Who is the cheapest of the Big Six energy suppliers? (2026)
February 6, 2026
Which energy company does Martin Lewis recommend?
February 10, 2026Struggling to keep up with rising household bills and looking to save on your energy costs? You’re not alone.
With energy prices remaining high and new deals constantly entering the market, it can be difficult to know where to look for genuine savings.
In this article, we’ll cut through the noise and highlight the cheapest energy suppliers in the UK right now. We’ll guide you through the current energy market as of 1st March 2026 and compare the different tariffs and options available, helping you decide on the cheapest energy supplier to lower your bills.
Let’s dive into the options that can help you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
Quick Summary (March 2026):
- Cheapest Variable: Home Energy (£127/mo)
- Cheapest Fixed: Outfox The Market (£127/mo)
- Cheapest “Big 6” 12m Fixed: E.ON Next (~£133/mo for 14 months) and Octopus Energy (~£136/mo for 12 months)
- Trend: Prices are forecast to fall by ~6% in April 2026.
Who is the cheapest big energy supplier in the UK now?
As we move into March 2026, the battle for the best fixed deal remains competitive, though clear leaders have emerged. E.ON Next is currently offering the lowest fixed rate among the giants, with a 14-month tariff at approximately £133 per month.
Octopus Energy comes in second, offering the best value 12-month fixed deal at around £136 per month. Crucially, Octopus is the only one to offer no exit fees, meaning you can switch to another tariff or supplier in the future at no extra cost.
OVO Energy and British Gas are currently slightly more expensive for fixed deals, sitting between £139 and £140 per month.
Currently, the Price Cap benchmark (Standard Variable Tariff) sits around £1,758 per year (£147/month) following the January update. However, analysts now predict the Price Cap will fall by roughly 6% in April—to around £1,652 a year—thanks to wholesale shifts and Budget announcements. Despite this predicted drop, switching to the cheapest fixed deals now (around £127-£133/mo) could still save you significantly compared to waiting.
Below, you’ll find a quick summary of the top cheapest energy suppliers in March 2026:
1. Home Energy (Cheapest Variable Tariff)
Who They Are: Home Energy is a newer challenger brand that launched recently with a mission to simplify the market. They have quickly gained a reputation for stripping back complexity, offering digital-first service.
Why Choose Them: They are currently the absolute cheapest option in the market for variable tariffs. Their “Fair Variable” tariff undercuts the Price Cap significantly. If you want the lowest possible monthly Direct Debit without being tied into a contract, they are the top choice.
- Tariffs: Fair Variable Dual (Price Capped tariff): Costs around £127/month (£1,527/year). No exit fees.
2. Outfox The Market (Cheapest Fixed Tariff)
Who They Are: A Leicester-based independent supplier that has consistently offered some of the cheapest fixed deals in the UK for the last five years. They focus heavily on keeping overheads low to pass savings to customers.
Why Choose Them: They have taken the top spot for the cheapest fixed tariff in March. Their “Fix’d Dual” tariff matches the lowest variable rate, perfect for families who want to lock in the lowest possible price for the year ahead.
- Tariffs:
- Fix’d Dual Feb26 12M v2.0: ~£127/month (£1,527/year), fixed for 12 months. £150 exit fee.
- Fox Standard Dual: ~£149/month (£1,785/year).
3. Utility Warehouse (UW)
Who They Are: A multiservice provider that bundles energy, broadband, mobile, and insurance into one monthly bill. They have won multiple “Best Value” awards.
Why Choose Them: Bundle discounts. While their standalone fixed rate is £135/month, you can access their “Fixed Saver 73” tariff at a highly competitive £128/month if you switch other services to them.
- Tariffs:
- UW Fixed Saver 73: ~£128/month (£1,531/year). Requires bundle.
- UW Fixed 73: ~£135/month (£1,625/year).
- Value (Price Capped): ~£149/month (£1,784/year).
4. Fuse Energy
Who They Are: A modern, app-based supplier founded by former tech executives. They own their own solar and wind farms and operate on a “direct-from-source” model.
Why Choose Them: They are matching the market leaders on price while offering a slick digital experience. Their app gives incredibly detailed insights into your usage, making them excellent for people who want to manage everything from their phone.
