UK Energy Bill Calculator — Free 2026
Estimate your annual gas and electricity costs using the latest Ofgem price cap rates. See how your usage compares to the typical UK household.
How It Works
- Enter your usage
- Select the price cap period
- Review your estimated bill
Understanding UK Energy Bills in 2026
Energy costs remain a major household expense in the UK. The Ofgem energy price cap, updated quarterly, sets the maximum amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy for customers on default tariffs. Understanding how the cap works and how your usage compares to the average can help you budget effectively and find savings.
How the Ofgem Price Cap Works
The price cap sets maximum unit rates (per kWh) and standing charges (daily fixed fees) that energy suppliers can charge on their default tariffs. It is not a cap on your total bill — if you use more energy than the typical household, you will pay more than the headline cap figure. The cap is reviewed every quarter by Ofgem based on wholesale energy costs, network charges, and supplier operating costs.
Q2 2026 Price Cap (April – June)
From 1 April 2026, the price cap decreases by 6.6% to £1,641 per year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit. This follows the Q1 cap of £1,758. Key rates for Q2 2026:
| Component | Electricity | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Rate (p/kWh) | 24.67p | 5.74p |
| Standing Charge (p/day) | 57.21p | 29.09p |
All rates include 5% VAT. Actual rates vary slightly by region across England, Scotland and Wales.
Tips to Reduce Your Energy Bills
- Compare fixed tariffs — some suppliers offer fixed deals below the price cap
- Improve insulation — loft and cavity wall insulation can save £100–£300/year
- Smart thermostat — reduce heating by 1°C to save roughly £80/year
- LED bulbs — use 80% less energy than traditional bulbs
- Warm Home Discount — eligible low-income households can get £150 off their bill
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ofgem price cap from 1 April to 30 June 2026 is £1,641 per year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit. This is a 6.6% decrease from the Q1 2026 cap of £1,758.
From April 2026, the average unit rates are 24.67p/kWh for electricity and 5.74p/kWh for gas (including 5% VAT). Standing charges are 57.21p/day for electricity and 29.09p/day for gas.
Ofgem defines typical household consumption as 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas per year. Actual usage varies significantly based on property size, insulation, number of occupants, and heating system.
Key ways to reduce energy bills include switching to a fixed tariff if cheaper than the cap, improving insulation, using a smart thermostat, switching to LED bulbs, washing at 30°C, and considering solar panels. The Warm Home Discount scheme provides £150 off for eligible low-income households.
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