Compare Energy Tariffs in United Kingdom

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What are energy tariffs in the UK?

An energy tariff is the pricing plan for your gas and electricity. In Great Britain you pay a daily standing charge for being connected, plus a unit rate for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) you use. Tariffs come as standard variable rates, which can change over time, or fixed deals that lock your unit rates and standing charge for a set period, usually 12 to 24 months.

Since the energy crisis, most households have sat on the price-capped standard variable tariff, but competitive fixed deals and smart, time-of-use tariffs have returned to the market.

How the UK energy market works

The regulator Ofgem sets a price cap every three months that limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs. Fixed tariffs can be priced above or below the cap, so the decision to fix is a bet on where wholesale prices are heading. Smart meters enable time-of-use tariffs, such as cheaper overnight rates for EV charging.

You can switch supplier freely, and unlike many countries, the physical supply is identical whoever you buy from.

Leading UK energy suppliers

Octopus Energy has grown into one of the largest suppliers, known for smart tariffs and service. British Gas is the long-established market leader, while E.ON Next, EDF Energy, Scottish Power and OVO Energy make up the rest of the big suppliers. Many now offer innovative tariffs linked to smart meters, such as time-of-use and EV-specific plans.

How to choose the right tariff

Fixed vs variable — fixing gives price certainty; variable follows the Ofgem cap up and down.

Standing charge — matters most for low-usage homes; compare it alongside unit rates.

Smart tariffs — time-of-use rates reward shifting usage to off-peak, ideal for EVs and heat pumps.

Exit fees — fixed deals may charge to leave early.

What it costs

Electricity unit rates broadly sit around £0.24 to £0.30 per kWh in the current market, with gas priced lower per unit, plus a daily standing charge for each fuel. Actual bills depend on consumption, so a smart meter and reduced usage matter as much as the tariff. The Ofgem cap keeps standard tariffs in check, but a good fixed deal can beat it.

Protections and regulation

Ofgem regulates suppliers, sets the price cap and runs the Supplier of Last Resort process, which moves customers to a new supplier, with credit balances protected, if their supplier fails. Complaints unresolved after eight weeks can go free to the Energy Ombudsman. Vulnerable customers can access the Priority Services Register and, in winter, schemes such as the Warm Home Discount.

Common questions

Should I fix now? Fix if you value certainty and the rate beats the cap; stay variable if you expect prices to fall.

What if my supplier fails? Ofgem moves you to a new supplier and protects your credit balance.

Do smart meters save money? They enable cheaper time-of-use tariffs and accurate billing rather than saving directly.

What is a dual-fuel tariff? Buying gas and electricity from one supplier on a single tariff, which can simplify billing and sometimes carries a small discount.

Can I get compensation for problems? Ofgem sets automatic compensation for issues such as delayed switches and missed appointments, paid by the supplier without you having to claim.

Energy Tariffs in United Kingdom — FAQ