Standard tariffs
Compare estimated annual total on the same usage.
HOUSEHOLD ENERGY
Compare electricity tariffs around how you use energy
A low headline unit rate can be offset by standing charges or unsuitable time windows. Compare annual cost using your own consumption and payment method.
Decision routes
Start with the outcome, not the advert
EV tariffs
Model daytime rates and vehicle demand as well as the off-peak window.
Smart tariffs
Automation and tolerance for variable prices become part of suitability.
The CoolCompare check
Four things to compare before committing
Understand unit rates, standing charges, fixed terms, smart tariffs and whole-bill scenarios before switching electricity tariff.
Annual consumptionUse recent bills or meter data rather than a generic household.
Unit and standing ratesModel both parts of the bill for the full term.
Fixed or variableCompare certainty, exit fees and what happens after the term.
Time-of-use fitEVs, batteries and heat pumps can change the useful tariff shape.
Electricity tariff routes
Choose a tariff around the load you can move
Compare annual cost on your own meter data. Region, payment method, meter type and time-of-use behaviour change the result.
Ofgem protects the rate structure, but does not cap the total bill.
8p/kWh reference with six core hours, subject to eligibility.
Half-hourly prices can reward load shifting but create peak exposure.
Default tariff cap reference
- Typical dual-fuel level
- £1,663/year reference
- Electricity
- Region-specific
- Standing charge
- Region-specific
- Review cycle
- Quarterly
The simple benchmark for homes that do not want device compatibility or half-hourly price management.
+ Pros
- Regulated ceiling
- No device compatibility
- Simple benchmark
− Cons
- Not a total-bill cap
- Regional variation
- Quarterly change
! Complaints & watch-outs
- Billing disputes often start with estimated reads or misunderstood direct-debit balances.
- Photograph opening and switching readings.
Intelligent Octopus Go
- Smart/off-peak rate
- 8p/kWh stated
- Core window
- 23:30–05:30
- Cheap home energy
- During qualifying window
- Requirement
- Compatible device + smart meter
Logical for a compatible home-charged EV when enough demand moves overnight and the regional day rate remains acceptable.
+ Pros
- 8p/kWh reference
- Six-hour core window
- Smart EV scheduling
− Cons
- Compatibility required
- Day rate still matters
- Cloud integration matters
! Complaints & watch-outs
- Test-charge or device-integration failures can block enrolment.
- Check day rate, standing charge and compatibility before switching.
Agile Octopus
- Pricing
- 48 periods/day
- Publication
- Following-day prices
- Basis
- Wholesale-linked
- Exposure cap
- Up to 100p/kWh stated
For engaged homes with automation, batteries or flexible demand—not users needing predictable pricing.
+ Pros
- Rewards automation
- Prices published ahead
- Useful with flexible loads
− Cons
- 48 daily prices
- Expensive peaks
- Needs attention
! Complaints & watch-outs
- Average savings may not match evening-heavy use.
- The supplier states prices can reach 100p/kWh.
Tracker
- Pricing
- Daily wholesale-linked
- Regional formula
- Varies
- Electricity cap
- Up to 100p/kWh stated
- Risk
- Can exceed protected tariffs
A middle route for users comfortable with daily variability but not full half-hourly shifting.
+ Pros
- Simpler than Agile
- Daily linked rates
- Published formula
− Cons
- Uncertain price
- Can exceed protected tariffs
- Harder budgeting
! Complaints & watch-outs
- A formula cap is not the same as Ofgem price-cap protection.
- Test bad-month affordability, not only historic averages.
Annual electricity cost
Change every assumption. The result updates instantly.
READ BEFORE SHORTLISTING
Rates are dated reference points, not a personal quote. Standing charges and daytime rates vary by region. Dynamic tariffs can be materially more expensive during high-price periods.
EV TARIFFS · EDITORIAL GUIDE
How to choose an EV tariff for home charging
Look beyond the night rate and compare driving demand, compatibility, daytime cost and standing charges.
Read the full guide →Side-by-side
Compare the main routes
A quick orientation before you request prices or commit to a contract.
| Decision | Fixed | Variable | Time of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price pattern | Rates set for a term | Rates can change | Rates vary by time |
| Best for | Budget certainty | Flexibility | Shiftable demand |
| Watch | Exit fees and end date | Change notifications | Peak price and automation |
| Compare | Full-term annual estimate | Current annual estimate | Half-hourly usage scenario |
Before you buy
Your quote and contract checklist
Save this list and use the same questions with every provider. Comparable inputs produce a more useful comparison.
- 01
Use annual kWhTake electricity use from recent bills or meter history.
- 02
Include standing chargeCalculate it for every day of the comparison period.
- 03
Read price changesShow scheduled increases and what happens after a fixed term.
- 04
Model new loadsHeat pumps, EVs and batteries can materially change the best tariff shape.
Start here
Essential electricity guides
Three practical reads that frame the decision without sales pressure.
TARIFFS01
Fixed or variable electricity?
Compare certainty, flexibility and full-term cost.
Read the key answers ↓BILLS02
Standing charges explained
Why a low unit rate does not tell the whole story.
Read the key answers ↓SMART03
Time-of-use tariffs
Who can benefit from shifting household demand.
Read the key answers ↓Plain-English answers
Frequently asked questions
General UK guidance. Product, property, tariff and policy details still need individual verification.
What information do I need to compare tariffs?+
Annual electricity use, postcode, payment method and current tariff details are a strong starting point.
Why include the standing charge?+
It is paid daily regardless of consumption and can materially change the annual total.
Is an EV tariff always cheaper for an EV owner?+
No. The vehicle may benefit overnight while the rest of the home faces different rates. Model the whole bill.
Should I use estimated or actual consumption?+
Actual recent consumption is normally more useful, adjusted for known changes such as a new EV or heating system.
Connected decisions