Energy guides

How to Compare Cheapest KWh Electricity Prices in the UK

We’ll use smart data to find your current energy supplier and usage for you

10 min read

Finding the cheapest kWh electricity in the UK can be challenging as there are many suppliers. But luckily, there are a few reliable and inexpensive suppliers that consistently offer the best rates. These include British Gas, E.ON Next, SSE, OVO Energy, N Power, EDF Energy and Scottish Power. All of these suppliers offer competitive rates and have been known to offer some of the cheapest kWh electricity in the UK.

To find the cheapest kWh electricity, comparing different suppliers and their rates is essential. The best way to do this is to use an online comparison tool to provide an up-to-date overview of electricity rates from various suppliers. This will help you to quickly find the best deals and choose the supplier that best suits your needs. 

Additionally, it's important to note that some suppliers may offer special discounts for specific customers, such as those with significant energy usage or who have been loyal customers for a long time. By taking advantage of these special offers, you may save even more money on your electricity bill.

What are the different types of electricity tariffs available in the UK?

There are a variety of electricity tariffs available in the UK, based on your needs and budget. Some of the most common types of tariffs include:

Fixed-price tariffs

These tariffs offer a fixed unit price for electricity for a set period, typically one or two years. This can help you budget for your energy costs, as you will know how much you will pay each month.

Variable-price tariffs

These tariffs offer a variable unit price for electricity, which can change monthly. This can be a good option if you are looking for a competitive price, but knowing that your bills could go up or down is essential.

Green tariffs

These tariffs use 100% renewable energy, such as solar and wind power. This is a good option if you are concerned about the environment.

Dual-fuel tariffs

These tariffs offer both electricity and gas from the same supplier. This can be a convenient way to manage your energy bills, as you will only have to deal with one supplier.

Night-time tariffs

These tariffs offer a cheaper unit price for electricity used at night. This can be a good option if you have many electrical appliances at night, such as a washing machine or dishwasher.

Pre-payment tariffs

These tariffs require you to pay for your electricity in advance. This can be a good option if you are on a tight budget or need a better credit history.

Average Electricity Cost per kWh in the UK

Here is a table showing the average electricity cost per kWh in each region of the UK:

 

Region

Average Electricity Price (p/kWh)

Average Electricity Standing Charge (p/day)

London

28.42

38.54

South East

28.10

47.57

Eastern

27.93

44.00

Southern

27.51

49.98

Southern Western

27.18

58.70

N Wales and Mersey

28.26

62.27

South Wales

27.45

54.18

Midlands

26.85

54.39

East Midlands

26.76

50.72

Yorkshire

26.52

56.07

North West

27.22

51.77

Northern

26.58

57.44

Southern Scotland

26.88

62.06

Northern Scotland

27.26

59.43

 

As you can see, the average electricity price per kWh and standing charge vary slightly from region to region. The overall UK average for electricity price per kWh is 27.35p, and the overall UK average for electricity standing charge is 52.97p/day.

This means that, on average, a typical UK household spends about £1,923 per year for their electricity, considering they use an average amount of 2,900 kWh annually. However, it is essential to note that the actual cost of your electricity bill will depend on your region, supplier, tariff, and meter type.

If you want to reduce your energy costs, comparing prices from different suppliers is essential.

Comparing Cheapest kwh Electricity Suppliers in UK

The following table compares the cheapest kWh electricity tariffs from seven of the largest energy suppliers in the UK:

Supplier

Tariff

Average Electricity Price (p/kWh)

Daily Standing Charge

British Gas

Standard Variable

26.60

42.00

E.ON Next

Standard Online

26.60

42.00

SSE

Standard (Variable)

26.60

42.00

OVO Energy

Simpler Energy

26.60

42.00

N Power

Go Fix Apr 2023

19.34

43.00

EDF Energy

Standard (Variable)

26.60

42.00

Scottish Power

Super Saver April 2023 Online

16.57

43.00

 

Based on the table above, the cheapest kWh electricity tariff from the suppliers listed is Scottish Power's Super Saver April 2023 Online tariff, with an average electricity price of 16.57p/kWh. N Power's Go Fix Apr 2023 tariff is the second cheapest, with an average electricity price of 19.34p/kWh.

Note: Prices may change depending on your location and usage, so it is always best to compare prices from different suppliers before switching.

Cheapest kWh Electricity Suppliers in UK - An Explanation

Here, I'll explain the details about the cheapest electricity providers in the UK, so you can learn how to save money on your energy bills.

British Gas

British Gas is the largest business energy supplier in the UK, with over 12 million customers. It offers a wide range of electricity and gas tariffs, including fixed-price, variable, and green tariffs. British Gas is known for its good customer service and its reputation for reliability.

Tariffs: British Gas offers a variety of electricity and gas tariffs to suit different needs and budgets. Some of its most popular tariffs include:

  • Green Future tariff: This tariff uses 100% renewable energy with a unit price of 32.6p/kWh and a standing charge of 62.3p.

