kWh Electricity Prices: What UK Households Need to Know

What Is the Cost of Electricity per kWh?

Electricity prices don’t stand still—they change over the year. From 1st January to 31st March 2025, expect to pay 24.86p per kWh. Then, from April through June 2025, the rate jumps to 27.03p per kWh.

Here’s a quick table to show what’s going on:

Just keep in mind, your actual bill might be a touch higher or lower depending on how you pay and where you live. For more specifics, check average costs in the UK.

Changes in the Energy Price Cap

Ofgem’s energy price cap isn’t set in stone—it shifts with the market. Between January and March 2025, the cap was £1,738 per year for an average home. From April, it climbs by 6.4% to £1,849 per year.

Here’s the recent run-down:

Curious about the details? Ofgem’s energy price cap guide is worth a look.

Electricity cost per kWh per region

Not everyone pays the same for electricity in the UK. Your rate depends on your region, how you pay, and whether you’re on a standard or Economy 7 (multi-rate) meter.

Each region sets its own standing charge and unit rate. These change every few months when Ofgem updates the cap.

Typical unit rates and standing charges by region

Here’s a table showing average unit rates and daily standing charges for Direct Debit payments in early and mid-2025. It covers both single-rate and Economy 7 tariffs.

The unit rate is what you pay for each kWh you use. The standing charge is a daily fee just for being connected.

Economy 7 and multi-rate tariffs

Have an Economy 7 or multi-rate meter? Your prices look a bit different, with a cheaper night rate but still a daily standing charge.

What tips the balance for different regions?

Why do prices vary so much by region? It comes down to things like the cost of keeping local energy networks running, losses as electricity travels, and how much power people actually use nearby.

In London, for example, unit rates can be a bit above average, but standing charges are lower, which can balance things out. Up north or in Wales, you might see different trends.

Why do rates change every few months?

Ofgem reviews the price cap every three months, tweaking it to reflect wholesale costs, supplier expenses, and government schemes. When the cap shifts, your local rates move too.

How regional electricity prices affect your bill

Most people keep an eye on the unit rate, since that’s based on what you actually use. The standing charge, though, is fixed—you pay it even if you’re away for weeks.

If you’re in the North West, you might see higher unit rates than the Midlands, but a lower standing charge could offset that. In the south, it’s often the reverse.

Understanding the average and your personal use

For April to June 2025, the average standing charge across Great Britain is 53.80p a day, and the average unit rate is 27.03p per kWh. For Economy 7 or multi-rate customers, the GB averages are a bit lower: 25.76p per kWh and a 53.84p daily charge.

Finding up-to-date rates and future outlook

If you want to check the latest rates, Ofgem publishes updated electricity unit rates for all UK regions. There’s also MoneySavingExpert’s energy price cap calculator to help you estimate your costs.

Groups like Cornwall Insight keep tabs on forecasts, so keeping an eye out for price cap updates could help you avoid bill shock.

What Is a Daily Standing Charge?

On every energy bill, you’ll spot a daily standing charge—a set fee you pay every single day, whether you use power or not.

This charge covers things like:

• Keeping the energy network running

• Maintenance and repairs

• Meter readings

• Support for vulnerable customers

Standing charges also help fund government schemes to lower carbon emissions. You’re charged this fee for gas and electricity each day, even if your home sits empty. Here’s a guide on standing charges if you want the nitty-gritty.

Electricity costs for different ways to pay

How you pay for electricity—and the tariff you pick—can really affect your costs.

If you're on a standard variable tariff, your price changes every three months along with the price cap. Most folks on these pay by direct debit, but you can still pay after a paper bill if you like things old school.

Prepayment meters let you pay as you go, topping up with a card at shops or online. It’s handy for budgeting, but sometimes you’ll pay a bit more per unit.

A fixed-rate tariff means your unit price is locked in until your contract ends, no matter what happens in the market.

On an Economy 7 or multi-rate plan? You get cheaper rates at night but higher ones during the day.

Whatever you choose, everyone pays a daily standing charge on top of usage. For the latest unit rates, check Ofgem’s updates.

Changes in Electricity Costs Over the Last Ten Years

Over the last ten years, you’ve probably noticed electricity prices creeping up. Sometimes, the increases have been sudden—especially when the energy market gets rattled by global events.

Take the war in Ukraine, for example. That conflict sent energy costs soaring, making imported fuel pricier and causing bills to jump.

The UK’s been ramping up its use of renewables like wind and solar. These sources can help keep costs a bit steadier, but let’s be honest—they’re at the mercy of the weather.

If the wind’s not blowing or the sun’s hiding, electricity prices can jump again.

Here’s a straightforward look at how electricity costs have changed:

You can dig deeper into these trends in recent UK electricity pricing reports.

How Do Energy Costs Get Set in the UK?

