How to choose the best energy tariff for you
As the days get shorter and the colder weather begins to creep back in, many households are thinking about what that could mean for their energy bills this autumn and winter. But when it comes to choosing an energy tariff, do you know the difference between a fixed, variable or time-of-use tariff? And does the type of meter you have affect the options available to you?
Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) follow Ofgem's energy price cap, which changes every three months. From 1 October 2026, the cap will increase by 4% to £1,723 for a typical household, affecting customers on variable tariffs. With energy use often increasing over winter, now is a good time to review whether a fixed, variable, tracker or time-of-use tariff best suits your home and budget.
Households will also benefit from a temporary VAT reduction on electricity bills. From 1 October, the VAT rate on domestic electricity in Great Britain will be temporarily reduced from 5% to 0% following a UK Government decision.
The government expects that cutting the VAT paid on electricity will save people around £45 a year, although the actual saving will depend on individual electricity usage. The VAT cut will apply to all electricity tariffs, including fixed energy tariffs. Read our blog on what the VAT cut means.
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 tariffs are the plans suppliers use to charge for your gas and electricity. The main types are fixed and variable tariffs, but there are also specialist options for smart meter users, such as time-of-use or flexible tariffs, as well as EV tariffs, air source heat pump tariffs, and solar panel tariffs.
What should you consider before choosing an energy tariff?
Choosing the right energy tariff isn't always about finding the cheapest deal. The best option for your household will depend on how you use energy, your budget, and how much flexibility you want over your energy costs.
Before comparing tariffs, ask yourself the following questions.
Start by understanding your energy usage
The first step is understanding how much energy your household uses and when you use it.
If you're regularly at home during the day, charge an EV overnight, or use a lot of electricity in the evenings, these habits could influence which tariff works best for you. Checking your recent energy bills or smart meter data can help you build a clearer picture of your consumption patterns.
How much price certainty do you want?
One of the biggest decisions is whether you'd prefer predictable costs or are comfortable with prices changing over time.
If you like budgeting with confidence, a fixed tariff may be a good choice, as your unit rates stay the same for the duration of your contract. If you're happy to follow changes in the energy market, a tracker or variable tariff may offer more flexibility, although your costs could rise as well as fall.
Can you use electricity at cheaper times?
If you have a smart meter and can be flexible about when you use electricity, a time-of-use tariff could be worth considering.
These tariffs offer different electricity rates throughout the day, meaning you may be able to save money by running appliances, charging an EV, or using electricity during off-peak periods when demand is lower.
Do you need single fuel or dual fuel?
You can choose to get both gas and electricity from the same supplier through a dual fuel tariff, or buy them separately through single fuel arrangements.
Dual fuel can make account management simpler, but it's worth comparing your options to see which approach offers the best overall value for your household.
What costs and terms should you check before changing tariff?
Before switching, it's important to look beyond the headline price.
Check how you'll pay
Many suppliers offer their lowest-priced tariffs to customers who pay by monthly Direct Debit. Your supplier estimates your annual energy use and spreads the cost across 12 monthly payments, which can make budgeting easier and help smooth out seasonal increases in energy use during winter.
Don't forget to compare:
- Unit rates
- Standing charges
- Exit fees
- Contract length
- Whether prices can change during the contract
- Smart meter requirements
- Any rewards, incentives or additional benefits included with the tariff
Common mistakes when choosing an energy tariff
Many people focus solely on the advertised price, but there are other important factors to consider.
Common mistakes include:
- Choosing a tariff without considering how and when you use energy
- Focusing only on unit rates and overlooking standing charges
- Not checking for exit fees or contract terms
- Missing out on smart tariffs that could better suit your lifestyle
- Assuming the cheapest tariff today will still be the best option in the future
When should you review your energy tariff?
It's worth reviewing your tariff regularly to make sure it still meets your needs.
You may want to compare your options if:
- Your fixed tariff is coming to an end
- You've moved home
- Your energy usage has changed significantly
- You've installed a smart meter, EV charger, heat pump or solar panels
- New tariffs, discounts or incentives have become available
A tariff that worked well for your household a year ago may not be the best fit today.
What tariff types are best for you?
Which tariff could suit your household?
The best energy tariff depends on how you use energy, not just how much you use.
- Looking for predictable bills? A fixed tariff could help with budgeting by keeping your unit rates the same for a set period.
- Want flexibility? A tracker or variable tariff lets you benefit from falling prices, though your costs can also increase.
- Have a smart meter? A time-of-use tariff could help you save by using electricity when demand is lower.
- Own an EV, heat pump or solar panels? Specialist tariffs may offer additional benefits tailored to your technology.
Rather than focusing on the cheapest tariff, think about which option best fits your household's energy habits and budget.
Fixed energy tariffs
A fixed energy tariff gives you peace of mind and makes budgeting easier.
