Guide to the Cheapest Electricity Supplier in the UK

The UK energy market is highly competitive, allowing consumers to choose suitable and affordable electricity suppliers. Under what circumstances will people decide to change their electricity supplier? A new electricity supplier may provide the cheapest electricity, which can reduce the company's operating costs or the family's living expenses. Finding the cheapest electricity supplier has become a significant concern for many people.

Fortunately, in this blog, you can learn almost everything about the cheapest electricity supplier in the UK. Additionally, to save on electricity costs, we also recommend choosing a Jackery Portable Power Station to power your appliances instead of relying on the grid at home.

Cheapest Electricity Suppliers in the UK

Below you will find a brief overview and information about 10 of the cheapest electricity suppliers in the UK in 2025:

Octopus Energy

Octopus is a UK electricity supplier known for its green energy and excellent customer service. Octopus Energy not only offers standard prices that are consistently lower than those of any other large supplier, but also provides services such as solar power, wind power, and energy trading. It is especially suitable for students who need to pay rent, tuition fees and various other expenses.

Octopus Energy recommended tariffs include:

Octopus 14M Fixed January 2025 v1 (Fixed)

Flexible Octopus (Variable)

Tulo

Although Tulo is small, it is committed to keeping its prices affordable and straightforward and its plans clear and convenient. Not only does Tulo have competitive prices, but its main plans also have no early exit fees. If you're looking for a low-cost variable tariff, consider Tulo.

Tulo’s recommended tariffs include:

Vari-One (Variable)

SVT (Variable)

Outfox the Market

Founded in 2017, Outfox the Market has been recognised as one of the most reliable and affordable electricity suppliers in the UK. While many of its deals have exit fees, Outfox the Market offers highly competitive prices for users who want predictable monthly bills. It provides fixed deal lengths of 12, 18 and 24 months.

Outfox the Market’s recommended tariffs include:

Fix’d Dual Jan25 v1.0 (Fixed)

18-Month Fix’d Dual Jan25 v2.0 (Fixed)

2-Year Fix’d Dual Jan25 v1.0 (Fixed)

Fox Standard Dual (Variable)

ScottishPower

Founded in 1990, ScottishPower offers a wide range of tariff options and is a large electricity supplier. It provides flexible floating tariffs with no exit fees, making it an ideal choice for those who value brand trust. ScottishPower not only has a green tariff that supports 100% green electricity from wind farms, but also a charity tariff option.

ScottishPower's recommended tariffs include:

Help Beat Cancer Flexi Jun 2026 TM3 (Variable)

Standard (Variable)

British Gas

British Gas is the largest energy supplier in the UK, providing water, gas and electricity services to more than 8 million households. It has a good reputation for offering a range of affordable electricity prices. The unit price and fixed cost guarantee of electricity provided by it remain unchanged during the contract period.

British Gas recommended tariffs include:

Fixed Tariff v21 (Fixed)

The Longer Fix v18 (Fixed)

Standard Variable (Variable)

E.ON Next

E.ON Next is a major electricity supplier that specialises in offering green energy plans and a range of fixed-term tariffs. It not only provides reliable and customer-centric services, but also provides flexible options for students who need predictable energy costs.

E.ON Next's recommended tariffs include:

Next Fixed 18m v15 (Fixed)

Next Pledge Tracker 12m V7 (Variable)

Next Fixed 12m v42 (Fixed)

Next Gust 12m V16 (Fixed)

Next Fixed 24m V27 (Fixed)

EDF Energy

EDF Energy specialises in nuclear and renewable energy, offering a choice of fixed-term tariffs. It provides a range of tariffs specifically designed for students seeking cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solutions. Some plans do not require an exit fee.

EDF Energy's recommended tariffs include:

Simply Fixed 2Yr Jan27v4 (Fixed)

Simply Fixed Direct 1Yr Jan26v8 (Fixed)

Simply Fixed 1Yr Jan26v8 (Fixed)

Simply Tracker Mar26 (Variable)

Standard (Variable)

Utility Warehouse

Utilita Energy is the UK's first and only pay-as-you-go electricity supplier, meaning customers only pay for what they use. Most plans have no exit fee. It also offers bundles that include energy, broadband, and mobile, making it an ideal choice for students who want to simplify their utility bill management.

Utility Warehouse's recommended tariffs include:

UW Fixed 36 (Fixed)

Double Gold (Variable)

Gold (Variable)

Value (Variable)

So Energy

In addition to offering intuitive and transparent pricing, So Energy is also committed to delivering 100% green electricity. It also has a good reputation for customer service, as evidenced by its provision of clear and easy-to-understand energy bills to customers.

