Compare UK Energy Prices 2026 — What Are Gas & Electricity Rates Right Now?

UK energy prices are set by Ofgem's quarterly price cap — but the cheapest tariff for your home depends on your postcode, meter type and usage. Compare gas and electricity prices across the whole market to find a deal below the cap.

  • See current UK gas & electricity unit rates and standing charges
  • Compare prices from all suppliers — not just your current one
  • Understand what an average bill looks like for a home like yours
  • Find out if a fixed deal is currently cheaper than the price cap
Compare energy prices now See current UK rates

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Find the cheapest energy price for your home

The Ofgem price cap sets the maximum unit rate your supplier can charge on a variable tariff — but it doesn't mean all suppliers charge the same amount, and fixed deals can undercut it significantly. The only way to know the cheapest energy price available to you is to compare by postcode, since unit rates and standing charges differ by distribution region across England, Scotland and Wales.

EnergyPlus compares tariffs across the whole UK market. Your postcode is the starting point — the more detail you can add (your meter type, current usage, payment method), the more accurate your price comparison will be.

What makes a fair price comparison?

  • Compare total annual cost (unit rate × usage + standing charge × 365) — not just headline unit rates
  • Match tariff type to your meter: Economy 7, smart, standard or prepayment
  • Compare the same payment method — direct debit tariffs are typically cheaper than pay-on-receipt

Compare energy prices for your postcode

Enter your postcode below. We'll compare tariffs based on your region, meter type and usage and contact you with results.

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Current UK energy prices — April 2026 Ofgem price cap

The rates below are the Ofgem default tariff price cap rates for April–June 2026 for a typical home in England, Scotland and Wales paying by direct debit. These are the maximum unit rates a supplier can charge on a variable tariff — your actual rates depend on your distribution region, which varies across the UK.

Fuel Unit rate (p/kWh) Standing charge (p/day) Typical annual cost
Electricity ~24.50p ~61p ~£739 (2,900 kWh/yr)
Gas ~6.24p ~31p ~£831 (11,500 kWh/yr)

Important: These are typical rates for England (Midlands/South East region). Rates differ in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and across all 14 UK distribution regions. Economy 7 customers have separate day and night unit rates. The rates above are also the maximum a supplier can charge on a variable tariff — fixed deals may be higher or lower depending on the contract.

Average UK energy bills by household size — 2026

Average energy usage and bills vary significantly by property size, age and heating type. The figures below are based on Ofgem typical usage values and the April 2026 price cap unit rates for England. Your bill will differ based on your region, insulation, thermostat settings and appliance use.

Household Electricity usage Gas usage Avg annual bill (est.) Avg monthly (est.)
1 bed flat / 1 person 1,800 kWh 7,500 kWh ~£1,100 ~£92
2 bed / 2 people 2,400 kWh 10,000 kWh ~£1,410 ~£118
3 bed / 3 people (typical) 2,900 kWh 11,500 kWh ~£1,738 ~£145
4+ bed / 4+ people 4,300 kWh 17,000 kWh ~£2,400 ~£200

Estimates based on Ofgem typical consumption values and April 2026 price cap rates for England (direct debit, standard meter). Your bill varies by region, payment method, insulation and actual usage. Properties with heat pumps, solar panels or EV chargers will have different usage profiles.

How the Ofgem price cap works — and what it means for your bill

The Ofgem energy price cap is often misunderstood as a limit on how much you can be charged — it's actually a cap on the unit rate and standing charge your supplier can charge on a standard variable tariff. Your total bill is not capped: if you use more energy, you pay more.

What the cap limits

  • The maximum electricity unit rate (p/kWh)
  • The maximum gas unit rate (p/kWh)
  • The maximum standing charge for both fuels (p/day)
  • Applies to standard variable tariffs only

What the cap doesn't limit

  • Your total bill — that depends on how much you use
  • Rates on fixed tariffs (which can be above or below cap)
  • Prepayment meter standing charges (set separately)
  • Economy 7 off-peak vs peak rates (set within separate limits)

Price cap changes quarterly

Ofgem reviews the cap every three months (January, April, July, October). Rates can rise or fall depending on wholesale energy market costs. If you're on a variable tariff, your bills can change when the cap is updated — which is one reason households compare fixed deals, which lock in a rate for a set period.

Fixed tariff vs price cap variable — which gives the cheaper energy price?

Whether a fixed deal currently undercuts the price cap depends on the tariff available and the cap level at the time. In 2026, a number of fixed deals are available with unit rates below or close to the Ofgem cap — but not all. The gap varies by supplier and changes as wholesale prices move.

Price cap variable Fixed deal
Unit rate At or below Ofgem cap maximum Can be above or below cap — varies by deal
Rate stability Changes quarterly with Ofgem cap Locked for the fixed term (12–24 months)
Exit fees None — switch at any time Typically up to £50 per fuel if leaving early
Best for Flexibility; if cap is expected to fall Budget certainty; if cap is expected to rise or deals are currently below cap

The right answer depends on your view of where wholesale prices are heading and how much you value rate certainty. Use the comparison form above to see what fixed deals are currently available below or near the price cap for your postcode.

Frequently asked questions about UK energy prices

What is the average monthly electricity bill in the UK?
Based on Ofgem April 2026 price cap rates, the average monthly electricity bill for a typical 3-bedroom home using around 2,900 kWh per year is approximately £62–£65 per month. Smaller homes (1–2 bed) typically pay £45–£55/month; larger homes (4+ bed) can be £90–£120/month or more. Actual figures depend heavily on your region, insulation, tariff and whether you have appliances like an EV charger, heat pump or storage heaters.
Why do energy prices vary by postcode?
The UK is divided into 14 electricity distribution regions and separate gas distribution networks. Each region has different unit rates and standing charges because the cost of maintaining and operating local networks differs. This means a household in the South West may pay a different unit rate than one in the North of England, even on the same supplier and tariff. This is why a postcode-based comparison is more accurate than a national headline rate.
Are energy prices going up or down in 2026?
The Ofgem price cap for April–June 2026 is broadly similar to the January–March 2026 level. Wholesale gas prices — which drive UK energy bills — are currently lower than their 2022 peak but remain above pre-2021 levels. Forecasts for the July 2026 cap suggest a modest movement, though predictions carry significant uncertainty. Comparing fixed deals now lets you lock in a rate if you'd prefer price certainty over the coming 12–24 months.
How do I find the cheapest energy price for my home?
Enter your postcode in the comparison form above. The cheapest energy price for your home depends on: your distribution region (which sets the base unit rate), your meter type (Economy 7 vs standard), your payment method (direct debit is usually cheapest), and your annual usage (how many kWh of gas and electricity you use). A comparison that accounts for all of these factors gives a more accurate annual cost than comparing headline unit rates alone.
What is a standing charge and why does it vary?
The standing charge is a fixed daily fee covering the cost of maintaining your connection to the gas or electricity network. It's charged regardless of how much energy you use — you pay it even on days you use nothing. Standing charges vary by region and between suppliers. For low-usage households, a high standing charge can make a tariff expensive overall even if the unit rate is low. Always compare total annual cost (usage × unit rate + 365 × standing charge), not unit rate alone.

Compare energy prices for your postcode

The table above shows typical UK rates — but your actual comparison depends on your region and usage. Use the comparison form to see what's available at your postcode.

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Updated on 12 Apr 2026