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 in 2026 is around £1,641 per year based on Ofgem's typical consumption figures. That is approximately £137 per month for a medium household with both gas and electricity. Actual bills vary significantly by household size, whether you have gas, and how much energy you use.
Average energy bills by household size
Current energy unit rates under the price cap
| Fuel type | Unit rate (per kWh) | Standing charge (per day) | Typical annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 24.67p | 57.21p | ~£693 (2,700 kWh) |
| Gas | 5.74p | 29.09p | ~£948 (11,500 kWh) |
| Combined (typical household) | Both fuels | 92p combined | ~£1,641 per year |
These are the Ofgem price cap rates for Q2 2026 (1 April to 30 June 2026), sourced from Ofgem's price cap page. Figures are England, Scotland and Wales averages for direct debit customers and include 5% VAT. Last updated May 2026. Ofgem reviews the cap each January, April, July, and October.
Fixed deals can be above or below the cap depending on market conditions. Standing charges are fixed daily costs you pay regardless of how much energy you use, and they vary by region.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.
Paying more than average? Compare tariffs now
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Questions people ask
The average UK household energy bill in 2026 is around £1,641 per year based on Ofgem's typical consumption figures. That is approximately £137 per month. Actual bills vary by household size, insulation, and usage.
The average electricity bill for a UK household is around £720 to £800 per year, or roughly £60 to £67 per month, based on typical consumption of 2,700 kWh per year at the current unit rate of 24.67p per kWh.
A normal electricity bill for a medium-sized UK household is around £60 to £70 per month. A 1-bedroom flat might pay £35 to £50 per month, while a large family home could pay £90 to £130 per month. If your bill is significantly higher, check your tariff and meter readings.
For a typical medium household, combined gas and electricity costs around £137 per month in 2026. A small household or flat might pay £70 to £100 per month, while a large house could pay £180 to £250 per month depending on usage and insulation.
The average gas bill for a UK household is around £900 to £1,000 per year, or around £75 to £83 per month, based on typical consumption of 11,500 kWh per year at the current gas unit rate of 5.74p per kWh.
Related energy guides
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