Electricity & Gas Tariff Comparator
Compare electricity and gas tariffs side-by-side. Calculate annual standing charges and kWh unit rates to find the cheapest energy deal and annual savings.
Household Annual Consumption
Tariff A (Current Provider / Default Cap)
Tariff B (Comparison / Fixed Rate Offer)
Energy Savings Spotlight
⚖️ Decision Verdict: Switching to Tariff B Saves £115.62
Tariff B offers both cheaper electricity unit rates (-1.7p/kWh) and reduced standing charges, trimming £115.62 off your annual utility budget. Fixing now locks in this rate against seasonal wholesale price hikes.
Detailed Fuel Breakdown (Electricity vs Gas)
About this tool
How to use it
- Enter your home's estimated annual electricity and gas consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Input your current Tariff A unit rates (pence/cents per kWh) and daily standing charges.
- Input the comparison or prospective Tariff B rates and standing charges.
- Click 'Compare Energy Tariffs' to view annual cost differences, monthly bills, and net savings.
- Inspect the detailed fuel breakdown to identify whether electricity or gas drives your savings.
Why it matters
Energy bills consist of two distinct billing mechanisms: variable unit rates per kWh consumed and fixed daily standing charges for pipeline and grid maintenance. A tariff with a low unit rate can actually be more expensive for low-consumption households if the daily standing charge is inflated. Calculating both components simultaneously reveals the true total annual out-of-pocket cost.
When to use it
Use this comparator when your fixed-rate energy contract approaches its expiration date, when energy regulators announce new seasonal price caps (e.g. Ofgem quarterly caps), or when switching energy providers.
Good to know
Standing Charge Impact: Standing charges are paid every calendar day (365 days/year) regardless of how much gas or electricity you actually use.
Common questions
What is the difference between a unit rate and a standing charge?
The unit rate is the price paid for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity or gas you consume. The standing charge is a fixed daily fee (pence or cents per day) paid just to remain connected to the energy grid, regardless of your usage.
What is the average UK household energy consumption?
According to Ofgem TDCV benchmarks, an average medium-sized UK household uses approximately 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas per year.
Should I fix my energy tariff or stay on standard variable?
If a fixed tariff offers rates within 5% to 10% of current variable caps, fixing provides valuable budget certainty against potential winter wholesale spikes. If the fixed tariff commands a large premium, remaining on variable is generally more cost-effective.
How does dual fuel discount work?
Many energy suppliers offer a modest discount or billing credit when you purchase both electricity and gas from the same provider on a single combined account.
Can high standing charges cancel out cheap unit rates?
Yes! For low-usage homes (such as small flats or holiday homes), a high daily standing charge can easily wipe out any savings gained from a lower unit rate.