Estimate your annual UK gas bill based on your property size, usage pattern, and heating type. Uses the latest Ofgem Q1 2026 price cap rates and compares your cost to the national average.
6.24p
Gas Unit Rate / kWh (Q1 2026)
31.6p
Gas Standing Charge / day (Q1 2026)
11,500 kWh
Ofgem Typical Annual Gas Usage
£1,738
Typical Annual Energy Bill (gas + elec)
Gas Bill Calculator
Enter your property details and usage pattern to estimate your annual gas cost
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Estimated Annual Gas Cost
Estimated Annual Gas Usage—
Unit Rate Applied—
Standing Charge (annual)—
Usage Cost—
National Average Annual Gas Cost~£717 (11,500 kWh @ 6.24p)
Your vs National Average—
Estimated Monthly Direct Debit—
Estimated Weekly Cost—
Your usage vs Ofgem typical (11,500 kWh)
Ofgem Energy Price Cap — Q1 2026
Price Cap History by Quarter
Quarter
Gas Unit Rate (p/kWh)
Gas Standing Charge (p/day)
Typical Annual Bill
Q1 2026 (Jan–Mar)
6.24p
31.6p
~£1,738 (gas + elec)
Q4 2025 (Oct–Dec)
6.24p
31.6p
~£1,717
Q3 2025 (Jul–Sep)
5.48p
30.4p
~£1,568
Q2 2025 (Apr–Jun)
6.33p
32.0p
~£1,849
Q1 2025 (Jan–Mar)
6.24p
31.6p
~£1,738
Q4 2024 (Oct–Dec)
5.48p
30.4p
~£1,717
The Ofgem price cap is reviewed quarterly. Rates are per unit and standing charge — the more you use, the more you pay above the typical amount. The cap applies to default and standard variable tariffs.
Typical Gas Usage by Property Size
8,000–10,000
kWh/year — 1–2 bed flat
10,000–12,000
kWh/year — 2–3 bed terraced
12,000–14,000
kWh/year — 3 bed semi-detached
14,000–18,000
kWh/year — 4 bed detached
18,000–22,000
kWh/year — 5 bed large detached
11,500
kWh/year — Ofgem typical household
Annual Gas Cost by Property Type at Q1 2026 Ofgem Rates
Property Type
Typical Gas (kWh)
Usage Cost
Standing Charge
Total Annual
1–2 bed flat
8,000–10,000
£499–£624
£115
~£614–£739
2–3 bed terraced
10,000–12,000
£624–£749
£115
~£739–£864
3 bed semi-detached
12,000–14,000
£749–£874
£115
~£864–£989
4 bed detached
14,000–18,000
£874–£1,123
£115
~£989–£1,238
5 bed large detached
18,000–22,000
£1,123–£1,373
£115
~£1,238–£1,488
Based on 6.24p/kWh unit rate and 31.6p/day standing charge (365 days = £115.34 standing charge per year). Actual costs depend on insulation, thermostat settings, occupancy, and supplier tariff.
How to Reduce Your Gas Bill
Top Energy-Saving Actions for 2026
Turn your thermostat down by 1°C — typical saving of £70–£80 per year
Add loft insulation (up to 270mm depth) — can save £200–£300/year in a typical home
Install cavity wall insulation — average saving £200–£400/year depending on property
Replace old boiler with an A-rated condensing boiler — up to 20% efficiency gain
Fit a smart thermostat (Nest, Hive, tado) — average saving £75–£150/year
Take showers instead of baths — a bath uses ~3x more hot water than a 5-minute shower
Bleed radiators annually and balance the system for even heat distribution
Use radiator reflectors behind radiators on external walls — inexpensive and effective
Draught-proof doors, windows, and letterboxes — save up to £60/year
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is a £150 one-off rebate applied to electricity bills for eligible households. Key facts:
Applied automatically if you qualify via DWP/HMRC data
Must receive Pension Credit or qualifying means-tested benefit
Scheme runs October – March each year
Applied to electricity bill (not gas)
Contact your supplier if you believe you qualify but have not received it
Smart Meters — Benefits
Real-time usage data on in-home display
Accurate bills — no more estimated readings
Easier switching between suppliers
Access to half-hourly tariffs and demand-response deals
Free to install — suppliers are obligated to offer them
Second-generation (SMETS2) meters work with all suppliers
Energy Switching in 2026: As wholesale gas prices stabilise, competitive fixed-rate tariffs may appear below the Ofgem price cap. Always compare using an Ofgem-accredited comparison service. Check exit fees on any existing tariff before switching. Some suppliers offer tariffs with green gas (biomethane) at similar or slightly higher prices if environmental impact is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ofgem gas price cap for Q1 2026?
