Current UK energy rates — plain and simple
Unit rates and standing charges for every major UK supplier, based on the Ofgem price cap. Updated every quarter. No jargon, no small print.
Rates shown are Ofgem's price cap defaults for a typical household (3,100 kWh elec, 12,000 kWh gas). Direct debit, dual fuel.
⚠ Q3 2026 cap forecast ~£1,640 from JulyHow to read this table: All major suppliers must charge at or below the Ofgem price cap on their standard variable tariff. Most currently charge exactly at the cap. Fixed deals and specialist tariffs (like Octopus Agile) are different — check your supplier's website for those rates. Standing charges vary slightly by region.
Electricity — standard variable tariff rates
Last updated: April 2026| Supplier | Unit rate | Standing charge | vs last quarter | Community rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
British Gas Standard variable |
24.67p per kWh |
57.21p per day |
= No change | ★★★3.1 (412 reviews) |
Octopus Energy Standard variable |
24.67p per kWh |
57.21p per day |
= No change | ★★★★★4.7 (891 reviews) |
OVO Energy Standard variable |
24.67p per kWh |
57.21p per day |
= No change | ★★★★3.8 (334 reviews) |
E.ON Next Standard variable |
24.67p per kWh |
57.21p per day |
= No change | ★★★★3.6 (278 reviews) |
EDF Energy Standard variable |
24.67p per kWh |
57.21p per day |
= No change | ★★★3.2 (203 reviews) |
SSE (now OVO) Standard variable |
24.67p per kWh |
57.21p per day |
= No change | ★★★3.3 (156 reviews) |
Utilita Standard variable |
24.67p per kWh |
57.21p per day |
= No change | ★★★2.9 (189 reviews) |
Shell Energy Standard variable |
24.67p per kWh |
57.21p per day |
= No change | ★★★3.0 (97 reviews) |
What the price cap actually is
The cap limits the unit rate and standing charge suppliers can charge on standard variable tariffs. It doesn't cap your total bill — you can still spend more if you use more energy.
When does it change?
Ofgem reviews and sets the cap every quarter — January, April, July, and October. The Q3 2025 cap is confirmed at a higher level, taking effect from 1 July 2025.
Can you beat the cap?
Yes — by switching to a fixed tariff if rates look likely to rise, or a smart tariff like Octopus Agile if you can shift usage to cheap off-peak periods.
Price cap history — electricity unit rates
| Quarter | Electricity (p/kWh) | Gas (p/kWh) | Typical annual bill | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2026 (Apr–Jun)Current | 24.67p | 5.74p | £1,641 | = No change |
| Q1 2026 (Jan–Mar) | 24.67p | 5.74p | £1,641 | ▲ +6.4% |
| Q4 2024 (Oct–Dec) | 22.36p | 5.48p | £1,473 | ▲ +10% |
| Q3 2024 (Jul–Sep) | 22.36p | 5.48p | £1,473 | = No change |
| Q2 2024 (Apr–Jun) | 24.67p | 6.04p | £1,690 | ▼ -12.3% |
| Q1 2024 (Jan–Mar) | 29.42p | 7.42p | £1,928 | ▼ -5% |
| Q4 2023 (Oct–Dec) | 27.35p | 6.89p | £1,834 | ▼ -7% |