The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To find the cheaper gas-and-electricity plan, calculate what each offer would cost for your household’s actual use 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 for. A low advertised unit rate alone does not tell you which plan will cost less.
Rates, units, and tariff rules depend on where you live. The examples below distinguish Great Britain (GB) from Australia; use your local regulator or government comparison service for current offers.
What information do you need?
Gather the same details for your current plan and every offer you want to compare. A recent bill, tariff information, and meter records can provide most of them.
- Electricity and gas consumption for the comparison period, in the units shown on your bill. Annual usage is useful for an annual comparison.
- Each fuel’s unit rate, including any separate rates for peak, off-peak, shoulder, or controlled-load use.
- Each fuel’s daily standing or supply charge.
- Your postcode or region, payment method, meter type, and tariff eligibility. Rates and available plans may vary by these factors.
- Contract length, exit fees, payment conditions, recurring fees, discounts, credits, and what happens when the contract ends.
Keep the comparison’s dates, usage assumptions, region, payment method, and meter configuration consistent. If an offer requires a particular meter or payment arrangement, check that you qualify before treating it as an option.
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#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
How to calculate the total cost
Calculate electricity and gas separately, then combine them. For a comparison period of D days:
- Electricity: add the cost of electricity used at each applicable rate, then add the electricity daily standing or supply charge multiplied by D.
- Gas: multiply gas use in the tariff’s stated unit by its applicable rate, then add the gas daily standing or supply charge multiplied by D.
- Plan total: add both fuel totals and applicable recurring or one-off fees, then subtract discounts or credits the household qualifies to receive.
For a flat-rate tariff, the usage calculation is consumption multiplied by the unit rate. For a multi-rate tariff, calculate each time band separately and add the results. Do not apply an off-peak rate to usage outside its stated hours.
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
Use the tariff’s own units. Australian Government guidance describes electricity rates commonly in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and gas rates in cents per megajoule (MJ); check your bill and offer rather than assuming the units match. Convert only with an authoritative conversion when necessary. Australian Government guidance on energy bills explains supply and usage charges.
Daily charges apply for each day the supply is connected, even if you use no energy. The UK comparison calculator from Energy Saving Trust’s energy.org.uk illustrates this approach: it uses 365 days for annual standing charges, counts a one-off credit once, and assumes the entered rates apply throughout the period. Its annual calculation covers single-rate electricity and does not forecast future changes to variable rates. Energy.org.uk comparison calculator.
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.
How to compare time-of-use and other tariff types
A tariff’s shape matters as much as its headline rates. Match the tariff to when and how your household uses energy.
Single-rate and time-of-use electricity
A single-rate tariff charges one rate throughout the day. A time-of-use tariff charges different rates at different periods, such as peak, shoulder, and off-peak. Estimate how much electricity falls into each period and apply its corresponding rate. A cheap overnight rate may not compensate for higher peak rates if little of your use happens overnight. The exact periods and prices are plan-specific. Ofgem’s GB price-cap information explains that multi-rate tariffs can charge different peak and off-peak rates.
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
Controlled-load and demand tariffs
Some Australian plans include a controlled-load rate for specified appliances or circuits; it is not necessarily a rate for all household electricity. A demand tariff can depend on the highest measured demand during a billing month, rather than only total energy use. Australian Government guidance says smart meters are typically needed for time-of-use and demand plans. Check what the tariff measures, when it applies, and whether your meter and household usage fit. Australian Government energy bill guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which contract costs and conditions should you include?
Compare the offer over the period you actually care about: a year, the fixed-contract term, or another matching horizon. Account for the following terms rather than assuming an advertised discount or credit applies automatically.
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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.
- Exit fees and contract length: include an exit fee if you expect to leave before the contract ends. A fixed tariff holds its agreed rates and standing charges until the contract ends, so you may not benefit if market prices fall during that time.
- Conditional discounts: count a discount only if you can meet its terms, such as paying on time or using a specified payment method.
- One-off credits: subtract a credit once, at the time and under the eligibility conditions stated by the supplier. Do not treat it as an annual recurring discount.
- End-of-contract terms: check what tariff or rate applies after the contract ends, especially if you are calculating costs beyond the fixed term.
- Other fees and billing arrangements: check for late-payment or other recurring charges and whether the plan requires a particular payment method.
Australian Government advice recommends checking supply charges, extra fees, bonuses, discount conditions, payment arrangements, and contract-end terms. Australian Government guidance. In Great Britain, Citizens Advice describes fixed, standard variable, prepayment, time-of-use, and dual-fuel options; a dual-fuel plan may simplify billing, but compare its combined cost rather than assuming it is cheaper. Citizens Advice: understanding your gas or electricity bill.
How to interpret typical annual figures and price caps
A typical annual figure is a benchmark based on stated assumptions, not a prediction of your bill or a cap on what your household can pay. Your actual bill depends on your consumption and tariff rates.
For context, Ofgem’s published GB cap for 1 October–31 December 2026 is £1,723 per year for an average-use profile on Direct Debit in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is not an individual maximum bill. 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 figures, not supplier offers. Ofgem says 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 earlier periods without accounting for the tax treatment change. Ofgem’s price-cap details and regional information.
How to make a fair comparison
- Set the period. Choose a year or the contract term, and use the same number of days for every plan.
- Use your own consumption. Start with recent usage for both fuels. If your use varies seasonally, prefer a full-year figure or compare the same seasons.
- Apply the right rates. Use rates for your region, payment method, meter, and tariff. Split usage by time band where needed.
- Add fixed charges and terms. Multiply each daily charge by the comparison days, then include applicable recurring fees and expected exit charges.
- Apply benefits accurately. Subtract only eligible credits and discounts, distinguishing one-off from recurring benefits.
- Compare totals and assumptions. Record the total for each plan alongside the contract length, rate type, and important conditions. For variable tariffs, treat the result as an estimate because rates may change.
- Check local offers. Use your local regulator or government comparison service for current tariffs and eligibility. GB and Australian examples above are not universal rates.
Other considerations when choosing a plan
The lowest estimated cost may not be the best fit if its contract conditions, payment requirements, or service do not suit you. If environmental claims matter to your decision, 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 your home comes from renewable sources. Citizens Advice guidance.
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