Compare gas electricity prices per kwh (UK guide)
Understand unit rates and standing charges, see what “good value” looks like in your area, and compare like-for-like tariffs before you switch.
- Unit rate (p/kWh) is only half the price — standing charge can swing the total
- Prices vary by region, payment method, meter type and tariff structure
- Includes worked examples, pitfalls, and a quick quote form
Estimates shown for guidance. Your exact rates depend on supplier, region, meter and payment method. Always check the tariff information label before switching.
Fast answer: how to compare gas electricity prices per kwh
To compare gas electricity prices per kwh, start with the unit rate (p/kWh) but always add the standing charge (p/day) to estimate your yearly cost. The most important figure is the estimated annual cost for your usage in your region, on your meter type and payment method, because tariffs with similar p/kWh can cost very different amounts overall.
Key takeaway 1
If you use less energy (small flat, away a lot), a lower standing charge can beat a lower unit rate.
Key takeaway 2
Electricity can be single-rate or multi-rate (e.g. Economy 7). Compare using your day/night split.
Key takeaway 3
Rates vary by region and meter. A “cheap” p/kWh you see online may not apply to your postcode.
Quick check: the fairest way to compare is to use the supplier’s tariff information label and calculate a yearly estimate using your kWh usage (or the Ofgem Typical Domestic Consumption Values if you don’t know it).
How to compare tariffs properly (UK, step-by-step)
When you compare energy prices, you’re comparing two charges (unit rate + standing charge) across two fuels (gas + electricity), under rules that change by region and meter type. Use these steps to avoid misleading comparisons:
- Find your usage in kWh: check a recent bill/app for annual kWh for gas and electricity. If you can’t, use a sensible estimate (see examples below).
- Confirm your meter setup: single-rate electricity vs Economy 7/other multi-rate; smart meter doesn’t automatically mean a different tariff, but it can affect availability.
- Use your region: energy is priced by regional distribution area. The same tariff name can have different p/kWh and standing charges depending on your postcode.
- Compare total cost, not just p/kWh: calculate annual estimate: (unit rate × kWh) + (standing charge × 365). Do this separately for gas and electricity.
- Check tariff terms: fixed vs variable, exit fees, end dates, discounts (and whether they’re guaranteed), and whether prices are capped/linked.
Where to find the numbers: look for “Unit rate” (p/kWh) and “Standing charge” (p/day) on your bill, in your online account, or on the tariff information label.
Reminder: VAT is typically shown and is usually charged at the domestic rate. Always confirm what’s included on the tariff label.
Two realistic examples (with assumptions)
Scenario A: low usage flat (electricity-heavy)
Assumptions: Electricity 1,800 kWh/year; Gas 3,000 kWh/year; single-rate electricity; 365 days; example rates only (not an offer).
| Item | Tariff X | Tariff Y |
|---|---|---|
| Elec unit rate | 25p | 23p |
| Elec standing | 45p/day | 60p/day |
| Elec yearly estimate | £614 | £774 |
| Gas unit rate | 6.5p | 6.2p |
| Gas standing | 30p/day | 35p/day |
Even though Tariff Y has a lower electricity p/kWh, the higher standing charge makes it cost more for low usage.
Scenario B: family home (higher gas usage)
Assumptions: Electricity 3,100 kWh/year; Gas 12,000 kWh/year; single-rate electricity; 365 days; example rates only (not an offer).
| Item | Tariff A | Tariff B |
|---|---|---|
| Gas unit rate | 6.8p | 6.2p |
| Gas standing | 28p/day | 35p/day |
| Gas yearly estimate | £914 | £872 |
| Elec yearly estimate | £985 | £1,010 |
| Combined estimate | £1,899 | £1,882 |
With higher gas usage, the lower gas p/kWh in Tariff B matters more than the slightly higher standing charge.
Get a like-for-like quote
Share a few details and we’ll show estimated tariff options matched to your postcode, meter type and preferences. It’s designed for UK homes (not business premises).
What to compare (and why): quick table
Use this table as a checklist when you’re looking at two tariffs that seem similar on p/kWh.
| Item to compare | What it means | Why it matters | Common gotcha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | Price for each kWh you use (gas and electricity shown separately). | Biggest driver of cost for medium/high usage homes. | Comparing electricity only and forgetting gas (or vice versa). |
| Standing charge (p/day) | Daily fixed charge (per fuel) regardless of usage. | Can dominate the bill for low usage properties. | Tariff with “cheap p/kWh” but high standing charge. |
| Tariff type | Fixed (set for a period) or variable (can change). | Affects price certainty and timing of changes. | Fixed tariffs can have exit fees if you leave early. |
| Meter type & rates | Single-rate vs Economy 7/multi-rate (day/night). | Needs your real usage split to compare fairly. | Assuming Economy 7 is cheaper without enough night usage. |
| Region & payment method | Your distribution region and whether you pay by Direct Debit, etc. | Changes the unit rate and standing charge you’re offered. | Using someone else’s rates from a different area. |
Decision checklist: who this comparison suits (and who it doesn’t)
This approach is ideal if you…
- Can find your annual kWh (or can estimate it reasonably)
- Want to compare suppliers fairly, beyond headline p/kWh
- Have (or suspect) a multi-rate meter and want to avoid the wrong tariff
- Need to weigh price certainty (fixed) vs flexibility (variable)
Be cautious / get help if you…
- Have an unusual setup (multiple meters, restricted meters, heat networks)
- Are on a prepayment meter and are unsure about smart prepay options
- Recently moved in and don’t know your typical usage yet
- May be in debt with a supplier (switching can still be possible, but rules apply)
Before you switch, confirm…
- Any exit fee and when it applies (often waived near end date)
- Your tariff end date and what happens afterwards
- Whether your payment method changes the price
- Your meter type matches the tariff’s rate structure
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Energy comparisons can go wrong when the underlying assumptions don’t match your home. These are the issues we see most often — and how to avoid them.
