Best Time of Year to Compare Energy Prices in the UK

Why does timing matter when comparing energy prices?

The best time to compare energy prices can really help households pay less over the year. In the UK, energy prices do not stay the same. They go up and down often because of the price cap made by Ofgem and changes in the wholesale market.

From 1 October to 31 December 2025, the price cap for a typical home with dual fuel who pays by direct debit is set at £1,755 this year. This is up by 2%, or £35, from the summer quarter. The price cap will likely drop a little to £1,747 in January 2026. After that, in April 2026, the price cap could go up again to £1,835.

Energy bills often go up a lot in winter because people use more. It is a good idea to compare energy tariffs before it gets cold. The time when you look at your options can help you get a better energy deal. You can feel peace of mind in winter, knowing you may pay less. For many homes, late summer or early autumn is the best time to hunt for a cheaper energy deal. This way, you can switch before prices go up again.

You can look at the latest energy prices with our energy comparison service. This can help you see how much you may save if you switch to a new energy supplier.

When is the best time of year to compare energy prices?

The best time to change energy suppliers in the UK is usually from August to October. This is right before the heating season begins. The energy price cap also starts in October, so it’s good to switch early. Energy suppliers often put out better fixed deals and offers during this time to get new people to sign up. This can help you get the best price cap.

Spring is a good time to look at your energy tariffs. When winter ends, many energy companies put their rates down or offer new fixed deals to keep you as a customer. If you change your plan in winter months, it is not that helpful. Most suppliers put their prices up because the energy costs more and more people need it.

Comparing and switching energy suppliers in summer or early autumn is often the best way to get a cheaper deal. If you do this before the cold weather starts, you can save money as energy usage goes up.

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How does the Ofgem energy price cap affect timing?

The Ofgem energy price cap is looked at every three months. This happens in January, April, July, and October. These changes be important for standard variable tariffs. A lot of UK homes be on these tariffs. The energy price cap does not stop your total bill from going up. It only sets the highest unit rate and the maximum standing charge that suppliers can ask for with standard tariffs.

Households on a standard variable tariff (SVT) should compare energy prices shortly before each cap change. This is the best way to see if a fixed deal or dual fuel offer is cheaper than staying on the capped tariff.

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How seasonal usage affects your energy bills

Energy usage changes over the year. Most homes in the UK use about 11,500 kWh of gas and 2,700 kWh of electricity each year, according to Ofgem’s Typical Domestic Consumption Values (TDCVs). A lot of this energy usage comes from heating. This means your bills are higher when it’s cold.

Households that look at their options in summer or early autumn often get the most significant savings. This is because they do not have to pay higher unit rates and extra charges that usually happen in winter.

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When should you switch from a price cap tariff to a fixed tariff?

Fixed tariffs give you the same price for 12 to 24 months. This can help protect you from paying more if prices go up later. A standard variable tariff is different. It goes up or down every three months as the Ofgem price cap changes. Deciding when to switch from a variable tariff to a fixed deal depends on price cap predictions and what’s happening in the market.

If experts think energy bills could go up soon, it is a good idea to lock in your price now. This step can help you avoid paying more later. But if the price cap might go down, staying with the variable rate could be better for you. Check again before the next price review to see what works best for you.

Learn more about fixed and variable energy tariffs →

How to plan your switch around contract dates

If you are on a fixed tariff, you can switch to a new supplier up to 49 days before your contract ends and you will not need to pay an exit fee. If you try to leave outside this time, many companies ask for early exit fees, and they are usually about £30–£50 for each fuel. To know when your current deal ends, look at your online account or your latest bill. This helps you find the date your fixed tariff runs out, so you can compare deals and make your move in a smooth way.

When it is almost time for your deal to finish, you should start to look at other offers at least six weeks before it ends. If you are on a standard variable tariff or use a prepayment meter, you can change to a new deal any time you want. There will be no fees for this.

When is it better to stay on a variable tariff?

