How do I find the cheapest energy provider in 2026?

With energy prices still higher than what households were accustomed to just a few years ago, it’s no surprise that many people ask the question: How do I find the cheapest energy supplier for my home?

Energy tariffs vary widely, prices change regularly and what suits one household may not suit another, so the answer isn’t always as simple as choosing the lowest overall price. But by understanding your usage and knowing what to look for, you can make a confident and informed choice.

Here’s how to deal with it.

1. Know how much energy you use

Before comparing suppliers, it helps to have a clear understanding of your home’s energy usage. This allows you to compare tariffs based on actual data rather than rough estimates.

If you have a recent energy bill, it will show how much electricity and natural gas you used during the year in kilowatt hours (kWh). If you don’t do this, you can still estimate usage based on the size of the home and the number of people living there, although the actual numbers are always more accurate.

Smart meters can help here as they automatically track usage and show when and how you use energy. Over time, it becomes easier for you to choose a rate that truly suits your habits.

2. Check your current tariff

Many homes are still on standard variable tariffs, which are often more expensive than fixed or specialist deals. While price caps limit the maximum levels of these tariffs, they do not guarantee the best value.

Check whether your tariff is fixed or variable, when it ends and whether there is an exit fee. If your contract is expiring or a fixed deal is coming to an end, it’s usually a good time to compare options.

3. Compare prices carefully

Price comparison sites are a useful starting point, but it’s important to look beyond estimated annual costs.

Notice:

Electricity that seems cheaper upfront can sometimes turn out to be more expensive, depending on how and when you use the energy.

4. Consider how flexible your usage is

Some suppliers offer rates based on the time you use energy, rather than charging the same rate throughout the day. These methods can work well if you’re able to shift your energy use to off-peak hours, such as running appliances overnight or charging your electric car during quiet times.

Electricity prices offered by providers such as Octopus Energy reward this flexibility, often supported by smart meters. These options aren’t right for every home, but for some, they can help lower overall costs.

5. Don’t neglect customer service

Price is important, but so is reliability. Billing errors, unclear statements, or poor customer support can quickly offset small savings.

Before switching, it’s worth checking independent customer satisfaction ratings to see how a provider performs when problems arise. For many families, the peace of mind is worth spending a little extra.

6. Switching is usually easy

Once you choose a new supplier, the switching process is usually simple. Your new supplier will handle the transfer, your energy supply will not be interrupted and you won’t need an engineer visiting your home.

You usually only need to provide the final meter reading to ensure your latest bill is accurate.

7. Review your rates regularly

Energy prices and tariffs change, and so do household habits. Setting reminders to check your energy deal once a year or when fixed tariffs end can help ensure you’re not paying more than you need.