Pitfall 1: comparing only p/kWh
A tariff can look cheaper on unit rate but cost more overall once you add standing charges for both fuels.
Pitfall 2: wrong meter assumptions
Economy 7 needs the right day/night split. If most usage is daytime, it can increase your cost even with a low night rate.
Pitfall 3: postcode/region mismatch
Regional charges vary. Always compare prices matched to your postcode (not a national headline figure).
Exit fees: many fixed tariffs charge an exit fee if you switch before the end date. Check your tariff terms and whether there’s a fee-free window near the end of your fix.
If you’re unsure, confirm with your supplier or read your tariff information.
Direct Debit vs other payment methods: suppliers can price differently depending on how you pay. Make sure your comparison uses the same payment method you plan to use.
If your Direct Debit is “variable” or “fixed amount”, ask how it will be set and reviewed.
Prepayment meters: prepay tariffs can differ from credit tariffs. Smart prepay is available in many areas but not all customers are eligible immediately.
If you’re in debt, switching rules can be more complex — Citizens Advice can help.
What we don’t assume (so you don’t get misled)
- We don’t assume a “typical” region — regional pricing differences can be material.
- We don’t assume your electricity is single-rate — multi-rate needs your actual split.
- We don’t assume you can avoid exit fees — they depend on your current tariff terms.
- We don’t promise savings — we focus on like-for-like comparisons and clear trade-offs.
FAQs: comparing gas and electricity prices per kWh
Is gas always cheaper than electricity per kWh in the UK?
Often yes on unit rate (p/kWh), but your total bill depends on how much gas and electricity you use, plus each fuel’s standing charge. Heating type matters too: a lower gas p/kWh doesn’t help if your home is all-electric.
What is a standing charge and why does it matter?
A standing charge is a fixed daily cost (p/day) you pay even if you use no energy. It can be significant for low-usage homes, so a tariff with a higher p/kWh but lower standing charge can be cheaper overall.
Why do gas and electricity prices per kWh vary by postcode?
Suppliers set prices partly based on regional network costs (your distribution area). That means the same tariff name can have different unit rates and standing charges in different parts of Great Britain.
How do I compare Economy 7 prices per kWh?
You need three numbers: day unit rate, night unit rate, and standing charge. Compare using your expected day/night split (for example, what % of your electricity you use overnight). Without that split, you can’t make a fair comparison.
Do smart meters make energy cheaper?
A smart meter doesn’t automatically reduce your unit rate. It can make billing more accurate (automatic readings) and may make certain tariffs available, but pricing still depends on the supplier, tariff, region and your payment method.
Is it better to switch gas and electricity together (dual fuel)?
Not always. Dual fuel can be convenient, but the best value can sometimes be with different suppliers for gas and electricity. Compare the combined annual estimate either way and check whether any discount is guaranteed for the full term.
Can I switch energy supplier if I rent my home?
In many cases, yes — if you pay the bills and the energy account is in your name. If your landlord includes bills, or you’re on a communal/heat network arrangement, switching may not be possible in the usual way.
What should I do if I don’t know my annual kWh usage?
Start with a recent bill and look for “kWh used” across a period, then scale to a year. If you’ve just moved in, you can use Typical Domestic Consumption Values as a rough guide, then revisit once you have real readings.
Need independent help? Citizens Advice has practical guidance on bills, meter types and switching, including what to do if you’re in debt or struggling to pay.
Trust, methodology and sources
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- July 2026
How we assess “prices per kWh” on this page
What we include
- Unit rates (p/kWh) and standing charges (p/day)
- Examples calculated as: (unit rate × annual kWh) + (standing charge × 365)
- UK-specific factors: region, meter type, payment method, tariff type and exit fees
What we don’t do
- We don’t present a single “UK average p/kWh” as a decision tool
- We don’t guarantee savings or that a tariff is available to every household
- We don’t assume your usage pattern (especially for multi-rate meters)
Limitations to know
- Prices can change, particularly on variable tariffs
- Some homes have complex metering (restricted meters, multiple registers)
- Supplier eligibility checks and sign-up confirmations happen at application
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on tariffs, standing charges and the market.
- Citizens Advice: energy supply and switching — help if you’re stuck, in debt or unsure of your rights.
- GOV.UK: switch energy supplier — overview of the switching process.
Editorial note: The example scenarios on this page use illustrative rates to show the maths and trade-offs. They are not a live tariff quote. For a tailored comparison, use your postcode and (ideally) your annual kWh usage.
Ready to compare unit rates and standing charges for your postcode?
Get a like-for-like view of estimated costs across gas and electricity tariffs, with UK-specific factors (region, meter type and payment method) accounted for.
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