Energy · Updated July 2026
Best UK Energy Suppliers 2026
The UK energy market is finally open for switching again after two years of price-cap stagnation. The cheapest fixed tariffs now beat the cap by 10–15% — here are the best suppliers to consider in 2026.
Our top picks
- #1
Cheapest fixed tariff
Cheapest overall~12% below price cap12 months fixedPros
- Locks in rate for 12 months
- No exit fees
- Dual-fuel discount
Cons
- Rate may drop below fix in months 6–12
Best for: Households wanting bill certainty for a year. - #2
Best 100% green
Best for green~8% below capPros
- 100% renewable electricity + green gas fund
- Award-winning customer service
- 5-star Trustpilot
Cons
- Slightly higher than pure-cost picks
Best for: Environmentally-conscious switchers. - #3
Best smart tariff
Best for EV owners~£0.075/kWh off-peakPros
- Ultra-cheap overnight rate
- Perfect for EV charging
- Time-of-use pricing
Cons
- Peak rate can be higher than standard
Best for: EV owners and households with heat pumps or storage batteries. - #4
Best customer service
Best service~5% below capPros
- #1 for complaint handling
- UK call centres
- Reliable app
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
Best for: Anyone who's been burned by supplier collapses or bad service. - #5
Best rewards tariff
Best rewardsAt price capPros
- Cashback for using energy off-peak
- Refer-a-friend credit
- Boiler cover included
Cons
- Rewards need active use to pay back
Best for: Engaged customers happy to shift usage for savings.
How to choose
Fix vs stay on the cap
Fixing now protects you from winter demand spikes. Staying on the cap benefits if wholesale prices fall. If a fix is >8% below the current cap, most households should take it.
Direct debit is cheapest
Paying by monthly direct debit knocks ~7% off vs paying on receipt of bill. Not worth avoiding.
Smart meter first
Time-of-use and EV tariffs require a smart meter (SMETS2). Book installation before switching.
Watch the exit fees
Fixed tariffs typically have £30–£75 exit fees per fuel. Only fix if you'll stay the term or the future savings outweigh the fees.
FAQs
- Is switching still worth it in 2026?
- Yes — the market is competitive again, and cheapest fixes are 8–15% below the price cap. Typical household saves £150–£300.
- Does the price cap protect me?
- Only if you're on a Standard Variable Tariff. Fixed tariffs sit outside the cap.
- What if my supplier goes bust?
- Ofgem's Supplier of Last Resort scheme automatically moves you to another supplier. Your credit is safe. This is much rarer post-2023 reforms.