Compare electricity

Due to rising energy costs, there are limited deals right now

Compare top suppliers to get a cheap electricity deal

The best way to buy affordable electric.

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Enter your details (takes a couple of minutes) and leave the rest to us. We’ll instantly find the best electricity prices for you.

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Compare prices from energy suppliers you can trust, including npower, EDF Energy, and SSE.

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Choose your electricity provider. Sit tight. Wait for your cashback. It's on its way to you.

Why use Compare instead of other comparison sites?

With us, not only can you save as much on your electricity tariff as you can with other comparison sites, but you’ll earn cashback as well. Make money while you save money – who doesn’t want that?

What details do I need to get a cheap electricity quote?

Who is your current electricity provider?

You can see this on your bill, or just check your last bank statement.

What is the name of your current tariff?

For example: Standard Variable Tariff, or Economy 7.

How would you like to pay for your electricity?

Pay by direct debit, cheque, card, etc.

How much electricity do you use per month or year?

Tell us in pounds & pence or in kWh.

When does your current tariff expire?

The date your plan lapses or renews.

How do I get cheap electricity?

The best way to lower your energy bill is to be a ‘switcher’. The millions who stay loyal to the same electricity provider are probably paying too much – maybe hundreds of pounds annually. This is wrong. There are a lot of great deals out there, but many people just don’t take advantage of them. The market rewards those who shop around. Switching provider can slash your bill.

Start comparing energy prices with Quidco Compare. We show you the best quotes for cheap electricity. On top of that, we give you cashback as well.

Change provider, lower your tariff, get money in your bank.

How do I switch electricity suppliers?

This couldn’t be simpler. It’s basically all done for you.

As soon as you choose your new electricity provider, they take care of the details. They let your current supplier know you’re saying goodbye and between them they agree a date to make the changeover.

After that, you’ll receive all the paperwork by email or post. This will confirm your new tariff and payment details. Just check it’s correct. Then you’ll have a 14-day cooling off period, so if you change your mind, it’s not a problem.

On changeover day, just take a meter reading for your old supplier and they’ll send you a final bill. Usually, the whole process takes less than three weeks.

What types of electricity tariffs are there?

There are a lot of electricity providers in the UK and they offer a wide range of tariffs. It can be tricky to make sense of all the different options. How do you work out which is best for you? Well, the good news is, that behind all the fancy names, there are just a handful of basic tariffs. Understand these and you’re good to go:

Standard variable tariff

Most common choice, with over 11 million UK customers. Standard tariff users buy their energy by the unit. Due to wholesale electricity prices, unit costs can go up and down. Bills can be different every month. This can be a problem for people who need to budget carefully.

The good bits: No contracts. Users pay how they wish. No demand for online account management.

The bad bits: Usually more expensive than Fixed or Economy 7 tariffs. Bills can vary a lot from month to month.

Fixed price tariff

Price per electricity unit is fixed by contract – anywhere from one to three years. Bills only vary by amount of energy used. You’re protected from wholesale price rises but could lose out if they drop. Good for those who need to stick to a budget.

The good bits: Smooths out monthly bills. Generally cheaper than Standard tariffs. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.

The bad bits: Must enter a contract and there could be a fee for early exit. This could stop you switching providers for a better deal.

Economy 7 tariff

You’ll get a meter that can tell the difference between day and night-time usage. Often cheaper than Fixed or Standard tariffs, but unit cost is not set and will still vary according to market prices.

The good bits: Great choice for those who can do laundry and dishwasher at night. No contract. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.

The bad bits: Not an option if your meter doesn’t recognise day from night. No protection from price swings in the wholesale energy market. Can make budgeting tough.

Dual fuel tariff

Electricity and gas supplied by one provider. Convenient to use. Suppliers often offer discounts for providing both services to households. Can be on Standard or Fixed price plans.

The good bits: Makes life very easy for those who want electric and gas. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.

The bad bits: Could be a contract. Splitting suppliers of electric and gas to get good deals can often beat the discount offered by one provider.

If you think this energy tariff could be for you, check out our Dual Fuel page.

Online Energy Tariff

Handle your account online, without a paper trail. Small discount for those who wish to manage their account remotely. Price plans can be Standard, Fixed, Economy 7 or Dual Fuel.

The good bits: Small discount. Pay as you wish.

The bad bits: Could be a contract. Must agree to online account management. Not for anyone who wants a paper bill or does not use the internet.

Prepaid Energy Tariff

Pay in advance for electricity. Top up energy supplies by debit card or bank transfer as needed. Very flexible option. Buy electricity as required.

The good bits: For those with irregular income or who wish to maintain a strict budget. No contract. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.