  • Standard Variable tariff: This tariff has a variable unit price, meaning it can change from month to month. However, it also has a lower standing charge than some other tariffs.

  • Fixed Price tariffs: British Gas offers several fixed-price tariffs, with unit prices fixed for a set period, typically one or two years. This can help customers to budget for their energy costs.

Customer service: British Gas has a good reputation for customer service. It offers different ways to contact customer support, including by phone, online, and social media.

Reliability: British Gas is a reliable energy supplier. It has a good track record of providing customers with a steady energy supply and resolving any issues quickly.

E.ON Next

E.ON Next is a joint venture between E.ON and NextEnergy, the UK's second-largest energy supplier. It offers a range of electricity and gas tariffs to suit domestic and business customers' needs. E.ON Next is known for its competitive prices and its focus on customer satisfaction.

Tariffs: E.ON Next offers a variety of electricity and gas tariffs to suit different needs and budgets. Some of its most popular tariffs include:

  • Standard Online tariff: This tariff has a unit price of 25.8p/kWh and a standing charge 42.0p. It is a good option for customers looking for a competitive price and a convenient way to manage their account.

  • Next Drive tariff: This tariff is designed for electric vehicle drivers and offers a discounted unit price for charging your car at night. The unit price is 9.5p/kWh between midnight and 7 a.m. and 33.5p/kWh at other times.

  • Fixed Price tariffs: E.ON Next offers a number of fixed-price tariffs, with unit prices that are fixed for a set period of time, typically one or two years. This can help customers to budget for their energy costs.

Customer service: E.ON Next has a good reputation for customer service. You can contact their customer support through phone, online, or social media.

Reliability: E.ON Next is a reliable energy supplier. It has a good track record of providing customers with a steady energy supply and resolving any issues quickly.

SSE

SSE is a Scottish energy company that provides electricity and gas to over 3.5 million customers in the UK. It offers a range of tariffs, including fixed-price, variable, and green tariffs. SSE is known for its commitment to renewable energy and its commitment to good customer service.

Tariffs: SSE offers a variety of electricity and gas tariffs to suit different needs and budgets. Some of its most popular tariffs include:

  • Standard Variable tariff: This tariff has a variable unit price, which means that it can change from month to month. However, it also has a lower standing charge than some other tariffs.

  • Green tariff: This tariff uses 100% renewable energy with a unit price of 33.5p/kWh and a standing charge of 63.0p.

  • Fixed Price tariffs: SSE offers a number of fixed-price tariffs, with unit prices that are fixed for a set period of time, typically one or two years. This can help customers to budget for their energy costs.

Customer service: SSE is known for being helpful to customers. You can reach out to their support team by phone, online, or on social media.

Reliability: SSE is a reliable energy supplier. It has a good track record of providing customers with a steady energy supply and resolving any issues quickly.

OVO Energy

OVO Energy is a UK-based energy company that provides electricity and gas to over 5 million customers. It offers a range of tariffs, including fixed-price, variable, and green tariffs. OVO Energy is known for its focus on customer service and its commitment to renewable energy.

Tariffs: OVO Energy offers a variety of electricity and gas tariffs to suit different needs and budgets. Some of its most popular tariffs include:

  • Simpler Energy tariff: This tariff has a unit price of 26.6p/kWh and a standing charge of 42.0p. It is a good option for customers looking for a simple tariff.

  • Better Energy tariff: This tariff uses 100% renewable energy and has a unit price of 33.5p/kWh and a standing charge of 63.0p.

  • Fixed Price tariffs: OVO Energy offers some fixed-price tariffs, with unit prices that are fixed for a set period of time, typically one or two years. This can help customers to budget for their energy costs.

Customer service: OVO Energy has a good reputation for customer service. It offers multiple ways to reach customer support, such as via phone, online, or social media.

Reliability: OVO Energy is a reliable energy supplier. It has a good track record of providing customers with a steady energy supply and resolving any issues quickly.

N Power

N Power is a UK-based energy company that provides electricity and gas to over 5 million customers. It offers a range of tariffs, including fixed-price, variable, and green tariffs. N Power is known for its competitive prices and its focus on customer satisfaction.

Tariffs: N Power offers a variety of electricity and gas tariffs to suit different needs and budgets. Some of its most popular tariffs include:

  • Go Fix Apr 2023 tariff: This tariff has a fixed unit price of 19.34p/kWh and a standing charge of 43.0p. It is a good option for customers who are looking for a fixed-price tariff with a competitive unit price.

  • One Price tariff: This tariff has a single unit price for electricity and gas, making it simpler to budget for energy costs. The unit price is 27.6p/kWh, and the standing charge is 42.0p.

  • Green tariff: This tariff uses 100% renewable energy with a unit price of 33.5p/kWh and a standing charge of 63.0p.

Customer service: N Power has a good reputation for customer service. It offers different ways to contact customer support, including by phone, online, and social media.

Reliability: N Power is a reliable energy supplier. It has a good track record of providing customers with a steady energy supply and resolving any issues quickly.

