How to use the Energy Bill Calculator
- 1 Find your yearly kWh use on your bill or annual statement.
- 2 Enter your electricity unit rate and standing charge.
- 3 Enter your gas unit rate and standing charge.
- 4 Read the yearly cost and monthly direct debit.
Worked example
A household using 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas a year at the October 2026 cap. Electricity costs about £911 and gas about £1,025, including standing charges of £308. The yearly bill is about £1,936, or £161 a month by direct debit.
Features
Price cap presets
Rates from the Ofgem cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026.
Electricity and gas
Each fuel worked out separately.
Standing charges
Daily charges added for the full year.
Monthly budget
Average monthly direct debit.
When to use it
Tariff comparisons
Compare a fixed deal with the price cap.
Moving home
Estimate bills for a new property.
Saving energy
See what cutting your use saves.
Budgeting
Check your direct debit is right.
Frequently asked questions
What is the energy price cap?
Ofgem sets a maximum unit rate and standing charge that suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs in England, Scotland and Wales. It is reviewed every three months. It caps prices, not the total bill.
What are the price cap rates from October 2026?
For 1 October to 31 December 2026, the average direct debit cap is 26.32p per kWh for electricity with a standing charge of 54.83p a day, and 7.97p per kWh for gas with a standing charge of 29.68p a day.
Is VAT included?
Gas rates include VAT at 5%. The government has removed VAT from electricity bills from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
What is typical household energy use?
Ofgem uses typical use of 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas a year for a medium household, though your use may be quite different.
What is a standing charge?
A fixed daily charge that covers the cost of supplying energy to your home, paid whether you use any energy or not.
Why do rates vary by region?
Network costs differ across the country, so the cap is set separately for each region. This calculator uses the national average.
Is a fixed tariff better?
A fix gives certainty and can be cheaper than the cap, but check exit fees and compare the unit rates and standing charges.
How do I find my kWh use?
It is on your annual statement or in your supplier's app. Smart meters record it automatically.
What if I pay by prepayment?
Prepayment rates are capped slightly lower than direct debit rates. Enter the rates shown on your statement.
How can I cut my energy bill?
Turn the thermostat down by a degree, reduce the flow temperature on a combi boiler, insulate and draught-proof, and use appliances efficiently.
What support is available?
The Warm Home Discount, cold weather payments and supplier hardship funds can help. Contact your supplier if you are struggling to pay.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Reviewed by ToolsUnlocked Team · Last updated