Scottish Power's Super Saver April 2026 Online tariff offers the cheapest unit rate at 16.57p/kWh, making it the most affordable option among major UK suppliers right now. Finding the lowest electricity rate requires comparing suppliers, tariff types, and regional pricing because no single supplier is cheapest for every household.

This guide covers the 7 cheapest electricity suppliers in the UK, current price-per-kWh by region, tariff types, and a step-by-step switching process so you can cut your energy bill today.

Cheapest kWh Electricity Suppliers in the UK (2026)

Supplier

Tariff

Unit Rate (p/kWh)

Standing Charge (p/day)

Scottish Power

Super Saver April 2026 Online

16.57

43.00

N Power

Go Fix Apr 2026

19.34

43.00

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

EDF Energy

Standard Variable

26.60

42.00

Scottish Power leads with the lowest unit rate at 16.57p/kWh, followed by N Power at 19.34p/kWh. Both are fixed tariffs, which means your rate stays locked regardless of market changes. Always verify prices with SwitchSquid's energy comparison tool before switching, as rates change frequently.

Note: The UK energy price cap is set at £1,758/year for Q1 2026 (January to March), dropping to £1,641 from April to June 2026. Fixed tariffs from Scottish Power and N Power sit well below this cap.

Average Electricity Cost Per kWh by UK Region

Your location directly affects what you pay. The UK average electricity price is 27.35p/kWh, with a standing charge (kilowatt-hour) of 52.97p/day.

Region

Unit Rate (p/kWh)

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

South Western

27.18

58.70

N Wales & 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

London has the highest unit rate (28.42p/kWh) but the lowest standing charge (38.54p/day). Yorkshire has one of the lowest unit rates (26.52p/kWh) but a higher standing charge (56.07p/day). A typical UK household using 2,900 kWh/year pays around £1,923 annually at the national average rate.

6 Types of Electricity Tariffs Available in the UK

1. Fixed-Rate Tariffs

Your unit price locks in for 12 to 24 months. Best for: Households that want predictable monthly bills. Exit fees apply if you leave early, typically ranging from £50 to £150. Scottish Power's Super Saver and N Power's Go Fix are the current price leaders in fixed-rate deals.

2. Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT)

The unit price changes every 3 months following Ofgem's price cap updates. No exit fees apply, so you can switch anytime. SVTs currently sit at 26.60p/kWh for most big suppliers, which is higher than the best fixed deals available right now.

3. Economy 7 / Time-of-Use Tariffs

These tariffs split your day into 2 pricing periods: cheaper off-peak hours (typically midnight to 7 a.m.) and a higher daytime rate. E.ON Next's Next Drive tariff charges 9.5p/kWh at night and 33.5p/kWh during the day. Best for: Electric vehicle (EV) owners and households with dishwashers, washing machines, or storage heaters that run overnight.

4. Green / Renewable Tariffs

These tariffs match your consumption with 100% renewable energy certificates from solar and wind sources. Most green tariffs now cost the same as standard variable deals, and some cost less. Octopus Energy and OVO's Better Energy tariff are popular green options.

5. Dual-Fuel Tariffs

One supplier covers both your electricity and gas. This simplifies billing and often reduces the combined unit cost compared to separate contracts. Compare dual-fuel vs. separate deals using SwitchSquid's home energy comparison before committing.

6. Prepayment Tariffs

You pay in advance via a smart meter or top-up card. Best for: Renters on tight budgets or those without a strong credit history. The Q1 2026 price cap for prepayment customers is set at £1,711/year, slightly lower than the £ 1,758/year for direct debit customers.

The 7 Cheapest kWh Electricity Suppliers Explained

1. Scottish Power

Scottish Power's Super Saver April 2026 Online tariff at 16.57p/kWh is the cheapest fixed unit rate among major UK suppliers in 2026. Scottish Power serves over 5.5 million UK customers and offers a full range of tariffs, including fixed, variable, and green options. Its Standard Variable tariff sits at 26.60p/kWh, but the Super Saver fixed deal cuts nearly 10p/kWh off that rate for customers who commit.

  • Best tariff: Super Saver April 2026 Online (16.57p/kWh, 43p/day standing charge)

  • Green option: 100% renewable tariff at 33.5p/kWh

  • Strength: Lowest fixed unit rate of any major supplier

  • Weakness: Fewer tariff options compared to Octopus or E.ON Next; no time-of-use tariff for EV drivers

2. N Power

N Power's Go Fix Apr 2026 tariff at 19.34p/kWh is the second cheapest fixed rate available from major suppliers. N Power supplies electricity and gas to over 5 million UK customers. Its One Price tariff at 27.6p/kWh bundles electricity and gas into a single unit rate, simplifying budgeting without requiring separate comparisons.