So Energy's recommended tariffs include:

So Wisteria Two Year – Green (Fixed)

So Wisteria One Year – Green (Fixed)

So Flex (Variable)

Co-op Energy

Co-op Energy offers transparent and fair pricing and also provides discounts on fixed tariffs. There are no exit fees on its tariff packages. Co-op Energy is also a socially responsible electricity supplier as it actively gives back to local causes and charities.

Co-op Energy's recommended tariffs include:

Co-op 14M Fixed January 2025 v1 (Fixed)

Co-op Community Power 14M Fixed January 2025 v1 (Fixed)

How to Find the Cheapest Electricity Supplier?

In the UK, the electricity market is highly competitive, and the packages, prices, contract terms and benefits offered by electricity suppliers vary greatly. If you want to find the cheapest electricity supplier, then consider the following factors:

Tariffs and Packages

Electricity suppliers offer various tariffs, including fixed-rate tariffs, standard variable tariffs, and time-of-use tariffs. You need to compare these different tariffs and packages to find the most cost-effective option.

Fixed Rate Tariff: This type of tariff typically locks in the unit price and fixed fees for a specified period (such as 1 year).

Standard Variable Tariff: It adjusts with market fluctuations and is suitable for users who live in the short term or have a judgment on market trends.

Time-of-Use Tariff (Economy 7, etc.): This tariff divides electricity prices into peak and off-peak periods.

You can use comparison platforms such as MoneySuperMarket, Uswitch and Compare the Market to find cheap tariffs and packages. Provide these platforms with your postcode, current usage (in kWh) or fees (in pounds), payment method, and other relevant details to find the most suitable and affordable electricity supplier and receive a quote.

Transaction Duration

Long-term contracts (fixed-rate tariffs) of 12 to 24 months usually have lower rates, but an exit fee is required for early termination. If you plan to stay for an extended period, you need to calculate the balance between the total cost and the risk of exit. Some electricity suppliers offer unlimited-term packages, which may have higher rates than fixed contracts but no exit fees. This is more suitable for individuals who are uncertain about their lifespan.

Payment Method

Many electricity suppliers in the UK support a variety of payment methods. Please choose the one that suits you best.

Direct Debit: This method deducts the fees directly from your bank card, which is typically 5-10% cheaper than prepayment or cash payment.

Pay on Receipt of Bill: Typically, pay manually after receiving a paper or electronic bill every three months, but late payment fees may be incurred.

Prepayment Meter/Pay As You Go: It requires regular topping up, and the electricity will be disconnected if the balance is insufficient.

Exit Fees

Read the exit fees details in the contract carefully before signing. Some electricity suppliers charge high fees for early termination of service. Exit fees are standard in fixed-rate tariff contracts, typically ranging from £30 to £50. If you plan to change frequently, prioritise options with no exit fees or low fees.

Additional Benefits

Some electricity suppliers offer new customer incentives, including registration discounts, referral rewards (such as Octopus Energy's £50 referral bonus), or introductory rate discounts for the first year of service. However, new customer offers may require bundling gas or long-term contracts. Additionally, select suppliers with high customer satisfaction ratings to minimise communication costs. You can check the electricity supplier rating through Citizens Advice or the energy regulator.

Should I Change Electricity Suppliers?

In the UK, consumers typically switch electricity suppliers to save money, receive better service, or support environmentally friendly energy sources. For example, new suppliers often attract new customers with preferential prices or discounts. Alternatively, some consumers may be dissatisfied with the customer service, bill accuracy, or online services of their existing supplier and opt to switch to a company with higher reviews.

Please note that the timing of changing electricity suppliers in the UK needs to take into account contract terms, price changes, life changes, and seasonal factors. Here are some of the best times to change electricity suppliers in the UK:

Price Increases

If the existing electricity supplier announces a price increase (usually with 30 days' notice), you can switch before the price increase takes effect to avoid paying higher fees. In addition to electricity supplier price adjustments, exceeding the new user discount period or the period of a specific discount package may also result in higher electricity prices.

Life Changes

Moving, retirement, working from home, and other life changes are all natural opportunities to switch electricity suppliers. However, the service areas of different suppliers vary. Check the available suppliers in the target area 1-2 months before moving to avoid delays in switching due to coverage issues. If you are renting a house for a short period, prioritise electricity suppliers that offer no long-term contracts.

Before Winter

During the UK winter (November to March of the following year), electricity demand surges and supply may be tight. It is recommended to switch to a stable supplier and a more cost-effective solution (such as a low-cost fixed-rate contract) before October to avoid winter electricity price fluctuations.

Time to Avoid Exit Fees

According to Ofgem regulations, you can switch suppliers for free and without incurring exit fees within 49 days of the end of your fixed contract. Therefore, this is the ideal time to shop around and find the most affordable electricity supplier. However, please confirm the date through the bill or contact the supplier to avoid additional costs due to delays.

In short, choosing an electricity supplier is an essential decision for British residents to optimise energy costs and adapt to life's changes. Be sure to read the contract terms carefully before making any changes, and choose a transparent and reputable supplier to ensure long-term electricity safety and economic benefits.

