A Beginner’s Guide to Energy Price Comparison in the UK

What Is Energy Price Comparison?

Energy price comparison is when you look at the prices, tariffs, and companies that give energy for your home and pick the one that fits you best. Right now, energy bills are going up and the energy price cap keeps changing. Because of this, using tools for energy price comparison can help you lower your energy costs. It helps you get the best deal, so you pay less and save money on your energy bills.

Ofgem is the UK group that looks after energy. It asks people to look at their energy suppliers often. This can help you not get stuck with high costs for standard prices. A good way to compare energy prices is to use a tool that Ofgem has said is okay to use.

Why Should Beginners Compare Energy Prices?

Many people in the UK are still paying the usual rates for their energy. They do not know that they could save money. If you have moved into a new home, rent from a landlord, or have not changed your energy plan for a long time, it is a good idea to do a price check. This can help you see what other deals are out there and may help you save money.

• Lower your yearly energy costs.
• Choose between fixed or variable tariffs.
• Avoid any hidden exit fees.
• Get electricity deals that fit your postcode.

Even if you have a prepayment meter or a smart meter, you can still get better rates. You will also be able to check and keep track of your energy usage more in your home. If you want it, you can choose greener renewable sources, too. Doing all these things helps with energy comparison, making it easy and also very helpful for you.

How to Start Comparing Energy Prices

Step 1: Gather Your Energy Info

• You will need to know the name of your current supplier and what tariff you are on.
• You should have your usage numbers in kWh for the year. You can find this on a bill or from your meter reading.
• It is important to know if you have dual fuel, use only electric, or only gas.

If you have just moved, you can ask your energy supplier or landlord for the details. If they do not have this, you can use a tool to guess how much electricity you use. Even if you do not know the exact number, you can still compare energy prices by checking the averages.

Step 2: Use a Trusted Comparison Site

Pick a site that is approved by Ofgem. These sites help you see and sort results by different things.

• Type of tariff. This can be a fixed tariff, a variable tariff, or some others.
• Payment method.
• Meter type. It might be a smart meter, prepayment meter, or a regular one.
• What you like. That can be things like renewable energy, cashback offers, or having your bills sent without paper.

These tools will check how you use it. They match you with different suppliers. You can see the results, and that shows:

• The estimated yearly energy costs
• Exit fees, if there are any
• Protection from the energy price cap
• A new supplier that we think is good for you based on your usage and the potential savings you can get

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What Types of Tariffs Can I Compare?

When you know about the different energy tariffs, you can make a good choice for your plan. This will help you when you look at and compare energy prices.

What’s the Best Time to Compare Prices?

You can switch at any time, but timing matters:

• Right before the price cap changes, such as in April or July
• When you move to a new address
• When your fixed contract ends

Doing an energy price comparison before the July price cap review is a good idea. This can help you get a steady price for your bills. It also gives you a better chance to get the most out of your potential savings over the next year.

Can I Compare Energy Deals If I Have an Electric Vehicle?

Yes. Some suppliers offer EV-friendly tariffs:

• You can get cheaper rates at night for charging your car at home.
• There are smart meter scheduling tools that help you plan when to use power.
• There are bundles for dual fuel and EV charging, so you can get both together.

This can help bring your energy bills down. It works best when you charge at night.

Are There Any Costs to Switch?

Switching does not cost anything. But if you are on a fixed tariff and want to leave early, there may be exit fees. You should check for this on the comparison results page every time.

Correct as of 09 June 2025

FAQs About Energy Price Comparison