Compare electricity prices
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- Track your energy usage and see your estimated running costs
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Who is the cheapest electricity supplier?
The cheapest electricity tariff won’t necessarily be the same for every household, so there’s no definitive answer to this. It will depend on where you live, how much energy you use and the type of meter you have.
Shopping around for the cheapest electric tariff available for your home is a good place to start. It’s simpler than you might think and begins with a quick price comparison. That’s where we can help.
Here’s what you need to know about comparing electricity prices.
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Tell us your postcode and we’ll estimate your usage so you can compare electricity deals.
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We’ll make sure your old and new supplier are notified. You could be on your new tariff within a week.
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You can save by switching, leaving you more money for the things that really matter.
How to compare electricity with Compare the Market
All you need to compare energy prices with us is your postcode. From your address, we can get an estimate of your electricity usage and compare electricity prices available to you in minutes.
For a more accurate quote, having a recent electricity bill handy will contain all the information you need.
What you need to know about switching electricity supplier
Why should I switch electricity?
Switching to a cheaper electricity supplier could shave pounds off your bills. But it’s not always about how much hard cash you could save. You might be fed up with poor customer service, or you might want greater visibility of how much electricity you use through an app. Or you might want to choose your electricity supplier based on their green credentials, or whether they supply a smart meter.
How long will it take to switch electricity supplier?
How long it takes to switch energy services can vary among providers. If your new supplier is signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee (all of the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers are), you should be switched to your new tariff within five working days.
If it takes longer than this, you could be entitled to £30 compensation. This should be paid automatically into your bank account or energy account.
What happens when I switch electricity supplier?
You’ll be pleased to know that once you’ve made the decision to switch, your new electricity supplier will handle almost everything.
- They’ll tell your existing supplier you’re leaving, then work out the day of the changeover with them.
- Your new supplier will contact you with a switching date. You can request a later switching date if you don’t want to switch before the end of your current fixed tariff plan.
- You get a 14-day cooling off period after agreeing a contract with a new supplier, during which you can change your mind, penalty-free.
- If you’ve not yet switched over, you’ll simply remain with your existing provider on your existing tariff.
- If you’ve already been switched, you can either move to a different tariff with the new supplier, arrange a new contract with your old supplier or switch to a new supplier entirely.
- On the day of the switch, you’ll need to take a meter reading for your old and new supplier to make sure you’re billed accurately.
- You should get your final bill from your old supplier within six weeks of making the switch. If you’re owed a refund, you should receive it within 10 days of getting your final bill.
Will my electricity be cut if I switch supplier?
No, your electricity supply won’t be interrupted if you switch to a new provider. The Energy Switch Guarantee makes sure of that.
Regardless of who provides your electricity, it comes into your home through the same wires and cables. Even on switchover day, there should be no disruption to your service.
The switch can normally be completed remotely, without anyone coming out to your house. The exception is if you’re having a smart meter installed as part of the switch.
Do I need to cancel my direct debit when I switch electricity supplier?
No, you shouldn’t need to cancel your direct debit with your old supplier. They should send you your final bill and, once you’ve paid it, your account should be closed and the direct debit cancelled automatically.
Your old and new provider should work together to make sure you’re not charged twice for the same electricity. If they do make a mistake, you’re entitled to a refund as part of the Energy Switch Guarantee.
I’m a tenant. Can I switch electricity supplier?
Tenants can switch suppliers if they pay the provider directly and are named on the electricity bills.
If your energy bills are included with your rent or your landlord bills you separately for your energy use, they choose the electricity supplier.
You can ask them to change it, but they’re not under any obligation to.
If you pay your landlord separately for electricity and gas, they’re not allowed to charge you more than what they’ve paid for your share. They’re obliged to pass on any discounts they receive.
What our expert says...
“The rise in energy costs has come at a time when many households are struggling with their finances. So it’s more important than ever to save money on electricity if you can. When you sign up for Compare the Market energy alerts, we can let you know as soon as a better tariff becomes available.”
- Dan Tremain, Energy and business energy expert
What is the electricity price cap?
The electricity price cap limits the unit rate and standing charge that suppliers can charge for electricity if you’re on a standard variable tariff. It’s based on the electricity usage of a typical household.
The overall energy price cap, which also includes gas rates, is reviewed and set by the energy regulator Ofgem every three months.
From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the price cap for gas and electricity for an average household paying by direct debit was £1,568 a year. It went up by 10% for the period from 1 October to 31 December 2024, to £1,717 a year.
But remember, if you use more than the average household, you’ll pay more than the price cap.