EDF Energy

EDF Energy is the UK subsidiary of EDF, the world's largest electricity producer. It supplies electricity and gas to more than 5 million UK customers. EDF Energy offers a range of tariffs, including fixed-price, variable, and green tariffs. EDF Energy is known for its focus on renewable energy and its commitment to good customer service.

Tariffs: EDF Energy offers a variety of electricity and gas tariffs to suit different needs and budgets. Some of its most popular tariffs include:

  • Standard Variable tariff: This tariff has a variable unit price, which means that it can change from month to month. However, it also has a lower standing charge than some other tariffs.

  • Fixed Price tariffs: EDF Energy offers many fixed-price tariffs, with unit prices fixed for a set period, typically one or two years. This can help customers to budget for their energy costs.

  • Green tariff: This tariff uses 100% renewable energy with a unit price of 33.5p/kWh and a standing charge of 63.0p.

Customer service: EDF Energy is known for its good customer service. You can quickly contact their support team via phone, online, or social media.

Reliability: EDF Energy is a reliable energy supplier. It has a good track record of providing customers with a steady energy supply and resolving any issues quickly.

Scottish Power

Scottish Power is a Scottish energy company that provides electricity and gas to over 5.5 million customers in the UK. It offers a range of tariffs, including fixed-price, variable, and green tariffs. Scottish Power is known for its competitive prices and its focus on customer satisfaction.

Tariffs: Scottish Power offers a variety of electricity and gas tariffs to suit different needs and budgets. Some of its most popular tariffs include:

  • Super Saver April 2023 Online tariff: This tariff has a fixed unit price of 16.57p/kWh and a standing charge of 43.0p. It is a good option for customers looking for a fixed-price tariff with a competitive unit price.

  • Standard Variable tariff: This tariff has a variable unit price, which means that it can change from month to month. However, it also has a lower standing charge than some other tariffs.

  • Green tariff: This tariff uses 100% renewable energy with a unit price of 33.5p/kWh and a standing charge of 63.0p.

Customer service: Scottish Power has a good reputation for customer service. It offers ways to contact customer support via phone, online, and social media.

Reliability: Scottish Power is a reliable energy supplier. It has a good track record of providing customers with a steady supply of energy and resolving any issues quickly.

When choosing an energy supplier, comparing tariffs from several suppliers is vital to finding the best deal for your needs. Consider your energy usage, budget, and customer service preferences when deciding.

Which supplier is right for you?

Your best energy supplier will depend on your needs and circumstances. Here are some things to consider when choosing an energy supplier:

  • Price: Compare tariffs from different suppliers to find the best deal for you.

  • Customer service: Check online reviews to find out what other people have said about how the supplier treats its customers.

  • Tariffs: Choose a supplier that offers a range of tariffs to suit your needs. For example, if you are looking for a green tariff, ensure the supplier offers a renewable energy tariff.

  • Exit fees: Some suppliers charge exit fees if you switch to another supplier before the end of your contract. Make sure to review the terms and conditions of your contract before making a switch.

How to switch energy suppliers?

Switching energy suppliers is a straightforward process. You can switch either on the internet or by making a phone call. The switching process usually takes around 21 days to complete.

Here are some tips for switching energy suppliers:

  • Compare tariffs from different suppliers. You can go to an energy comparison website to compare the prices various energy companies provide.

  • Choose a tariff that suits your needs. Consider your energy usage and your budget when choosing a tariff.

  • Provide your meter readings. You must provide your meter readings to your new supplier when you switch.

  • Confirm your switch. Once you choose a new supplier, you must confirm your switch with your old one.

Switching energy suppliers can save you money on your energy bills. By following the tips above, you can easily choose the best energy supplier for you and switch suppliers.

Conclusion 

If you want to save money on your electricity bills in the UK, you should look for the cheapest kWh electricity rates. To do this, Compare Business Electricity Prices from suppliers like British Gas, E.ON Next, SSE, OVO Energy, N Power, EDF Energy, and Scottish Power. 

These suppliers offer various plans, so consider whether you prefer fixed or variable prices, want to use green energy, or need good customer service. Prices can also vary by where you live, so remember. By using online tools to compare, you can find the best deal and lower your electricity costs. It's an easy way to save money on your energy bills.

FAQs

What is kWh?

A kWh, which stands for kilowatt-hour. It's the energy you get when you use one kilowatt of power for one hour. It is the most common unit of energy used to measure electricity consumption.

How many kWh do I use?

The amount of kWh you use depends on the appliances and devices you use in your home and how often you use them. For example, a typical household in the UK uses an average of 3,721 kWh of electricity per year.

What is the daily standing charge when talking about electricity?

The daily standing charge is a fixed fee that your energy supplier charges you for providing electricity. This fee covers the costs of maintaining the electricity network and delivering electricity to your home.

What is the difference between a kWh and a kW?

kWh and kW are different units used for measuring energy. kWh represents a kilowatt-hour, which signifies the energy consumed by a 1,000-watt device in one hour. Meanwhile, kW stands for kilowatt, which equals 1,000 watts and measures the rate or amount of power something uses.

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