How to choose the best energy tariffs
When it comes to choosing the best energy tariffs, deals or plan (they're the same thing), do you know your fixed rate from your variable tariff? And does your type of meter affect the deals you can get?
How you use energy is unique to you. What's best for you, might not mean the cheapest gas and electric tariff. If you're thinking about changing supplier and looking to find the right deal for your home, try reading our compare energy suppliers guide. Standard Variable tariff (SVT) prices that follow Ofgem's price cap will rise slightly for the 1 January to March 31 2026 cap period. As we're using more energy during the winter months heating our homes and using more lights for the longer darker days, now's a good time to check whether you should still be on a Standard Variable tariff, or if you'd be better off financially to switch to a fixed rate tariff.
Here we cover everything you need to know about choosing the best gas and electric deals and energy prices for your household.
What are energy tariffs?
Energy plans or tariffs are simply the name given to the way you choose to pay for energy you use in your home or household. Energy tariffs are pricing plans from suppliers for your gas and electricity usage. They consist of the cost per unit of energy used and a daily standing charge (this is a fixed daily fee for the supply of how the energy gets to your home). The main types of energy tariff are fixed - where prices stay the same, and variable - where prices change with the market. There are other options like time-of-use, prepayment tariffs or product tariffs also available, such as EV tariffs, air source heat pump tariffs, or solar panel tariffs.
What tariff types are best for you?
Household make-up
The number of people living in your home could make a difference to which energy tariff is best for you. For example, if you live alone, a tariff with a low or zero standing charge could be most beneficial. Whereas families using more energy for heating, hot water, and lots of appliances could benefit most from tariffs with low unit rates, time of use tariffs or fixed tariffs, as it's easier to budget when you know how much your until rate during the length of your contract.
Fixed energy tariffs
A fixed energy tariff gives you peace of mind and makes it easier to budget. You'll pay a fixed price for your energy, so if wholesale prices go up, the price you pay stays the same for the length of your contract. It helps make budgeting easier and gives you peace of mind, as you know how much you're paying, and you're protected from wholesale energy price increases for the length of your fixed contract.
It's worth remembering that it's the plan rate that's fixed and not your monthly payments. If your energy use goes up (or down), your monthly bills change accordingly. However, a fixed tariff can give you the reassurance that any market and industry price changes won't affect your budgeting.
| Fixed price tariff pros | Fixed price tariff cons |
|---|---|
| You'll pay the same unit rate for the length of your contract | If energy prices go down, your prices stay the same and don't lower in line with wholesale variable prices |
| You won't be affected by price rises | Fixed tariffs often come with exit fees - meaning you have to pay a fee if you leave earlier than your contract end date |
| You're not constantly shopping around for the best deal | It might become a more expensive deal when your fixed rate period comes to an end |
| Some of the best deals can be found for fixed tariffs |
Should I fix my energy costs?
As you can see, there are many positive reasons to fix your energy costs, not least that it can make budgeting easier. However, as variable energy costs will be rising during the October to December price cap period, it may be worth waiting to see if fixed prices also go down. Before signing up to a fixed deal with early exit fees you may need to pay if you want to leave your contract early, consider:
- What difference your new monthly payments will be to what you pay now
- How long the tariff contract lasts
- Are there early exit fees to pay if you leave before the tariff end date?
Variable energy tariffs
If you don’t mind prices going up or down, a standard variable rate energy tariff could be your best option.
These tariffs track the wholesale market rate for the energy you pay. Payments change depending on wholesale costs, so budgeting isn't as easy as on a fixed tariff. Standard variable tariffs are also affected by Ofgem's price cap.
As Ofgem's price cap is rising from 1 January 2026, standard variable energy prices will also go up, as they follow Ofgem's price cap. So, choosing a fixed tariff may be better for your home - depending on how you use energy and like to pay for it.
See how our tariffs compare to the price cap, and to understand how energy prices are likely to change over the year, so you can work out whether to fix or not, view our price cap predictions.
| SVT pros | SVT cons |
|---|---|
| You'll be the first to benefit from price decreases | Energy price rises will affect you - only up to Ofgem's price cap |
| No exit fees | You'll pay different amounts, which can make budgeting more tricky |
| No contract end date | You're not protected from what's happening in the energy market |
| There are rarely any special offers or deals available |
Tracker tariffs
Similar to a standard variable tariff, tracker tariffs follow wholesale energy prices and go up and down in line with Ofgem's price cap. However, they can be cheaper than an SV tariff. For example, our Simply Tracker tariff is designed to provide consistent savings by tracking Standard Variable prices and offering discounts on standing charges.