Best for: People who want price certainty and easier budgeting.
| Fixed price tariff pros | Fixed price things to consider |
|---|---|
| Unit rates stay the same for the duration of your contract | You won't benefit if energy prices fall under Ofgem's price cap |
| You're protected from energy price rises | Exit fees may apply |
| It's easier to budget for energy costs | It might become a more expensive deal when your fixed rate period comes to an end |
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. 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 will your new monthly payments make 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?
Smart time-of-use tariffs
Smart time-of-use tariffs are shaping the future of energy.
Best for: Households that can shift energy use to cheaper times, and have a working smart meter
Our FreePhase tariff gives you more control over when you use your electricity, with daily off-peak rates and free electricity moments when there's excess electricity on the grid.(1) Ready to try a flexible tariff? Learn more about FreePhase.
| Smart TOU tariff pros | Smart TOU tariff things to consider |
|---|---|
| Lower prices at certain times of day | Requires more active energy management |
| Works well with EVs, heat pumps and solar panel systems | Peak periods can cost more |
| Can help reduce energy costs and support a more flexible grid | Costs can vary depending on when you use electricity |
Tracker tariffs
Our tracker tariffs update every three months in line with Ofgem’s price cap.
Best for: People who want to follow changes in the energy market.
| Tracker tariff pros | Tracker tariff things to consider |
|---|---|
| Benefit from price cap reductions | Prices can go up as well as down |
| Discounted standing charges | Less predictable budgeting |
| No need to commit to a long-term fixed rate | May carry an exit fee |
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 with a fixed tariff. Standard variable tariffs are also affected by Ofgem's price cap.
Best for: People who want flexibility and no fixed-term contract
| SVT pros | SVT things to consider |
|---|---|
| No exit fees | Prices may rise with the Ofgem price cap |
| You benefit if prices fall | Budgeting can be harder due to less predictability |
| No contract end date | Less protection from wholesale market changes |
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.
Dual fuel and single fuel tariffs
A dual-fuel tariff combines your gas and electricity under one supplier. This can make account management simpler and may offer better value than separate contracts.
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 more beneficial 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!
Deemed energy tariffs
If you move into a property without arranging an energy tariff, you'll usually be placed on a deemed tariff until you choose a plan. Switching to a tariff that suits your needs could help you get better value.
Does your meter affect which tariffs are available to you?
The type of energy meter you have can affect which tariffs you can access. While standard and prepayment meters can access a range of tariffs, having a smart meter can unlock additional options, including time-of-use tariffs that offer different rates at different times of the day. Some tariffs designed for EV charging, heat pumps and solar panels may also require a smart meter.
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 known 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!
Ready to explore your tariff options?
Once you've identified the tariff type that could suit your household, it's worth looking beyond the headline price. Some tariffs offer additional features and rewards that could help you get more value from your energy.
Looking for more flexibility?
If you have a smart meter, you could access innovative tariffs that reward you for using electricity at different times of day. For example, EDF's FreePhase tariff offers lower off-peak rates and free electricity moments when there's excess electricity available on the grid.(1)
Have an EV, heat pump or solar panels?
Specialist tariffs are designed to help you get the most from low-carbon technology. Depending on your setup, you could benefit from lower EV charging rates, tariffs designed for heat pump owners, or options that reward you for exporting excess solar energy back to the grid.
Don't overlook additional benefits
The right tariff isn't always just about the unit rate. Some suppliers offer extra rewards and incentives alongside their tariffs. For example, eligible EDF customers with a smart meter that sends half-hourly readings can take part in energy-saving challenges and earn free electricity rewards.
Ready to see what's available?
The quickest way to find tariffs tailored to your home, meter type and energy usage is to get a personalised quote.
Explore your available tariff options and get a quote today.
How do I switch energy suppliers?
Switching energy suppliers is simple, and your new supplier will take care of most of the process for you. Just compare energy deals, choose the tariff that suits you and sign up with your new supplier. They'll arrange the switch with your current supplier, so there's no need to contact them yourself and there won't be any interruption to your energy supply.
If you're thinking about changing suppliers and looking to find the right deal for your home, try reading our compare energy suppliers guide.
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!
It's also worth considering perks or benefits an energy company may offer on top of the tariff price. For example, EDF customers can join our rewards programme Flextras and unlock exclusive offers and even earn free electricity with our energy saving challenges. Energy companies may also give refer a friend rewards, discounts for key workers and other offers.
Ready to find a tariff that works for you? Compare our gas and electricity deals to see how much you could save.
Get more with EDF
Rewards and benefits with Flextras
Exclusive customer offers
Smart time of use tariffs
Our smart time-of-use tariff guide offer different electricity rates throughout the day, giving you more opportunities to save during off-peak hours. Find out more about how they work.
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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