To find the cheaper gas-and-electricity plan, estimate what your household would pay for both fuels over the same period: add each fuel’s usage charges and daily supply charges, then include applicable fees and subtract only discounts or credits you qualify to receive. A low unit rate alone does not tell you which plan costs less.
Gather the details that determine your bill
Use a recent bill or meter records to collect the same inputs for each offer. Annual usage is a practical starting point, but use a shorter comparison period if that matches your decision, such as the remaining months of a contract.
- Electricity use and gas use for the period, in the units shown on your bill.
- Each plan’s unit rates and daily standing or supply charges.
- For multi-rate plans, how much electricity you use in each rate band.
- Your postcode or energy region, payment method, meter type and tariff eligibility.
- Contract length, exit fees, recurring fees, payment conditions, credits and contract-end terms.
Use the same household usage, dates, region, payment arrangement and meter assumptions for every plan. Rates and eligibility can vary by location and payment method; for example, Ofgem publishes Great Britain rates by region and payment method, while Australian guidance notes differences between states and territories.
Calculate each plan over the same period
Work out gas and electricity separately, then add them. In general:
#1 Best Overall
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD Display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
- Electricity: add the kWh used in each applicable rate band multiplied by that band’s rate, then add the electricity daily standing or supply charge multiplied by the number of days.
- Gas: multiply consumption in the tariff’s stated unit by its rate, then add the gas daily standing or supply charge multiplied by the number of days.
- Total: add both fuel costs and applicable fees, then subtract eligible discounts or credits.
Confirm the units on your bill before multiplying. In Australian guidance, electricity is commonly priced per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and gas per megajoule (MJ); do not compare or convert unlike units without an authoritative conversion. A daily charge applies while the supply is connected, even if you use no energy. For a worked annual estimate, multiply daily charges by 365 unless your comparison period uses a different number of days.
For each offer, record the result and its assumptions. A calculator can help with arithmetic, but check what it models: the energy.org.uk calculator describes annual cost as electricity use plus its standing charge and gas use plus its standing charge; it applies the gas standing charge whenever a gas supply is connected, even at zero gas use, and counts a one-off credit once. Its stated comparison assumes entered rates apply throughout the period and does not forecast future variable-rate changes.
Rank #2
- Multi-function power monitor: Our electric usage monitor can monitor the power (W), electricity(kWh), voltage(V), frequency(Hz), current(A), power factor(PF), unit price($/kWh), total cost($) of your appliances. By switching 8 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The “electricity” mode can calculate and display how much power your appliance uses. And the “total cost” mode will show how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Overload protection: When the loading power of the appliance is over the default overload threshold 1800W, the whole display with backlight and the word “OVERLOAD” will keep flashing to warn the users. Please turn off the appliance for safety concern
- Premium Material: The whole body of our energy meter is made of high-quality ABS material. It makes our home electricity usage monitor more long lasting, fireproof and anti-drop. The standard US socket and plug is suitable for all US standard appliances
- Backlight Display: With white backlight and black words, the LCD display of our home power monitor can display the data clearer and help you to read the data easier no matter day or night. The backlight will only lights up when the device is connected to AC power. If no button is pressed, the backlight turns off automatically after 10 minutes. You can also press the "UP" button to turn off the backlight manually, and press any button to turn on backlight again
- Easy to reset: No reset tool needed, our appliance power usage meter is easy to reset. You can press the “M” button for 5 seconds directly to reset the device. After reset, all cumulative data (electricity quantity, cost) will be cleared, and all settings will be restored to factory settings
Account for time-of-use and other tariff structures
Single-rate and time-of-use electricity
A single-rate tariff applies one electricity unit rate throughout the day. A time-of-use tariff applies different rates at different times, such as peak and off-peak periods. Estimate how much electricity you use in each band and apply the corresponding rate; an attractive overnight rate will not make all your electricity cheaper if most use occurs at peak times.