- Tariffs:
- January 2026 Fixed (12m) v3: ~£131/month (£1,572/year), £100 exit fee.
- Variable Import (Price Capped): ~£147/month (£1,765/year).
5. Ecotricity
Who They Are: Founded in 1995, Ecotricity was the world’s first green electricity company. They use their profits to build new wind and solar parks across Britain.
Why Choose Them: They remain highly competitive. Their 1-year fixed deal is excellent value for a supplier with such strong green credentials, sitting at just £132/month.
- Tariffs:
- EcoFixed – 1 Year Jan 26 v1: Costs around £132/month (£1,586/year), fixed for 12 months. £150 exit fee.
- Standard Variable Green Tariff: ~£165/month (£1,977/year).
6. E.ON Next
Who They Are: One of the “Big Six” giants, E.ON Next has rebranded with a focus on renewable electricity and flexible account management. They serve millions of customers and have a vast support network.
Why Choose Them: They are currently the cheapest of the “Big 6” thanks to their 14-month fix. They offer a wide range of term lengths, allowing you to lock in low rates for longer.
- Tariffs:
- Next Fixed 14m v10: ~£133/month (£1,602/year), 14-month term.
- Next Fixed 12M V111: ~£141/month (£1,694/year).
- Next Fixed 24M v40: ~£140/month (£1,685/year).
7. So Energy
Who They Are: A renewable-focused supplier that merged with ESB Energy to increase its stability. They are committed to transparent pricing and source 100% renewable electricity.
Why Choose Them: They remain competitive, with their 1-year Green fixed tariff sitting at £135/month. They also offer competitive 18-month and 2-year options.
- Tariffs:
- So Myrtle One Year – Green: ~£135/month (£1,624/year), £100 exit fee.
- So Myrtle 18 Month – Green: ~£137/month (£1,645/year).
- So Flex (Price Capped): ~£149/month (£1,783/year).
8. Octopus Energy
Who They Are: The UK’s most awarded supplier and the only one recommended by Which? for eight years running. Octopus is a tech-led giant that powers millions of UK homes.
Why Choose Them: They are incredibly competitive, offering the best 12-month fixed deal among the major suppliers at £136/month. Crucially, their fixed tariff comes with £0 exit fees, offering flexibility that other suppliers charge up to £150 for.
- Tariffs:
- Octopus 12M Fixed March 2026 v1: Costs around £136/month (£1,632/year), £0 exit fee.
- Flexible Octopus (Price Capped): ~£143/month (£1,725/year).
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9. Co-op Energy
Who They Are: A community-focused brand that is now powered by Octopus Energy’s systems.
Why Choose Them: You get the same competitive pricing and flexible terms as Octopus Energy (including the £0 exit fee), but with a brand focused on community values.
- Tariffs:
- Co-op 12M Fixed March 2026 v1: ~£136/month (£1,632/year).
- Co-op Flexible: ~£148/month (£1,775/year).
10. OVO Energy
Who They Are: A major player that focuses heavily on “Zero Carbon Living” and tech-enabled savings. They recently acquired SSE, making them one of the biggest suppliers in the UK.
Why Choose Them: They are competing aggressively for the top spot. Their 1-year fixed tariff (bundled with boiler cover) is priced competitively at £139/month.
- Tariffs:
- 1 Year Fixed + Boiler Cover March 2026: ~£139/month (£1,667/year).
- 1 Year Fixed + Greener Electricity March 2026: ~£154/month (£1,847/year).
- Simpler Energy (Price Capped): ~£149/month (£1,785/year).
11. British Gas
Who They Are: The UK’s largest and most well-known energy supplier. They have the largest fleet of engineers in the country.
Why Choose Them: PeakSave. This exclusive scheme gives smart meter customers half-price electricity on Sundays. While their fixed tariff is around £140 per month, the Sunday savings can make up the difference for active households.
- Tariffs:
- Fixed Tariff Feb27 v3: ~£140/month (£1,678/year), 12 months.
- Longer Fix Feb28 v1: ~£145/month (£1,735/year).
- Standard Variable: ~£149/month (£1,785/year).
12. Sainsbury’s Energy
Who They Are: This is a partnership service where the energy is actually supplied by E.ON Next, but the branding and rewards are tied to the supermarket giant.