Staying on a variable tariff might work well when the wholesale market stays steady or goes down. The energy price cap gets updated every three months. If gas or electricity costs drop, you will see changes at the next price cap review. This lets all customers get lower unit rates without having to sign up for a fixed deal. People who use a variable tariff don’t need to worry about missing a better price if the market goes down.

If the forecasts say that global events or problems with energy supply may push the price cap up, it might be good to lock in your rates early. You can watch price cap predictions from Cornwall Insight and Ofgem. This can help you know what to do about your energy supply.

How global events affect the best time to switch

The UK unit rates change a lot because of the global energy market. Things like less LNG coming in, bad weather, or problems between countries can push up the price for gas and electricity in the UK. If global events make costs go higher, suppliers might put up fixed tariffs before the price cap goes up again. If things are more steady, variable tariffs get cheaper. The price cap, unit rates, and even global events all help decide how much you pay in the UK energy market.

Watching for these changes lets you pick when to fix things and when to wait. The best way to keep up is by checking price announcements in January, April, July, and October.

How renewable energy tariffs affect timing

Renewable energy and green tariffs will be cheaper in 2025. In the energy market, these options can be priced close to the regular gas-based plans when things stay steady. You get long-term value from these choices because fossil fuel price changes do not hit them as much as other offers.

Switching to renewable sources is often a good idea in spring or summer. This is the time when energy companies come up with promotional rates. The demand is low, so you might get a better deal. Many UK energy companies offer tariffs for solar, wind, and hydro power. You can find these options when you look for renewable sources.

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How electric vehicles and smart meters influence timing

Electric vehicle owners can save money with time-of-use or night rate tariffs. These tariffs let you pay lower prices for power if you charge during off-peak hours. A lot of energy companies bring out new rate tariffs for electric vehicles in spring or late summer. They do this when market conditions are steady. This makes it a good time to look at your options and pick the right night rate for you.

Smart meters show you when you use the most power. If you try to use an electric vehicle or other devices late at night, you can get lower rates. These meters read your usage on their own. This can help you look at different plans and find what works best for you.

When to switch if you use a prepayment or credit meter

Customers who use prepayment tariffs often end up paying more. This is because of higher daily standing charges and extra costs to top up. A home with dual fuel that uses prepayment pays around £1,800 each year. A customer who pays by direct debit will pay about £1,755 each year. Ofgem said it will work to lower this gap between prepayment tariffs and direct debit costs.

If you have a prepayment meter, the best time for you to look at new tariffs is before every price cap change. If you use a prepayment meter and owe less than £500 for each type of fuel, you can still switch to another supplier. People who use a credit meter should check their options two times a year. The best times to do this are before October, and again before April.

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How to use the 49-day rule effectively

Most fixed energy deals let you change to a new supplier without a charge in the last 49 days of your contract. If you want to switch, start to look at different tariffs when you are about 50 to 40 days away from your contract ending. This helps make sure you change to your new supplier without any problems and you do not lose your energy supply. The Energy Switch Guarantee says there will be no break in your energy supply during the switch.

When you compare, be sure to add your latest meter reading and your payment method. This will help get a good quote for you, and it makes sure your new supplier can take over from your old supplier without any problems.

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Why your energy usage matters when switching

Knowing how much energy you use helps you find the best deal for your home. A medium home with about 2 to 3 people and 3 bedrooms uses close to 11,500 kWh of gas and 2,700 kWh of electricity every year. If you put in these numbers, or your real meter readings, the website will help you get better and more accurate results when you compare suppliers.

Households that use more energy, like the ones that have heat pumps, EV chargers, or storage heaters, should look at dual fuel tariffs. This is because you may be able to get better value for both your gas and electricity when you have a dual fuel plan. It is a good idea to compare dual fuel options to see if you can save more money on your energy bills.

When to check your deal after switching

After you switch, it is a good idea to check your online account or look at your first bill. This helps you know your new tariff, standing charges, and unit rates are all right. You should watch your use in kilowatt hours (kWh). This checks if the cost of energy in your bills matches what you expect. You can use your smart meter to find peak hours. This can help you change your use to off-peak times and get more savings.

FAQs About the Best Time to Compare Energy Prices