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Energy is one of the largest household expenses in the UK. After record highs in 2022-2023, bills have fallen but remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Here’s the full picture.
Current Average Energy Bills
Based on Ofgem’s price cap for a typical dual-fuel household:
Metric
Amount (2025/26)
Average annual energy bill
£1,738
Average monthly energy bill
£145
Electricity annual cost
£965
Gas annual cost
£773
Standing charges (electricity)
~£200/year
Standing charges (gas)
~£115/year
Ofgem Price Cap History
Period
Annual Cap (Dual Fuel)
Monthly Equivalent
Q1 2022 (pre-crisis)
£1,277
£106
Q2 2022
£1,971
£164
Q4 2022
£2,500 (EPG*)
£208
Q1 2023
£2,500 (EPG*)
£208
Q2 2023
£2,074
£173
Q4 2023
£1,834
£153
Q1 2024
£1,928
£161
Q2 2024
£1,568
£131
Q4 2024
£1,717
£143
Q1 2025
£1,738
£145
*EPG = Energy Price Guarantee capped bills during the crisis
Average Bill by Property Type
Property Type
Annual Energy Bill
Monthly Bill
1-bed flat
£900-£1,100
£75-£92
2-bed flat
£1,100-£1,400
£92-£117
2-bed terrace
£1,300-£1,600
£108-£133
3-bed semi-detached
£1,500-£1,900
£125-£158
3-bed detached
£1,800-£2,200
£150-£183
4-bed detached
£2,200-£2,800
£183-£233
5-bed detached
£2,800-£3,500
£233-£292
Average Bill by Region
Energy costs vary by region due to different distribution network charges:
Region
Annual Electricity
Annual Gas
Total
North Scotland
£1,020
£800
£1,820
South Scotland
£980
£790
£1,770
North East
£960
£780
£1,740
North West
£950
£770
£1,720
Yorkshire
£955
£775
£1,730
East Midlands
£960
£770
£1,730
West Midlands
£965
£775
£1,740
East of England
£970
£780
£1,750
London
£985
£760
£1,745
South East
£975
£770
£1,745
South West
£990
£780
£1,770
Wales
£980
£785
£1,765
Northern Ireland
Separate market
Separate market
£1,600-£1,900
Unit Rates Breakdown
Fuel
Unit Rate
Standing Charge (Daily)
Electricity
~24.5p/kWh
~55p/day
Gas
~6.0p/kWh
~32p/day
Average Usage for a Typical Household
Fuel
Annual Usage
Monthly Usage
Electricity
2,700 kWh
225 kWh
Gas
11,500 kWh
958 kWh
Seasonal Variation
Quarter
Typical Monthly Bill
Notes
Jan-Mar (Winter)
£190-£220
Highest — heating at full capacity
Apr-Jun (Spring)
£110-£140
Heating reduced
Jul-Sep (Summer)
£80-£100
Lowest — minimal heating
Oct-Dec (Autumn)
£150-£180
Heating restarting
Average Bill by Household Size
Number of Occupants
Annual Energy Bill
Monthly Bill
1 person
£1,100-£1,300
£92-£108
2 people
£1,400-£1,700
£117-£142
3 people
£1,600-£1,900
£133-£158
4 people
£1,800-£2,200
£150-£183
5+ people
£2,100-£2,600
£175-£217
EPC Rating and Energy Costs
Your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating dramatically affects your bills:
EPC Rating
Typical Annual Bill
vs. Average
A
£900-£1,100
35-40% less
B
£1,100-£1,400
15-25% less
C
£1,400-£1,700
Near average
D
£1,700-£2,000
Average
E
£2,000-£2,500
15-35% more
F
£2,500-£3,200
45-75% more
G
£3,200-£4,500
80-150% more
An EPC upgrade from D to C could save £300-£500/year.
How to Reduce Your Energy Bills
Quick Wins (No/Low Cost)
Action
Annual Saving
Switch to a cheaper tariff
£50-£200
Turn thermostat down 1°C
£75-£100
Use a smart meter
£30-£50
Draught-proof doors/windows
£50-£75
Turn off standby appliances
£50-£65
Wash clothes at 30°C
£20-£30
Dry clothes on a line/airer
£75-£100
Medium Investment (£100-£1,000)
Action
Cost
Annual Saving
Payback
Smart thermostat
£150-£250
£75-£150
1-2 years
Loft insulation (DIY)
£200-£400
£150-£250
1-2 years
LED lighting (whole house)
£100-£200
£40-£60
2-3 years
Radiator reflector panels
£30-£50
£20-£40
1-2 years
Major Investment (£1,000+)
Action
Cost
Annual Saving
Payback
Cavity wall insulation
£1,500-£3,000
£200-£400
5-10 years
Solar panels (4kW)
£5,000-£8,000
£400-£600
10-15 years
Air source heat pump
£8,000-£15,000
£200-£500
15-20+ years
Double glazing
£4,000-£8,000
£100-£200
20+ years
Government Support
Scheme
Who’s Eligible
Benefit
Warm Home Discount
Low income/pension credit
£150 off electricity bill
Winter Fuel Payment
Over State Pension age
£100-£300/year
Cold Weather Payment
Benefits recipients
£25 per cold week
ECO4 scheme
Low-income households
Free insulation or heating upgrades
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Any homeowner
£5,000-£7,500 grant for heat pumps
Key Takeaways
The average UK energy bill is ~£1,738/year (£145/month) for a dual-fuel household in 2025/26
Bills have fallen from the 2022-23 peak but remain 36% above pre-crisis levels
Property type is the biggest factor — a 4-bed detached costs £2,200-£2,800/year vs. £900-£1,100 for a 1-bed flat
EPC rating matters enormously — upgrading from D to C can save £300-£500/year
Standing charges add ~£315/year regardless of how much energy you use
Quick wins save £200-£400/year — switching tariff, turning down the thermostat, and draught-proofing
Check eligibility for government support — the Warm Home Discount and ECO4 scheme can save hundreds
WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy
