Cheapest Energy Supplier in the UK

    "Cheapest" depends on your usage, region and tariff type. The sticker price rarely tells the full story — exit fees, admin charges and standing charges can wipe out a £100/yr saving in months.

    What to look at — beyond the headline price

    • Unit rate (p/kWh) for both gas and electricity.
    • Standing charge — paid daily even if you use nothing.
    • Exit fees — often £75–£150 per fuel on fixed deals.
    • Tariff length — 12 months gives flexibility, 24 months locks in the rate.
    • Late payment / admin fees — buried in the T&Cs.

    How we rank suppliers

    PowerGuardian's comparison shows the true annual costincluding standing charges and surfaces every flaw — exit fees, admin charges, customer-service issues — so you don't get caught out.

    See the cheapest tariffs we track

    Before you compare, make sure you're being billed on real readings, not estimates. If your meter isn't sending data, fix common smart meter problems so your new supplier starts you on accurate figures.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Compare Energy Suppliers

    Independent PowerGuardian scores for relevant suppliers.

    Octopus Energy

    91/100

    Octopus continues to lead the UK market on customer service and complaint handling, backed by genuinely competitive smart tariffs and strong financial backing. The clear front-runner on our intelligence dashboard.

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    So Energy

    79/100

    Backed by ESB, So Energy combines competitive fixed tariffs with consistently strong service scores. A solid mid-market performer.

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    British Gas

    55/100

    The UK's largest supplier remains financially rock-solid but service and complaint metrics continue to lag the market, with smart-meter billing delays a recurring theme.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Quick answers to the questions people ask most about this topic.

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