Deemed energy tariffs
These are standard energy tariffs you're automatically placed on if you haven't signed up for a new plan. This can happen if you move to a new home or business premise and start to use gas or electricity, (or both), without first setting up a new energy tariff. A deemed contract may also happen if your tariff comes to an end, but are continuing to use energy, before sorting out a new tariff.
Electric car tariffs
There's now a good selection of electric tariffs for EVs and some are very competitive. Consider when you're most likely to charge your car at home and look at tariffs that offer cheaper electricity when it suits you and your needs. This may seem a bit more complicated than your traditional home tariff but really, it's just thinking more about how you use your energy and choosing a tariff that works for you. It's definitely worth it! See if you can save with an EV tariff by getting a quote!
Green tariffs
Most energy companies are investing in renewable, green or zero carbon energy. This should be important to all of us, as we're looking to reduce Britain's carbon emissions to zero. However, some of these claims may be less 'green' than others and the energy you actually get may not necessarily be what it seems. So make sure you look into what it is a supplier is actually offering.
Dual fuel tariffs
A dual fuel tariff means you get both gas and electricity from one supplier. Single fuel means you get either gas or electricity from one supplier. So you could have two suppliers – one for gas and one for electricity.
Dual fuel can be better because:
- You only have to get in touch with one provider, rather than two
- It can be cheaper than buying single fuel from two suppliers
Not sure if you can save? Compare with a quote!
Beta trial tariffs
If you enjoy being involved with the latest innovations, why not try new tariffs which are still in the testing period? For example, with EDF's two new FreePhase smart tariffs they're designed to help lower bills, reduce carbon emissions and give free electricity moments!
Learn more about FreePhase!
Incentives that make a tariff even better!
It's also worth considering perks or benefits an energy company may offer on top of the tariff price. For example, EDF customers with a smart meter that gives half-hourly reads, can earn free electricity with our Sunday Saver challenges! Energy companies may also give refer a friend rewards, discounts for key workers and other offers.
Paying for your energy by Direct Debit
With most energy suppliers it's cheapest to pay for your energy by monthly Direct Debit. The supplier estimates how much gas and electricity you're likely to use in a year and then divides this amount by 12, to give you the amount to pay each month. This also stops bigger bills during the winter months by sharing the costs throughout the year. (In the winter you'll probably use more energy and the actually cost per unit of energy often rises.)
Your energy meter type and tariffs
Depending on whether you have a prepayment, standard or smart meter, can also affect which energy tariff is available to you.
Picking a new energy tariff with a smart meter
Smart meters help you manage your energy more easily as you get a monitor that shows you how, and when, you're using your energy. They automatically send meter readings to the supplier. Getting a smart meters usually means you get the greatest choice of energy tariffs to choose from.
Smart PAYG meter tariffs
All smart meters can be programmed to be pay as you go (PAYG) meters. This just means you pay for your energy up front, rather than by Direct Debit.
PAYG can give you more control of the energy you use, and more control on how much your energy costs. You choose how and when to top up – and how much you spend.
Most energy suppliers offer the choice of topping up by an app, online, over the phone, at your local PayPoint retailer – or even set auto top-ups.
To learn more, watch our guide to smart PAYG meters
Standard meter energy tariffs
A standard meter usually means a meter that isn't a smart meter. In order to get the most accurate bill, you'll need to send regular meter readings to your energy supplier. As they're not a smart meter, it may mean you can't get the best energy deal available, as they're only available to people with smart meters. Upgrade to a smart meter at no extra cost
Prepayment meters and tariffs
If you have a prepayment meter, also knows as top-up meter, there may be fewer tariffs available to you. This is because your meter isn't a smart meter, and many energy deals are now suited to the benefits that only smart meters offer.
Some suppliers may not even have any energy deals for prepayment meters. Be sure to have a look at our prepayment tariffs
If you'd like to upgrade to a smart meter (you can still pay as you go), please book a smart meter installation appointment
If you're not sure you're on the best tariff for your meter type, get a quote!
Choosing the best energy tariff depends on your usage, meter type, and how you prefer to manage costs. Fixed tariffs offer price stability, while variable and tracker tariffs move with market rates and Ofgem’s price cap. Smart meters unlock more tariff options and perks like discounts can add extra value - sometimes the best deal is the one that suits your lifestyle, not just the cheapest!
Exclusive offers
Sign up as an EDF customer and unlock exclusive offers to help you save even more cash and carbon!
And, don't forget, you can earn money each time you refer a friend!
T&Cs and eligibility apply
Switch energy supplier
Read our helpful guide on everything you need to know before switching energy supplier!
How to compare gas and electricity deals
Searching for the best energy deal can feel a little overwhelming. Don't worry, we outline everything to consider when looking for your next energy deal.
Fixed price energy tariffs
Find out more about fixed tariffs - how they work, their benefits and whether a fixed tariff is best for your home.
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