Why Choose Them: Competitive pricing plus Nectar Points. Their 12-month fix is currently priced around £141/mo, but you get the added benefit of collecting Nectar points on your bills.
- Tariffs:
- Sainsburys Energy Fix and Save 12m v11: ~£141/month (£1,697/year), £100 exit fee.
- Standard Variable: ~£149/month (£1,785/year).
13. EDF Energy
Who They Are: Britain’s biggest generator of zero-carbon electricity, operating the country’s nuclear power stations and wind farms.
Why Choose Them: Stability. They are offering a fixed tariff that runs until February 2027, giving you security through two winters, though it costs slightly more than the cheapest options.
- Tariffs:
- Simply Fixed Feb27 v6: ~£145/month (£1,736/year).
- Simply Tracker Mar27: ~£145/month (£1,735/year).
- Standard Variable: ~£149/month (£1,785/year).
14. ScottishPower
Who They Are: A Glasgow-based giant that is part of the “Big Six.” They are a massive generator of wind power in the UK.
Why Choose Them: Charitable support. Their “Help Beat Cancer” tariffs make a donation to Cancer Research UK for every month you stay on supply. However, they are currently among the most expensive of the big suppliers for fixed deals.
- Tariffs:
- Help Beat Cancer Fixed Apr 2027 TM2: ~£147/month (£1,762/year).
- Standard (Price Capped): ~£149/month (£1,785/year).
15. Utilita
Who They Are: The UK’s leading specialist in Smart Pay-As-You-Go energy. They installed the UK’s first smart meter back in 2005.
Why Choose Them: If you prefer to pay as you go. Their “Smart Energy” app is widely considered the best for prepayment customers, allowing you to top up instantly.
- Tariff: Smart Energy (Price Capped): ~£149/month (£1,784/year).
16. Good Energy
Who They Are: A pioneer that supports over 1,700 independent renewable generators like local solar farms.
Why Choose Them: For genuine impact. They are one of the most authentic green choices, although their standard variable tariff is significantly more expensive than the price cap.
- Tariffs:
- Good Energy Deemed DD: ~£149/month (£1,784/year).
- Good Energy Standard: ~£162/month (£1,947/year).
17. 100Green
Who They Are: Formerly Green Energy UK, they are the only supplier in the UK to offer 100% green gas (from organic waste) and 100% green electricity.
Why Choose Them: If you want the greenest possible energy, period. Their prices are higher due to the cost of sourcing green gas, making them a premium choice for eco-conscious homes.
- Tariffs:
- Sparkling Guarantee Mar 2026: ~£171/month (£2,058/year).
- Eko Energy 2026: ~£175/month (£2,104/year).
If you’re only interested in a comparison between the bigger suppliers, then check out our guide on the Big 6.
Cheapest energy tariffs currently available in March 2026
Above, we’ve given a quick summary of each supplier and the tariffs they have available; below, you can see the data we used for this.
These prices are based on a consumer in the East Midlands, with average gas and electricity usage for a 3-bed property.
It will give you a good idea of the suppliers to focus on if you’re looking for the cheapest option, but you should do your own comparison to get a more accurate estimate.
You can find the cheapest supplier in your area using our local search tool.
