Standard variable tariff comparison: 28 November 2016

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This page gives a snapshot of how ‘standard variable’ rate tariffs (SVTs) compare on average by supplier and against the cheapest available tariffs.

These figures represent a typical dual fuel customer paying by direct debit and with typical consumption. The pricing information refers to a representative snapshot taken on 28 November 2016 and should not be used as a price comparison tool. To access accredited price comparison sites, see Compare gas and electricity tariffs.

For figures on the number of SVT accounts and price differentials from April 2017, please see the Ofgem Data Portal. We now publish this data alongside our retail market indicators. Please note the information on this page uses a different methodology to our more recent figures. We explain what's changed in the methodology below.

Table: Standard variable tariff information

Supplier (1) Number of customer accounts on standard variable tariffs (2)  Proportion of customer base on standard variable tariffs (%) (3) Average annual cost of  a standard variable tariff (£) (4)

Difference between a supplier’s standard variable tariff and its cheapest tariff (£) (5)

Difference between a standard variable tariff and the average of the cheapest tariffs from the 10 cheapest suppliers (£)    (5) (6) (7) (8)
British Gas 6,639,056 74% 1,044 129 166
Co-operative Energy 96,158 42% 1,121 245 244
EDF Energy 1,943,277 56% 1,069 136 192
E.ON 3,170,499 73% 1,057 41 179
Extra Energy 36,641 14% 1,130 154 252
First Utility 175,208 19% 1,071 157 193
Npower 1,737,642 59% 1,077 180 199
Ovo 225,952 35% 1,064 67 186
ScottishPower 1,541,307 50% 1,081 129 203
SSE 3,864,044 91% 1,068 98 190
Utility Warehouse 503,955 94% 1,012 150 134

Source: Pricing information sourced from Energylinx as at 28 November 2016. All prices include VAT. Customer accounts information based on Ofgem data received from suppliers for March 2016. All information is based on the most recent complete data Ofgem held at 28 November 2016. 

What is a 'standard variable' tariff?

A standard variable tariff is a supply contract with an indefinite length that does not have a fixed-term applying to the terms and conditions. It’s an energy supplier’s basic offer. If a customer does not choose a specific energy plan, for example after their fixed tariff ends, they are moved to an SVT until they choose a new one. A customer can also make an active choice to select an SVT.

Our data shows that standard variable tariffs are usually more expensive than other deals available in the market. As of October 2016 around 19 million domestic energy accounts (15 million paying by non-prepayment methods) are on SVTs and are potentially missing out on significant savings on their bills compared to cheaper tariffs from their existing or another supplier.