The bad bits: Usually more expensive than other tariffs.

Green Energy Tariff

Special tariff for electricity produced from sources like wind or solar. Environmentally friendly.

The good bits: Starting to become cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. No contract. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.

The bad bits: Still in its early stages and not always the cheapest – yet.

Standard variable tariff
Most common choice, with over 11 million UK customers. Standard tariff users buy their energy by the unit. Due to wholesale electricity prices, unit costs can go up and down. Bills can be different every month. This can be a problem for people who need to budget carefully.
The good bits: No contracts. Users pay how they wish. No demand for online account management.
The bad bits: Usually more expensive than Fixed or Economy 7 tariffs. Bills can vary a lot from month to month.
Fixed price tariff
Price per electricity unit is fixed by contract – anywhere from one to three years. Bills only vary by amount of energy used. You’re protected from wholesale price rises but could lose out if they drop. Good for those who need to stick to a budget.
The good bits: Smooths out monthly bills. Generally cheaper than Standard tariffs. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.
The bad bits: Must enter a contract and there could be a fee for early exit. This could stop you switching providers for a better deal.
Economy 7 tariff
You’ll get a meter that can tell the difference between day and night-time usage. Often cheaper than Fixed or Standard tariffs, but unit cost is not set and will still vary according to market prices.
The good bits: Great choice for those who can do laundry and dishwasher at night. No contract. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.
The bad bits: Not an option if your meter doesn’t recognise day from night. No protection from price swings in the wholesale energy market. Can make budgeting tough.
Dual fuel tariff
Electricity and gas supplied by one provider. Convenient to use. Suppliers often offer discounts for providing both services to households. Can be on Standard or Fixed price plans.
The good bits: Makes life very easy for those who want electric and gas. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.
The bad bits: Could be a contract. Splitting suppliers of electric and gas to get good deals can often beat the discount offered by one provider.
If you think this energy tariff could be for you, check out our Dual Fuel page.
Online Energy Tariff
Handle your account online, without a paper trail. Small discount for those who wish to manage their account remotely. Price plans can be Standard, Fixed, Economy 7 or Dual Fuel.
The good bits: Small discount. Pay as you wish.
The bad bits: Could be a contract. Must agree to online account management. Not for anyone who wants a paper bill or does not use the internet.
Prepaid Energy Tariff
Pay in advance for electricity. Top up energy supplies by debit card or bank transfer as needed. Very flexible option. Buy electricity as required.
The good bits: For those with irregular income or who wish to maintain a strict budget. No contract. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.
The bad bits: Usually more expensive than other tariffs.
Green Energy Tariff
Special tariff for electricity produced from sources like wind or solar. Environmentally friendly.
The good bits: Starting to become cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. No contract. Pay as you wish. No need for online account management.
The bad bits: Still in its early stages and not always the cheapest – yet.

FAQs

Why should I switch my electricity supplier?

It’s usually the only way to get the best deal. Energy comparison lets you see if your electricity tariff is the cheapest for your needs. Of course, it may not be about the money. You might want to switch to get better customer service, or to move to a green energy supplier.

Whatever the reason, today’s streamlined process has made switching electricity provider a trouble-free exercise. There’s no reason not to consider it.

Is prepaid electricity more expensive?

Yes. Not all electricity providers offer pre-payment plans, which means competition between suppliers is less intense.

Their incentive to offer cheap electricity is reduced. There can also be hidden costs with prepayment meters, such as installation fees. Tenants may also be charged to switch back to a standard meter at the end of their lease.

When should I change my electricity provider?

Electricity customers should compare energy prices every six to nine months. Whenever there is a saving to be had or a better service offered, they should switch providers. At the very least, customers should compare energy prices when their tariff elapses. This is typically at the end of twelve months and it’s when electricity suppliers automatically change a customer to Standard Variable tariff - usually one of their more expensive rates.

Don’t get caught in the one-year trap. Compare electricity prices frequently. Switch as needed.

What is the best way to pay my electricity bill?

Direct debit is the best method to pay your electricity bill. Most providers offer a discount to customers who pay this way. Direct Debit payments can be made monthly or quarterly, but the biggest discount usually comes by paying monthly.

Other payment methods, such as cash, cheque or with a pre-payment scheme are often penalised by electricity suppliers because of the administration work involved. If you still want to pay this way, you may be able to get a discount of up to 6% by paying before the bill’s ‘prompt payment’ date. This is typically within 14 days of receiving the bill.

How long is it before I get my cashback?

Your cashback will be tracked within 72 hours of taking out an electricity tariff. Within four months, your cashback will be confirmed with your provider and available for withdrawal from your Quidco account. You can see the progress of your cashback in your Activity.