Cheap energy
Cheap energy matters most when bills are already stretched, so people want a supplier that is clear about prices and easy to deal with when problems arise.
Cheap energy companies
8 companies
About Cheap energy
The Cheap energy category covers domestic gas and electricity suppliers in the United Kingdom that market their tariffs on price, with fixed terms or low standing charges. These suppliers range from large established firms to smaller challengers that operate without their own generation and buy power on the wholesale market. Most of them sell directly to households online or by phone, while some are aligned with comparison sites and price switching services.
The market is shaped by Ofgem, the energy regulator, which sets the rules for licensing, the price cap on default tariffs and the protections that suppliers must give customers. Suppliers in this category must hold a licence from Ofgem and follow its consumer standards on billing, complaints and debt handling.
The Energy Ombudsman handles unresolved complaints from households, and the Citizens Advice service and Energy UK, the trade body for the industry, also shape how suppliers present themselves to the public.
Questions about Cheap energy
How do I choose a cheap energy supplier in the UK?
Start by checking that the supplier is licensed by Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, which you can confirm on the Ofgem website. Then compare the total annual cost of each tariff for your own usage, using Ofgem-accredited price comparison sites, rather than comparing headline unit rates alone.
What should I compare between energy tariffs?
Compare the unit rate and standing charge for each tariff, as the cheapest unit rate can still cost more in total if the standing charge is high. Check whether the tariff is fixed or variable, how long the fixed period lasts, and whether an exit fee applies if you switch before it ends.
Is a fixed tariff better than a variable one?
A fixed tariff holds your unit rate and standing charge steady for the agreed period, so your costs are predictable while the deal lasts. A variable tariff can change when Ofgem's price cap or the supplier's own pricing moves, so it can fall as well as rise.
How do I sign up for a new energy tariff?
You sign up through the supplier or an accredited comparison site, and you will need your meter readings, address and current supplier details. The supplier must give you a clear summary of the tariff, including the price, the contract length and any exit fees, before you agree to it.
Can I cancel my energy contract and how much will it cost?
You have a 14-day cooling-off period to cancel a contract made online, by phone or by post, under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. After that, you can end a fixed contract early, but the supplier can charge an early termination fee set out in your contract, so check the amount before you cancel.
How do I switch energy supplier?
Choose the new supplier and agree a tariff with them, and they will arrange the switch for you without you needing to contact your old supplier. The switch takes up to 21 days, and your new supplier must ensure there is no gap in your supply, as set by Ofgem's switching rules.
What happens if my energy supplier goes bust?
Ofgem appoints a supplier of last resort to take over the customers of a failed supplier, so your supply continues without interruption. Any credit balance you held with the failed supplier is protected, and you should keep records of your account and payments in case you need to make a claim.
How do I make a complaint about my energy supplier?
Raise the complaint directly with your supplier first, and they must send you a written response and a final response letter if the matter is unresolved after eight weeks. If you are not satisfied, refer the complaint to the Energy Ombudsman, which is a free and independent service that all licensed suppliers must belong to.
What are my consumer rights when buying energy?
Your supplier must treat you fairly, give you accurate information and charge you only for energy you have used, as set out in Ofgem's standard licence conditions. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, you are entitled to clear pricing and protection from misleading sales practices.
What is the energy price cap and does it apply to me?
The energy price cap is set by Ofgem every quarter and limits the maximum unit rate and standing charge a supplier can charge on standard variable and default tariffs in Great Britain. It does not limit the price of fixed-term tariffs, so you may pay less or more on a fixed deal depending on the rate you secure.
What should I look for in reviews of energy companies?
Look for reviews that describe specific experiences with billing, switching, meter readings and complaint handling, rather than general praise or criticism. Check whether the reviews mention how long it took to resolve problems and whether the supplier responded to complaints, since these details show how the company treats its customers.
Do I need to tell my supplier when I move house?
You must tell your supplier when you move so they can take final meter readings and close the account for the property you are leaving. Your supplier can ask you for a final bill and a meter reading, and you should give them the new address and a reading for the new property so that you are billed correctly.