In the UK, your electricity and gas prices are mostly shaped by something called the energy price cap. Ofgem—the official regulator—reviews and sets this cap every three months.

The cap limits what suppliers can charge you per kilowatt hour (kWh) for gas and electricity. It’s based on what an average household uses, using these Typical Domestic Consumption Values (TDCVs).

It’s not a hard ceiling, though. If you use less energy than average, your bill will be lower than the cap. Use more, and you’ll pay more, simple as that.

Some things that affect your bill:

• How much energy you use

• Where you live: Prices change a bit by region.

• Which supplier you choose: Everyone follows the cap, but some offer better deals or discounts.

Suppliers have to stick to the cap, but you’re free to shop around for better tariffs. If you’re after more details, check out the Ofgem page on understanding your bills.

What Does kWh Mean?

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a way to measure how much energy you’re actually using over time. You’ll see it on your bill—energy companies charge you for every kWh.

Knowing what a kWh is can help you keep tabs on your electricity use at home.

Watts show the power an appliance needs to run. For instance, a basic light bulb might use 100 watts (W). A kilowatt (kW) is just 1,000 watts.

The kilowatt-hour factors in time. Leave that 100-watt bulb on for 10 hours, and you’ve used 1 kWh.

Here’s a quick overview:

Getting your head around kWhs helps you take control of your usage and costs.

What Does Ordinary Home Energy Use Look Like?

How much energy you use at home depends on your house size and how many people live there. If you’re in a small flat or a one-bed house, you’ll usually use less.

Bigger households with more people? Expect higher usage—more rooms, more gadgets, more everything.

Average yearly electricity use by household:

Using lots of appliances—heaters, dishwashers, leaving lights on—will push your average energy use higher. Being a bit more mindful about what’s switched on can make a real difference.

Help with Paying Your Energy Bills

If you’re struggling with your energy bills, there’s government help out there. Some schemes don’t need to be paid back and are designed for those who need extra support.

Key Energy Support Schemes:

You might qualify for the Warm Home Discount if you’re on a low income or get Pension Credit. The Winter Fuel Payment usually comes automatically if you’re on a state pension.

Suppliers have to offer an affordable payment plan if you’re finding it tough to pay. Having a smart meter can help you track and manage your usage, too.

If you can’t sort things out with your supplier, there’s advice available from groups like Citizens Advice or Advice Direct Scotland.

What steps can you take to lower your energy bills?

There are a bunch of practical ways to cut your electricity and gas costs—and help the environment while you’re at it. Swapping your old bulbs for LED lighting is a quick win. They use way less energy and last longer, so your bills drop and your carbon footprint shrinks.

When you’re replacing big appliances like fridges or washing machines, look for ones rated as energy efficient. Those models use less power over time, which is good for your wallet and the planet. It’s easy to forget how much energy cooking and laundry can use.

Thinking bigger? Solar panels might be worth a look. They let you generate some of your own power, and could slash your bills by as much as 50-70%.

And don’t overlook the basics. Unplug devices you’re not using—standby mode still eats up power. Installing a smart meter can help you spot where you’re wasting energy and make smarter choices. Sometimes, it’s those little changes that add up.

Brief Overview

Understanding your energy use is a big deal when it comes to managing bills—and honestly, living a bit more sustainably too. Typical household consumption gets estimated from your past usage figures.

Energy’s measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). That’s just a fancy way of tracking how much electricity you use over time.

It gives you a clearer way to see where you stand and maybe spot places to cut back, if that’s your thing. The price you pay for electricity? That can shift depending on how you pay and which tariff you pick.

Some tariffs are fixed, others are a bit more unpredictable and can go up or down. It really pays off to find something that fits your own needs and budget.

If you hit a rough patch and can’t pay your bill, energy companies are supposed to work with you. They’ll help set up an affordable payment plan so you’re not overwhelmed.

This support is meant to keep you on track without too much extra stress. If you’re struggling to reach an agreement with your provider, there’s outside help too.

Organisations like Citizens Advice are there for you. Folks in Scotland can turn to Advice Direct Scotland for a bit more local support.

How Your Payment Plan Can Work For You

• Negotiate a plan with your supplier if you face payment difficulties

• Use support agencies if discussions break down

• Remember your provider must offer you a plan you can manage

People are starting to care more about sustainability—consumers, businesses, you name it. Even small, eco-friendly tweaks in daily life can make a dent.

Maybe try appliances with higher energy ratings, add some solar panels, or look into green tariffs. These changes aren’t just good for the planet—they might actually lower your monthly bills too.

You don’t have to go all-in from day one. Dropping your thermostat by a degree or switching off devices you’re not using? That’s already something.

Over time, those habits stack up and can really make a difference for your bills and the environment. There are loads of resources and experts out there, so you’ve got options for finding what works in your home.