Calculation Methodology
- Region
- East Midlands (Region 11) – Source: Ofgem Price Cap Data
- Usage Assumed
- Typical Medium Usage (2,900 kWh Elec / 12,000 kWh Gas)
- Payment Method
- Monthly Direct Debit
| Supplier Name | Tariff Name | Tariff Type | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost | Fix Length | Early Exit Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Energy | Fair Variable Dual (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £127 | £1,527 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Outfox Energy | Fix’d Dual Mar26 12M v2.0 | Fixed | £127 | £1,527 | 12 months | £150 |
| Outfox Energy | Fix’d Dual Mar26 12M v1.0 – Family Advantage+ | Fixed | £127 | £1,530 | 12 months | £150 |
| Utility Warehouse | UW Fixed Saver 73 | Fixed | £128 | £1,531 | Ends 31 Jan 2027 | £150 |
| Fuse Energy | January 2026 Fixed (12m) v3 | Fixed | £131 | £1,572 | 12 months | £100 |
| Ecotricity | EcoFixed – 1 Year Jan 26 v1 | Fixed | £132 | £1,586 | 12 months | £150 |
| E.ON Next | Next Fixed 14m v10 | Fixed | £133 | £1,602 | 14 months | £100 |
| So Energy | So Myrtle One Year – Green | Fixed | £135 | £1,624 | 12 months | £100 |
| Utility Warehouse | UW Fixed 73 | Fixed | £135 | £1,625 | Ends 31 Jan 2027 | £150 |
| Octopus Energy | Octopus 12M Fixed March 2026 v1 | Fixed | £136 | £1,632 | 12 months | £0 |
| Co-op Energy | Co-op Community Power 12M Fixed March 2026 v1 | Fixed | £136 | £1,632 | 12 months | £0 |
| Co-op Energy | Co-op 12M Fixed March 2026 v1 | Fixed | £136 | £1,632 | 12 months | £0 |
| So Energy | So Myrtle 18 Month – Green | Fixed | £137 | £1,645 | 18 months | £150 |
| OVO Energy | 1 Year Fixed + Boiler Cover 05 February 2026 | Fixed | £139 | £1,667 | 12 months | £100 |
| Outfox Energy | Outfox the Price Cap – Price Tracker – July 2025 – 12M | Variable (Price Cap tracker) | £140 | £1,675 | 12 months | £100 |
| British Gas | Fixed Tariff Mar27 v3 | Fixed | £140 | £1,678 | 12 months | £100 |
| E.ON Next | Next Fixed 24m v40 | Fixed | £140 | £1,685 | 24 months | £200 |
| E.ON Next | Next Fixed 12M V111 | Fixed | £141 | £1,694 | 12 months | £100 |
| Sainsbury’s Energy | Sainsburys Energy Fix and Save 12m v11 | Fixed | £141 | £1,697 | 12 months | £100 |
| So Energy | So Myrtle Two Year – Green | Fixed | £142 | £1,700 | 24 months | £150 |
| E.ON Next | Next Gust 12m V44 | Fixed | £143 | £1,712 | 12 months | £100 |
| Sainsbury’s Energy | Sainsburys Fix and Reward Fixed 12m v67 | Fixed | £143 | £1,715 | 12 months | £100 |
| Utility Warehouse | UW Fixed Start 73 | Fixed | £143 | £1,716 | Ends 31 Jan 2027 | £150 |
| Octopus Energy | Flexible Octopus (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £143 | £1,725 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| So Energy | So Green Tracker | Variable (Price Cap tracker) | £144 | £1,730 | 12 months | £100 |
| E.ON Next | Next Pledge Tracker 12m v9 | Variable (Price Cap tracker) | £144 | £1,731 | 12 months | £0 |
| EDF Energy | Simply Tracker Mar27 | Variable (Tracker) | £145 | £1,735 | Ends 31 Mar 2027 | £50 |
| Utility Warehouse | Double Gold | Variable | £145 | £1,735 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| British Gas | Longer Fix Feb28 v1 | Fixed | £145 | £1,735 | 24 months | £150 |
| EDF Energy | Simply Fixed Feb27 v6 | Fixed | £145 | £1,736 | Ends 28 Feb 2027 | £100 |
| Sainsbury’s Energy | Sainsburys Fix and Reward Fixed 24m v39 | Fixed | £146 | £1,747 | 24 months | £200 |
| ScottishPower | Help Beat Cancer Fixed Apr 2027 TM2 | Fixed | £147 | £1,762 | Ends 30 Apr 2027 | £100 |
| Utility Warehouse | Gold | Variable | £147 | £1,765 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Fuse Energy | Variable Import (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £147 | £1,765 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| OVO Energy | 1 Year Fixed March 2026 | Fixed | £147 | £1,767 | 12 months | £100 |
| EDF Energy | Simply Fixed 2Yr Mar28 v2 | Fixed | £147 | £1,768 | Ends 29 Feb 2028 | £100 |
| ScottishPower | Help Beat Cancer Fixed Apr 2027 TH2 | Fixed | £148 | £1,773 | Ends 30 Apr 2027 | £100 |
| OVO Energy | 2 Year Fixed March 2026 | Fixed | £148 | £1,774 | 24 months | £190 |
| Co-op Energy | Co-op Flexible (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £148 | £1,775 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| So Energy | So Flex (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,783 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Utility Warehouse | Value (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,784 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Utilita | Smart Energy (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,784 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Good Energy | Good Energy Deemed DD | Variable | £149 | £1,784 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| ScottishPower | Standard (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,785 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Outfox Energy | Fox Standard Dual (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,785 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| British Gas | Standard Variable (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,785 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| EDF Energy | Standard (Variable) (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,785 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Sainsbury’s Energy | Sainsbury’s Standard Variable (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,785 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Sainsbury’s Energy | Sainsburys Track and Reward 12m v1 | Variable (Price Cap tracker) | £149 | £1,785 | 12 months | £0 |