For Q1 2026 (January to March 2026), the Ofgem price cap sets the gas unit rate at approximately 6.24p per kWh and the gas standing charge at approximately 31.6p per day. The typical combined annual energy bill (gas and electricity) for a medium household (using 11,500 kWh of gas and 2,700 kWh of electricity) is around £1,738. The cap is not a total bill limit — heavy users will pay more than the typical amount.
How much gas does a typical UK household use per year?
Ofgem defines a "typical" household as using 11,500 kWh of gas per year. In practice this varies significantly: a 1–2 bedroom flat might use 8,000–10,000 kWh, a 3-bedroom semi-detached around 12,000–14,000 kWh, and a larger 4–5 bedroom detached property can consume 18,000–22,000 kWh annually. Usage also depends heavily on insulation quality, thermostat settings, number of occupants, and whether you work from home.
How can I reduce my gas bill?
The most effective ways to reduce your gas bill include: installing loft and cavity wall insulation (combined savings of £300–£700/year in poorly insulated homes); fitting a smart thermostat and reducing your heating temperature by 1°C (saving £70–£80/year); having your boiler serviced annually for maximum efficiency; taking shorter showers; draught-proofing doors and windows; and using a smart meter to monitor and adjust your real-time usage.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme providing a £150 one-off rebate applied directly to electricity bills (not gas). It is available to eligible low-income households, primarily those receiving Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) or certain other means-tested benefits. Most eligible households receive the rebate automatically because HMRC and DWP share data with Ofgem, who notify suppliers. The scheme typically runs from October to March each year.
Should I get a smart meter?
Smart meters are free to install and offer several advantages: accurate bills based on actual usage (ending estimated billing), a real-time in-home display showing energy consumption in pounds and pence, and the ability to switch tariffs more easily including access to time-of-use tariffs where off-peak electricity is cheaper. The latest SMETS2 smart meters work across all energy suppliers, so switching supplier will not mean losing smart functionality.
How does the Ofgem price cap work?
The Ofgem energy price cap limits the unit rate (pence per kWh) and the standing charge (pence per day) that suppliers can charge on default and standard variable tariffs. It does not limit your total bill — if you use more energy than the "typical" amount, your bill will be higher than the headline figure. The cap is reviewed quarterly (January, April, July, October) and reflects movements in wholesale gas prices and other supplier costs.
Is it worth switching energy supplier in 2026?
The value of switching depends on whether any tariffs in the market are priced below the Ofgem price cap. Fixed-rate deals were largely uncompetitive in 2024–2025 as the cap was relatively low. As the market evolves, check Ofgem-accredited comparison sites regularly. Consider the deal length, exit fees, and whether a fixed tariff gives you the certainty of cost you are looking for. Green tariffs using certified renewable or biomethane gas are also increasingly available at comparable prices.
Mustafa Bilgic (MB) is the founder of UKCalculator.com, specialising in UK energy, tax, and personal finance tools. All price cap rates are sourced from Ofgem published quarterly determinations. Typical usage figures sourced from Ofgem and BEIS energy statistics. Last reviewed: 20 February 2026.