UK energy bills continue to differ, so it’s even more important to be aware of what you’re paying for each unit of energy that you use. Within each home bill, there are two significant charges: the standing charge and the unit price per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
By comparing them, you can immediately find out whether your current deal is competitive or whether you’d save money by switching. With Simply Switch, it’s easy to compare energy prices per kWh for your postcode and find cheaper electricity and gas rates in your area.
Compare energy prices per kWh for your postcode »
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measure of energy used to calculate your electricity and gas bills. One kWh equals the use of 1,000 watts for one hour. For example, running a 1,000W electric heater for one hour uses 1kWh of electricity.
Your energy supplier charges you in two ways:
You need to compare both figures when looking at energy tariffs. A low unit rate won’t always mean a lower-priced bill if the standing charge is exorbitant.
As per the latest Ofgem statistics, the average price of electricity per kWh in the UK is around 26.35p, but the exact rate varies by region and supplier. Electricity cost is variable according to regional infrastructure and local network costs.
| Payment Method | Avg Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Avg Standing Charge (p/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Debit | 26.35p | 53.37p |
| Standard Credit | 27.35p | 58.83p |
| Prepayment | 26.04p | 53.64p |
There may be some variation in price among suppliers, but the trend is always the same: some areas pay more due to having more costly distribution.
The average gas price per kWh in the UK is approximately 6.29p, which is significantly less compared to electricity per unit. Even though households tend to use more gas for heating and hot water, the total bill can still be considerable.
| Payment Method | Avg Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Avg Standing Charge (p/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Debit | 6.29p | 29.62p |
| Standard Credit | 6.65p | 33.64p |
| Prepayment | 6.09p | 32.22p |
Gas standing charges also differ slightly by supplier and postcode.
A standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay regardless of your energy usage. It covers obligatory costs such as the upkeep of meters, upkeep of the supply infrastructure, and administration fees.
That’s why it’s vital to consider both the unit rate and standing charge when comparing energy prices per kWh. Sometimes, a tariff with a slightly higher unit rate but a lower standing charge may work out cheaper overall.
Energy tariffs vary by the way rates are organised. Understanding each type can help you choose the right one for your consumption habits.
To find the cheapest energy tariff in the UK, enter your postcode and (if possible) your typical annual usage on the Simply Switch comparison tool. You’ll receive live results showing:
When comparing tariffs, always check the total estimated cost, not just the per-kWh rate. A lower standing charge or a better tariff structure could reduce your annual spend significantly.
Compare now to see your best energy prices per kWh »
Being aware of your unit rate and standing charge is the key to staying on top of bills and not overpaying. Whether you’re on a fixed, variable, or prepayment tariff, regularly checking rates ensures you won’t be left on an expensive tariff.
Compare the cost of energy per kWh today with Simply Switch and see how much you can save on every unit of energy that you use.
A price of around or below 26p per kWh is generally competitive, but the best price depends on your supplier and area.
The Ofgem energy price cap is reassessed every three months, so rates can increase or decrease every quarter.
Variations in local network and distribution costs result in unit charges and standing charges differing throughout the UK.
No. Some energy providers have lower unit charges but higher standing charges, so be sure to compare both when switching.
Improve home insulation, use LED bulbs, manage heating efficiently, and switch to a tariff that reflects your usage pattern.