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- This never impacts our editorial recommendations – if it's in, it's in there because we independently rate it best.
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Cheap Gas & Electricity
Compare now to save £100s
With the energy price cap rising by £96/year from April, meaning bill hikes for millions, now's a great time to switch your energy supplier as most could save £200+/yr. And if you find choosing confusing, our popular tools can help – more people now use our Pick Me A Tariff tools than the standard Cheap Energy Club comparison.
Prepay for your energy? See our Cheap Prepaid Gas & Elec guide.
In Northern Ireland? See Cheap Northern Ireland Energy.
Economy 7 user? See Is Economy 7 Right for You?
Use heating oil? See our Cheap Heating Oil guide.

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Now's a great time to switch suppliers – the cheapest deals are still £200+/yr LESS than the price cap
More than half of UK households are on standard tariffs, so will face a hike in bills from April. That's because the regulator's energy price cap – which governs these standard rates – is increasing by a typical £96/yr from April (see the price cap explained below).
As the big firms usually set their standard tariff prices on or within a few quid of the cap, millions are being ripped off as a typical household could save £200+/yr by switching to a cheaper deal NOW.
Compare to find YOUR cheapest price (plus possible cashback)
The cheapest tariff for you depends on where you live and your usage, so use our Cheap Energy Club comparison to find YOUR exact winner (plus you can get £25 dual-fuel cashback if we can switch you) – it only takes five minutes. There's a selection of our top picks below. If you want more help, check out our Pick Me A Tariff tools.
Our top pick energy deals
TABLE_CELL_STYLE SUPPLIER & DEAL COST/YR (1) SAVINGS (1) Energy price cap on typical use £1,138/yr (2) - Cheapest deal E.on 12mth fix £917 £221 Cheapest top-service deal
MSE Big Switch 17 tariffSo Energy 12mth fix £920 £218 Cheapest 'green' gas & elec deal
MSE Big Switch 17 tariffPure Planet 12mth fix £920 £218 Cheap big-name deal
British Gas 14mth fix
£923 £215 Tariffs correct as of 3 March 2021. Based on Ofgem figures for medium dual-fuel use. Pay via monthly direct debit. New customers only unless stated. Links take you to a filtered comparison of similar deals. (1) Including £25 MSE dual-fuel cashback and any bill credit (where paid). (2) The new energy price cap from 1 April 2021. Video player requires JavaScript enabled. You can watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm3IjUWgDTsCommon switching questions
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Find switching confusing? Our Pick Me A Tariff tools can help
If you want help when switching your energy provider, rather than doing a standard comparison and having to choose from a long list of providers, we've recently launched two tools that can help.
- Pick Me A Tariff every year (MSE Autoswitch). For those unsure or nervous about switching or choosing, this is best. Tell us your energy preferences (fixed, name you know, top service, green etc) or you can just select Martin's default choice.
We then find your top-pick tariff, you switch, then each year when your deal ends, we'll switch you to your new winner based on your preferences, with just one click from you to verify.
- Pick Me A Tariff for now. Tell us your preferences as above, but here we won't switch you after a year, we'll just send a reminder (though you can opt in to that later if you choose).
We know this may not be for everyone, so if you know what you're doing or just want to see all tariffs on the market, you can still do a standard DIY energy comparison.
Who can and can't use Pick Me A Tariff?
It is completely free and works across the UK, except Northern Ireland (see Cheap Northern Ireland Energy for more). It isn't yet available for prepay tariffs (we don't want to switch people to firms they can't top up with, so are working on a solution to that – meanwhile, do a prepay comparison), nor for a few niche tariffs such as Economy 10.
If you're doing a complex switch (eg, electric-vehicle tariffs, or you have two meters in your home) or you want to interrogate all tariffs yourself, it also might not be for you.
To join Pick Me A Tariff every year (MSE Autoswitch), currently you need to be switching tariff (we're working on allowing you to join anytime), so if you find you're already on a great tariff, wait and join when it ends. See how our Pick Me A Tariff tools work below, and our full FAQs for more.
- Pick Me A Tariff every year (MSE Autoswitch). For those unsure or nervous about switching or choosing, this is best. Tell us your energy preferences (fixed, name you know, top service, green etc) or you can just select Martin's default choice.
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What does the price cap mean for my bill – and why should I still think about switching?
The cap on standard variable and default tariffs is set by regulator Ofgem and came into force on 1 January 2019. These are generally the most expensive tariffs – and if you've not switched in the last year or so, it's likely you're on one. The price is updated twice a year, and is currently set at £1,042/yr for a typical user, but will be rising to £1,138/yr from 1 April 2021.
For clarity, this doesn't mean that is the most anyone will pay. It's the rates that are capped, so if you use more you'll pay more, use less and you'll pay less.
If you're on a standard tariff, you're likely hugely overpaying, and will be being ripped off even more from April. A typical household on a capped tariff could still save £200/yr by moving to the cheapest deals, so don't rely on the price cap to get you a good deal.
The real savings are still to be made from switching.
Price cap FAQs
We've seen lots of confusion over how the price cap works – so here we answer some of the key questions we've seen and take you through some of the quirks of the new rules.
