Guide
How to switch energy supplier
What happens on switching day, how long it takes and what you need to have ready.
Read guideCompare energy deals and switch supplier
Compare gas and electricity tariffs from suppliers across the UK, see what you could save against the price cap and switch online in minutes. Your supply is never interrupted.
Compare deals nowReady to compare energy?
Run a full market comparison before you commit. It takes about five minutes and your supply is never interrupted.
How energy comparison works
Comparing energy means checking what you currently pay per kWh, plus your daily standing charge, against every tariff available for your postcode. Most households on a standard variable tariff sit at the Ofgem price cap, which is a cap on rates rather than on your total bill.
We use your annual consumption to project a realistic yearly cost for each deal, so you are comparing like for like instead of headline rates.
Once you choose, your new supplier contacts your old one, agrees a switch date and takes a final meter reading. The pipes and cables into your property do not change, so there is no engineer visit and no loss of supply.
How do wholesale prices and the price cap affect my bills?
- Suppliers buy energy in bulk on the wholesale market. When global prices rise, the cost of supplying your property rises with them.
- Ofgem's price cap sets the maximum unit rate and standing charge for default tariff customers — it caps rates, not your total bill.
- The cap is reviewed every three months, so a standard variable tariff can change price four times a year.
- Because the cap limits unit cost only, the more you use the more you pay — efficiency still matters on every tariff.
- If you're not on a fixed deal you're likely paying close to the maximum legal rate, and a fix can shield you from future rises.
Why compare energy with us
Whole-of-market view
We show deals from large and challenger suppliers so you can see where your current tariff really sits.
Priced on your usage
Annual costs are projected from your kWh consumption, not a generic average household.
Fixed or variable
Lock in a rate for price certainty, or stay flexible on a capped variable tariff with no exit fees.
Switch handled for you
Confirm online and your new supplier manages the transfer, usually within five working days.
energy tariff types
Availability varies by region and meter type. Always check the exact rates quoted for your postcode before you switch.
| Tariff | Type | Rate structure | Exit fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard variable | Variable | Tracks the Ofgem price cap, reviewed quarterly | None |
| 12 month fixed | Fixed | Unit rate and standing charge locked for 12 months | Typically £50 per fuel |
| 24 month fixed | Fixed | Longer price certainty, usually a small premium | Typically £75 per fuel |
| Smart / time-of-use | Variable | Cheaper off-peak overnight rates, smart meter required | None |
How much does energy cost?
These are typical standard variable rates under the current price cap. Standing charges are daily costs you pay regardless of how much energy you use.
| Electricity | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rates | 25.73p per kWh | 6.33p per kWh |
| Standing charge | 51.10p per day | 29.82p per day |
| Typical annual bill | £1,720 combined (medium use, Direct Debit) | Included in combined figure |
Will prices fall soon?
Bills have already eased this year as green levies move onto the ECO scheme and general taxation, worth around £150 a year to a typical household on both variable and fixed tariffs.
The reduction comes through unit rates, so what lands on your bill depends on how much you use. Analysts expect a gradual drift downwards rather than a sharp drop — locking in a rate you're comfortable with is still the safer play.
| Price cap level | Annual cost for an average medium-usage household paying by Direct Debit |
|---|---|
| 1st July to 30th September 2026 | £1,720 (est TBC/Ofgem) |
| 1st October to 31st December 2026 | £1,755 (predicted) |
| 1st January to 31st March 2027 | £1,701 (predicted) |
| 1st April to 30th June 2027 | £1,668 (predicted) |
| 1st July to 30th September 2027 | £1,655 (predicted) |
Expert advice
With eight in 10 households worried about bills rising, there's a real opportunity to protect yourself by locking in a fixed deal for 12 months or more that gives certainty on the price you'll pay — especially over the coldest months.
“Not only can you save against the current cap, fixing now also shields you from high prices for at least a year.”
energy: pros and cons
Pros
- See your projected annual cost, not just headline unit rates
- Fixed deals protect you from mid-contract price rises
- No interruption to your gas or electricity supply
- Switching is free and usually completes in five working days
Cons
- Fixed tariffs can carry exit fees if you leave early
- The cheapest deal may require Direct Debit and paperless billing
- Prepayment and Economy 7 meters have a smaller choice of tariffs
How to choose the best deal for you
When you switch, there are a few things worth checking.
- 1
Price
The price you see on our comparison pages is based on your estimated usage over a year. The lower the unit rate and standing charge, the less you pay — but always check the projected annual cost, not just the headline rate.
- 2
Exit fees
If you leave a fixed deal after the 14-day cooling-off period, you might pay an exit fee for each fuel. Deals with low or no exit fees give you flexibility if prices fall.
- 3
Deal length
Most deals run for 12 to 24 months. During that time your unit rate is locked in, so you know exactly what you'll be charged even if the market rises.
Which is the cheapest supplier in the UK?
The cheapest supplier is different for everyone. It depends on how much energy you use, what you pay now, the deal you're on and where you live. When you compare with us, we only show the deals actually available for your property or business.
Compare energy deals
Fix for price certainty today. It takes just minutes.
