Fixed Rate Tariffs
Lock in a set unit rate for a fixed period, typically 12 to 24 months. Great for budgeting and protection against price rises, though you may pay exit fees if you leave early.
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Fixed, variable, dual fuel and green tariffs from every major UK supplier, ranked by annual cost, free and impartial.
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Fixed, variable, dual fuel and green tariffs from every major UK supplier, ranked by annual cost, free and impartial.
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Is Now the Right Time to Switch Your Energy Tariff?
The official Ofgem price cap for 1 October–31 December 2026 is £1,723 a year for a typical dual-fuel Direct Debit household (2,500 kWh electricity and 9,500 kWh gas). That is 4% / £60 higher than July–September 2026 (£1,663). Ofgem published it on 26 August 2026.
April–June 2026 was £1,641. That figure is historical. It is not the current cap.
A fixed tariff locks the unit rate you agree. Compare that annual total with the £1,723 illustration at your own usage.
Ofgem announces the January–March 2027 cap on 25 November 2026. No later quarter is set.
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How do I switch my gas supplier?
£1,723
typical dual-fuel Direct Debit, 1 October–31 December 2026.
The energy price cap is
26.32p
per kWhwith a standing charge of 54.83p per day (0% VAT).
On the October–December 2026 cap, electricity costs
92%
of households remain on Standard Variable Tariffs.
In the UK, an estimated
£186
is an illustration only. Your saving depends on usage and the written quote, not the £1,723 typical bill.
Save up to
What should I consider when comparing energy tariffs and suppliers?
Should I choose a fixed or variable energy tariff?
A fixed tariff locks the unit rate you agree for the contract term. A variable tariff follows the Ofgem cap. For October–December 2026 the typical dual-fuel Direct Debit figure is £1,723. Compare a written quote at your own usage.
Are there any exit fees on energy tariffs?
What is a dual fuel deal and is it cheaper?
How long does it take to switch energy suppliers?
How to Find the Best Energy Tariff and Change Supplier Hassle-Free
Switching your energy supplier is simpler than you think. Here's how it works in three easy steps.
Share a few quick details
Tell us about your home, current energy supplier, and how much energy you use, it only takes a few minutes to get started.
We'll compare the best deals
We search trusted energy suppliers to find you competitive rates, check if it's fixed or variable and look out for any exit fees.
Switch easily and start saving
Once you confirm your switch, your new supplier will handle the whole process. Prefer to wait? Sign up for price alerts so we can notify you when better deals arrive.
FAQs
How do I find the cheapest energy tariff?
Use our comparison tool to enter your postcode and current usage. We'll show you all available tariffs ranked by annual cost, so you can see exactly how much you could save.
Can I switch if I'm in debt to my current supplier?
What happens to my credit when I switch?
Do I need a smart meter to switch?
What is the Energy Price Cap?
The energy price cap is the maximum amount that energy suppliers in Great Britain can charge domestic customers on default (standard variable) tariffs per unit of gas and electricity used. It is set by the regulator Ofgem and reviewed every three months.
The cap does not limit your total bill, it limits the unit rate and standing charge you pay. So if you use more energy, your bill will still be higher. The cap is based on the energy use of a typical household.
For 1 October–31 December 2026 the typical dual-fuel Direct Debit figure is £1,723 (2,500 kWh electricity and 9,500 kWh gas). July–September 2026 was £1,663. The April–June 2026 cap of £1,641 is historical.
Am I Covered by the Price Cap?
The energy price cap applies to households in England, Scotland, and Wales who are on a default or standard variable tariff. This includes most people who have never switched supplier or whose fixed deal has ended.
Prepayment meter customers are covered by a separate version of the cap. Customers in Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man are not covered by Ofgem's price cap.
If you are on a fixed-rate tariff, the price cap does not directly apply to you, your rates are fixed until your deal ends. However, when your fixed deal expires, you will typically move onto your supplier's standard variable rate, which is then subject to the cap.
What's the Average Cost of Energy in the UK?
October–December 2026 national Direct Debit averages for England, Scotland and Wales, published by Ofgem on 26 August 2026:
1
26.32p per kWh for electricity, with a daily standing charge of 54.83p (0% VAT until 31 March 2027).
2
7.97p per kWh for gas, with a daily standing charge of 29.68p (includes 5% VAT).
Published Ofgem Price Cap Levels
These are Ofgem's published typical dual-fuel Direct Debit figures. They are not forecasts.
October–December 2026 is £1,723, up 4% / £60 from £1,663 in July–September. The April–June 2026 figure of £1,641 is historical.
Ofgem announces the January–March 2027 cap on 25 November 2026. No later quarter is shown here.
Period
Typical Direct Debit bill
Status
1 April–30 June 2026
£1,641/year
Historical
1 July–30 September 2026
£1,663/year
Published, now past
1 October–31 December 2026
£1,723/year
Current
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Electricity-Only Tariffs
If your home is not connected to the gas network or you have switched to an electric heating system, an electricity-only tariff gives you full control over your electricity costs without bundling in gas.
Dual Fuel Tariffs
Manage both your gas and electricity with a single supplier on one bill. Dual fuel deals can sometimes offer a small discount and simplify your energy management, though it's worth comparing against separate deals.
Green Energy Tariffs
Choose a tariff backed by renewable electricity or certified green gas. Some suppliers match 100% of your usage with energy from renewable sources, helping to reduce your household carbon footprint.
Effective Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills
Beyond switching supplier, there are practical steps you can take to cut your energy consumption and reduce your bills. Simple changes — like switching to LED bulbs, draught-proofing your home, and using appliances during off-peak hours — can add up to meaningful savings over a year.
Insulating your loft and walls can significantly reduce heat loss and lower the amount of gas or electricity needed to heat your home. Government schemes such as the Great British Insulation Scheme may be able to help with the cost if you qualify.
A smart meter gives you real-time visibility of your energy use, making it easier to identify where you're spending the most and adjust your habits accordingly. Most suppliers offer smart meters at no extra charge.
Unlock Rewards, Cashback, and Free Days Out with Us!
£50
average cashback reward on qualifying switches.
Earn up to
2x
reward points on every switch made through our platform.
Collect
£10
supplier gift card only when the live deal includes one.
Receive a
Free
days out for families at selected UK attractions when you switch.
Enjoy
Need Help with Bills?
What help is available if I can't afford my energy bills?
If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your supplier directly, they are obligated to offer you a repayment plan you can afford. You may also be eligible for the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment, or Winter Fuel Payment depending on your circumstances.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
Can I get help with my energy bills if I'm on benefits?
What is the Priority Services Register?
What should I do if I can't pay my prepayment meter debt?
Typical Energy Consumption for a UK Household
The medium row is Ofgem's October–December 2026 typical dual-fuel Direct Debit (2,500 kWh electricity / 9,500 kWh gas). Small and large rows are illustrative, not official cap totals.
← Swipe to see all columns →
Energy FAQs
How often is the energy price cap reviewed?
The energy price cap is reviewed by Ofgem every three months. Changes take effect in January, April, July, and October. Ofgem publishes the new cap level around six weeks before it comes into effect.
What is the difference between a unit rate and a standing charge?
Is it worth switching energy supplier every year?
Can I switch if I rent my home?
What is a smart export guarantee (SEG)?
Can I switch to a green energy tariff?
How do I complain about my energy supplier?
How We Work
How does Switch make money?
Switch is a free comparison service for consumers. We earn a referral fee from energy suppliers when you switch through our platform. This does not affect the price you pay, the tariff prices you see are the same as going directly to the supplier.