| E.ON Next | Next Flex (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,785 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| OVO Energy | Simpler Energy (Price Capped tariff) | Variable (Price Cap) | £149 | £1,785 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| OVO Energy | 1 Year Fixed + Greener Electricity 05 February 2026 | Fixed | £154 | £1,847 | 12 months | £100 |
| Good Energy | Good Energy Standard | Variable | £162 | £1,947 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| Ecotricity | Standard Variable Green Tariff | Variable | £165 | £1,977 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| 100Green | Sparkling Guarantee – Mar 2026 | Variable | £171 | £2,058 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| 100Green | Sparkling SVT | Variable | £172 | £2,062 | Rolling monthly | £0 |
| 100Green | Eko Energy 2026 | Fixed | £175 | £2,104 | Ends 31 Mar 2026 | £0 |
Data verified as of:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the cheapest energy supplier in the UK right now?
As of March 2026, Home Energy remains the joint-cheapest overall supplier with their variable tariff priced at approximately £127 per month. For fixed deals, Outfox The Market has dropped their rates to match this, offering a fixed tariff at around £127 per month.
Who is the cheapest big energy supplier?
E.ON Next is currently the cheapest major supplier with their 14-month fixed tariff costing roughly £133 per month. For a standard 12-month fix, Octopus Energy is the cheapest option among the giants at around £136 per month, followed by OVO Energy at £139.
Will energy bills go up or down in 2026?
The Price Cap rose slightly in January 2026 to £1,758 per year. However, analysts currently forecast that the Cap will fall in April 2026 (by roughly 6% to £1,652) following announcements in the Autumn Budget and changes in wholesale costs.
Is it better to fix my energy tariff now?
Currently, the cheapest fixed tariffs (around £127-£133/month) are significantly cheaper than the January Price Cap (~£147/month). Even with the forecast drop in April, these fixed deals remain very competitive and offer immediate savings.
Do I have to pay exit fees if I switch?
It depends on the supplier. Octopus Energy is unique among the big suppliers for having £0 exit fees on its 12-month fixed tariff. Most other suppliers, including E.ON Next and Outfox The Market, charge between £100 and £150 per fuel to leave a fixed contract early.
Which supplier has the best green credentials?
Ecotricity and Good Energy are widely considered the “greenest” as they invest heavily in building new renewable generation. Among the major suppliers, Octopus Energy and E.ON Next both provide 100% renewable electricity as standard.
Do I need a smart meter to get the cheapest rates?
Often, yes. Many of the very cheapest deals, including tariffs from Fuse Energy and Octopus Energy (like their Tracker tariff), require a smart meter to function. It allows suppliers to buy energy more efficiently and pass the savings on to you.
Why is Utility Warehouse often recommended?
Utility Warehouse offers some of the lowest energy rates (e.g., £128/month) but only if you bundle other services like broadband or mobile with them. If you are willing to switch multiple services, the total household savings can be substantial.
How long does it take to switch energy supplier?
Switching is faster than ever. Under the new Faster Switching rules, a switch can often be completed in as little as 5 working days, though most suppliers aim for around 10-14 days to ensure all billing data is correct.
What happens if my energy supplier goes bust?
Your supply will never be cut off. The regulator, Ofgem, will automatically move you to a new “Supplier of Last Resort.” Your credit balance is protected, so you won’t lose any money you have built up in your account.
3 Comments
Great post! Its refreshing to see clear comparisons of energy suppliers. Anyone switched recently and noticed a big saving?
Surprised to see how much energy prices have changed. Are there any green suppliers on the cheaper side?
I’m looking for a new electric supplier i have not heard from them i would like a new smart meter in i have been in in this house for 6 years and 6 months