  • Best tariff: Go Fix Apr 2026 (19.34p/kWh, 43p/day standing charge)

  • Green option: 100% renewable tariff at 33.5p/kWh

  • Strength: Competitive fixed pricing with reliable supply record

  • Weakness: Customer satisfaction scores lag behind Octopus Energy; app functionality is limited compared to newer suppliers

3. British Gas

British Gas is the UK's largest energy supplier, serving over 8 million households, and offers a Standard Variable tariff at 26.60p/kWh. It stands out for its PeakSave scheme, which gives smart meter customers half-price electricity on Sundays. This alone can significantly offset a slightly higher base unit rate for active households.

  • Standard Variable: 26.60p/kWh, 42p/day standing charge

  • Fixed tariffs: Feb 2027 fix at approximately £140/month (£1,678/year)

  • Unique feature: PeakSave Sunday half-price electricity for smart meter users

  • Green option: Green Future tariff at 32.6p/kWh (62.3p/day standing charge)

  • Weakness: Standard Variable rate is not the cheapest; you need a smart meter to access PeakSave benefits

4. E.ON Next

E.ON Next's 14-month fixed tariff at approximately £133/month (£1,602/year) makes it the cheapest option among the Big Six suppliers on an annual cost basis. Its Next Drive tariff offers 9.5p/kWh off-peak charging between midnight and 7 a.m., making it a strong choice for EV drivers.

  • Standard Online: 25.8p/kWh, 42p/day standing charge

  • Next Fixed 14M: ~£133/month with a 14-month lock-in

  • Next Drive (EV tariff): 9.5p/kWh (midnight to 7 a.m.) and 33.5p/kWh (daytime)

  • Strength: Best Big Six fixed rate; strong EV and renewable credentials

  • Weakness: Exit fees apply to fixed tariffs; fixed deals require commitment

5. SSE

SSE serves over 3.5 million UK customers and offers a Standard Variable tariff at 26.60p/kWh with a strong focus on renewable energy. SSE is particularly strong in Scotland and Wales. Its fixed-price tariffs run for 12 to 24 months with unit prices set at the time of signing.

  • Standard Variable: 26.60p/kWh, 42p/day standing charge

  • Green tariff: 33.5p/kWh, 63.0p/day standing charge

  • Strength: Solid renewable credentials; reliable grid infrastructure

  • Weakness: Fewer tariff innovations compared to newer suppliers; no standout cheap fixed deal at the time of writing

6. OVO Energy

OVO Energy's Simpler Energy tariff at 26.60p/kWh is straightforward and transparent with no hidden charges. OVO supplies over 5 million customers, and its Better Energy green tariff uses 100% renewable electricity. OVO also offers 1 year of free boiler cover when you switch, which adds tangible value beyond just the unit rate.

  • Simpler Energy: 26.60p/kWh, 42p/day standing charge

  • Better Energy (green): 33.5p/kWh, 63.0p/day standing charge

  • Unique perk: Free boiler cover for 1 year (terms apply)

  • Strength: Transparent pricing; renewable commitment; strong app

  • Weakness: Standard unit rate is not the cheapest; green tariff premium is significant

7. EDF Energy

EDF Energy is the UK subsidiary of the world's largest electricity producer and supplies electricity to over 5 million UK customers. Its Standard Variable tariff is 26.60p/kWh, with a 42p/day standing charge. EDF's fixed tariffs typically run 12 to 24 months and provide price certainty for households wanting to avoid price cap fluctuations.

  • Standard Variable: 26.60p/kWh, 42p/day standing charge

  • Green tariff: 33.5p/kWh, 63.0p/day standing charge

  • Strength: Financial stability; strong renewable portfolio; good customer support

  • Weakness: Less competitive on fixed tariff pricing compared to Scottish Power or E.ON Next

Smart Meter: Does It Help You Get Cheaper Electricity?

Yes. Installing a smart meter unlocks 3 significant advantages for saving money on electricity:

  1. Time-of-use tariffs like E.ON Next's Next Drive require a smart meter to access discounted off-peak rates as low as 9.5p/kWh.

  2. Accurate billing eliminates estimated reads, which can lead to overpayments.

  3. Usage insights help identify high-consumption appliances draining your budget.

Request a free smart meter installation through your current supplier. Most UK suppliers are obligated to offer them at no cost. Use SwitchSquid's energy comparison to find smart-meter-compatible tariffs after installation.

How to Switch Electricity Suppliers (5 Steps)

Switching takes under 21 days from start to finish. Suppliers signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee must complete the process within 5 working days.

  1. Gather your current bill. Note your annual kWh consumption, current tariff name, and supplier.

  2. Compare suppliers by postcode. Unit rates vary by region. Use SwitchSquid's comparison tool to enter your postcode and see live regional rates.

  3. Check for exit fees. Fixed tariffs often charge £50 to £150 to exit early. Calculate whether potential savings outweigh exit costs.

  4. Submit meter readings. Provide a meter reading on your switch date so your final bill with the old supplier is accurate.

  5. Confirm your switch. Your new supplier contacts your old one. Your energy supply continues uninterrupted.

You do not need to contact your old supplier to cancel. The new supplier handles the transfer.

