Compare Gas & Electricity Prices

Compare gas and electricity tariffs. Switch scans every UK supplier in seconds to find your cheapest deal.

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Sky
TalkTalk
Plusnet
Virgin Media
Vodafone
O2

UK Energy Prices at a Glance: April 2026

£1,641/yr

Ofgem Price Cap

Average household on Direct Debit

24.67p

Electricity unit rate

Per kWh

5.74p

Gas unit rate

Per kWh

Up to £400

Average saving

Switching to a fixed deal vs SVT

Energy savings comparison

How Much Can You Save by Comparing Gas and Electricity Prices?

Most UK households on a standard variable tariff (SVT) pay the maximum Ofgem-capped rate. A competitive fixed-rate deal saves the average household between £150 and £400 per year, depending on usage and their current tariff.
The July 2026 price cap is forecast to rise by up to 13.5%, from £1,641 to around £1,868 per year, according to forecasts from British Gas, EDF, and E.ON Next. Households that fix before July lock in today's rates and avoid that increase entirely.
Fixing now protects you for 12 to 24 months. Every day on an SVT is a day paying the Ofgem maximum.

Savings by Household Size

Based on Ofgem Q2 2026 unit rates and typical market fixed deals. Your saving depends on your postcode and current tariff.

Household SizeAnnual Gas UsageAnnual Elec. UsageApprox. Bill on SVTPotential Saving
1 to 2 people (low use)7,500 kWh1,800 kWh~£930/year£100 to £180/year
2 to 3 people (medium)11,500 kWh2,700 kWh~£1,641/year£150 to £300/year
4 to 5 people (high use)17,000 kWh4,100 kWh~£2,450/year£250 to £450/year

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6 Types of Energy Tariff: Which Is Right for You?

Not every tariff suits every household. Understanding the 6 main tariff types takes under 3 minutes and could save you hundreds of pounds every year.

Fixed-Rate Tariff

Locks your unit rate and standing charge for 12, 18, or 24 months. Your rate does not rise even if Ofgem increases the price cap. Exit fees apply (typically £50 to £100 per fuel) if you leave early. Best for: households who want price certainty and want to beat the next price cap rise.

Standard Variable Tariff (SVT)

The default tariff when a fixed deal expires. The unit rate follows the Ofgem price cap, which changes every quarter. No exit fees, but you pay the maximum capped rate. Best for: short-term flexibility only. Not recommended when the cap is forecast to rise.

Dual Fuel Tariff

Both your gas and electricity come from one supplier on one bill. Dual fuel deals are sometimes, but not always, cheaper than two separate contracts. Switch compares both options and shows you the true combined cost. Best for: simplicity and potential small discount.

Green Energy Tariff

Green tariffs match your electricity with energy from certified renewable sources, wind, solar, and hydro. 100% renewable electricity tariffs are widely available. Fully green gas (biomethane) is rarer and more expensive. Best for: environmentally conscious households.

Prepayment Meter Tariff

Requires you to top up a smart card, key, or token before using energy. These tariffs cost about £180/year more than direct debit tariffs. Switching away from prepayment is possible. Ask your supplier to install a credit meter at no cost if you have good payment history.

Time-of-Use / Economy 7

Charges different rates at different times of day. Economy 7 offers 7 hours of cheaper overnight electricity, useful for storage heaters or EV charging. Smart ToU tariffs (e.g. Octopus Agile) update rates every 30 minutes. Best for: EV owners and off-peak users. Requires a SMETS2 smart meter.

Ofgem energy price cap explained

What Is the Ofgem Energy Price Cap, and Does It Cap Your Bill?

No, the price cap does not cap your total bill. Ofgem caps the unit rate per kWh and the daily standing charge. The more energy your household uses, the higher your bill, regardless of the cap. The current price cap applies to around 19 million UK households on standard variable tariffs who pay by direct debit, prepayment meter, or standard credit.
The April 2026 drop of £117 came partly from the government moving ECO Scheme green levies into general taxation, a one-off reduction. The July 2026 rise is driven by rising wholesale gas prices linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting European energy markets.

Price Cap History: Last 12 Months

Source: Ofgem price cap announcements. Forecast figures are market estimates, not confirmed by Ofgem.

1

Jul to Sep 2025: £1,720

Stable wholesale markets. Cap remained at manageable levels through summer 2025.

2

Oct to Dec 2025: £1,755

Slight wholesale increase as winter demand pushed prices up marginally.

3

Jan to Mar 2026: £1,758

Minor cost adjustments. Broadly stable through the winter months.

4

Apr to Jun 2026 ✦ (current): £1,641

Green levy removal plus wholesale fall. Down 6.6%. Temporary relief before July rise.

5

Jul to Sep 2026 (forecast): ~£1,868

British Gas, EDF, and E.ON estimate sharp rise. Middle East conflict driving wholesale surge. Fix now.

Can you save more by switching gas and electricity to separate suppliers?

Until 2023, the answer was almost always 'no'. Dual fuel discounts kept bundled tariffs cheaper. Since 2024, the energy market has changed significantly: several challenger suppliers now specialise in either gas or electricity, creating genuine price advantages in their respective fuel types.
In practice, the saving from choosing the cheapest gas supplier plus the cheapest electricity supplier rather than a dual fuel bundle depends on market conditions and your usage, and needs to be weighed against managing two accounts and two billing cycles.
Switch calculates both options. Compare dual fuel tariffs and separate gas and electricity deals simultaneously to find whichever combination produces the lowest projected annual cost at your address.

