Energy comparison
Energy prices and our usage are high this winter. This is the time to see if you could save money with a fixed deal. Run an energy comparison to protect yourself against high rates.
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Should I switch energy this winter?
Energy prices will rise to £1,738 from 1 January, making this a good time to move to a fixed deal. But it's not the only option to help ensure you’re not paying more than you need to.
You could:
- Switch to a fixed energy deal. Fixed price deals could save you around £100 a year compared to standard variable tariffs where prices are set by the price cap. This would give you more certainty about your energy bills this winter, with prices currently predicted to stay high until at least the spring. Remember to consider exit fees you might have to pay to leave the deal early, as well as its length and how much your monthly payments would be. You can run an energy comparison to see available deals, but there’s nothing wrong with staying on a variable tariff if there isn’t a deal right for you.
- Track your energy usage. Connecting a smart meter to the Uswitch app makes it easy to see if you’re using more energy than needed. You can then take steps to cut back to keep your bills as low as possible. It may not take much to make a difference. It might be as simple as reducing the time you spend in the shower or turning your thermostat down slightly. You can find other energy-saving ideas in our dedicated guide.
- Submit regular meter readings. If you don’t have a smart meter, this will ensure your account is kept up to date and you’ll be charged the right amount for the energy you've used.
- Consider home energy efficiency upgrades. These could include improving your wall or loft insulation, investing in more energy-efficient appliances or replacing your old boiler with a new one. While these might be costlier home improvements and unsuitable for everyone, they can significantly reduce the amount you pay for energy each year.
Find out more about your energy options this winter
Why is energy still expensive?
Energy prices haven’t fully recovered from the 2021 spike that caused suppliers to remove deals.
Though prices have dropped, deals remain more expensive than before the energy market crisis. Ongoing global conflicts, like the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Gaza wars, continue to affect gas prices and energy costs.
Average energy prices and bills aren’t expected to reach low pre-crisis levels until the end of the decade.
Will energy prices go down soon?
While energy prices are predicted to stay high for the next few years, predicting what will happen in the short term is more difficult. EDF thinks that the next price cap (coming into effect in April 2025) will be an increase to the January cap, so prices will stay high. The situation could change quickly, though, so keep an eye on market news if you're thinking of switching.
You can see the latest predictions below.
| Price cap level | Annual energy cost for an average usage medium-sized household paying by Direct Debit |
|---|---|
| 1 April to 30 June 2024 | £1,690 |
| 1 July to 30 September 2024 | £1,568 |
| 1 October to 31 December 2024 | £1,717 |
| 1 January to 31 March 2025 | £1,738 |
| 1 April to 30 June 2025 (EDF prediction) | £1,795 |
| 1 July to 30 September 2025 (EDF prediction) | £1,750 |
| 1 October to 31 December 2025 (EDF prediction) | £1,759 |
How does the energy price cap affect my bills?
The energy price cap caps the unit rates and standing charges that energy suppliers can charge for their standard variable tariffs. It can rise or fall depending on wholesale energy market prices (the price suppliers pay for the energy they supply us with) and other factors. There are about 23 million households on a standard variable tariff, so they are affected by whether the price cap goes up or down.
The price cap is reported as an annual figure based on an average use dual fuel customer paying by direct debit.
From 1 October to 31 December, the price cap is set at:
- £1,717 for an average use dual fuel household paying by Direct Debit
- £1,669 for those with a prepayment meter.
However, your total energy bill is highly unlikely to be £1,717. You could pay more if you live in a bigger house or use more energy. You could also pay less if you use less.
From 1 January to 31 March 2025, the price cap will be set at:
- £1,738 for an average use dual fuel household paying by Direct Debit
- £1,690 for those with a prepayment meter.
How to compare energy prices
Comparing energy prices on Uswitch couldn’t be easier. The process only takes a few minutes and could help you save on your energy bills.
Enter your postcode above
Your postcode will allow us to show you the correct regional unit rates. Our system will also use publicly available data to pre-fill some of your details. But you might need to add a couple of details about your plan, such as your usage in kWh and the plan name, so it might help to have a bill to hand.
Compare energy deals
The deals currently available on Uswitch will appear in the results table, along with their estimated annual costs (based on your usage details). You'll be able to filter by plan type (dual fuel or electricity-only), rate type (fixed or variable), payment method and other features.
Confirm your switch
Once you've found a deal you like, confirm your move and we'll do the rest - you don't have to speak to either supplier! The process should be completed within five days with no interruption to your supply. You'll also have a 14-day cooling-off period, during which you can cancel for free if you change your mind.
What should I consider when I compare energy deals?
Price: Make sure you can afford the deal you choose and don’t rush into one that you'll struggle to pay for. The price you pay through Direct Debit each month is usually based on your estimated energy usage over a year. This may not be the actual cost. Make sure you look at the unit rate and standing charge to work out how much you will be charged for your energy usage.
Exit fees: If you want to switch from a fixed deal after your 14-day cooling-off period, you might have to pay an exit fee. Not all tariffs have them but most do, so make sure you know if yours does.
Deal length: Most deals are 12 or 24 months. During this time the price cap could rise or fall depending on market conditions, so consider how long you would like to stay locked in for.
Other factors might be important to you, such as:
- The type of tariff (dual or single fuel)
- Whether a deal uses renewable energy
- The cost of any exit fees.
Energy comparison sites like Uswitch help you quickly compare energy deals that work for you and handle the process on your behalf.
Can I compare gas and electricity deals individually?
Those who use both gas and electricity may prefer to look at energy prices for gas-only energy deals or electricity-only energy deals, rather than combining them in one deal. This can sometimes work out cheaper than a dual fuel energy deal depending on the supplier. You can see deals for individual fuels on the results table by using the filters provided.
Can I get a green energy deal with Uswitch?
If you want to move to a greener option, look for our Green Accreditation badges on the results table.
Every green energy deal Uswitch offers is rated as either Bronze, Silver or Gold, depending on how ‘green’ the deal is and how its energy is sourced. Selecting a specific deal will tell you why it’s been given its rating.
What happens when I switch energy?
After confirming, you’ll get an email from your chosen supplier within a day or two to notify you that it’s going ahead. Once it’s completed you’ll get another email confirming you’re officially getting your energy from your new supplier. Your supply won’t be cut off at any point, so just sit back and relax.
How long will it take to switch energy?
Most UK energy suppliers are signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee. This guarantees that the supplier you’re switching to will complete the process within five days.
What if I change my mind about my energy switch?
If you change your mind, you can cancel free of charge during a two-week cooling-off period.
What types of energy tariff are there?
Fixed rate tariff
Fixed rate tariffs have fixed unit rates and standing charges for the duration of the contract. This means they’re not affected by wholesale market or price cap changes, so you have price certainty during your contract.
Find out more about fixed rate tariffs.
Standard variable tariff
Standard variable tariffs are traditionally the most expensive tariff type, though this has changed in the past few years. They're capped by the price cap, which means that if the price cap increases, so do your unit rates.
Find out more about standard variable tariffs.
Dual fuel tariff
Dual fuel tariffs allow you to get gas and electricity from the same supplier, which can be cheaper than getting them individually. It's worth comparing dual fuel deals and separate gas and electricity deals to work out the best option for you.
Find out more about dual fuel tariffs.
Renewable/green energy tariff
Green energy is increasingly common. Most suppliers now offer tariffs that feature electricity generated from renewable sources (though renewable gas is more difficult to achieve). Use table filters to see green deals.
Find out more about green energy tariffs.
Prepayment tariff
Prepayment tariffs require energy to be bought in advance and topped up via your meter. This is often more expensive than being on a credit meter. Suppliers usually offer at least one prepayment tariff.
Find out more about prepayment energy.
Time-of-use/Economy 7/electric vehicle tariff
Time-of-use tariffs such as Economy 7 offer multiple unit rates for day and night use, with night-time use cheaper than day-time use. This can be good for electric vehicle owners with home chargers.
What support can I get if I'm struggling with my energy bills?
There are three main energy support schemes available throughout the winter for those who qualify:
Targeted support is also available for the most vulnerable customers from suppliers, local authorities and charitable organisations, including:
If you're struggling with your bill payments, the best first step is to contact your supplier to see how it can help. Most of them have hardship funds, but will also be able to work on payment plans or even waive fees in some cases.
You might also be able to claim back energy credit from your account.
What's happening with the Winter Fuel Payment?
28 November 2024: It has been announced that all pensioners in Scotland will receive a Winter Fuel Payment next year. However, the government's restrictions for the winter of 2024-25 (that the Winter Fuel Payment will only be paid to those state pension age who receive Pension Credit or certain other benefits) will still stand.
That means some people will miss out, although an estimated 880,000 people are eligible for Pension Credit who don't currently claim it.
Although the regulations are already in force as they don’t need to be voted on by MPs, delegates at the 2024 Labour Conference in Liverpool voted against the cut to Winter Fuel Payments.
How can I save on my energy bills at home?
As well as switching your energy deal, you can help reduce your bills by using less energy around the home. Here are six things you can do this winter:
Reduce shower time to four minutes
Taking four-minute showers will mean you use less water and less energy is used heating the water. This could save £60 per year.