How to Switch to the Cheapest Electricity Supplier?

Switching electricity suppliers in the UK is a relatively flexible and straightforward process, thanks to the market competition mechanism. As a result, users are free to choose the energy company that best suits their needs. Next, you need to understand how to switch to the newly selected, most affordable electricity supplier. Here is a detailed description of the process of switching electricity suppliers:

Step 1: Gather Information

The first step in deciding to switch electricity suppliers is to gather all the relevant and valuable information.

Postal code

Name of current electricity supplier or contract

Current tariff name

The price you pay per unit of electricity

Your annual electricity consumption

Step 2: Contact the Selected Electricity Supplier

Go directly to the official website of the selected electricity supplier, register for an account and fill in your relevant information. Then, follow the prompts and steps on the website, which are typically straightforward to follow. Then, your new electricity supplier will handle all the administrative matters involved in the switch without your direct involvement.

Step 3: Notify the Existing Supplier (optional)

Although the new supplier will be fully responsible for the switch, it is recommended that you take the initiative to notify the old supplier to ensure that the account is cleared. For example, you need to provide the current supplier with the latest meter reading and settle the electricity bill. Additionally, you should confirm with the current supplier the remaining term of the contract and whether an exit fee is required.

Step 4: Wait for the Switch to Take Effect

Your new supplier will coordinate with the old supplier to complete the switch, which usually takes 2-3 weeks, depending on the supplier's processing speed. The new supplier will tell you the specific time when the switch will take effect. Some electricity suppliers provide "seamless switching" services to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Then, the old supplier will send you the final bill and ask for settlement. After receiving the welcome email or bill from the new supplier, confirm that the details are correct. If the switch is not completed after the expected time, contact the new supplier's customer service to follow up.

Tips to Reduce Electricity Bills, Besides the Cheapest Electricity Supplier

In addition to switching to the cheapest electricity supplier, you can also lower your electricity bill through a variety of practical tips.

Reduce Electricity Consumption

By optimising your electricity habits, you can reduce electricity consumption and effectively reduce your electricity bill. Here are some energy-saving tips that you can refer to in your daily life:

Tip 1: Use LED bulbs.

Tip 2: Turn off standby devices.

Tip 3: Take shorter showers.

Tip 4: Use a microwave instead of an oven to heat small portions of food.

Tip 5: Lower the temperature of the laundry water.

Tip 6: Avoid frequent use of the tumble dryer.

Tip 7: Turn down the thermostat.

House Insulation

To reduce heat loss, insulate the walls, attic, and floor (including the installation of insulation materials). Seal the gaps between doors and windows, and use draft strips or heavy curtains to block drafts. If you have the funds, you can additionally insulate the hot water tank, pipes, and radiators to reduce energy usage in the hot water system.

Install Smart Meters

Smart meters can monitor electricity consumption in real time and track high-power gadgets, allowing you to optimise your usage habits in a targeted manner. Some electricity suppliers only provide lower electricity rates to customers who have installed or agreed to install smart meters.

Avoid Estimated Bills

If you have a traditional meter, you must submit readings regularly to avoid your supplier from overestimating your usage. Even if you use a smart meter, it's essential to periodically check your actual electricity usage and compare it with your supplier's bill. If the difference is too significant, register a complaint for an adjustment immediately to avoid being overcharged.

Take Advantage of Government Assistance

The UK government offers energy subsidies for low-income households or specific groups (such as pensioners), such as the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Some local governments also provide subsidies for energy-saving renovations, such as free insulation materials or boiler replacement. Therefore, please always check to see if you are eligible for government subsidies on electricity.

Invest in Renewable Energy Systems

If conditions permit, consider installing a home solar panel system to generate your electricity, thereby reducing your reliance on the grid and increasing your energy independence. Solar systems with energy storage systems can profitably sell excess electricity to the grid, offsetting some of their installation costs.

Saving Your Electric Bills with Jackery

Jackery Portable Power Stations can help reduce electric bills, mainly when used strategically. While they aren't a full-blown, whole-home solar system replacement, their utility for bill reduction comes from a few key strategies.

Many utility companies charge different rates for electricity depending on the time of day. "Peak" hours (often late afternoon/early evening) are more expensive due to higher demand, while "off-peak" hours (like overnight or midday) are cheaper.

You can charge your Jackery Portable Power Station from the grid during these cheaper, off-peak hours. Then, during the expensive peak hours, you use the power stored in the Jackery to run certain appliances or devices, instead of drawing power directly from the high-rate grid.

By shifting your consumption from high-cost periods to low-cost periods, you directly reduce the amount of expensive electricity you pay for, leading to savings on your monthly bill. Larger Jackery models (like the Explorer 2000 Plus or 3000 v2) are particularly effective for this, as they have enough capacity to power more substantial loads for a longer duration. Some advanced Jackery models even offer app control, allowing users to schedule charging during off-peak times.

