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Fixed, variable, dual fuel and green tariffs for your postcode, with an estimated annual cost for each. Free to use.

Ofgem's dual-fuel Direct Debit cap is £1,723 a year from 1 October to 31 December 2026. A fixed tariff can lock a different rate.

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Energy supplier guides

Read our guides to the UK's main energy suppliers before you compare tariffs for your postcode.

British GasOctopus EnergyE.ON NextEDFScottishPowerOVO EnergyBritish GasOctopus EnergyE.ON NextEDFScottishPowerOVO Energy
Is now the right time to switch energy tariff

Is now the right time to switch your energy tariff?

Updated 12 September 2026. Ofgem's price cap for 1 October–31 December 2026 is £1,723 per year for a typical dual-fuel Direct Debit household, up 4% (£60) from £1,663 in July–September 2026 (published 26 August 2026). That figure uses Ofgem's current typical consumption values of 2,500 kWh electricity and 9,500 kWh gas, not the old 2,700 / 11,500 values.
From 1 October, average Direct Debit unit rates are 26.32p/kWh for electricity with a 54.83p/day standing charge (0% VAT on electricity until 31 March 2027), and 7.97p/kWh for gas with a 29.68p/day standing charge (5% VAT). Around 35% of households (about 11 million) are on fixed tariffs and won't be affected by the rise.
If you're on a standard variable tariff, these rates apply from 1 October unless you switch. A fixed deal can lock your rates for 12 or 24 months. MoneySuperMarket shows the fixed deals available at your postcode, so you can weigh any exit fee against what you'd save. Ofgem's next announcement is on 25 November 2026, for January–March 2027.
How to switch energy supplier online

How do I switch my gas or electricity supplier?

Switching your gas or electricity supplier is simpler than most people expect. Most switches complete within five working days, and your supply isn't interrupted while it happens. The same pipes and cables supply your home whichever company bills you.
To switch, you'll need your current tariff name, your approximate annual usage (in kWh, on a recent bill) and your postcode. Enter them on our partner MoneySuperMarket, choose a deal and apply. Your new supplier then contacts your old one, so you don't need to.
One thing to check first: if you're still in a fixed-term contract, you may have to pay an exit fee. Your current supplier must tell you the amount, so you can compare it with what you'd save. Suppliers can't charge one in the last 49 days of a fixed deal. Our step-by-step guide to switching energy supplier covers each stage.

How to find a cheaper energy tariff and switch supplier

Three steps from checking your bill to completing your switch.

1

Check your current tariff

Find your tariff name, annual usage in kWh and any exit fee on a recent bill or in your supplier's app. With these to hand, you can compare like for like and see what a new deal would really cost you.

2

Compare on MoneySuperMarket

Enter your postcode and usage on our partner MoneySuperMarket to see the tariffs available at your address. For each one, check the tariff type (a fixed rate locked for 12 to 24 months, or a variable rate that follows the Ofgem price cap), how much of the electricity comes from renewable sources, and the estimated annual cost including standing charges, not just the headline monthly figure.

3

Choose your deal and switch

Once you've chosen a tariff, you apply with the new supplier. They contact your old supplier and move you over on the agreed date. There's no engineer visit and your supply isn't interrupted.

How the energy switching process works

From comparing to your new tariff going live, here's what happens at each stage.

1

Compare tariffs

Enter your postcode and usage on MoneySuperMarket to see the tariffs available to you, with an estimated annual cost for each.

2

Choose your deal

Check the unit rates, standing charges, contract length and any exit fee before you pick the tariff that suits you.

3

Your new supplier takes over

Your new supplier contacts your current one, so you don't need to contact anyone. Most switches complete within five working days.

4

Your switch goes live

Your new tariff starts on the agreed date and your supply isn't interrupted. Your new supplier will confirm the switch and tell you when to expect your first bill.

Ofgem energy price cap explained

What is the energy price cap?

The Ofgem energy price cap is the most a supplier can charge per unit of energy, and per day in standing charges, on a standard variable tariff (SVT). It was introduced in January 2019, and Ofgem now reviews it every quarter, based mainly on wholesale energy costs.
For October–December 2026 the typical dual-fuel Direct Debit figure is £1,723 per year, based on Ofgem's current typical use (TDCVs) of 2,500 kWh electricity and 9,500 kWh gas. National average Direct Debit rates are 26.32p/kWh for electricity (standing charge 54.83p/day, 0% VAT) and 7.97p/kWh for gas (standing charge 29.68p/day, 5% VAT). The cap limits the rates, not your total bill, so households that use more pay more.
The cap doesn't apply to fixed-rate tariffs. If you're on a fixed deal, your rates stay the same whatever happens to the cap. Ofgem estimates around 35% of households (11 million) are in that position. See the energy price cap explained for current rates and past levels.

What a typical year costs at the current cap

~£1,380

1 bed flat / single occupant

1,800 kWh elec + 7,500 kWh gas

£1,723

2 to 3 bed house / couple

2,500 kWh elec + 9,500 kWh gas (Ofgem TDCV)

~£2,742

4 to 5 bed house

4,100 kWh elec + 17,000 kWh gas

~£1,016

Electricity only (no gas)

3,100 kWh electricity

Energy price outlook

Will energy prices come down?

