff at the new address — now capped at £1,862. Comparing soon after moving can help you avoid overpaying.
Prepayment meters
You can switch in many cases, but tariff availability may differ. If you’re considering changing meter type, you’ll want to factor in supplier policies and practical installation requirements.
Tip: If you have a smart meter, you can still switch — and you can switch without one too. Some tariffs and features may depend on whether your smart functions remain compatible after switching, so it’s worth checking when you compare.
Common switching mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Comparing without checking payment method
Direct Debit tariffs can be priced differently from pay-on-receipt or prepay. To compare accurately, match the payment method you’ll actually use.
Waiting until after 1 July to act
Once the cap rises to £1,862, variable-tariff households pay more by default. Fixing before the increase — with deals from £1,602 — can lock in today’s lower rates.
Forgetting exit fees
If you’re still in a fixed term, leaving early may cost money (some deals are £0, others £25/fuel). It can still be worth switching — but weigh the fee against the savings.
Not taking a meter reading
Providing an accurate reading around the switch date helps avoid estimated bills and reduces the chance of delays or disputes.
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Switching energy FAQs
How much is the energy price cap from July 2026?
From 1 July to 30 September 2026 the Ofgem cap is £1,862/yr for a typical dual-fuel Direct Debit household — a +13% rise on the £1,649 cap that runs until 30 June 2026. The cap limits unit rates (26.11p/kWh electricity, 7.33p/kWh gas) and standing charges, not your total bill.
Will my gas or electricity go off when I switch?
In most cases, no. Switching is an administrative change between suppliers. Your energy is still delivered through the same networks, so supply typically stays on throughout.
How long does an energy switch take in the UK?
Switching is free and usually completes in around 5 working days without disruption. Your new supplier will confirm your switch date and next steps after you apply.
Do I need a smart meter to switch?
No. You can switch supplier with or without a smart meter. A traditional meter is fine — you’ll just submit readings around your switch date so your opening and final bills are accurate.
Should I fix now or stay on the price cap?
Several fixes already sit below the £1,862 July cap — for example E.ON Next at £1,602 or Octopus at £1,632 with no exit fee. If you value certainty, fixing now can lock in a lower rate before the rise and protect you if the cap climbs again in autumn.
Will I pay an exit fee to leave my current supplier?
It depends on your current tariff. Standard variable tariffs usually have no exit fee, while fixed deals can. Octopus charges £0 to leave; E.ON Next and EDF charge £25/fuel (£50 dual fuel). Check your latest bill before switching.
Can I switch if I owe money to my current supplier?
It depends on the type of debt and your meter setup. Some households can switch while repaying, while others may have restrictions. If you’re unsure, submit the form and we’ll guide you through the options available.
Want to go straight to results? Start your comparison here.
Trusted by households who want clarity
We focus on making switching understandable: clear tariff details, plain-English explanations, and a straightforward path to a form-led comparison.
“Finally understood the difference between unit rate and standing charge. The comparison felt simple and honest.”
“I was worried about disruption, but it was just paperwork. Took a quick meter reading and that was it.”
“Liked being able to choose a green option without having to trawl lots of supplier sites.”
Our switching promise
- Clear presentation of tariff costs and key features
- Whole-of-market approach for UK home energy comparisons
- Guidance for common situations like moving home or prepay
Ready to beat the July cap?
Complete the form and compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs against the £1,862 cap. We’ll help you identify suitable fixed and variable options and move your switch forward with minimal hassle.
Energy comparisons are for domestic customers only. Availability and tariff details depend on your location, meter type and supplier criteria.
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