Controlled-load and demand tariffs
Australian guidance also describes controlled-load tariffs, which apply to specified loads, and demand tariffs, where charges depend on the highest measured demand during a billing month. These structures need their own usage or demand information rather than a flat-rate estimate. Smart meters are typically needed for time-of-use and demand plans, according to energy.gov.au. Check the plan’s eligibility and bill calculation before comparing it with a standard tariff.
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One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- SAFETY YOU CAN TRUST WITH UL CERTIFICATION: With Emporia Energy, your home energy monitoring is safe, reliable, and certified. The Emporia Vue is UL Listed, meaning it has met rigorous safety standards for electrical products in the U.S. and Canada. This certification ensures that every component has been thoroughly tested to prevent hazards, such as overheating, short-circuiting, or fire, offering you peace of mind as you manage your home’s energy consumption.
- INSTALLS IN CIRCUIT PANEL of most homes with clamp-on sensors. Supports Single phase, Single-split phase, and 2-wire systems. 3-wire systems; 3-phase, 4-wire Wye systems with earthed (TN or TT) neutral (no-Delta) are supported with an additional 200A sensor (sold separately).
- 24/7 ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING: Automate, manage and control your home's real power anywhere, anytime to prevent costly repairs, conserve energy, and save costs. Monitor solar / net metering. PROTECTED BY A 1-YEAR WARRANTY.
- LOWER YOUR ELECTRIC BILL: Configure settings in the Emporia Energy App to automate energy management for time of use, peak demand, excess solar, and rewards programs. You can even see live reporting and invaluable savings opportunities instantly. Gauge real-time spending and get actionable notifications and automated energy management to help you reduce costs.
- REAL-TIME ENERGY DATA: REQUIRES 2.4 GHz WIFI WITH AN INTERNET CONNECTION to monitor energy use with iPhone / Android / Web app. Vue sensors collect energy data and are accurate from ±2%. The Vue is UL and CE Listed for your safety. 1 second data is only available in the app (when actively open) and retained 3 hours. Minute and hour data are retained in the cloud. 1 minute data is retained 7 days, 1 hour data is retained indefinitely. Export cloud data whenever you want in the app.
Include contract terms, fees and incentives
Compare the cost over the period you expect to remain on the plan, not just a headline annual estimate. Include recurring fees, exit fees if you may leave early, and any one-off charge that falls within your comparison period. Count a credit once if it is a one-time offer. Count a discount only if you meet its conditions—for example, exclude an on-time-payment discount if you may not be able to pay on time.
Check whether a quoted rate is fixed or variable and what happens when a contract ends. Citizens Advice explains that fixed tariff rates and standing charges remain as agreed until the contract ends, so the customer may not benefit if market prices fall; an exit fee can matter when switching before the end date. Variable rates may change, so a calculation using today’s rates is an estimate, not a forecast of future bills. A dual-fuel offer may simplify billing, but compare the combined cost and service terms rather than assuming it is cheaper.