The July–September 2026 typical Direct Debit dual-fuel figure was £1,663. Ofgem has confirmed October–December 2026 at £1,723 (up 4%, or £60), mainly because of higher wholesale gas prices. Electricity-only homes see a much smaller change because VAT on domestic electricity is 0% from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Ofgem will announce the January–March 2027 cap on 25 November 2026. Until then, the October unit rates and standing charges above are the official figures for standard variable tariffs, not a forecast. Wholesale prices for 2027 are hard to predict.
On a standard variable tariff, your rates change whenever the cap does. A 12-month fixed deal can hold your rates through winter. Compare the annual cost at your own usage against the £1,723 typical figure before you decide.
Not ready to switch yet?

Comparing doesn't commit you to anything. See what's available for your postcode on MoneySuperMarket, and only switch if a deal suits you.

Compare on MoneySuperMarket

You'll compare on our partner MoneySuperMarket and enter your postcode there. It takes about 2 minutes.

Does cheaper energy mean worse customer service?

The idea that cheap tariffs come with poor service goes back to the early challenger suppliers, some of which cut back on customer support to offer low prices. Many of those suppliers collapsed in 2021 and 2022, which reinforced that view.
Today, price and service aren't so closely linked. Some of the suppliers that often offer the cheapest tariffs also do well in independent customer service rankings, so a low price doesn't have to mean poor support.
The best way to judge a supplier is through independent reviews. Citizens Advice and Which? publish supplier rankings, and Trustpilot collects customer reviews. Check them alongside the price before you switch.

What other energy tariffs can I compare?

The main tariff types you'll see when you compare.

1

Fixed rate tariffs

Lock your rates for 12 or 24 months. Good if you want certainty and protection from price cap rises.

2

Variable tariffs

Your rates move with the Ofgem price cap. Usually no exit fees, so they suit you if you want flexibility or are moving home soon.

3

Dual fuel deals

Gas and electricity from one supplier. Compare them with separate contracts to see whether bundling saves you money.

4

Green energy tariffs

Electricity matched with renewable generation, usually backed by REGO certificates. Many are priced close to standard tariffs.

5

Prepayment tariffs

Pay-as-you-go energy for households on prepayment or smart prepay meters. The price cap applies to these tariffs too.

6

Economy 7 tariffs

Cheaper electricity for seven hours overnight. Suits storage heaters, EV charging and appliances you can run at night.

Lower your energy bills

Other ways to lower your energy bills

Switching to a cheaper tariff is often the quickest way to cut your energy bill, but it isn't the only one. A few changes at home can bring your costs down further.
A smart meter shows how much energy you're using and what it costs as you go, which helps many households spot waste and cut back. Most households in Great Britain can get one from their supplier at no upfront cost.
Draught-proofing doors and windows is a cheap way to keep heat in. Turning your thermostat down by 1°C, switching to LED bulbs and washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C all help too.
Energy bill help and support

Need help with your energy bills?

If you're struggling with energy bills, help is available from the government and from suppliers. The Warm Home Discount is a £150 rebate on your electricity bill each winter, usually applied automatically by your supplier if you qualify. Eligibility depends on receiving certain means-tested benefits.
In England and Wales, Cold Weather Payments can help eligible households during very cold spells. Your council or supplier may also be able to help with insulation or a more efficient heating system through government-funded schemes; GOV.UK lists what's available where you live.
If you can't afford to pay your bill, contact your supplier as soon as you can. Ofgem requires suppliers to offer affordable repayment plans. If you can't resolve a complaint with your supplier, you can take it to the Energy Ombudsman.

Typical energy use for a UK household

Estimated annual cost using Oct–Dec 2026 Direct Debit national averages (26.32p/kWh electricity, 54.83p/day; 7.97p/kWh gas, 29.68p/day). The mid-size row matches Ofgem's £1,723 TDCV (2,500 / 9,500 kWh).

Property typeBedroomsElectricity (kWh/yr)Gas (kWh/yr)Est. annual cost (Oct–Dec 2026 cap)
Flat / studio11,8007,500~£1,380
Mid-size house (Ofgem TDCV)2 to 32,5009,500~£1,723
Large house4 to 54,10017,000~£2,742
Electricity onlyAny3,100—~£1,016
Economy 7 (Ofgem typical)Any3,400 (multi-register)—~£1,046

← Swipe to see all columns →

Energy FAQs

Is now a good time to switch energy supplier?

It can be. The confirmed Ofgem price cap for October–December 2026 is £1,723/year for a typical dual-fuel Direct Debit household, up 4% (£60) from £1,663 in July–September. Around 35% of households are on fixed tariffs and are not affected. If you're on a standard variable tariff, compare fixed deals against the new rates. Ofgem announces the January–March 2027 cap on 25 November 2026.

How much can I save by switching energy supplier?

Will switching energy supplier interrupt my supply?

What is the Ofgem energy price cap?

What is a fixed energy tariff?

Can I switch energy if I have a smart meter?

What is a dual fuel energy tariff?

Is it free to compare energy with Switch?

Compare cheap energy deals

The October–December 2026 Ofgem cap is confirmed at £1,723/year for a typical dual-fuel Direct Debit household. Compare fixed deals against the new unit rates before the next announcement on 25 November 2026. Comparing is free. We may earn a commission from our partners. It never changes the price you pay.
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