Jackery Explorer 3000 v2

The Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 is a powerful portable power station that can significantly help businesses save on their electricity bills, particularly by leveraging solar power and optimising for time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates. 

Direct Solar Generation: When paired with Jackery SolarSaga solar panels (which support up to 1000W of solar input), the Explorer 3000 v2 can convert sunlight into usable electricity. This means businesses can generate a portion, or even a substantial amount, of their daily power needs for free, thereby directly reducing the amount of electricity they purchase from the utility grid.

Reduced Grid Consumption: For homes with consistent daytime operations, using solar-generated power to run lights, computers, small appliances, or charging tools directly translates to lower meter readings and, consequently, lower electricity bills.

Environmental Benefits: Beyond cost savings, utilising solar power aligns with corporate sustainability goals, enhancing a home's green image and potentially attracting environmentally conscious customers.

Load Shifting: The Jackery Explorer 3000 v2, with its 3072Wh capacity, can be charged during off-peak hours when electricity is at its lowest cost. This "cheap" energy can then be stored and used to power business equipment during expensive peak hours. This practice, known as load shifting, effectively allows a business to "buy low" and "use high" without actually increasing grid consumption during peak times.

Smart App Control: The Jackery App offers features such as a "Charging Plan" or "flexible scheduled charging," which enables businesses to program the power station to automatically charge during off-peak hours, maximising savings without manual intervention.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is a competent portable power station that offers several features directly conducive to saving on electric bills, particularly for households or small businesses looking to optimise their energy consumption. Its strengths lie in its large, expandable capacity, high power output, efficient solar charging, and long-lasting battery life.

Large Capacity (2042.8Wh base, expandable to 12kWh): The substantial base capacity of the 2000 Plus, combined with its ability to add up to five extra battery packs (reaching a total of 12kWh), is crucial for effective peak shaving. With this much stored energy, you can shift a significant portion of your electricity consumption.

How It Works: Charge the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus (and its battery packs) from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity rates are at their lowest (e.g., overnight). During expensive peak hours (often late afternoon or early evening), you can plug in various household appliances or office equipment directly into the Jackery, drawing power from its battery instead of the grid.

Savings: This directly reduces your consumption of the most expensive electricity, resulting in noticeable savings on your utility bill if you're on a TOU plan. The larger the capacity, the more electricity you can shift and the greater the potential savings.

High Solar Input (up to 1400W): The Explorer 2000 Plus boasts impressive solar input capabilities, allowing it to charge very rapidly when paired with Jackery SolarSaga solar panels (e.g., fully charged in as little as 2 hours with 6 x SolarSaga 200W panels).

High Output (3000W continuous, 6000W peak): The 2000 Plus can deliver a constant 3000W output, with a surge capacity of 6000W. This means it can handle a wide array of appliances that would typically draw significant power from the grid during peak hours, such as refrigerators, microwaves, portable air conditioners, electric kettles, and power tools.

FAQs

The following are frequently asked questions about the cheapest electricity suppliers in the UK.

1. Who is the cheapest electricity supplier in the UK?

By 2025, Octopus Energy is expected to remain the most affordable electricity supplier for the majority of people. For example, its Octopus 14M Fixed January 2025 v1 is a 14-month fixed tariff package that costs approximately £139 per month (£ 1,668 per year) with no exit fee.

2. Is Octopus still the cheapest energy supplier?

Yes. Based on current energy prices, Octopus Energy is still the cheapest energy supplier in the UK. However, the UK energy market is highly volatile, with prices fluctuating regularly. Therefore, it can only be determined that Octopus is currently the most cost-effective option.

3. Which energy company does Martin Lewis recommend?

According to the blog Local Energy Prices, Martin Lewis, a well-known financial expert, recommends that people choose Octopus Energy as their energy company. He believes that Octopus Energy is a good choice because of its strong customer service and commitment to renewable energy.

4. What should I pay attention to when choosing an electricity supplier in the UK?

Choosing the right electricity supplier in the UK is not just about finding the cheapest. You also need to pay attention to the following:

Contract length

Is there an exit fee

Customer service

Renewable energy projects

Additional benefits (smart meters, mobile apps or new customer offers)

Final Thoughts

To find the most affordable electricity supplier in the UK, consider the tariff, transaction duration, payment method, and whether there are any exit fees and additional benefits. At the same time, you don't have to worry about the cumbersome switching steps.

The new electricity supplier will typically handle all related matters without requiring the user's direct involvement. In addition to switching to a cheaper electricity supplier, you can also effectively reduce your electricity consumption and lower your bills through daily energy-saving tips, such as shortening shower times, lowering the temperature of laundry water, and adjusting the thermostat.