Compare electricity prices
Take control of your energy bill
Tell us where you live to see a breakdown of your energy usage and sign up to switch alerts.
- Track your energy usage and see your estimated running costs
- Read our energy saving tips to meerkat the cost of your bill
- Sign up to our switch alerts and we’ll tell you when new energy deals are available
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 a cheaper electricity deal is a good place to start. It’s simpler than you may think and begins with a quick price comparison. Let us help you compare electricity suppliers so you can find a deal that’s right for you and your home.
Here’s everything you need to know about comparing electricity deals.
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We've made switching simpler
Get a quote in minutes
Tell us your postcode and we’ll estimate your usage so you can compare and pick the right electricity deal for you.
We’ll handle the switch for you
We’ll make sure your old and new supplier are notified. You could be on your new tariff within a week.
You could save straight away
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 start a quote comparison is your postcode. From your address, we can get an estimation of your electricity usage and compare deals in minutes.
For a more accurate quote, having a recent electricity bill handy will contain all the information you need.
The switching process explained
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 (most are), you should be switched to your new tariff within five working days.
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.
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They’ll tell your existing supplier you’re leaving, then work out the day of the changeover with them.
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Your new supplier will contact you with a switching date. It usually takes around five working days.
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You also get a 14-day cooling off period, so if you change your mind in that time, it’s no problem. You’ll simply remain with your existing provider on your existing tariff.
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On the day of the switch, you’ll need to take a meter reading for your old supplier, so they can send you a final bill or refund if they owe you money.
Will my electricity be cut if I switch supplier?
No, your electricity supply won’t be interrupted if you switch to a new provider – and 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, so there’s no messing about with equipment. Even on switchover day, there should be no disruption to your service.
Do I need to cancel my direct debit when I switch electricity supplier?
No, you shouldn’t need to worry about cancelling your direct debit to your old supplier. They should send you your final bill and, once you’ve paid it, the direct debit should be cancelled automatically.
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 you have all-inclusive bills with your tenancy agreement, or your landlord re-bills you for your energy use, they choose the electricity supplier. You can ask them to change it, but they’re not under any obligation to.
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 alerts with Compare the Market, we can let you know as soon as a better deal 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 for a typical usage household on a standard tariff.
The overall energy price cap, which also includes gas rates, is reviewed and set by energy regulator Ofgem every three months.
From 1 April to 30 June 2024, the price cap for gas and electricity for an average household paying by direct debit is £1,690 a year, down by £238 on the previous cap. 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 specifically:
| Payment type | Unit rate (per kWh) | Standing charge (per day) |
| Direct debit | 24.50p | 60.10p |
| Prepayment | 23.72p | 60.10p |
| Quarterly bill | 25.79p | 65.88p |
The energy price cap doesn’t apply to households in Northern Ireland.
What are the different types of electricity tariff?
Variable
This is the energy supplier’s default tariff and it’s likely to be their most expensive. The amount you pay for your electricity can fluctuate with a variable tariff. If the market price falls, you’ll pay less. But if it goes up, then so will your bills.
At the end of a fixed tariff, you’ll be moved on to the variable tariff if you don’t organise a new fix or switch.
Pros: You’re not tied into a contract.
Cons: Expensive.
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 power. Compared with a variable rate, this can save you money if prices go up during the term of the fix, but if they go down you could miss out on possible savings.
Pros: If prices go up, you’re protected.
Cons: There may be penalties if you want to switch during the fixed period.
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 .
Cons: If service is poor, then it’s a problem for both types of power.
Economy 7/Economy 10
These tariffs give you cheaper energy at off-peak times. Economy 7’s cheaper times are midnight to 7am, which might benefit you if you have storage heaters. Economy 10 off-peak hours are 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.
Green
Depending on the green tariff you choose, renewable energy is used wholly or in part to power your home, or given to the National Grid based on the energy you use.
Pros: Helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Cons: Green tariffs can be more expensive.
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: Usually more expensive and you can run out of power.
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 January 2024.
Electricity use by appliance type
Home electric appliances can vary wildly in their energy consumption. Not only will the amount of power used by a kettle differ from that of an electric oven, but it will also vary between models. 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, cost more to run than a vacuum cleaner, for example.
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, 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 4% of a typical household energy bill.
Find out more about which appliances use the most electricity
How to save on your 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 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, 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
Just replacing a single halogen bulb for an energy efficient LED one could save you up to £5 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 – the higher this is, 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 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 can avoid leaving it in standby, it could save you up to £35 a year.
Don’t leave appliances on standby
Leaving appliances on standby can add up to around £55 a year. 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 prices
With so many suppliers out there, finding a cheap electricity tariff can seem daunting. That’s why at Compare the Market we aim to make life simple.
Usually, all we need is your address and we can bring you deals from a range of electricity suppliers. This makes it easy to compare our electricity deals to find one that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount 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.
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’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 also compare business electricity with Compare the Market.
I have solar panels. Can I switch my feed-in-tariff (FIT) too?
You’re free to switch suppliers, but since it’s industry regulator Ofgem that sets the prices for feed-in-tariffs, 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, so you can switch either one without affecting the other.
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.
Need help to choose the right energy deal?
Take a look at some of our guides:
