What is the Energy Price Cap for 2025/26?

Ofgem Energy Price Cap limits how much suppliers can charge per unit of energy for households on standard variable/default tariffs (15 million UK homes). January 2025: £1,738/year typical dual fuel bill (£21 increase from Oct 2024). Unit rates: Electricity 24.50p/kWh, Gas 6.24p/kWh. Standing charges: Electricity 60.99p/day (£223/year), Gas 31.66p/day (£116/year). Cap updated quarterly (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct). Regional variation ±10% due to distribution costs. Direct debit customers get best rates. Prepayment customers: slightly higher at 25.88p/kWh electricity. Price cap is per unit, NOT total bill - higher usage = higher costs. Average consumption: Typical household 2,700 kWh electricity + 11,500 kWh gas annually.

How can I reduce my energy bills in the UK?

Reduce energy bills through efficiency improvements and tariff optimization. Immediate savings: Switch to fixed tariff if 10-15% below price cap (use comparison sites). Set heating to 18-19°C (1°C reduction = 10% heating cost savings). Draught-proof doors/windows (saves £25-50/year). LED bulbs throughout home (70-80% less energy than halogen). Turn off standby devices (saves £35-65/year). Medium-term savings: Insulation - loft (£355/year saving), cavity wall (£395/year). Smart thermostat + zoning (10-20% heating savings). A-rated appliances when replacing old ones. Shower timer (4-minute showers save £95/year for family of 4). Long-term investments: Solar panels (£350-600/year savings + SEG payments). Heat pump (55-60% efficient vs gas boiler). Battery storage for solar (maximize self-consumption). UK government schemes: ECO4 grants for insulation (income-qualified households). Warm Home Discount (£150/year for eligible). Check eligibility at gov.uk/energy-grants.

How do standing charges work on UK energy bills?

Standing charges are fixed daily fees for maintaining energy supply infrastructure, charged regardless of usage (even £0 consumption). 2025/26 Price Cap rates: Electricity standing charge: 60.99p/day = £222.61/year. Gas standing charge: 31.66p/day = £115.56/year. Dual fuel total standing charges: £338/year before any energy usage. What standing charges cover: Electricity: Maintaining power lines, substations, national grid infrastructure, meter reading/maintenance, administrative costs. Gas: Gas pipe networks, emergency services, meter operations. Regional variations: London/South East: typically 5-10% higher standing charges. North Scotland: can be 15-20% higher due to remote infrastructure. Cannot avoid standing charges: Even with solar panels, still pay electricity standing charge if grid-connected. Even in vacant properties (unless supply disconnected). Second homes pay full standing charges. Zero standing charge tariffs: Rare in UK (Utilita offers some). Trade-off: much higher unit rates (30-40p/kWh vs 24.50p). Only worthwhile for very low usage (<1,000 kWh/year). Standing charge reform: Ofgem consulting on rebalancing (may shift costs to unit rates by 2026). Petition for fairer standing charges reached 100k+ signatures.

What help is available for UK energy bill assistance?

Multiple UK schemes provide energy bill help for struggling households. Government schemes: Warm Home Discount: £150 automatic credit (winter 2025/26). Eligibility: Pension Credit recipients OR low income + high energy costs. Applied Oct-Dec, credited by March. Winter Fuel Payment: £200-300 for pensioners born before Sept 1958 (means-tested from 2024). Cold Weather Payment: £25 per 7-day cold spell (Nov-Mar). Household Support Fund: Local council emergency assistance (varies by area, check council website). Energy supplier schemes: Payment plans: Spread costs over 12 months interest-free. Fuel Direct: Pay energy bills from benefits before receiving them. Trust funds: British Gas Energy Trust (£600-1,500 grants, non-customers eligible). E.ON Energy Fund. Octopus Energy Fund. Scottish Power Hardship Fund. Payment breaks/reductions: Negotiate with supplier if struggling. Cannot be disconnected in winter if vulnerable (elderly, children, disabled). Debt write-off schemes: Some suppliers write off debts for those engaging with repayment plans after 12-24 months. Energy crisis support: Energy Bills Discount Scheme (replaced EBSS) continues for businesses 2025/26. Priority Services Register: Free safeguarding services for vulnerable customers (free quarterly meter readings, password protection, advance notice of supply interruptions). Apply via supplier.

Energy Bill Calculator UK 2025/26 - Calculate Gas

Electricity Usage

Electricity Meter Type:

Standard

Single rate

Economy 7

Day/night rates

Annual Electricity Usage:

kWh

Day Rate Usage (7am-midnight):

kWh

Night Rate Usage (midnight-7am):

kWh

Gas Usage

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Annual Gas Usage:

kWh

Property Details

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Number of Bedrooms:

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Energy Price Cap Rates 2025/26 (October 2024 - March 2025)

Energy Type	Standing Charge (per day)	Unit Rate (per kWh)	Payment Method
Electricity - Standard	60.12p	24.50p	Direct Debit
Electricity - Economy 7 (Day)	60.12p	26.33p	Direct Debit
Electricity - Economy 7 (Night)	60.12p	19.07p	Direct Debit
Gas	31.43p	6.24p	Direct Debit
Electricity - Prepayment	60.99p	25.49p	Prepayment
Gas - Prepayment	31.66p	6.27p	Prepayment

Average UK Household Energy Usage

Property Type	Electricity (kWh/year)	Gas (kWh/year)	Typical Annual Bill
1-2 bed flat	2,000	8,000	£1,200
3 bed house	2,900	12,000	£1,690
4 bed house	4,300	17,000	£2,300
5+ bed house	6,000	20,000	£2,900

Energy Bill Information

Energy Price Cap is reviewed every 3 months by Ofgem
Standing charges are fixed daily costs regardless of usage
Direct debit customers typically get the lowest rates
Economy 7 tariffs offer cheaper night rates (midnight-7am)
Prepayment customers pay slightly higher rates
Winter months typically see higher energy usage and bills
Energy efficiency improvements can significantly reduce bills

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Energy Bill Calculator UK 2025/26

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