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Had a switching problem? You may be entitled to automatic compensation
While most energy switches should be fairly smooth, problems can happen occasionally. If you do experience an issue while switching supplier, you may be eligible for automatic compensation.
What you get depends on the problem, but automatic compensation is available for the following issues:
- If your switch takes too long to complete
- If your supplier takes too long to send you a final bill
- If your supplier takes too long to issue a credit refund at the end of your contract
- If you are switched to another supplier by mistake
You'll usually get £30 for each issue you experience – see how much could I get? below for the full list and what counts as "taking too long" in each case.
While the compensation should be automatic, the supplier can only pay you if it can identify an issue in the first place, so if you think you're eligible, contact your supplier to make a claim.
- If your switch takes too long to complete
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Switch to monthly direct debit to save £85/yr
Paying by monthly direct debit can cut bills by up to £85 each year, as companies are sure you won't default and they earn interest on any overpayments. So if you can do this, go for it.
Yet direct debits are usually based on an estimate of your usage. If that's wrong, you can end up over (or under) paying each month. Remember, even if you're on a fixed tariff, your direct debit can go up if your supplier thinks you'll use more energy.
Some find they've switched to a cheaper tariff, but their direct debit rises. This can be the new firm overestimating or the old one underestimating. If it means you overpay, you'll get the money back later. See the Energy Direct Debits guide for full help.
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FREE insulation & boiler grants
Energy efficiency can seriously cut bills, and there are wads of freebies on offer from energy providers. It's all part of their efficiency obligations to people in certain groups.
What's more, homeowners in England can now get vouchers worth up to £5,000 for energy efficiency improvements, such as installing loft, floor and wall insulation, or double-glazing, under the new Green Homes Grant scheme. See our Green Homes Grant guide for full info.
Or, if you're on certain benefits, you could get free insulation or a grant to replace an old boiler. The Free Insulation & Boilers guide has more on what's available, but below's a taster of what you can get and what it'll save you:
Boiler replacement or repair. Heating accounts for around 55% of what you spend in a year on energy bills. Depending on your boiler's age, a shiny new efficient one could save you up to £315/yr.
Cavity wall insulation. Most homes built since 1920 have a gap between internal and external walls. Filling the cavity with insulating mineral wool and foam means cold air's kept out, and warm air stays in, which can save an average three-bedroom home up to £305/yr.
Loft insulation. Up to a quarter of your home's heat escapes via the roof, but you can solve this by laying mineral wool under the rafters, saving up to £250/yr.
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Got electricity only? You can still save
If you don't have a gas supply, don't think the rules are different. If you only have electricity, you can still save serious cash by switching. Use Cheap Energy Club to compare electricity prices.
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How to save if you have a prepayment meter
When it comes to choice, those on prepayment meters are pretty hard done by, certainly compared to those on standard billed meters. So if possible, switch to one of these. You may have to pay, but the savings are usually worth it.
Often they won't let you though, due to credit score or income difficulties. For full info on how to ditch a prepayment meter for a billed meter, or if you can't, how to save on prepay, see the full Cheap Prepaid Gas & Elec guide.
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Want renewable energy? You can go green and still save £200+/yr
If you want to do your bit for the environment, there are plenty of 'green' tariffs available and you can still save £100s/yr over big six standard rates.
Typically, it's only the electricity that's 'green'. A few suppliers have started to offer renewable gas, but it's rare. For more on renewable energy, see our Cheap Green Energy guide.
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Save £100s/yr without switching supplier
If you think switching is too much hassle (it isn't, but hey ho), just move to your current provider's cheapest deal. Yes, that's right. Bizarrely, even though it's the same gas and the same electricity, each energy firm charges a range of rates for using it. And no surprise Sherlock, it's the 'standard tariffs' that most people are on which are by far the most costly.
It's worth noting that many suppliers now offer different tariffs to existing customers depending on which tariff they're currently on. So if you took out a cheap fix with your provider that's coming to an end, you'd be offered a different (often better) deal than someone that's been on its standard tariff for years – as an incentive not to switch away.
This means that many existing customer deals are no longer available on comparison sites, so you'll need to see what you're offered, then do a full market comparison to make sure it's a good deal.
SUPPLIER SUPPLIER'S STANDARD TARIFF (1) CHEAPEST DEAL (2) CAN YOU GET £25 DUAL-FUEL CASHBACK VIA OUR CHEAP ENERGY CLUB? British Gas £1,041 No cheaper deals for existing custs via comparison sites
- E.on £1,042 Fix 1 Year v5 – £1,030 No EDF
£1,042 Easy Online 2 Year Fix Feb23 – £1,041/yr (3) No Ovo Energy £1,042 No cheaper deals for existing custs via comparison sites - Scottish Power £1,042 Super Saver February 2022 B1 – £992 Yes Shell Energy
£1,042
Energy March 2022 v6 – £968/yr No SSE £1,042 No cheaper deals for existing custs via comparison sites
- Last updated on 26 January 2021. (1) Assumes you pay by monthly direct debit. Costs vary by region. Assumes average usage of 12,000 kWh gas and 2,900 kWh elec per year. (2) Price includes our £25 cashback when it's available. (3) Only available directly from the supplier. -
On a fix? You can switch again penalty-free in the last 49 days of your deal
To protect people on fixed-tariff deals, Ofgem's rules mean suppliers can't charge exit fees in the last seven weeks of fixed-term deals.