The table below shows a breakdown of electricity price cap rates:
| Payment type | Unit rate (per kWh) | Standing charge (per day) |
| Direct debit | 24.50p | 60.99p |
| Prepayment | 23.68p | 60.99p |
| Bill for energy already used | 25.79p | 67.06p |
The above unit rates and standing charges are averages for Great Britain for the period from 1 October to 31 December 2024. The actual rates you could be charged vary, depending on the region where you live. The energy price cap doesn’t apply to households in Northern Ireland.
What are the different types of electricity tariff?
Variable
The amount you pay for your electricity can fluctuate with a variable tariff. You may pay less if the market price falls and your supplier decides to reduce prices. But if the market price goes up, then so will your bills.
At the end of a fixed tariff, you’ll be moved on to the energy supplier’s variable tariff if you don’t organise a new fix or switch.
Pros:
- You’re not tied into a contract.
- You’re protected by the Energy Price Cap, which limits the amount suppliers can charge you per kilowatt-hour of electricity.
Cons:
- You may pay more than a fixed rate.
Fixed
With a fixed rate tariff, the price you pay for each unit of electricity is fixed for a set time. This can help with budgeting if you always use about the same amount of electricity.
Compared with a variable rate, a fixed rate can save you money if your supplier increases prices. This is likely to happen if wholesale prices rise. But if prices go down, you could miss out on possible savings.
Pros:
- If prices go up, you’re protected.
- You’ll be more certain of how much you’ll pay each month, making it easier to budget.
Cons:
- There may be penalties if you want to switch during the fixed period.
- You might end up paying too much if wholesale prices fall.
Dual fuel
Getting your gas and electricity from the same supplier is known as a dual fuel tariff. This can be cheaper than getting them from separate suppliers, but shop around to be sure.
Pros:
- Can be cheaper than single suppliers.
- Admin is easier as you’ll only have to deal with one supplier.
Cons:
- If service is poor, then it’s a problem for both types of energy.
Economy 7/Economy 10
These tariffs give you cheaper energy at off-peak times. They’re usually used for storage heaters. Economy 7’s cheaper times are typically midnight to 7am, which might benefit you if you have storage heaters. Economy 10 off-peak hours may be spread throughout the day.
Read more about Economy 7 tariffs.
Pros:
- Good for night owls, shift workers and those with storage heaters.
Cons:
- You may have to switch the time you use appliances to make it economical.
- Peak rates can make these tariffs uneconomical.
Green
Suppliers of green tariffs may buy renewable energy directly. Or they might ‘match’ the electricity you use by buying renewable energy.
If you generate renewable energy yourself and have some to spare, you can get a separate tariff that allows you to sell energy to the National Grid. This scheme is called the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Pros:
- Can help support green energy production.
Cons:
- Green tariffs can be more expensive.
- There’s controversy over how ‘green’ these tariffs actually are.
Prepayment
Prepayment tariffs require you to pay for electricity as you use it. You’ll be given a prepayment meter and a card, key or tokens to top it up. If you have a smart prepayment meter, you can top up online.
Pros: You pay for what you use in advance so you can’t end up with a big bill.
Cons: You can run out of power.
EV tariffs
These tariffs are designed for drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) who charge them at home. They offer reduced rates at set times of the day, including hours overnight.
Pros:
- Savings if you can charge your car at off-peak times.
- Suppliers may offer perks, such as deals on chargers and access to charging networks.
Cons:
- May only be available to existing customers.
- May not be covered by the Energy Price Cap.
Heat pump tariffs
Some suppliers have introduced electricity tariffs for households heated by heat pumps. These offer discount rates for energy used by the heat pump or discounts at off-peak times.
Pros: Could save you money if the cheaper times fit in with your electricity use.
Cons: These tariffs work in different ways, so make sure you know what you’re signing up to.
See more on the different types of energy tariffs.
Average electricity use by house type
The type and size of property you live in will make a big difference to how much electricity you use. Energy regulator Ofgem estimates that the average UK household uses 2,700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity a year.
This table shows average electricity consumption by property size[1] to give you a rough idea of how much you’re likely to use in a year.
| Property type/size | Energy use | Typical annual electricity use (kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Flat or one-bedroom house | Low | 1,800 |
| Two- or three-bedroom house | Medium | 2,700 |
| Property with four or more bedrooms | High | 4,100 |
[1] Correct as of August 2024.
Electricity use by appliance type
Home electric appliances can vary wildly in their energy consumption. Unsurprisingly, the amount of power used by a kettle differs from that of an electric oven. But it can also vary between different models of the same appliance.
Appliances are graded by their energy efficiency, so you can compare products before you buy.
Generally speaking, appliances that heat water or cool things down, like washing machines and fridge-freezers, could cost more to run.
So which appliances cost the most to run? According to the Energy Saving Trust, the top five energy-guzzling home appliances are:
- Wet appliances – washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill. That’s largely because of the power needed to heat the water.
