Last updated: 6th February 2026
Pricing data matches the January 2026 Ofgem price cap region for South West. Next scheduled update: .
Chard Energy Snapshot
- Cheapest Supplier: Octopus Energy
- Distribution Network: National Grid
- Avg. Gas Usage: 9,532 kWh/year
- Smart Meter Uptake: 53% (vs UK average)
- Local Authority: Somerset
We’ve looked at where you can get the cheapest gas and electricity prices in the Chard area to give you an idea of what you could be paying if you switched energy suppliers and how much you could save on your energy bills.
Chard is a key residential area located within the Somerset. The area contains approximately 265,000 domestic properties, with energy infrastructure maintained by National Grid (South West region).
Unlike typical Town averages, Chard has a unique energy profile with 46% of homes rated EPC Band C or above. This efficiency data contributes to the area’s average annual gas consumption of 9,532 kWh and electricity consumption of 3,755 kWh per household.
Who are the cheapest energy suppliers in Chard?
By using the current prices for tariffs in Chard and the average gas and electricity usage for a 3-bedroom home, we have found the following energy providers currently have the cheapest tariffs near you:
| Supplier Name | Tariff Name | Tariff Type | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost | Early Exit Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | Octopus 12M Fixed | Fixed | £133 | £1,601 | £0 |
| E.ON Next | Next Fixed 14m | Fixed | £133 | £1,603 | £100 |
| OVO Energy | 1 Year Fixed + Boiler Cover | Fixed | £139 | £1,667 | £100 |
| British Gas | Fixed Tariff Feb27 | Fixed | £140 | £1,678 | £100 |
| EDF Energy | Simply Tracker Mar27 | Variable | £145 | £1,735 | £50 |
| ScottishPower | Help Beat Cancer Fixed Apr 2027 | Fixed | £147 | £1,762 | £100 |
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Octopus Energy is often the cheapest energy supplier in Chard.
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Other locations nearby that this information is also likely applicable to includes: Ilminster, Winsham, Crewkerne, Merriott, Beaminster, South Petherton, Blackdown, Tatworth, Fernhill, and Stoke-sub-Hamdon.
Who is the best energy supplier in Chard?
When looking at energy suppliers, it is important not to just focus on price.
Using data from Trustpilot, we have highlighted the best-performing energy suppliers that are available in Chard below:
| Supplier Name | Reviews Rating | No. Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | 4.8 | 750,000+ |
| OVO | 4.6 | 258,000+ |
| EDF Energy | 4.8 | 199,000+ |
| E.ON Next | 4.5 | 187,000+ |
| British Gas | 4.4 | 323,000+ |
What are the maximum standing charges in Chard?
Your standing charge is a daily fee you must pay to your energy supplier regardless of your energy usage. Under the rules of the Ofgem price cap, a company can charge a maximum amount, which varies depending on where you live.
Chard falls under the South West area, meaning standing charges are currently capped at 34.7p per day for gas and 55.11p per day for electricity.
This means that whoever your supplier is, these are the maximum amounts they can charge you.
Combined, this gives a maximum standing charge for gas and electricity of 89.81p.
This means that Somerset is in the area ranked 9th out of the 14 regions in terms of maximum standing charge rates (14th is highest). The capped price is 0% than the average.
These rates are based on the January 2026 price cap.
What are the maximum unit prices in Chard?
Your unit rate is how much you are charged per unit of gas or electricity you use. These units are measured in kWh.
Similar to standing charges, a supplier can charge a maximum for each unit of gas or electricity, which varies depending on your area.
In Chard, as it is in the South West, the cap on the unit rate for electricity is 28.16p and the maximum unit rate for gas is 6.14p.
Combined, this gives a maximum unit charge for gas and electricity of 124.11p.
This means that Somerset is in the area ranked 9th out of the 14 regions in terms of maximum unit prices (1st is lowest).
The capped rate is 1% higher than the average.
Again, these are based on the January 2026 price cap and will next be updated in April 2026.
What is the average energy usage for a property in Chard?
Chard is in the Somerset local government area.
Gas Usage
In this area, there are 265,000 domestic properties.
188,000 of these properties have a gas meter whilst 77,000 are not connected to the gas grid (approximately 29% of properties).
The total gas usage for this area is 1,779 GWh, with the average household consuming 9,532 kWh of gas per year.
For context, the area with the highest average gas usage was the Elmbridge District, with 16,182 kWh per year, and the lowest gas usage was the City of Plymouth, with 7,976 kWh per year.
Electricity Usage
In total, there are 265,400 domestic electricity meters in this area.
The total consumption of all meters comes to 947 GWh, with the average household consuming 3,755 kWh of electricity per year.
For context, the area with the highest average electricity usage was the Cotswolds, at 4,947 kWh per year, and the lowest was the South Tyneside District, at 2,527 kWh per year.
How do properties in Chard rate for energy efficiency?
When it comes to the efficiency of properties, 46% in Somerset are rated as EPC Band C or above.
The lowest-rated area in the UK (Pendle District) has only 22% of properties rated Band C or above.
In contrast, the best-performing area (Salford) has 65% of properties rated Band C or above.
The average estimated CO2 emissions from these properties is 3.5 tonnes/year for existing properties and 1.5 tonnes/year for new properties.
Combined, the average CO2 emissions for properties in this area are 3 tonnes/year.
When it comes to central heating, the table below shows the main fuel type used for central heating in this area:
| Fuel Type | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Community heating scheme | 0% |
| Electricity | 15% |
| Mains gas | 65% |
| Oil | 12% |
| Other or unknown | 3% |
How is the smart meter rollout going in Chard?
Smart meters are currently being rolled out across the UK and are available for free to most customers from their energy suppliers.
In Somerset (which covers Chard), 53% of meters are smart meters, based on the latest available data from 2023.
Torridge has the lowest percentage of smart meters, with only 46% installed.
In contrast, Chesterfield has the highest percentage of smart meters at 69%.
Which distribution network covers Chard?
The UK’s energy distribution network is supported by several key companies, each responsible for specific regions. These firms manage the infrastructure, delivering energy to homes and businesses, ensuring a reliable supply.
Due to being based in the South West region, the distributor for Chard is National Grid.
National Grid Electricity Distribution, previously Western Power Distribution, is the UK’s largest electricity distributor, serving 8 million customers across the Midlands, South West, and Wales. Covering 55,000 square kilometres, its 6,500 staff ensure a reliable electricity supply and excellent customer service for millions of homes and businesses.
You could get £50 credit right now!
Octopus Energy is often the cheapest big name energy supplier in Chard.
Get a free quote in less than 30 seconds plus get £50 credit when you switch.