Use an air fryer instead of an oven
Air fryers use less energy than ovens, so if you have one, use it as much as possible to save energy.
Reduce dishwasher use by one run per week
If you have a dishwasher, try to use it less. Reducing usage by one run per week could save £12 per year.
Wash clothes at lower temperatures
You should only need to wash clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40. Doing this could save £24 per year.
Dry clothes on a heated airer
If you have a heated airer, you can save energy by drying clothes with it rather than using a tumble dryer.
Don’t overfill the kettle
If you're making a hot drink, try not to overfill the kettle and waste energy boiling more water than you need. This could save £26 per year.
"A good range of fixed deals are back on the market. With the price cap rising to £1,738 per year, energy costs will stay high throughout the winter. That makes this a good time to switch to a fixed deal and save money in the process.
"If switching isn't right for you, there are other options. Tracking your usage, submitting regular meter readings and upgrading your home are some ways you can keep your bills as low as possible."
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FAQs about energy prices and suppliers
Energy prices
How can I get a cheap gas and electricity deal?
Energy prices have risen with deals a lot more expensive than they were a few years ago.
A standard variable tariff, which is capped at £1,717 from 1 October to 31 December, may be the cheapest deal for many customers. But fixed deals can offer price certainty and even savings. Consider your options carefully and check out our energy Q&A here for more information.
Which is the cheapest energy supplier?
The cheapest gas and electricity supplier could be different for everyone. It depends on factors like usage, your current deal and where you live. When comparing energy deals, be as accurate as possible with your information so we can find the cheapest supplier for you.
Which is the best energy supplier?
The best gas and electricity supplier for you won’t necessarily be the same as the best supplier for your neighbour. It depends on what's important to you in a supplier. You can use Uswitch to filter deals by factors other than price, like green energy.
How often do energy prices change?
Energy prices can change every day as they reflect the market news. If you're on a variable plan, your rates will change throughout the year. They're set at £1,717 until 31 December 2024 but will rise to £1,738 from 1 January.
On a fixed plan, your rates will stay the same during the fixed period.
What was the Energy Price Guarantee?
The Energy Price Guarantee in response to the high price cap set by Ofgem in August 2022. It froze the price cap at £2,500 until July 2023, when it dropped below that amount.
The EPG ran in the background until April 2024 at a higher level of £3,000 until the government withdrew it completely.
How to switch energy
Why should I switch energy?
The main reason to switch energy is to find a cheaper deal than the one you’re currently on. This hasn’t been easy because the wholesale energy market crisis has caused high prices. With the market more stable, though, suppliers are offering affordable fixed energy deals again. You may still wish to stay on a standard variable energy tariff if you're on one. For price certainty, run an energy comparison to find a better deal.
Do I need to cancel my Direct Debit when I switch?
There’s no need to get in touch with your old supplier once you’ve confirmed your energy switch. After the process is complete, the supplier will send a final bill and close your account once paid.
You don’t need to cancel your Direct Debit, but you can through your bank if you prefer. Just remember to settle your final bill first.
Can I switch energy supplier if I owe my current supplier money?
You can switch if you’ve been in debt for less than 28 days; the debt will be added to your final bill. If you’ve been in debt for longer, you won’t be able to move until you’ve settled that debt (unless the supplier’s billed you incorrectly).
If you’re on a prepayment meter, you can switch as long as the debt to your current supplier is less than £500.
I'm moving home. How do I switch gas and electricity?
If moving, inform your provider to see if you can take your current deal with you. If not, you’re free to move away from the default supplier at your new property.
Remember to take a meter reading when you move out and another at your new property. This ensures you only pay for what you use.
Can I switch energy supplier if I rent?
You can usually move energy supplier if you’re a renter who pays the energy bills. If your landlord pays the bills, ask for permission before switching.
What if I want to compare gas and electricity prices separately?
If you only want to see gas deals or electricity deals, you can filter available tariffs on our results table.
Can I switch to the same energy supplier?
If you don’t want to move energy supplier, you still might be able to find a cheap gas and electricity deal with Uswitch.
If you haven’t switched energy before, you're likely on your provider’s standard variable tariff, which is typically its most expensive tariff. You can use Uswitch to find energy deals from your current provider if you’re happy with the service but want to save on your energy bills.
Can I switch energy if I have a prepayment meter?
Yes, you can switch energy if you’re on a prepayment meter. Select ‘Prepayment meter’ when you’re asked how you pay your energy bills. You can tell you’re on a prepayment meter if you pay in advance with a smart card, token or key. You can also move away from using a prepayment meter by replacing it with a credit meter.