So if you're near the end of a fix, you won't have to pay a fee to leave it and move to a new tariff – provided your switch completes within the last 49 days of your current deal.
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Renters can switch too
If you rent your home you can save by switching, providing you pay the energy supplier directly (rather than paying your landlord). You don't need to own the property to do it, so don't just stick with the previous tenant's gas or electricity firm.
Tenants can print out our factsheet to give to landlords. It explains the rights that renters have to switch energy supplier. It also helps landlords understand that allowing tenants to switch won't cause them any problems.
You should also check your tenancy agreement – but even if your contract bans switching, Ofgem's guidance states if you pay the energy bill, you're still entitled to change supplier any time. You can still compare on Cheap Energy Club if you don't have the former occupants' bills, just hit the "don't know" button when you enter your usage.
It's also worth pointing out that some tariffs require you to have smart meters installed. If you want to change the meter, you should check with your landlord first and get written permission.
More switching info for renters
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Check if you're owed a refund
If you switch energy firms and you're in credit, you're due the cash back. Your previous supplier should pay this automatically following your final bill, yet for years many energy firms pocketed the cash.
Back in 2014, energy regulator Ofgem revealed that about three million people were owed a refund by an old supplier. Ofgem challenged suppliers, saying it "expects suppliers to do more" to return the cash when people switch away from them. While it has improved since then, it could be worth checking if you're owed anything from old suppliers.
Plus for switches since 1 May 2019, your credit must be refunded within 10 days of you receiving your final bill or you'll be owed compensation on top.
Quick questions
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What happens if my energy company goes bust?
Several smaller energy suppliers have stopped trading in recent years, but don't worry – you're never at risk of losing your energy supply and any credit you're owed will be returned. The primary risk is you'll lose your current deal if your supplier goes bust and will likely end up paying more.
Under regulator Ofgem's safety net rules, when a supplier fails a new one is appointed to take over, and once it does you'll usually be moved onto its standard tariff – the most expensive type of tariff. However, you're free to switch away without exit fees once your new account is set up, so make sure you do a comparison right away.
If your account is in credit when the supplier goes bust, the new supplier will either pay it to you or add it to your new account to pay for future energy use once it takes over your supply.
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Use less energy to save on your bills
It's not just which energy tariff you're on that can cut costs, using less can really pay off and is simple to do. Turn down the thermostat and wear jumpers, turn lights off when you leave a room, defrost the fridge and check it's not on too high, use energy saving light bulbs and don't leave electrical goods on standby. For more info, read the MSE Forum's Energy Saving Hunt and see the Energy Saving Trust website.
Smart thermostats can also help some save on their energy bills. These gadgets give you greater control over your home's heating, letting you adjust it on the move via a mobile app or online, and set more complicated heating schedules than your traditional thermostat. They can be pricey though, so see the Smart Thermostats guide to check if they're right for you.
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Some suppliers run credit checks
Some firms do a credit check when you apply to switch, as if you pay by direct debit, bills are estimated – if they under-assess you, you could owe them cash, so they want to know you're good for it. There are two types of credit check done...
- Soft search. This is the best type, as you can see it on your file, but lenders can't so it DOESN'T have any impact on your ability to get future credit products (like mortgages).
- Hard search. This DOES leave a mark on credit files lenders can see and can have a minor negative impact on future credit applications. This isn't a big deal usually, but if you're planning to apply for a mortgage within the next couple of months you may want to miss it.
If you don't pass the credit check, suppliers may ask you to pay a security deposit or suggest a prepayment meter in order to take on your supply. You can stop the switch if this happens though.
If you're worried about your credit score, our Credit Scores guide has tips on how to boost it.
- Soft search. This is the best type, as you can see it on your file, but lenders can't so it DOESN'T have any impact on your ability to get future credit products (like mortgages).
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Do a meter reading every time you get a bill
Don't rely on your energy provider's estimate, these are often way out. If they're underbilling, you'll have a big whack to pay when your supplier receives your actual meter reading. If they're overbilling, then they've unfairly got your cash.
If your direct debit is way off kilter, call up and ask for it to be changed. You have a range of rights to ensure it's correct. See the full Energy Direct Debits guide for template letters.
Smart meters can help stop this as they send meter readings automatically to your supplier, so you only pay for what you use. See the Smart Meters guide for more.
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How to complain about your energy provider
The energy industry isn't known for having great customer service across the board, and while a provider may be good for some, it can be hell for others. Common problems include incorrect bills, switching issues, direct debits being too high, refund delays and more. It's always worth trying to call your provider to sort the issue first, but if not then…
Free tool to help you complain
This tool helps you draft and manage your complaint. It's totally free to use, and it's offered by Resolver, a firm we work with to help people get complaints justice.
If the complaint isn't resolved, the Resolver tool will help you escalate it to the free Energy Ombudsman Service.

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