How to compare energy prices
Comparing on our site takes a few minutes and could take a serious chunk off your annual bill.
1. Enter your postcode
Your postcode lets us show the correct regional unit rates. If you have a recent bill to hand, even better — accurate figures give accurate results.
2. Compare available deals
You'll see every deal available in your area, ranked on estimated annual cost, along with tariff type, contract length, exit fees and supplier ratings.
3. Confirm your switch
Once you've found the deal you like, confirm and we'll do the rest. Your supply is never interrupted and you don't need to contact your old supplier.
When shouldn't I switch?
Think twice if the exit fee or penalty for leaving is bigger than the saving you'd make. Exit fees start at around £50 per fuel and can reach £250, which wipes out a lot of deals.
Work out what you'd save over the full length of the new contract, then subtract what it costs to leave your current one. If the number is still positive, switching makes sense.
3 things to do if you can't switch
If switching isn't right just now, there are still ways to make sure you're not paying more than you need to.
Track your usage
A smart meter or a monthly bill check is the easiest way to spot rising costs early and act before your next renewal.
Submit regular meter readings
Without a smart meter, regular readings make sure you're charged for what you actually use rather than an estimate.
Consider efficiency upgrades
Insulation, draught-proofing and a more efficient boiler cut your bills every year, whatever tariff you're on.
What you need to compare energy
A recent bill makes the comparison far more accurate, because it shows your annual usage in kWh and your current tariff name. If you cannot find one, we can estimate from your property size and number of occupants.
If you are in the last 49 days of a fixed contract you can switch without paying an exit fee. Outside that window, weigh the fee against the saving before you commit.
How to compare and switch energy
1
Grab a recent bill
You need your postcode, current tariff name and rough annual usage in kWh.
2
Compare the market
We show deals from suppliers across the UK, ranked by cost for your usage.
3
Pick your deal
Choose fixed or variable and confirm your details online in a few minutes.
4
We handle the rest
Your new supplier arranges the switch in around five working days. Your supply is never interrupted.
Why choose Grow Your Business?
Wide choice of deals
We compare a broad range of deals from suppliers across the UK, so you can find the right fit for your home or business.
Exclusive and cashback
We work hard to bring you exclusive deals, along with cashback and other incentives where they're available.
Simple and fast
It takes just a few minutes to compare with us — and the deal you find could be well below what you pay today.
Is switching hassle-free?
Yes. Most suppliers are signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee, which means a quick, hassle-free transfer. Your new supplier resolves any problems and your old supplier refunds any credit balance within 14 days of your final bill.
What are the different types of tariff?
There are more options available than ever, which makes it easier to pick the tariff type that fits how you actually use energy — and to stop overpaying by default.
Fixed rate tariffs
Fixed rate tariffs lock your unit rates and standing charges for the length of the contract, so wholesale market and price cap changes don't affect you mid-term.
Standard variable tariffs
Standard variable tariffs are usually the most expensive. They're capped by the price cap, so when the cap moves every quarter, your unit rates move with it.
Dual fuel tariffs
Dual fuel means gas and electricity from the same supplier, which can be cheaper than buying them separately. Compare both ways to see which wins for you.
Renewable / green tariffs
Most suppliers now offer electricity backed by renewable generation. Green gas is harder to source, so check exactly what's being matched.
Prepayment tariffs
Prepayment means topping up in advance at the meter. It's often pricier than a credit meter, but suppliers must offer at least one prepay option.
Time-of-use tariffs
Economy 7 and smart tariffs offer cheaper overnight rates. They work well for EV owners and anyone who can shift heavy use to off-peak hours.
Suppliers we compare
From household names to newer challenger brands, we cover a wide range of UK suppliers.
British Gas
EDF Energy
E.ON Next
Octopus Energy
OVO Energy
ScottishPower
Utilita
Shell Energy
Good Energy
So Energy
Outfox the Market
Utility WarehouseComparing with us is a no-brainer
“It took me a couple of minutes to compare energy prices and switch, with all the faff of switching and payments done for you. I've just saved close to £480 per year in gas and electricity.”
Jennifer, Constantine
Energy guides
Guide
Understanding the price cap
What Ofgem's cap actually limits, and why your bill can still go up.
Read guide
energy FAQs
How long does switching energy supplier take?
Around five working days from confirming your details, including a 14-day cooling-off period that runs alongside the transfer.
Will my gas or electricity be cut off during the switch?
No. Only the company that bills you changes. The pipes, cables and meter stay exactly as they are and no engineer visit is needed.
Should I fix my energy tariff?
Fixing suits households that value budget certainty. If wholesale prices fall, a capped variable tariff may work out cheaper, so compare the fixed premium against the current cap.
Can I switch if I am in debt to my supplier?
Yes, if the debt is under £500 per fuel and you agree to repay it. The balance moves with you under the Debt Assignment Protocol on prepayment meters.
Do I need a smart meter to switch?
No. A smart meter is optional, but it unlocks time-of-use tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates and removes the need for manual readings.
Is comparing energy free?
Yes. Comparing and switching costs you nothing. Suppliers pay us a commission when a switch completes, which never changes the price you are quoted.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 25 July 2026