Average energy bill UK 2026:
what households actually pay
Average gas and electricity costs by household size, based on the current Ofgem price cap. Plus what pushes bills higher and how to pay less.
The average UK energy bill is around £1,723 per year based on the Ofgem price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026. That is roughly £144 per month for a household with both gas and electricity at typical usage. Split by fuel, that is about £858 a year for electricity and £865 for gas. Actual bills vary significantly by household size, whether you have gas, and how much energy you use.
Average energy bills by household size
Estimates calculated at the Ofgem capped rates for 1 October to 31 December 2026 (electricity 26.32p/kWh + 54.83p/day, gas 7.97p/kWh + 29.68p/day, GB average, direct debit). Your rates vary by region and payment method.
Current energy unit rates under the price cap
| Fuel type | Unit rate (per kWh) | Standing charge (per day) | Typical annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 26.32p | 54.83p | ~£858 (2,500 kWh) |
| Gas | 7.97p | 29.68p | ~£865 (9,500 kWh) |
| Combined (typical household) | Both fuels | ~85p combined | £1,723 per year |
These are the Ofgem price cap rates for 1 October to 31 December 2026, sourced from Ofgem's price cap page. Figures are GB averages for direct debit customers. VAT was removed from domestic electricity from 1 October 2026; gas still carries 5% VAT. Last updated September 2026. Ofgem reviews the cap each January, April, July, and October, and the next level is announced in late December.
Standing charges are fixed daily costs you pay regardless of how much energy you use, and they vary significantly by region: a dual-fuel household in London pays around £267 a year in standing charges while one in Merseyside and North Wales pays around £357. Our standing charge calculator shows the exact daily rates for your region. Fixed deals can be above or below the capped rates depending on market conditions; see our energy price cap guide for how the cap works and what changed in October.
Average electricity bill UK
The average electricity bill is around £858 a year, roughly £72 a month, based on typical consumption of 2,500 kWh at the October capped rate of 26.32p per kWh plus the 54.83p daily standing charge. A 1-bedroom flat on low usage might pay £50 to £60 a month, while a large family home can reach £100 to £115 a month.
Two things moved electricity costs in October 2026. VAT came off domestic electricity entirely, worth roughly £45 a year to a typical household, which is why electricity bills stayed broadly stable while the overall cap rose. And homes without a gas supply sit well above these averages, because heating and hot water run on electricity too: an all-electric home can use 4,000 to 6,000 kWh or more a year, particularly with storage heaters.
Average gas bill UK
The average gas bill is around £865 a year, roughly £72 a month, based on typical consumption of 9,500 kWh at the October capped rate of 7.97p per kWh plus the 29.68p daily standing charge. Gas took almost all of the October cap rise, with gas bills up around 8% while electricity held steady.
Gas is also where the seasonal swing lives. Most homes burn the large majority of their annual gas in the heating months, so a £72 monthly average can mean £120 or more in January and £30 in July if you pay for what you use. Fixed monthly direct debits smooth this out, which is why a summer of low usage can build up credit that the winter then spends. Boiler efficiency and insulation move gas bills more than any other single factor.
What makes your bill higher or lower than average?
The Ofgem figures above are based on typical consumption, but what you actually pay depends on several factors. Home insulation is one of the biggest. A well-insulated modern home will use significantly less gas for heating than an older property of the same size with poor insulation and single-glazed windows. Boiler age and efficiency matter too.
Your tariff is also a major variable. Households on a standard variable tariff pay the price cap rate, while those on a competitive fixed deal may pay more or less depending on when they fixed. Households without gas pay more for electricity overall because they rely on it for heating and hot water, often through storage heaters or heat pumps.
If your bill is higher than the figures for your household size, there are two quick things to check. First, confirm you are being billed on actual readings rather than estimates. Second, compare your tariff. See our guide to reducing your energy bill for a full breakdown of what can move the needle.
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Questions people ask
The average UK household energy bill is around £1,723 per year based on the Ofgem price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026 at typical consumption. That is roughly £144 per month. Actual bills vary by household size, insulation, and usage.
Around £858 per year, or roughly £72 per month, based on typical consumption of 2,500 kWh at the October 2026 capped rate of 26.32p per kWh plus the 54.83p daily standing charge. VAT came off domestic electricity from 1 October 2026. Homes without gas pay more, as heating runs on electricity too.
A normal electricity bill for a medium-sized household is around £70 to £75 per month at October 2026 capped rates. A 1-bedroom flat might pay £50 to £60 per month, while a large family home could pay £100 to £115 per month. If your bill is significantly higher, check your tariff and meter readings.
For a typical household, combined gas and electricity costs around £144 per month under the October 2026 price cap. A small household or flat might pay £110 to £120 per month, while a large house could pay £225 or more per month depending on usage and insulation.
Around £865 per year, or roughly £72 per month, based on typical consumption of 9,500 kWh at the October 2026 capped rate of 7.97p per kWh plus the 29.68p daily standing charge. Gas took almost all of the October cap rise, and gas bills are highest in winter.
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