How to Compare Gas and Electricity Prices: 3 Steps

Comparing and switching energy on Switch takes under 5 minutes. Your supply is never cut off. Your new supplier handles the transfer entirely.

1Step

Enter Your Details

Tell Switch your postcode, current supplier, and payment method. Enter your annual usage in kWh, or estimate it from your home size. Regional rates are applied automatically.

2Step

Compare Live Deals

Results rank by total annual cost, not commission. Filter by tariff type, contract length, exit fees, or green energy. Every result shows the full unit rate and standing charge.

3Step

Switch: We Handle the Rest

Confirm your deal. Switch notifies your new supplier. Transfer completes within 5 working days under the Energy Switch Guarantee. 14-day cooling-off included. You never contact your old supplier.

Which UK Energy Suppliers Does Switch Compare?

Switch compares tariffs from over 30 Ofgem-licenced UK energy suppliers, including the Big Six and challenger brands. All suppliers on Switch are regulated by Ofgem, meaning your supply and any credit balance are protected if a supplier fails.

SupplierTypeKnown For
British GasBig SixLargest UK supplier, boiler cover bundles
EDF EnergyBig SixNuclear-heavy generation mix
E.ON NextBig SixNext-day smart meter installation
ScottishPowerBig SixUK generation, strong renewables
SSEBig SixNow part of OVO group
OVO EnergyChallengerCarbon-neutral gas options
Octopus EnergyTech-first challengerAgile ToU tariffs, highest customer ratings
So EnergyChallengerCompetitive fixed deals, green focus
Good EnergyGreen specialist100% certified renewable electricity since 1999
Fuse EnergyChallengerApp-based, London and South East focus
EcotricityGreen pioneerWind and solar generation, vegan energy
Sainsbury's EnergyRetail-backedNectar points integration

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Smart Meters and Switching: What You Need to Know

56% of UK homes now have a smart meter. They eliminate estimated bills and enable time-of-use tariffs.

SM1

SMETS1 (1st gen, pre-2018)

May lose smart function with some suppliers after switching. Ask your new supplier if they support SMETS1 before you confirm.

SM2

SMETS2 (2nd gen, post-2018)

Retains full smart functionality with all Ofgem-licenced suppliers. No action needed. Works automatically after any switch.

NO

Traditional (non-smart)

No smart functionality. Submit readings manually. Request a free SMETS2 installation from your new supplier when you switch.

Struggling with Energy Bills? 5 Support Schemes Available

Switching to a cheaper tariff reduces your unit rate. These 5 government and supplier schemes provide additional support if you are on a low income, in fuel poverty, or eligible due to disability or age.

SchemeWho QualifiesBenefit
Warm Home DiscountLow-income / vulnerable households on qualifying benefits£150 one-off credit on winter bill
Cold Weather PaymentOn Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or certain other benefits£25 per week of freezing weather (below 0°C for 7 consecutive days)
Winter Fuel PaymentBorn before 23 September 1958 + on qualifying benefit£200 to £300 annual payment (now means-tested)
Social TariffsReceiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-based JSAReduced unit rates from some suppliers
Priority Services Register (PSR)Elderly, disabled, or medically dependent on electricityFree extra support: advance notice of outages, meter reading, bill help

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8 Proven Ways to Cut Your Gas and Electricity Bill Without Switching

Switching tariff is the single highest-impact action. These 8 additional steps cut consumption and reduce your bill further, saving a further £100 to £350 per year on average.

1

Set boiler flow temperature to 60°C

Lowering from 80°C saves ~£112/year (Carbon Trust).

2

Bleed radiators annually

Cold spots mean your boiler works harder, using more gas.

3

Install a smart thermostat

Models like Hive or Nest save ~£75/year by learning your schedule.

4

Wash at 30°C instead of 40°C

Uses 40% less electricity per wash cycle.

5

Draught-proof doors and letterboxes

Costs under £20 in materials, saves ~£45/year.

6

Switch to LED bulbs throughout your home

Uses 90% less electricity than halogen, saves ~£40/year.

7

Use appliances off-peak on a ToU tariff

Running dishwasher and washing machine after 11pm saves 30 to 50% on those loads.

8

Submit monthly meter readings

Prevents estimated overbilling; most common cause of unexpected high bills.

Not quite ready to switch? No worries — sign up for price alerts instead!

Our free price alert service monitors the market and notifies you the moment a cheaper deal becomes available for your postcode. No spam, no sales calls — just a single email when you could save money.

Start comparing and sign up

Gas and Electricity Comparison: 10 Most Asked Questions

How do I compare gas and electricity prices in the UK?

Enter your postcode, current supplier name, and approximate annual usage into Switch. Switch pulls live tariffs from every UK supplier and ranks them by total annual cost. The process takes under 3 minutes and your supply is never interrupted.

Is the price cap the cheapest I can pay for energy?

How long does it take to switch gas and electricity?

Can I switch energy supplier if I'm in debt?

What is the difference between dual fuel and separate tariffs?

What happens to my smart meter when I switch energy supplier?

Can I switch energy if I'm in a rented property?

Which energy supplier has the best customer service?

What is a standing charge on an energy bill?

Is it worth switching energy if I'm already on a fixed deal?

Compare Gas and Electricity Prices Now, It's Free

The July 2026 price cap is forecast to rise by up to 13.5%. Every week you wait on a standard variable tariff costs you more. Switch compares every UK supplier in under 3 minutes, free, impartial, no spam.

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