5 Factors That Affect Your Electricity Cost Per kWh

  1. Region: London pays 28.42p/kWh while Yorkshire pays 26.52p/kWh for the same amount of energy.

  2. Meter type: Smart meters enable time-of-use tariffs with off-peak rates as low as 9.5p/kWh. Standard meters lock you into flat-rate pricing.

  3. Payment method: Paying by monthly direct debit typically saves 5-10% versus prepayment meters or quarterly billing.

  4. Tariff type: Fixed tariffs below the price cap (like Scottish Power at 16.57p/kWh) beat the current SVT rate of 26.60p/kWh by more than 10p per unit.

  5. Annual consumption: The Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) average is 2,700 kWh/year. Higher users prioritize low unit rates; lower users can focus on reducing the daily standing charge.

How to Reduce Your Electricity Consumption (and Lower Bills Further)

Switching to a cheaper supplier is the fastest way to save. Reducing consumption compounds those savings month after month:

  • Shift flexible loads to off-peak hours. Run dishwashers, washing machines, and EV charging between midnight and 7 a.m. on Economy 7 or time-of-use tariffs.

  • Switch to LED lighting. LED bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs (1,000 hours at 10 watts vs. 60 watts).

  • Adjust boiler flow temperature. Set it between 60°C and 70°C in winter and 50°C to 55°C in milder weather to reduce heating load.

  • Install draught-proofing. Reducing heat loss cuts heating demand by up to 25%, directly reducing kWh consumption.

  • Bleed radiators. Cold patches or gurgling sounds indicate trapped air, reducing efficiency and forcing longer heating cycles.

Which Electricity Supplier Should You Choose?

The right supplier depends on 4 factors:

Priority

Best Choice

Cheapest unit rate (fixed)

Scottish Power Super Saver (16.57p/kWh)

Cheapest Big Six annual cost

E.ON Next Next Fixed 14M (~£1,602/year)

Best for EV drivers

E.ON Next Next Drive (9.5p/kWh off-peak)

Best green tariff with perks

OVO Energy (free boiler cover included)

Most flexible (no exit fee)

British Gas or SSE Standard Variable

For most households wanting the lowest possible unit rate right now, Scottish Power's Super Saver April 2026 Online tariff at 16.57p/kWh is the clear winner. For those wanting a Big Six supplier with the best annual fixed cost, E.ON Next at ~£1,602/year leads. Compare both options against your actual postcode and consumption at SwitchSquid to confirm which saves more for your specific household.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kWh?

A kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the standard unit for measuring electricity consumption. It equals the energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for 1 hour. For example, 1 kWh powers a 40-watt light bulb for 25 hours or charges a typical smartphone approximately 80 times.

What is the cheapest kWh electricity rate in the UK right now?

16.57p/kWh is the current cheapest unit rate from Scottish Power's Super Saver April 2026 Online tariff. N Power's Go Fix Apr 2026 tariff is the second cheapest at 19.34p/kWh. Both are fixed-rate deals.

How many kWh does a typical UK household use per year?

Ofgem defines the average UK household as using 2,700 kWh of electricity per year. Larger households (4+ people) typically use 3,500 to 4,500 kWh/year, while a single-person flat uses approximately 1,500 to 1,800 kWh/year.

What is a daily standing charge?

The daily standing charge is a fixed fee your supplier charges every day, regardless of how much electricity you use. It covers network maintenance and meter costs. The UK average standing charge is 52.97p/day (approximately £193/year). Some no-standing-charge tariffs shift the fixed cost into a higher unit rate instead.

What is the difference between kWh and kW?

A kW (kilowatt) measures the rate of power use, equal to 1,000 watts. A kWh (kilowatt-hour) measures total energy consumed over time. A 2kW electric heater running for 3 hours uses 6 kWh of electricity. Your bill charges you per kWh, not per kW.

What is the Ofgem price cap?

The Ofgem price cap limits the unit rate, and standing charge suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs. For Q1 2026 (January to March), the cap is set at £1,758/year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit. It drops to £1,641 from April to June 2026.

Is it worth switching to a fixed electricity tariff right now?

Yes, for most households. Fixed tariffs from Scottish Power (16.57p/kWh) and N Power (19.34p/kWh) sit well below the current SVT price cap rate of 26.60p/kWh. Locking in these rates now provides savings of up to 10p/kWh compared to standard variable pricing, saving a typical 2,700 kWh/year household approximately £270 annually.

Can I switch electricity suppliers if I rent?

Yes. Ofgem confirms that tenants who pay energy bills directly have the right to switch suppliers. Your landlord cannot prevent a switch. Check your tenancy agreement for any default supplier clauses, but these cannot legally override your right to choose your own supplier.

How long does switching electricity suppliers take?

Switching takes 21 days on average. Suppliers signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee must complete the process within 5 working days. Your supply continues uninterrupted throughout. There is a 14-day cooling-off period after signing your new contract during which you can cancel without penalty.

Does switching electricity suppliers affect my physical supply?

No. The electricity delivered to your home uses the same wires and infrastructure regardless of which supplier you choose. Only your billing and tariff change. The National Grid manages the physical supply network independently of commercial suppliers.