Rank #4
- Various Monitoring Parameters: The power meter plug can monitor the power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, cost, minimum and maximum power (W), cumulative days and time of your appliances. By switching 7 display modes, you can easily know the various parameters while the appliance is working. The home energy monitor can also calculate and display how much power your appliance uses and how much electricity bill it cost in cumulative time
- Upgraded LCD display: With large screen size 2.36 inch x 1.85 inch, clearer monitor backlit, our electrical usage monitor can display the data clearer and more visible no matter day or night. 180°full wide viewing angles is great for reading and recording the data in any angles. No need to stand on the front of the display and bend over to read the numbers
- Adjustable Backlight Time: Our upgraded watt meter has 5 options of backlight time. The default backlight time duration is 10 minutes(bL-0). If you want to change the backlight time, you can press and hold "UP" and "DOWN" button at the same time to enter backlight time setting, then press "UP" and "DOWN" to select the backlight time (bL-0 =10 minutes, bL-1=1 hour, bL-2=4 hours, bL-3=8 hours, bL-4=always on), finally press the "COST" to save the backlight time settings
- Overload protection: When the power of the appliance exceeds the overload power, the LCD will display “OVERLOAD” to warn the user. All the buttons will quit working and can only be workable when you lower or remove the load power. The default overload power is 3680W and is adjustable from 0 to 3680W. In general, you need to set the overload power to 1800W before using. Just press the "function" button for more than 3 seconds to enter the setting
- Data Memory Function: The wattage meter will record your power consumption data when you remove it from socket, or remove appliances from the electricity monitor. You can directly see the last data when you use it next time. This function can also automatically save the data when there is a sudden power failure
Use published benchmarks carefully
Published averages can help orient you, but they are not a prediction of your bill. For Great Britain, Ofgem says the price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026 is £1,723 per year, based on average unit rates and standing charges for Direct Debit customers in England, Scotland and Wales. It is a benchmark for that specified average profile—not an individual maximum bill. Actual bills depend on consumption and tariff rates.
For the same period, Ofgem lists average Direct Debit rates of 26.32 pence/kWh for electricity with a 54.83 pence/day standing charge, and 7.97 pence/kWh for gas with a 29.68 pence/day standing charge. These are rounded, geographically averaged examples, not a recommendation or a live supplier offer. Ofgem notes that the October–December figures include 5% VAT on gas; electricity has no VAT from 1 October 2026 through 31 March 2027, so costs cannot be directly compared with prior periods because of that tax-treatment change. Check the current rates and your own region before using a benchmark.
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Best Value
- ✓ Backlit LCD Display: The watt meter features an upgraded backlit LCD display with a 160° wide viewing angle, providing clear and distinct data readings from any angle, day or night. (Note: To conserve energy, the backlight will automatically turn off after 15 seconds of continuous use.)
- ✓ 9 Types of Data Display: This energy meter plug accurately monitors a wide range of electrical parameters, including power (W), apparent power (VA), energy consumption (kWh), usage time (hours), power frequency (Hz), power factor (PF), voltage (V), current (A), and electricity cost. The user-friendly interface allows you to easily read and navigate through 9 types of data with a single button.
- ✓ Save Money and Energy: By toggling through the 9 display modes, you can gain insights into various operational parameters of your devices. The home energy monitor also calculates and displays the electricity consumption and cost over time, helping you save on your electricity bills by monitoring and managing energy usage.
- ✓ Data Storage: The plug-in electricity meter stores all non-real-time data, ensuring no information is lost in the event of a sudden power outage. If data exceeds the screen’s maximum display range, the screen will flash as a reminder. Pressing and holding the reset button for 3 seconds will reset the cumulative data to zero.
- ✓ Safe to Use: Rated voltage 125VAC, 60Hz, 15A maximum 1875W resistor and tungsten wire, 1/2HP. Clean and tidy interface, very simple to use.
Make the comparison and choose the right next step
- Calculate the current plan and each alternative using the same consumption period and household usage.
- Apply the correct rate for each fuel and, where applicable, each time band; add daily charges for the same number of days.
- Add fees and qualifying discounts or credits, showing whether each is recurring or one-off.
- Compare the resulting totals alongside contract length, exit terms, payment conditions and rate-change exposure.
- Check current offers through the regulator or official comparison service for your jurisdiction, and review its assumptions and exclusions.
If you are in Great Britain, Ofgem’s published cap rates provide context, not a quote for every region or household. If you are in Australia, energy.gov.au explains bill components and tariff types. Local rules and available plans differ, so avoid treating either jurisdiction’s example rates as universal.
If environmental claims matter to your choice, check what a supplier means by “green” or “renewable.” Citizens Advice cautions that such a label does not necessarily mean the electricity physically delivered to a home comes from renewable sources.
Quick Recap
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