Best energy tariffs in the UK: how to find the right deal

There is no single “best” energy tariff. The cheapest deal for a two-bed flat in Bristol is different from the cheapest deal for a four-bed detached house in Leeds. It depends on your postcode, your usage, your meter type, and whether you want a fixed or variable rate.

What you can do is understand the types of tariff available, know what to look for, and use a comparison tool to find the best deal for your specific situation.

The four types of energy tariff

1. Standard variable tariff (SVT)

This is the default. If you have never switched, or your fixed deal has ended, you are probably on this. The rate is set by Ofgem's price cap, which changes every quarter. For Q2 2026, the cap puts a typical annual bill at £1,641.

The SVT is not usually the cheapest option, but it is the safest. You can leave at any time with no exit fee, and the rate is regulated.

2. Fixed tariff

The unit rate is locked for a set period, usually 12 or 24 months. If energy prices rise, you are protected. If they fall, you are stuck paying the higher rate (though some have no exit fee, so you can leave).

In early 2026, some fixed deals are available below the price cap. That makes them worth looking at: you save money now and you are protected against future increases.

3. Time-of-use tariff

Different rates at different times of day. The most well-known is Octopus Agile, where the price changes every 30 minutes based on wholesale rates. Cheaper overnight, more expensive at peak times.

These work well if you can shift your usage. Running your washing machine at 2am instead of 6pm. Charging an electric car overnight. Running a heat pump mainly during off-peak hours. You need a smart meter.

4. Green tariff

A tariff where the supplier claims to match your usage with renewable energy. The quality varies enormously.

• Best case: the supplier owns or invests in wind farms, solar farms, or hydro. Your money directly funds new renewable generation.
• Worst case: the supplier buys REGO certificates (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) to match your usage. This is essentially a paper exercise. The actual electricity coming into your home is the same mix as everyone else's.

If this matters to you, look for suppliers rated highly by independent assessors. Octopus Energy and Ecotricity tend to score well. Good Energy generates 100% of its supply from its own sources.

How to find the best deal for your home

1. 1Get your current usage. Check a recent bill or your smart meter. You need your annual kWh for gas and electricity. If you do not have this, your current supplier can tell you.
2. 2Use a comparison site. Enter your postcode and usage. The site will show you available tariffs ranked by cost. Look at the estimated annual bill, not just the unit rate.
3. 3Check the details. Exit fees, contract length, standing charge, customer service rating. A tariff that saves you £50 a year but has a £100 exit fee is not a good deal if you might want to leave.
4. 4Switch. If you find a better deal, the new supplier handles everything. Your gas and electricity are never interrupted. It usually takes about 5 working days.

Comparison sites we recommend:

• MoneySupermarket Energy
• Uswitch
• Compare the Market
• Citizens Advice energy comparison (non-commercial, Ofgem-accredited)

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Beyond tariffs: reducing what you use

Switching tariffs saves you money on the price per unit. But the biggest savings come from using less energy in the first place.

A typical UK home loses about a third of its heat through the walls and another quarter through the roof. If your home is poorly insulated, you are paying to heat the outside. No tariff can fix that.

Enter your postcode and we will show you your home's EPC rating, what improvements are recommended, and what grants are available. Some insulation improvements qualify for free government schemes.