- Cold appliances – fridges and freezers, which need to stay on all the time, account for around 13% of an average bill.
- Electrical devices – laptops, TVs and games consoles make up about 6% of an electricity bill.
- Lighting – this accounts for around 5% of your total energy bill.
- Cooking – kitchen appliances including kettles, ovens, hobs and microwaves make up about 4% of a typical household energy bill.
Find out more about which appliances use the most electricity
To work out how much electricity an appliance uses, multiply the wattage of the appliance by:
- The amount of time it’s on
- Then by the cost of the electricity.
How to get a cheaper electricity bill
There are plenty of ways to cut down on your electricity use, which in turn can drive down the cost of your bills. Here are some simple tips that can help you keep electricity costs down:
Know how much you use
Smart meters come with an in-home display, so you can see how much electricity you’re using in real time. That can help you identify energy-hungry appliances and get ideas for where to cut back.
Smart meters are free and send readings straight to your provider so you don’t need to take manual readings.
Swap to energy-saving lightbulbs
Replacing all the halogen bulbs in your home for energy efficient LED bulbs could cost the average household £180. But it could also save you up to £40 a year.
Choose energy-efficient appliances
If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, fridge or other appliance, look for the energy label rating. A is the most energy efficient, while G is the least.
And when comparing products of different sizes, check the kWh rating – that’s how much electricity it takes to run. The higher the kWh, the more the appliance will cost to run.
Use the eco cycle
Using the eco cycle on your dishwasher and washing machine may mean washing takes a little longer. But, on the plus side, it will save water as well as electricity.
Use a laptop
Using a laptop for your work, rather than a desktop, is a lot more energy efficient. Laptops typically use 85% less electricity than PCs over a year. If you choose a laptop and can avoid leaving it in standby, it could save you up to £25 a year.
Don’t leave appliances on standby
Leaving appliances on standby can add up to around £40 a year to your energy bill. Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can record programmes. But almost all other electrical devices can be turned off at the plug when they’re not being used.
Don’t tumble dry clothes
Drying clothes on a washing line in warmer weather could save you around £60 a year.
Compare electricity rates
With so many suppliers out there, finding a cheap electricity tariff can seem daunting. That’s why we aim to make life simple.
To search for electricity prices with Compare the Market, all we usually need is your address and we can bring you tariffs from a range of electricity suppliers. This makes it easy to compare our electricity deals.
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Scheme usually depends on your income and whether you receive a certain type of Pension Credit. Your supplier needs to be part of the discount scheme and your name (or your partner’s) needs to be on the bill.
If you qualify, your electricity supplier will normally apply the discount automatically to your bill.
Can I still switch if I’m on a fixed rate contract?
If you’re on a fixed rate tariff with your current supplier, check to see if there’s an exit fee for leaving the contract early. If there is, you can still switch but you’ll need to factor this cost into your price comparison as it could swallow up some of the potential savings.
Under Ofgem’s standards of conduct, energy firms must give you a minimum of 42 days’ notice of your tariff ending. You can switch for free, with no exit fee payable, once you’ve reached the final 49 days of your contract.
I think I need business electricity. Can you help?
Yes, if your business qualifies for a non-domestic tariff, you can compare business electricity with Compare the Market.
I have solar panels. Can I switch my feed-in-tariff (FIT) too?
Yes, you can switch FIT suppliers. However, the rates for feed-in-tariffs are set by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), so switching won’t necessarily affect price. Different suppliers may provide better levels of customer service, though.
The supplier that makes your FIT payments doesn’t have to be the same one that provides you with energy. That means you can switch either one without affecting the other.
Note that the FIT scheme is closed to new applicants. It has been replaced with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Can I get a smart electricity meter from my new supplier?
Yes, if you have a traditional meter and want a smart meter installed, you can request one from your new supplier when you switch.
Choosing to have a smart meter installed could also give you access to a wider range of tariffs. You may find a smart tariff that’s cheaper.
What is green electricity and can I compare it?
Green electricity comes from renewable sources like sunlight, wind, water, plants and geothermal heat (which comes from the Earth’s core).
If you start a quote with us, you’ll be able to compare green tariffs alongside other electricity deals. You can also check suppliers’ green credentials by clicking on ‘more details’ when looking at specific tariffs.
How much is a unit of electricity?
Electricity is normally measured in kilowatts per hour (kWh). The cost of a unit of electricity can vary depending on where you live, what type of meter you have and how you pay your bill.
Suppliers set their tariff rates based on factors such as wholesale energy prices, the cost to maintain the network and operating costs (not forgetting profit margins). But the standard variable rates they can charge are limited by the energy price cap.
Need help to choose the right energy deal?
Take a look at some of our guides:
